all_o resolve_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o else_o they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o their_o sword_n which_o they_o have_v already_o in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o too_o too_o many_o of_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a faction_n etc._n etc._n now_o what_o these_o two_o have_v affirm_v can_v be_v corroborate_v by_o other_o witness_n and_o if_o in_o your_o account_n he_o be_v a_o incendiary_n that_o in_o detestation_n thereof_o have_v set_v down_o their_o word_n by_o way_n of_o repetition_n to_o discover_v the_o danger_n of_o permit_v such_o lawless_a spirit_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o unwarrantable_a way_n what_o great_a incendiarte_n be_v they_o that_o have_v imagine_v such_o thing_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o bold_o speak_v those_o word_n with_o their_o mouth_n for_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v matth._n 12._o 34._o luke_n 6._o 45._o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v independent_o have_v do_v and_o so_o much_o the_o two_o witness_n you_o speak_v of_o say_v and_o no_o more_o for_o they_o accuse_v not_o that_o army_n which_o god_n have_v honour_v with_o many_o crown_n of_o admirable_a victory_n etc._n etc._n but_o you_o say_v they_o cast_v fiery_a flash_n and_o flame_n which_o do_v fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o army_n etc._n etc._n true_o this_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o false_a comment_n make_v by_o yourself_o from_o which_o you_o draw_v a_o evil_a inference_n and_o then_o you_o cry_v out_o as_o a_o man_n overcome_v with_o passion_n say_v these_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v but_o i_o leave_v say_v you_o the_o judgement_n thereof_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o parliament_n who_o former_a free_n of_o you_o extend_v not_o to_o clear_v your_o word_n from_o be_v incendiary_n thus_o far_o you_o brother_n i_o profess_v i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a to_o see_v that_o you_o my_o quondam_a fellow_n sufferer_n shall_v so_o much_o forget_v yourself_o as_o not_o only_o bitter_o unworthy_o and_o most_o false_o thus_o to_o inveigh_v against_o i_o but_o also_o to_o insinuate_v into_o the_o parliament_n as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o manifest_v their_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n except_o they_o pass_v their_o judgement_n and_o censure_v i_o according_a to_o your_o bill_n of_o information_n this_o violent_a prosecution_n and_o your_o canterburian_a expression_n make_v not_o i_o alone_o but_o all_o other_o solid_a christian_n wonder_v at_o your_o spirit_n for_o you_o may_v please_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o one_o once_o profess_v he_o will_v not_o pass_v any_o sentence_n against_o you_o my_o brother_n prynne_n and_o myself_o but_o leave_v we_o as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o court_n which_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o whole_a speech_n to_o pronounce_v we_o so_o high_o guilty_a that_o if_o the_o lord_n there_o present_a do_v not_o severe_o censure_v we_o 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before_o i_o return_v my_o answer_n thereunto_o you_o have_v give_v i_o such_o a_o theme_n to_o speak_v upon_o as_o the_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o raise_v we_o up_o deliverer_n when_o city_n and_o country_n be_v sore_o afflict_v and_o heavy_o oppress_v on_o every_o side_n in_o speak_v of_o god_n providentiall_a care_n and_o several_a act_n in_o way_n of_o mercy_n to_o his_o people_n i_o can_v omit_v by_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o declare_v how_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n city_n and_o country_n be_v deep_o engage_v for_o ever_o next_o unto_o divine_a goodness_n to_o honour_n and_o high_o esteem_v those_o lord_n knight_n gentleman_n and_o citizen_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n trouble_n like_o the_o governor_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o issachar_n do_v offer_v themselves_o willing_o among_o the_o people_n judge_n 5._o 9_o 15._o who_o be_v very_o appear_v in_o the_o cause_n be_v then_o of_o such_o concernment_n that_o as_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o who_o be_v true_o godly_a to_o praise_n god_n for_o they_o so_o thereby_o god_n make_v they_o the_o preservative_n of_o city_n and_o country_n insomuch_o that_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o those_o noble_a lord_n and_o all_o those_o brave_a commander_n that_o adhere_v to_o they_o who_o as_o zebulon_n and_o napthali_n jeopard_v their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n in_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o field_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o reproach_n judge_n 5._o 18._o be_v not_o to_o be_v over_o look_v and_o their_o gallant_a undertake_n obscure_v under_o a_o sable_a cloud_n of_o unthankfulness_n nor_o to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o oblivion_n for_o when_o the_o kingdom_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n than_o god_n make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o preserve_v city_n and_o country_n raise_v a_o army_n by_o land_n and_o set_v forth_o a_o navy_n at_o sea_n under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o right_n honourable_a thrice_o illustrious_a faithful_a valiant_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v high_o honour_v lord_n robert_n earl_n of_o essex_n and_o robert_n earl_n of_o warwick_n who_o he_o make_v by_o sea_n and_o land_n instrumental_a for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v at_o this_o day_n neither_o preservation_n nor_o safety_n can_v have_v be_v expect_v in_o city_n and_o country_n as_o thing_n than_o stand_v have_v not_o these_o two_o renown_a lord_n and_o hero_n so_o noble_o and_o undaunt_o appear_v in_o the_o cause_n &_o undertake_v the_o charge_n and_o care_n upon_o they_o one_o to_o be_v admiral_n of_o the_o navy_n at_o sea_n the_o other_o to_o be_v general_n of_o the_o parliament_n force_n by_o land_n for_o this_o their_o undertake_n be_v in_o such_o a_o juncture_n of_o time_n that_o have_v they_o out_o of_o self_n respect_v decline_v it_o unless_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o miracle_n have_v withstand_v and_o overthrow_v our_o enemy_n city_n and_o country_n in_o all_o probability_n long_o before_o this_o time_n will_v have_v be_v overrun_v and_o possess_v by_o they_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v now_o have_v have_v peace_n in_o his_o go_v out_o or_o come_n in_o but_o by_o the_o valour_n vigilancy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o our_o then_o noble_a admiral_n our_o sea_n be_v safeguarded_n by_o which_o mean_n foreign_a enemy_n be_v awe_v homebred_a enemy_n weaken_v by_o surprise_v many_o ship_n arm_n ammunition_n instrument_n and_o preparation_n for_o war_n which_o be_v send_v over_o into_o england_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o city_n and_o country_n besiege_v town_n be_v by_o he_o relieve_v as_o lyme_n plymouth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o god_n make_v that_o noble_a lord_n by_o sea_n the_o preservative_n of_o city_n and_o country_n which_o lie_v open_a ready_a to_o be_v destroy_v by_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a enemy_n and_o as_o the_o earl_n of_o war_n wick_n by_o sea_n so_o have_v not_o the_o earl_n of_o essex_n be_v general_n of_o the_o parliament_n army_n by_o land_n be_v a_o experience_a commander_n faithful_a to_o their_o cause_n and_o with_o a_o most_o heroic_a and_o undaunted_a courage_n stand_v to_o the_o battle_n at_o edge-hill_n when_o by_o report_n whole_a regiment_n run_v away_o and_o through_o fear_n desert_v he_o there_o now_o will_v have_v be_v no_o safety_n in_o city_n and_o country_n what_o have_v become_v of_o city_n and_o country_n when_o bristol_n be_v lose_v and_o gloucester_n close_o besiege_v which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n even_o beyond_o expectation_n valiant_o maintain_v by_o colonel_n massie_n the_o then_o governor_n thereof_o that_o ever_o to_o be_v honour_v gentleman_n have_v it_o not_o by_o the_o care_n and_o valour_n of_o that_o noble_a lord_n be_v seasonable_o relieve_v it_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v hold_v long_o out_o
what_o their_o minister_n have_v do_v since_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o well_o perceive_v it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficu_o for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o get_v into_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n as_o to_o get_v into_o suttons-hospitall_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o only_a occasion_n that_o make_v some_o walk_n so_o long_o in_o many_o congregation_n before_o they_o come_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n for_o if_o they_o be_v rich_a they_o be_v speedy_o receive_v nay_o invite_v to_o be_v member_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o many_o godly_a and_o holy_a people_n have_v leave_v their_o native_a country_n and_o transport_v themselves_o over_o into_o new_a england_n where_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n there_o in_o their_o purity_n they_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o go_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v before_o they_o go_v thither_o to_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o come_v there_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a they_o make_v they_o walk_v some_o a_o year_n some_o more_o yea_o some_o six_o or_o seven_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n of_o their_o congregation_n and_o they_o baptize_v none_o of_o those_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v there_o before_o their_o parent_n be_v join_v member_n and_o except_o they_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o condition_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v admit_v and_o some_o time_n the_o man_n only_o be_v admit_v and_o his_o wife_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o some_o time_n the_o wife_n be_v admit_v and_o the_o man_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o both_o these_o notwithstanding_o be_v believer_n and_o baptize_v and_o after_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n a_o very_a small_a offence_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a but_o for_o story_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o multiply_v they_o but_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o this_o kind_n from_o those_o place_n and_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v in_o new-england_n and_o man_n both_o then_o and_o now_o no_o way_n evil_o affect_v either_o to_o the_o place_n or_o people_n serve_v god_n there_o but_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a they_o lord_n it_o there_o over_o god_n poor_a clergy_n in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v see_v it_o here_o in_o england_n in_o their_o congregation_n what_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o rich_a and_o poor_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o sin_n in_o saint_n james_n his_o time_n high_o blame_v in_o christian_n james_n 2._o and_o as_o in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o poor_a they_o be_v very_o lofty_a and_o look_v for_o great_a observance_n and_o attendance_n from_o they_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v so_o likewise_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v displease_v they_o if_o they_o speak_v a_o word_n amiss_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n precedent_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v bring_v many_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_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 and_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 isaiah_n 55_o 〈◊〉_d and_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o â—aith_o 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 presbytery_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 presbytery_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 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_n 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 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_a 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
that_o if_o those_o of_o their_o nigh_a relation_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o entice_v any_o to_o idolatry_n or_o to_o the_o worship_v of_o false_a god_n or_o the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o false_a manner_n or_o shall_v endeavour_v but_o to_o bring_v in_o another_o religion_n than_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v bring_v they_o forth_o and_o have_v justice_n do_v against_o they_o so_o that_o god_n abhor_v that_o any_o religion_n among_o his_o own_o people_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v or_o set_v up_o beside_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v command_v and_o he_o have_v forbid_v in_o his_o law_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v to_o themselves_o any_o grave_a image_n or_o set_v up_o any_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o but_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v ordain_v and_o enjoin_v and_o command_v that_o they_o that_o shall_v attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n we_o see_v likewise_o what_o joshua_n do_v according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o all_o christian_a magistrate_n chap._n 24._o verse_n 14_o 15_o 16._o now_o therefore_o say_v he_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o put_v away_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o egypt_n and_o serve_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v that_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n or_o the_o god_n of_o the_o amorites_n in_o who_o land_n you_o dwell_v but_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o people_n answer_v and_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v he_o that_o bring_v we_o up_o and_o our_o father_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o joshua_n enjoin_v they_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v that_o to_o put_v away_o all_o their_o idol_n he_o give_v no_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o joshua_n joshua_n 24._o 15._o and_o that_o they_o may_v with_o the_o more_o alacrity_n yield_v obedience_n to_o god_n command_n he_o set_v his_o own_o example_n before_o their_o eye_n with_o his_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o both_o he_o and_o his_o household_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n only_o and_o set_v up_o his_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o people_n likewise_o assent_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o give_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o tolerate_v no_o other_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v we_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o make_v we_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o therefore_o they_o resolve_v to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o tolerate_v no_o other_o service_n among_o they_o but_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o appoint_v and_o this_o example_n of_o joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v leave_v to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o all_o age_n for_o imitation_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n only_o among_o they_o and_o none_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n their_o redeemer_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n have_v enjoin_v they_o and_o therefore_o all_o such_o as_o will_v have_v all_o religion_n tolerate_v do_v exceed_o forget_v themselves_o and_o be_v high_o unthankful_a to_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o redeemer_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o story_n of_o the_o judge_n the_o book_n follow_v that_o of_o joshua_n when_o this_o generation_n be_v dead_a and_o that_o they_o have_v forget_v their_o covenant_n and_o begin_v to_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o they_o bring_v down_o all_o those_o plague_n upon_o themselves_o by_o it_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o for_o that_o they_o set_v up_o those_o religion_n the_o heathen_n have_v serve_v their_o god_n by_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o six_o chapter_n for_o when_o the_o people_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n because_o of_o the_o midianite_n the_o lord_n send_v a_o prophet_n unto_o they_o first_o who_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o judgement_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o have_v serve_v the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v they_o and_o afterward_o he_o send_v a_o angel_n unto_o gideon_n and_o command_v he_o to_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n which_o his_o father_n have_v make_v and_o to_o cut_v down_o the_o grove_n that_o be_v by_o it_o and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o altar_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o first_o place_n gideon_n be_v enjoin_v to_o root_v out_o idolatry_n and_o then_o to_o set_v up_o god_n true_a worship_n only_o here_o we_o find_v no_o toleration_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o the_o true_a religion_n when_o they_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n make_v inquiry_n after_o he_o that_o have_v break_v down_o the_o altar_n and_o cut_v down_o the_o grove_n and_o will_v have_v put_v he_o to_o death_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o joash_n the_o father_n of_o gideon_n say_v to_o all_o those_o that_o stand_v against_o he_o will_v you_o plead_v for_o baal_n will_v you_o save_v he_o he_o that_o will_v plead_v for_o he_o let_v he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o morning_n if_o he_o be_v a_o god_n let_v he_o plead_v for_o himself_o because_o one_o have_v cast_v down_o his_o altar_n here_o we_o find_v no_o toleration_n of_o baal_n religion_n but_o that_o they_o that_o will_v plead_v for_o he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o sure_o those_o that_o will_v plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n do_v no_o less_o than_o fight_n against_o god_n but_o now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o elias_n do_v 1_o king_n 18._o ver_fw-la 21._o who_o be_v count_v as_o the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n with_o baal_n priest_n and_o what_o he_o say_v to_o all_o those_o of_o his_o time_n how_o long_o say_v he_o to_o the_o people_n will_v you_o halt_v between_o two_o religion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o the_o holy_a prophet_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o god_n have_v miraculous_o manifest_v from_o heaven_n that_o elias_n his_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o which_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n have_v establish_v all_o baal_n priest_n be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o that_o by_o elias_n his_o command_n who_o say_v take_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n let_v none_o of_o they_o escape_v and_o they_o take_v they_o and_o elias_n take_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o brook_n kishon_n and_o slay_v they_o there_o and_o so_o upon_o all_o reformation_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v cast_v out_o but_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o we_o may_v see_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n and_o those_o of_o nehemiah_n and_o ezra_n and_o through_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o second_o of_o jeremiah_n complain_v against_o his_o people_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n that_o be_v they_o have_v forsake_v the_o true_a god_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o forsake_v their_o maker_n and_o have_v be_v more_o unconstant_a than_o the_o very_a heathen_a who_o have_v not_o forsake_v their_o idol_n god_n and_o therefore_o for_o this_o their_o rebellion_n and_o ingratitude_n the_o prophet_n denounce_v all_o those_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n against_o they_o as_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n do_v for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o the_o lord_n more_o complain_v of_o than_o that_o of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o toleration_n of_o many_o religion_n among_o they_o as_o be_v most_o abundant_o set_v down_o both_o in_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n and_o ezechiel_n daniel_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n all_o which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n so_o that_o if_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v imitate_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n they_o must_v look_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o
therefore_o he_o do_v not_o again_o and_o again_o contradict_v himself_o and_o confirm_v my_o argument_n and_o fight_n against_o his_o own_o opinion_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a i_o shall_v also_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o these_o word_n of_o saint_n john_n wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v say_v he_o i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o saint_n johns_n time_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n otherwise_o shall_v st._n john_n have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n to_o have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n and_o to_o have_v punish_v and_o censure_v he_o but_o say_v mr_n knollys_n if_o diotrephes_n have_v affront_v the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_a saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n and_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v against_o he_o that_o he_o praâ—eâ—_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o thus_o mr_n knollys_n trifling_o cavil_v as_o if_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n have_v be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o as_o if_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o in_o that_o write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o also_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o in_o send_v unto_o they_o do_v not_o also_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n and_o presbyter_n in_o they_o when_o we_o learn_v from_o all_o those_o epistle_n and_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o seven_o church_n as_o of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n through_o the_o world_n lay_v only_o on_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n which_o mr_n knollys_n also_o assent_v unto_o say_v page_n 11._o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o in_o his_o write_v to_o the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n principal_o who_o be_v the_o officer_n in_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n who_o will_v in_o convenient_a time_n have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n though_o saint_n john_n have_v never_o come_v thither_o but_o he_o signify_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n make_v they_o retard_v their_o proceed_n against_o he_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o be_v a_o fellow-presbyter_n with_o they_o as_o peter_n be_v with_o those_o presbyter_n he_o writ_n unto_o 1_o epistle_n pet._n chap._n 5._o may_v have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n all_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v that_o saint_n john_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o whible_a question_n be_v vain_a and_o mere_o to_o delude_v the_o people_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o stupid_a or_o so_o unexperienced_a in_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o but_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o time_n in_o every_o corporation_n or_o committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n that_o know_v not_o if_o any_o alderman_n of_o any_o corporation_n or_o any_o commissioner_n of_o any_o committee_n shall_v affect_v a_o particular_a domination_n to_o himself_o over_o his_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n or_o over_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n whenas_o they_o be_v by_o their_o charter_n and_o commission_n to_o govern_v their_o several_a corporation_n hundred_o rape_n riding_n or_o wapentak_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a counsel_n and_o aggreement_n of_o they_o all_o so_o that_o no_o order_n make_v without_o their_o combine_a authority_n or_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o of_o force_n i_o say_v who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o if_o any_o of_o those_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n contrary_a unto_o their_o charter_n or_o commission_n shall_v not_o only_o assume_v unto_o himself_o a_o particular_a power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v thing_n by_o himself_o and_o of_o give_v law_n unto_o other_o and_o in_o bring_v in_o or_o put_v out_o either_o in_o the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n who_o they_o please_v and_o shall_v also_o use_v disgraceful_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n that_o any_o either_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corporation_n &_o committee_n with_o the_o commissioner_n in_o they_o and_o by_o that_o offend_v against_o their_o government_n and_o deserve_v thereby_o severe_o to_o be_v punish_v and_o who_o do_v not_o likewise_o know_v that_o if_o either_o any_o of_o the_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v understand_v of_o this_o their_o disorderly_a carriage_n and_o shall_v inform_v the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n of_o it_o by_o letter_n and_o say_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n by_o these_o his_o expression_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o there_o be_v both_o in_o the_o corporation_n and_o committee_n a_o stand_a court_n in_o which_o there_o be_v power_n at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o punish_n and_o censure_v of_o any_o such_o offender_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o he_o will_v so_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o withal_o will_v say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o commissioner_n information_n do_v no_o way_n impeach_v or_o hinder_v the_o proceed_n of_o that_o court_n or_o minorise_v its_o power_n but_o that_o it_o may_v go_v on_o to_o censure_v such_o as_o shall_v offend_v against_o their_o authority_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o other_o though_o that_o commissioner_n that_o inform_v against_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v present_a and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o it_o have_v a_o court_n and_o power_n within_o itself_o of_o proceed_v against_o diotrephes_n and_o will_v have_v use_v it_o against_o he_o whether_o s._n john_n have_v come_v or_o no_o although_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v against_o he_o till_o saint_n john_n come_v yea_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o good_a out_o of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o this_o i_o say_v it_o appear_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n in_o that_o church_n though_o mr_n knollys_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a peremptory_o assert_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o such_o court_n to_o appeal_v to_o and_o that_o i_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o appeal_n but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o m._n knollys_n to_o confute_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o contradict_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v both_o here_o and_o in_o all_o other_o of_o his_o answer_n as_o in_o their_o due_a place_n we_o shall_v see_v for_o what_o christian_a ever_o with_o deliberation_n do_v read_v the_o scripture_n that_o can_v believe_v that_o st._n john_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o presbytry_n in_o every_o church_n when_o m._n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o without_o doubt_n saint_n john_n know_v the_o government_n that_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o all_o church_n as_o well_o as_o mr_n knollys_n he_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o government_n god_n have_v appoint_v &_o establish_v in_o every_o church_n which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v which_o be_v a_o court_n to_o wit_n a_o company_n of_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n arm_v with_o power_n &_o authority_n from_o god_n himself_o within_o their_o several_a presbytry_n to_o order_n rule_n and_o govern_v the_o people_n under_o
scandal_n which_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n where_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o particular_a congregation_n assume_v not_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o hand_n of_o redress_v the_o abuse_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o right_n to_o the_o government_n but_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n who_o order_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o joint_a consent_n to_o which_o all_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o the_o acts._n the_o three_o appeal_n we_o find_v act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n saint_n paul_n forth_o with_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o know_v have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v know_v his_o cause_n unto_o they_o they_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellow-ship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n of_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o and_o therefore_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o appeal_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n whether_o to_o fly_v to_o wit_v the_o to_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n or_o debar_v from_o any_o church-priviledge_n by_o they_o for_o they_o only_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a or_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v three_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mother-church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o abuse_n so_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n this_o truth_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v plenary_a power_n over_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o can_v call_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o a_o account_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o act_n where_o peter_n be_v convent_v &_o questionedbefore_n they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o which_o he_o willing_o yield_v unto_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o question_v any_o yea_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n can_v send_v the_o very_a apostle_n &_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n or_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o see_v they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a act_n the_o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o and_o therefore_o all_o these_o example_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o every_o church_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n if_o there_o arise_v any_o controversy_n and_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o and_o if_o there_o arise_v any_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o church_n or_o between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n about_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n than_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o those_o controversy_n to_o counsel_n and_o synod_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v so_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o due_a deliberation_n serious_o examine_v the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v and_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o learning_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v shall_v ever_o dare_v say_v that_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n whereas_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o this_o of_o appeal_n yea_o this_o method_n of_o deal_v and_o manner_n of_o handle_v of_o business_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o government_n under_o the_o very_a heathen_n and_o paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n to_o caesar_n tribunal_n and_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a where_o we_o know_v they_o have_v appeal_n from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o nay_o if_o christian_n now_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o sure_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o either_o the_o jewish_a or_o ethnic_n kingdom_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o all_o reason_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n matth._n the_o 13._o and_o beside_o the_o precedent_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v appeal_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v and_o ratify_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o brief_o set_v down_o may_v satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n but_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n or_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o must_v say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a cavil_n of_o master_n knollys_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v these_o appeal_n say_v he_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o that_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o the_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o fond_a cavil_n have_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o to_o any_o solid_a man_n and_o true_o have_v not_o i_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o trifle_a creature_n as_o he_o be_v in_o serious_a business_n who_o count_v every_o word_n he_o scrible_v a_o oracle_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v by_o it_o with_o silence_n as_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o all_o his_o other_o wrangle_n be_v except_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o principle_n nor_o no_o good_a learning_n but_o for_o answer_v all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_o know_v that_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o settle_a belief_n that_o all_o church_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o same_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o be_v hear_v that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n gal._n 1._o and_o this_o word_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o my_o opinion_n no_o church_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n be_v independent_a and_o therefore_o all_o such_o church_n and_o counsel_n as_o have_v not_o either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a and_o idle_a fantasy_n and_o affect_v independency_n in_o my_o opinion_n they_o in_o so_o order_v their_o church_n do_v not_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n now_o when_o the_o
that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v by_o lest_o he_o shall_v glory_v i_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o will_v therefore_o say_v something_o to_o that_o and_o conclude_v this_o point_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o all_o his_o other_o fond_a answer_n to_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o encounter_v with_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o babble_n if_o say_v he_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n &_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n rather_o chatter_v than_o dispute_v in_o make_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o therefore_o for_o answer_n let_v mr_n knollys_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o transgression_n in_o saint_n john_n against_o the_o presbyter_n in_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o himself_o for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o universal_a pastor_n tie_v to_o no_o one_o place_n or_o flock_n but_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o which_o lie_v primary_o and_o principal_o upon_o they_o who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o speak_v in_o and_o by_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o man_n thought_n word_n action_n and_o government_n and_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n have_v no_o less_o authority_n and_o power_n over_o this_o church_n wherein_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o in_o and_o over_o all_o other_o church_n than_o s._n paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v in_o all_o church_n now_o if_o s._n paul_n can_v give_v a_o law_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o for_o the_o carry_v of_o themselves_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o their_o assembly_n and_o sharp_o reproove_v offender_n in_o that_o church_n and_o if_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a and_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o they_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o transgression_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n but_o with_o the_o very_a good_a like_n and_o allowance_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o write_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o the_o church_n than_o i_o say_v saint_n john_n transgress_v not_o at_o all_o in_o use_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n over_o diotrephes_n in_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o for_o this_o he_o may_v well_o do_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n without_o any_o offence_n as_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n for_o what_o he_o do_v he_o do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o christ_n himself_o who_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a if_o not_o a_o impious_a thing_n in_o master_n knollys_n to_o draw_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o a_o fantasy_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n in_o that_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o saint_n john_n and_o another_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o will_v make_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v none_o and_o infer_v that_o saint_n john_n take_v more_o upon_o he_o than_o he_o ought_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v no_o transgression_n in_o any_o other_o presbyter_n if_o he_o have_v write_v so_o to_o any_o presbytery_n under_o which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o fellow_n presbyter_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o any_o miscarriage_n in_o either_o pastor_n or_o member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o elder_a and_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o will_v assume_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o himself_o than_o become_v a_o presbyter_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o both_o to_o witness_v to_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o know_v of_o such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o fellow_n judge_n and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o common_a council_n of_o elder_n which_o saint_n john_n do_v who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o censure_v such_o a_o offender_n and_o in_o his_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o rather_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v gather_v for_o by_o such_o word_n he_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n or_o council_n there_o where_o offender_n be_v both_o to_o be_v question_v and_o censure_v for_o such_o a_o expression_n if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o manife_v that_o he_o be_v a_o judge_n there_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o with_o other_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o all_o cause_n there_o and_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v by_o the_o mutual_a and_o joint_a accord_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v manage_v by_o any_o one_o single_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v never_o give_v the_o key_n unto_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o follow_v and_o not_o that_o which_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o intimate_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o any_o judicious_a christian_a upon_o due_a deliberation_n will_v say_v the_o same_o and_o will_v conclude_v that_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o so_o write_v be_v no_o offender_n though_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v transact_v by_o the_o joint_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v judicious_a may_v plain_o behold_v the_o futility_n in_o both_o the_o answer_n and_o cavil_v of_o this_o man_n and_o well_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v never_o cut_v out_o for_o a_o disputant_n or_o ever_o fit_v for_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n who_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o own_o mind_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n in_o both_o and_o violate_v all_o order_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o make_v the_o head_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o foot_n the_o head_n and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n or_o rather_o seventy_o for_o every_o ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o prove_v a_o church_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o so_o much_o disorder_n and_o discrepancy_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o pretend_v divine_a authority_n for_o its_o particular_a government_n as_o he_o will_v advise_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n for_o never_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v there_o such_o practiceâ—_n in_o any_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n of_o all_o government_n for_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a church_n be_v they_o never_o so_o slender_a and_o small_a assume_v a_o absolute_a soveranity_n unto_o themselves_o independent_a from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o presbytry_n from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n be_v one_o never_o so_o much_o wrong_v and_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o free_a state_n and_o republic_n every_o one_o of_o they_o rule_v within_o themselves_o as_o absolute_a magistracy_n and_o therefore_o upon_o all_o occasion_n if_o any_o difference_n arise_v between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o those_o church_n or_o between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o often_o they_o do_v as_o other_o country_n and_o commonweal_n send_v their_o ambassador_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o state_n affair_n
the_o officer_n reply_v say_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v as_o this_o man_n ver_fw-la 47_o 48._o then_o answer_v the_o pharisee_n be_v you_o also_o deceive_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v take_v here_o notice_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o very_a pharisee_n except_v themselves_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n believe_v in_o he_o here_o be_v increase_v upon_o increase_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n all_o the_o people_n general_o believe_v in_o he_o certain_o one_o place_n can_v not_o have_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o whereas_o the_o pharisee_n say_v none_o but_o the_o curse_a people_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n in_o this_o very_a chapter_n we_o find_v one_o ruler_n one_o nicodemus_n verse_n 50._o none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o in_o john_n 12._o 42._o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o verse_n 11._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v away_o and_o believe_v on_o jesus_n here_o be_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o verse_n 19_o the_o pharisee_n therefore_o say_v among_o themselves_o perceive_v you_o how_o you_o prevail_v nothing_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o these_o word_n the_o pharisee_n speak_v in_o private_a among_o themselves_o deliberate_o and_o confess_v that_o the_o world_n of_o man_n be_v turn_v christian_n all_o jerusalem_n swarm_v with_o believer_n without_o doubt_v all_o these_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o indeed_o through_o all_o the_o evangelist_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o infinite_a multitude_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v matth._n 7._o 29._o because_o he_o teach_v they_o as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o do_v such_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o john_n 7._o 31._o they_o confess_v none_o can_v do_v but_o christ_n and_o in_o chap._n 12._o verse_n 11._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o raise_n up_o lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a make_v many_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o people_n follow_v he_o and_o do_v so_o high_o honour_v he_o and_o magnify_v he_o and_o do_v receive_v he_o come_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o such_o a_o acclamation_n cry_v hosanna_n as_o in_o this_o 12_o chapter_n be_v specify_v and_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o matth._n 21._o 8._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n spread_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o way_n and_o other_o cut_v down_o branch_n and_o the_o people_n that_o go_v before_o and_o they_o that_o come_v after_o cry_v hosanna_n and_o say_v this_o be_v jesus_n the_o prophet_n of_o nazareth_n they_o all_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o confess_v he_o before_o the_o world_n now_o our_o savionr_n say_v he_o that_o shall_v confess_v i_o and_o own_v i_o before_o man_n i_o will_v confess_v and_o own_v he_o before_o my_o father_n in_o heaven_n here_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n of_o believer_n and_o confessor_n yes_o the_o very_a child_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o open_o and_o in_o the_o temple_n cry_v hosanna_n and_o christ_n himself_o allow_v of_o their_o testimony_n and_o avouch_v they_o do_v well_o and_o according_o as_o be_v write_v and_o in_o luke_n 19_o 47_o 48._o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o teach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o they_o may_v do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o universality_n therefore_o of_o the_o people_n by_o all_o these_o place_n be_v believer_n and_o such_o as_o follow_v christ_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v wonder_v how_o that_o jerusalem_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a city_n can_v contain_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o improbable_a it_o be_v that_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n can_v contain_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o the_o great_a miracle_n at_o his_o suffer_v and_o at_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o apparition_n of_o so_o many_o that_o rose_n from_o their_o grave_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n make_v a_o great_a increase_n and_o addition_n of_o disciple_n and_o new_a believer_n so_o that_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o augment_v we_o find_v no_o diminution_n but_o if_o some_o that_o follow_v christ_n for_o bread_n that_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n leave_v follow_v he_o yet_o in_o those_o place_n we_o read_v again_o and_o again_o of_o numberless_a company_n that_o daily_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v force_v to_o baptize_v in_o several_a place_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o joh._n 3._o 23._o after_o these_o day_n come_v jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n into_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o there_o he_o tarry_v with_o they_o and_o baptize_v and_o john_n also_o be_v baptise_v in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o and_o they_o come_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o very_a reason_n will_v tell_v all_o man_n that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o none_o be_v baptise_a but_o believer_n that_o must_v take_v up_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n or_o thereabouts_o for_o our_o saviour_n have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o 70._o disciple_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 9_o of_o luke_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o john_n have_v also_o many_o disciple_n though_o not_o so_o many_o as_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o be_v employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o many_o of_o they_o in_o work_a miracle_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o the_o very_a devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o as_o they_o rejoice_o confess_v to_o christ_n when_o they_o return_v to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o these_o miracle_n wrought_v so_o with_o the_o very_a disciple_n they_o prevail_v much_o more_o general_o with_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v so_o that_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n come_v in_o and_o be_v baptise_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o inform_v we_o and_o of_o necessity_n so_o many_o minister_n must_v have_v several_a place_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o several_a place_n to_o baptise_v in_o for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v great_a confusion_n for_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v speak_v at_o once_o and_o all_o these_o disciple_n be_v take_v up_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n and_o have_v their_o hand_n full_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o sufficient_o declare_v in_o express_a word_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n disciple_n baptizedin_n indaea_n and_o john_n in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v too_o little_a water_n to_o baptise_v they_o in_o in_o other_o place_n which_o expression_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o among_o those_o that_o come_v to_o be_v baptise_a multitude_n of_o they_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v time_n with_o time_n which_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consider_v the_o divers_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o like_a division_n of_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n some_o stand_n for_o christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o they_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o other_o that_o be_v of_o the_o pharisaical_a faction_n and_o of_o the_o high_a priest_n company_n as_o be_v even_o in_o these_o our_o day_n between_o they_o they_o call_v cavilier_n and_o those_o they_o call_v parliamentier_n now_o what_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o place_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n can_v contain_v all_o the_o parliamentier_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o what_o ten_o place_n can_v hold_v all_o those_o of_o the_o prelatical_a faction_n that_o contend_v for_o their_o bishop_n and_o service_n and_o all_o their_o other_o trumpery_n
authority_n within_o themselves_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o they_o have_v usual_o choice_n enough_o of_o man_n fit_a for_o their_o employment_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n who_o collective_o take_v be_v all_o collegiat_o and_o classical_o govern_v and_o depend_v upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v single_a congregation_n only_o as_o the_o independent_o will_v persuade_v the_o delude_a people_n they_o can_v never_o have_v do_v for_o the_o many_o reason_n both_o now_o and_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_v specify_v so_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o sufficient_o now_o appear_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n that_o no_o particular_a congregation_n can_v enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n within_o itself_o without_o dependency_n upon_o other_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n which_o can_v in_o any_o particular_a congregation_n be_v enjoy_v without_o it_o be_v presbyterate_v to_o use_v their_o own_o expression_n that_o be_v to_o say_v except_o it_o have_v their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o church_n officer_n within_o itself_o annex_v to_o it_o for_o they_o among_o the_o independent_o that_o hold_v that_o excommunication_n must_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n understand_v it_o then_o only_o to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o entire_a and_o a_o whole_a congregation_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o their_o elder_n &_o their_o other_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n without_o the_o elder_n can_v excommunicate_v any_o nor_o the_o elder_n without_o the_o people_n and_o they_o of_o the_o independent_a party_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o they_o do_v not_o all_o agree_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o church_n government_n which_o have_v retard_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o new_a noddle_n lest_o that_o by_o it_o they_o shall_v loose_v many_o of_o their_o disciple_n and_o follower_n which_o they_o well_o know_v will_v soon_o break_v of_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o humour_v they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_n and_o therefore_o they_o cunning_o juggle_v with_o the_o people_n and_o fain_a pretence_n when_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v mean_v christianly_o and_o honest_o they_o will_v long_o since_o have_v bring_v in_o their_o new_a noddle_n of_o church_n government_n but_o fear_v what_o will_v ensue_v and_o which_o will_v not_o be_v for_o their_o profit_n and_o honour_n they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v delay_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o seduce_a of_o many_o but_o i_o say_v those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o hold_v that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n only_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n exclude_v the_o people_n from_o their_o vote_n and_o that_o for_o many_o inconvenience_n as_o they_o suppose_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o remove_v for_o all_o that_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v yet_o i_o say_v on_o all_o side_n they_o agree_v that_o without_o the_o presbyter_n consent_v none_o can_v be_v excommunicate_v be_v they_o never_o so_o scandalous_a so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o any_o congregation_n be_v without_o their_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n also_o neither_o can_v they_o ordain_v they_o within_o themselves_o without_o help_n from_o other_o church_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o therefore_o they_o want_v this_o ordinance_n till_o their_o new_a supply_n and_o that_o they_o must_v crave_v from_o other_o church_n when_o their_o officer_n be_v dead_a and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v still_o be_v dependent_a but_o now_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o their_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v again_o recrute_v and_o make_v up_o again_o or_o presbyterate_v and_o complete_a in_o respect_n of_o both_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o ten_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o or_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o few_o more_o which_o be_v a_o pretty_a full_a church_n and_o congregation_n among_o they_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o they_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n will_v forth_o with_o ensue_v upon_o it_o yea_o under_o how_o intolerable_a a_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n will_v many_o oppress_a christian_n by_o this_o mean_n groan_v under_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v unjust_o and_o wrongful_o injure_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o any_o other_o court_n or_o church-tribunall_n for_o redress_n or_o relief_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o wrong_v or_o injure_v or_o damnify_v by_o they_o for_o if_o the_o formidable_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pass_v once_o against_o any_o person_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n they_o throw_v and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o communion_n not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o devil_n therefore_o if_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n be_v once_o inflict_v upon_o any_o member_n by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o some_o of_o the_o ii-dependents_a will_v have_v it_o or_o by_o two_o or_o three_o presbyter_n only_o as_o other_o contend_v the_o misery_n and_o grievance_n be_v never_o the_o less_o nor_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o that_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n the_o less_o avoidable_o as_o will_v daily_o appear_v for_o if_o all_o the_o congregation_n pass_v this_o sentence_n many_o of_o the_o member_n who_o have_v their_o vote_n be_v private_a man_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unlearned_a and_o unexperienced_a through_o want_n of_o year_n part_n education_n and_o breed_n and_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n they_o be_v many_o time_n so_o intricate_a so_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o rule_n unto_o the_o case_n for_o the_o inflict_a of_o a_o just_a censure_n and_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n also_o to_o bear_v a_o peculiar_a hatred_n or_o ill_a will_n unto_o their_o person_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o passion_n to_o do_v unjustice_n or_o may_v be_v overawe_v by_o fear_n or_o threaten_n of_o some_o other_o in_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v the_o enemy_n to_o the_o party_n in_o question_n so_o that_o they_o be_v powerful_a man_n rich_a in_o estate_n among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a people_n who_o dependency_n may_v be_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v either_o child_n servant_n workman_n or_o tenant_n of_o which_o most_o of_o the_o congregation_n consist_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o displease_v they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v their_o friend_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o go_v with_o the_o strong_a side_n may_v pass_v this_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o most_o unjust_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v &_o this_o must_v go_v for_o currant_n if_o the_o most_o voice_n carry_v it_o and_o from_o they_o the_o party_n unjust_o deal_v with_o have_v no_o appeal_n but_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v against_o he_o must_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o condition_n under_o this_o heavy_a doom_n which_o i_o believe_v in_o every_o understand_a man_n judgement_n will_v seem_v a_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o elder_n only_o of_o this_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o above_o two_o or_o three_o and_o many_o time_n none_o of_o the_o learn_a wise_a and_o honest_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v and_o therefore_o be_v liable_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o same_o temptation_n that_o the_o other_o be_v because_o of_o particular_a relation_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o their_o congregation_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o support_v who_o they_o ordinary_o dare_v not_o displease_v for_o they_o know_v the_o fickleness_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n will_v disgust_v they_o and_o alienate_v their_o affection_n from_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o cause_n also_o of_o withdraw_v their_o contribution_n and_o supply_n by_o which_o they_o support_v themselves_o and_o their_o family_n and_o common_o when_o any_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n fall_v of_o from_o a_o minister_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o place_n yet_o he_o will_v withdraw_v many_o yea_o of_o themselves_o the_o unstable_a people_n will_v take_v occasion_n by_o other_o example_n to_o slight_v and_o neglect_v their_o minister_n as_o hourly_a experience_n teach_v we_o for_o humour_n not_o they_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v go_v yea_o but_o
have_v hinder_v their_o activity_n as_o those_o that_o stone_a stephen_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o nimble_a leave_v their_o garment_n in_o other_o man_n keep_n when_o i_o see_v so_o â—ude_a a_o company_n and_o hear_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v combine_v themselves_o together_o by_o swear_v to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o many_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o that_o their_o business_n may_v go_v on_o the_o better_a and_o with_o the_o great_a success_n that_o while_o some_o of_o they_o be_v there_o act_v of_o their_o part_n in_o a_o disorderly_a and_o tumultuous_a manner_n other_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o city_n at_o a_o private_a humiliation_n a_o special_a day_n be_v set_v a_o part_n to_o seek_v god_n as_o they_o say_v that_o they_o may_v have_v justice_n do_v against_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o parliament_n that_o be_v not_o favourer_n of_o the_o ildependents_a as_o jezabell_n cause_v the_o elder_n of_o jezreell_a to_o call_v a_o fast_a when_o she_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o poor_a innocent_a naboth_n this_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v relate_v unto_o i_o by_o one_o of_o that_o company_n that_o not_o long_o after_o go_v out_o of_o the_o room_n who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n i_o know_v among_o they_o all_o but_o i_o not_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o concourse_n of_o uncivil_a people_n demand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o three_o part_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v up_o for_o the_o whole_a city_n will_v appear_v there_o in_o that_o business_n the_o day_n follow_v to_o demand_v justice_n against_o such_o and_o such_o as_o guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n but_o that_o now_o they_o be_v seek_v god_n and_o in_o private_a fast_n and_o that_o some_o be_v assemble_v in_o such_o a_o man_n house_n name_v the_o party_n in_o this_o formal_a manner_n thing_n be_v relate_v unto_o i_o as_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n know_v all_o which_o proceed_n i_o suppose_v be_v to_o do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n now_o when_o i_o have_v well_o view_v and_o consider_v all_o these_o man_n and_o see_v their_o complexion_n â—arre_o worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n and_o behold_v all_o their_o behaviour_n and_o see_v their_o incivility_n towards_o all_o man_n and_o especial_o towards_o myself_o who_o they_o causeless_o revile_v say_v that_o they_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o hang_v not_o long_o since_o and_o that_o i_o have_v live_v on_o their_o alm_n and_o that_o they_o have_v pray_v for_o my_o deliverance_n out_o of_o my_o trouble_n and_o that_o now_o i_o be_v come_v home_o with_o a_o vengeance_n unto_o they_o for_o i_o be_v turn_v a_o apostate_n and_o a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n pray_v for_o i_o and_o many_o other_o revile_v speech_n they_o use_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o honourable_a gentleman_n as_o they_o can_v all_o witness_n and_o that_o without_o give_v they_o any_o occasion_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n as_o the_o stander_n by_o be_v ready_a to_o depose_v i_o say_v i_o see_v this_o their_o disorderly_a behaviour_n and_o withal_o hear_v they_o with_o open_a mouth_n traduce_v the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o accuse_v they_o all_o of_o injustice_n affirm_v that_o their_o proceed_n be_v as_o tyrannical_a as_o those_o of_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n and_o not_o only_o say_v it_o but_o print_v it_o in_o a_o pamphlet_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v most_o shameful_o and_o false_o belie_v i_o as_o the_o whole_a parliament_n know_v in_o all_o which_o they_o do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n i_o in_o reply_v to_o that_o pamphlet_n in_o my_o just_a defence_n think_v it_o a_o abuse_n of_o gravity_n to_o use_v it_o upon_o such_o whible_a fellow_n and_o choose_v rather_o by_o way_n of_o merriment_n to_o answer_v they_o then_o serious_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o they_o and_o therefore_o call_v to_o mind_n some_o of_o their_o own_o expression_n against_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n as_o that_o he_o have_v get_v a_o blow_n with_o a_o french_a coulstaffe_n and_o that_o he_o look_v like_o the_o belly_n of_o a_o toad_n and_o remember_v also_o what_o they_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o cavalier_n that_o come_v with_o the_o king_n to_o the_o parliament_n that_o they_o look_v like_o so_o many_o fury_n and_o fiend_n out_o of_o hell_n and_o recollect_v withal_o what_o they_o have_v often_o speak_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o that_o they_o run_v from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o a_o other_o to_o get_v church_n preferment_n and_o regard_v nothing_o but_o their_o belly_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o enslave_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o tyrannical_o domineer_v over_o all_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o have_v pollute_v all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o their_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o heathenish_a and_o antichristian_a defilement_n and_o abomination_n and_o remember_v also_o many_o of_o martin_n expression_n against_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o his_o blasphemous_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o arraignment_n of_o mr._n persecution_n and_o his_o echo_n and_o his_o hue_n and_o cry_n the_o which_o book_n be_v entertain_v among_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o read_v with_o great_a delight_n they_o make_v themselves_o upon_o all_o occasion_n merry_a with_o they_o and_o especial_o with_o those_o expression_n wherein_o he_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o master_n simon_n synod_n with_o great_a ironteeth_n and_o such_o luxuriant_a tusk_n as_o one_o may_v pick_v they_o with_o a_o rowling-pin_n and_o i_o say_v i_o call_v to_o my_o remembrance_n all_o these_o their_o expression_n in_o which_o they_o great_o delight_v and_o please_v themselves_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o inveigh_v against_o the_o presbytery_n and_o study_v to_o make_v they_o all_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o of_o their_o own_o rhetoric_n which_o i_o do_v purposely_o to_o find_v out_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o cattle_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o partiality_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o indeed_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o unstable_a man_n in_o general_a who_o be_v win_v with_o a_o apple_n and_o lose_v with_o a_o nut_n and_o will_v praise_v and_o dispraise_n they_o know_v not_o for_o what_o and_o one_o day_n commend_v that_o in_o themselves_o which_o a_o other_o day_n they_o will_v condemn_v in_o any_o of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o at_o one_o time_n extol_v a_o man_n for_o that_o which_o upon_o a_o other_o occasion_n they_o will_v censure_v he_o for_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o aggravation_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o with_o what_o disguise_a aspect_n and_o hideous_a look_n and_o odd_a complexion_n they_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o room_n about_o the_o committee_n and_o how_o they_o grin_v at_o i_o with_o their_o tooth_n make_v i_o in_o the_o description_n of_o they_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n that_o they_o have_v former_o do_v of_o strafford_n and_o the_o cavalier_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o both_o in_o their_o countenance_n and_o action_n they_o parallel_v they_o and_o say_v they_o look_v like_o so_o many_o fury_n and_o like_o the_o belly_n of_o a_o toad_n and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v get_v a_o blow_n with_o a_o french_a coulstaffe_n and_o that_o one_o may_v pick_v some_o of_o their_o tooth_n with_o a_o bedstaff_n all_o which_o be_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o as_o they_o accuse_v the_o presbyter_n for_o belly_n god_n so_o they_o also_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o good_a cheer_n and_o that_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v with_o their_o superstition_n pollute_v the_o church_n so_o they_o do_v pollute_v they_o with_o their_o scummer_n and_o piss_v in_o they_o and_o that_o as_o they_o seek_v to_o enslave_v the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o the_o independets_n if_o they_o can_v but_o once_o attain_v the_o mastery_n will_v do_v no_o less_o and_o for_o this_o my_o so_o speak_v i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o language_n and_o dialect_n have_v often_o hear_v some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o greatness_n
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 call_v intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o look_v upon_o the_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 presbytery_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 slight_v as_o the_o fag_n end_n 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 their_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 and_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a conncell_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 the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o mayor_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 14._o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n the_o first_o vers_n 6_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n ch_n 5._o verse_n 1_o 2_o call_v himself_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o wrore_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_n although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n andpresident_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_o and_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n and_o so_o they_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o
godly_a conscionable_a and_o learned_a minister_n as_o they_o do_v thus_o meet_v together_o so_o they_o have_v ever_o since_o laborious_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o god_n herein_o and_o they_o have_v not_o conclude_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o bring_v their_o warrant_n for_o out_o of_o god_n word_n be_v take_v from_o the_o example_n practice_n precept_n and_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n for_o that_o government_n which_o they_o stand_v for_o and_o humble_o desire_v to_o have_v settle_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o can_v it_o be_v just_o say_v that_o if_o man_n wait_v patient_o while_o these_o truth_n be_v discuss_v which_o have_v be_v the_o long_o by_o reason_n that_o daily_a opposition_n and_o many_o cavil_v argumentation_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v against_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o by_o some_o 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the_o private_a opinion_n and_o way_n &_o policy_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n who_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n set_v up_o what_o government_n they_o please_v and_o cause_n people_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n for_o all_o which_o when_o matter_n be_v right_o state_v and_o try_v by_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n there_o be_v not_o any_o colour_n nor_o warrant_v out_o of_o god_n word_n nor_o in_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n which_o we_o have_v take_v &_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o low_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n and_o who_o sincere_o aim_n at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o zions_n peace_n it_o be_v not_o think_v any_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n nor_o diminution_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n nor_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n to_o wait_v and_o see_v what_o god_n shall_v make_v clear_a to_o the_o synod_n out_o of_o his_o word_n upon_o their_o debate_n consultation_n and_o answer_n to_o all_o oppose_a party_n for_o this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v truth_n perspicuous_a and_o as_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a so_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o will_v not_o be_v delude_v with_o show_n they_o bring_v all_o these_o result_v to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o if_o they_o find_v that_o they_o endure_v the_o testae_fw-la than_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o receive_v and_o hold_v they_o fast_o be_v the_o word_n of_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a truth_n so_o that_o the_o final_a resolution_n for_o church_n government_n which_o man_n wait_v for_o be_v not_o from_o the_o synod_n further_o than_o they_o hold_v it_o forth_o and_o make_v it_o manifest_a to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o that_o rule_n all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o wait_v and_o see_v what_o the_o synod_n do_v conclude_v of_o out_o of_o god_n word_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o other_o church_n do_v act_v 15._o where_o we_o have_v a_o precedent_n for_o our_o imitation_n set_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n be_v as_o well_o instruct_v as_o any_o in_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n whether_o assemble_v or_o not_o assemble_v and_o yet_o all_o those_o holy_a and_o godly_a christian_n think_v it_o no_o usurpation_n upon_o their_o christian_a liberty_n nor_o no_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o no_o dangerous_a retard_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o of_o settle_v their_o church-government_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o their_o final_a resolution_n about_o that_o question_n there_o in_o debate_n and_o which_o have_v cause_v so_o great_a a_o schism_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i_o say_v these_o glorious_a and_o true_o precious_a christian_n have_v none_o of_o these_o panic_n fear_v the_o illdependents_a of_o our_o time_n be_v trouble_v with_o but_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o wait_v upon_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n without_o make_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n any_o rent_n and_o separation_n from_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o this_o their_o do_v be_v leave_v for_o our_o example_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o not_o under_o a_o semblance_n and_o show_v of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o preformation_n to_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n and_o separate_v assembly_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o my_o brother_n burtons_n cavil_n against_o my_o first_o querie_n and_o for_o answer_v likewise_o to_o the_o question_n propound_v by_o he_o to_o i_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o see_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v concern_v my_o second_o querie_n viz._n touch_v the_o requisite_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v member_n the_o reader_n may_v look_v back_o to_o the_o query_n by_o which_o he_o will_v the_o better_o discern_v the_o grollery_n of_o the_o man_n as_o for_o i._o s._n he_o answer_v to_o that_o query_n although_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o of_o new_a gather_v church_n that_o he_o know_v none_o such_o who_o hold_v it_o so_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v i._o s._n be_v but_o a_o catachumenos_n in_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n while_o he_o undertake_v to_o instruct_v other_o in_o it_o but_o my_o brother_n burton_n he_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o all_o the_o illdependent_a discipline_n both_o for_o the_o theory_n and_o practic_n who_o answer_v thus_o to_o my_o second_o query_n page_n 14._o i_o pray_v say_v he_o what_o harm_n be_v in_o that_o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n for_o answer_v i_o say_v very_o much_o harm_n in_o regard_n they_o impose_v a_o law_n upon_o their_o brethren_n that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n never_o lay_v upon_o his_o people_n by_o which_o they_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o christian_a liberty_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o and_o in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v a_o command_n to_o stand_v fast_o gal._n 5._o 1._o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v entangle_v with_o any_o yoke_n of_o humane_a bondage_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o hear_v his_o reason_n they_o say_v he_o who_o be_v to_o walk_v together_o shall_v first_o be_v agree_v together_o as_o amos_n the_o 3._o 3._o a_o two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v if_o therefore_o any_o one_o of_o the_o congregation_n can_v object_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o non-admittance_n of_o a_o member_n he_o ought_v to_o show_v it_o not_o only_o for_o his_o own_o peace_n but_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o to_o know_v those_o well_o say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la in_o thing_n weighty_a we_o can_v be_v too_o wary_a nor_o do_v we_o so_o much_o look_v at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n this_o be_v all_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o quâ—ry_n which_o he_o call_v a_o caption_n but_o for_o answer_v i_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v produce_v some_o command_n or_o example_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o this_o their_o practice_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n for_o that_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_n obedience_n and_o where_o our_o king_n christ_n jesus_n have_v cease_v to_o command_v there_o all_o his_o servant_n must_v cease_v
by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o thâ—â—_n regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o it_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o galatian_n 1._o for_o 8._o 9_o when_o therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n way_n and_o method_n in_o their_o teach_n and_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o man_n and_o hear_v only_a the_o voice_n of_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o the_o christian_a believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n under_o their_o ministery_n do_v all_o faithful_o cleave_v unto_o the_o write_a word_n and_o square_a both_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o the_o independent_o shall_v proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o oppose_v his_o royalty_n and_o preach_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o congregation_n as_o the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o account_v all_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n tell_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sermon_n that_o they_o come_v over_o from_o beyond_o the_o sea_n think_v that_o they_o will_v have_v set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v embrace_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o will_v have_v establish_v his_o government_n and_o have_v go_v on_o in_o a_o church-way_a and_o have_v set_v up_o the_o way_n of_o god_n but_o they_o find_v it_o otherwiise_v that_o they_o deny_v &_o disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n and_o persecute_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n so_o that_o they_o can_v find_v more_o favour_n from_o moderate_a papist_n and_o common_a protestant_n than_o from_o they_o by_o which_o their_o deal_n say_v the_o brethren_n they_o have_v so_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o god_n people_n affection_n from_o they_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v pray_v for_o they_o proclaim_v themselves_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n as_o if_o all_o the_o other_o believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v no_o saint_n nor_o people_n of_o god_n nay_o they_o affirm_v it_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o in_o every_o pamphlet_n that_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o new_a way_n and_o one_o of_o they_o not_o long_o since_o affirm_v unto_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o strumpet_n and_o a_o arrant_a whore_n and_o that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o whore_n can_v never_o be_v present_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n which_o be_v a_o expression_n not_o only_o uncivil_a and_o unbeseeming_a a_o christian_n but_o untrue_a also_o for_o grant_v she_o have_v be_v so_o she_o be_v now_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o public_a covenant_n against_o she_o and_o we_o read_v of_o judah_n and_o samaria_n howsoever_o they_o have_v defile_v themselves_o and_o play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o upon_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o true_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o renew_v their_o covenant_n public_o of_o new_a obedience_n be_v present_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n so_o that_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o this_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o howsoever_o they_o will_v not_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v it_o out_o in_o plain_a word_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o preach_v and_o practice_v a_o separation_n from_o all_o our_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n as_o from_o a_o people_n not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o and_o declare_v that_o by_o their_o deed_n which_o they_o will_v not_o as_o yet_o publish_v in_o their_o writing_n nor_o in_o express_a word_n as_o he_o do_v and_o one_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n not_o long_o since_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o assent_v unto_o their_o new_a way_n nor_o light_v their_o candle_n at_o their_o new_a light_n nor_o embrace_v their_o newborn_a truth_n tell_v they_o that_o by_o their_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o so_o they_o suppose_v these_o be_v and_o by_o their_o unkind_a usage_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o persecute_v of_o they_o they_o will_v at_o last_o drive_v from_o among_o they_o the_o pray_a people_n mean_v themselves_o as_o if_o no_o other_o pray_v but_o they_o only_o and_o then_o they_o may_v look_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v speedy_o come_v down_o upon_o they_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o lutheran_n in_o maydenburge_n in_o germany_n who_o thrust_v out_o all_o the_o calvinist_n out_o of_o their_o town_n a_o pray_a people_n and_o immediate_o after_o the_o enemy_n come_v upon_o they_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o destroy_v they_o all_o with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a expression_n be_v their_o preachment_n stuff_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o of_o their_o sermon_n they_o be_v like_o tailor_n cushion_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o several_a shred_n of_o various_a colour_n all_o independent_a make_v a_o fine_a show_n but_o comely_a no_o where_n but_o in_o a_o tailor_n shop_n and_o sure_o such_o kind_n of_o expression_n as_o these_o be_v may_v beseem_v their_o pulpit_n but_o no_o grave_n and_o learned_a honest_a minister_n for_o they_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o persecution_n among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o calumny_n neither_o deal_n they_o christian_o with_o we_o to_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o we_o do_v not_o so_o we_o only_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n
plague_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o just_a provoke_v of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o anger_v now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o we_o have_v sad_a experience_n already_o what_o the_o tolerate_n of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o dagon_n of_o gingerbread_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v if_o god_n be_v god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o let_v that_o and_o that_o only_o be_v sâ—t_v up_o among_o christian_n and_o no_o other_o tolerate_v for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v speedy_o bring_v the_o plague_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o as_o we_o may_v well_o perceive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o but_o a_o few_o year_n what_o good_a effect_n they_o will_v produce_v for_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n can_v be_v please_v unto_o god_n no_o more_o in_o our_o time_n than_o it_o be_v among_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o friend_n of_o christ_n nor_o lover_n of_o religion_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v for_o neither_o abraham_n jsaac_n nor_o jacob_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n will_v suffer_v it_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n ever_o endureit_a but_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n they_o give_v especial_a charge_n to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o their_o time_n and_o forewarn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o they_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n ever_o describe_v they_o by_o their_o crafty_a deal_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o in_o all_o seem_a holiness_n and_o feign_a simplicity_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n wish_v and_o desire_v that_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v cut_v off_o so_o far_o be_v the_o holy_a apostle_n from_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n as_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n they_o inveigh_v against_o they_o and_o that_o continual_o as_o false_a apostle_n and_o deceiver_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o receive_v no_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o gal._n 1._o and_o bid_v the_o people_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v no_o fellowship_n with_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o sure_o if_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n â—id_v command_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n they_o never_o give_v leave_v to_o any_o christian_n to_o set_v up_o babylon_n among_o they_o and_o to_o tolerate_v the_o confusion_n and_o mingle_v together_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o against_o the_o scripture_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o against_o all_o solid_a reason_n and_o sound_a judgement_n nay_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_o in_o write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n he_o blame_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o that_o of_o thyatira_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v they_o there_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o bâ—alam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_n block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o they_o also_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v repent_v or_o else_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o jdol_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 3._o chap._n ver_fw-la 14._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witnesseâ—c_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o it_o be_v â—_o thing_n high_o displease_v unto_o god_n that_o his_o people_n shall_v give_v a_o tolerátion_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v and_o those_o that_o labour_n for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a which_o be_v a_o evil_a the_o lord_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v with_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o favour_v more_o of_o licentiousness_n and_o carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n in_o any_o man_n then_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o many_o of_o they_o can_v report_v that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o holland_n where_o there_o be_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o that_o country_n of_o the_o native_a dutch_a people_n that_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o desirous_a that_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n among_o they_o be_v not_o there_o permit_v as_o they_o now_o wish_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v suffer_v here_o among_o we_o for_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o prophanesse_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v there_o the_o like_a occasion_n of_o civil_a combustion_n as_o we_o have_v through_o god_n displeasure_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o ingratitude_n towards_o he_o here_o in_o england_n i_o be_o afraid_a they_o will_v find_v the_o toleration_n of_o all_o those_o religion_n among_o they_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a thing_n to_o they_o if_o not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o whole_a country_n the_o lord_n divert_v his_o judgement_n from_o they_o and_o grant_v that_o they_o may_v never_o taste_v of_o the_o misery_n that_o we_o now_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o for_o tolerate_v of_o popery_n and_o arminianism_n and_o the_o prelatical_a faction_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o the_o suffer_v but_o of_o these_o three_o have_v so_o displease_v god_n the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o will_v give_v he_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o more_o hot_a indignation_n but_o now_o to_o answer_v to_o their_o objection_n in_o order_n the_o heathen_n say_v the_o independent_o suffer_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v to_o exercise_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o for_o answer_v let_v they_o take_v notice_n that_o no_o thank_n be_v due_a to_o the_o heathen_n for_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o genesis_n the_o 12._o chap._n and_o the_o 20._o chap._n and_o chap._n 26._o but_o only_a the_o glory_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n who_o restrain_v they_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a against_o they_o for_o he_o appear_v to_o some_o of_o they_o in_o vision_n and_o command_v they_o not_o
sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n that_o while_o the_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n which_o place_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v that_o while_o the_o man_n sleep_v this_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o their_o dishonour_n that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o they_o have_v so_o when_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o publish_v the_o truth_n the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n grow_v careless_a and_o like_o the_o people_n of_o laish_n judge_n 18._o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o 10._o where_o they_o live_v secure_a and_o the_o magistrate_n be_v negligent_a in_o their_o place_n put_v no_o man_n to_o shame_n for_o any_o evil_n they_o do_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o overthrow_n as_o it_o be_v there_o record_v and_o will_v be_v of_o we_o and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n if_o not_o timely_o prevent_v as_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n this_o indeed_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o the_o enemy_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o principall_a occasion_n of_o the_o overspread_a of_o this_o leprosy_n of_o all_o the_o heresy_n that_o now_o swarm_v through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n that_o the_o minister_n have_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a and_o servant_n against_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o so_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o which_o guiltiness_n master_n edward_n be_v not_o involve_v for_o he_o have_v all_o this_o time_n stand_v valiant_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o show_v himself_o a_o man_n of_o â—ourage_n and_o that_o against_o all_o opposition_n for_o which_o he_o deserve_v especial_o to_o be_v honour_v and_o all_o those_o likewise_o that_o have_v second_v he_o in_o discover_v the_o danger_n of_o those_o devilish_a and_o damnable_a doctrine_n which_o have_v so_o poison_v the_o people_n every_o where_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n do_v not_o speedy_o send_v help_n and_o put_v into_o the_o heart_n both_o of_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o all_o the_o people_n now_o at_o last_o to_o rouse_v up_o themselves_o and_o show_v themselves_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o contend_v for_o judas_n 3._o they_o will_v but_o the_o more_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o indignation_n against_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o this_o good_a work_n they_o shall_v set_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o good_a example_n of_o all_o those_o worthy_a king_n and_o governor_n who_o name_n be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n to_o their_o everlasting_a honour_n for_o their_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o suppress_v of_o error_n and_o idolatry_n withal_o they_o shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o consider_v that_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o if_o they_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o themselves_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a land_n all_o which_o they_o will_v be_v deprive_v of_o if_o they_o speedy_o labour_v not_o to_o prevent_v they_o which_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n can_v never_o do_v for_o that_o must_v needs_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n against_o we_o all_o for_o if_o we_o but_o due_o weigh_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o in_o many_o place_n then_o that_o i_o now_o say_v will_v be_v out_o of_o doubt_n but_o omit_v many_o place_n i_o will_v pitch_v upon_o one_o or_o two_o judges_z 5_o and_o 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o they_o choose_v new_a god_n than_o be_v war_n in_o the_o gate_n here_o we_o see_v when_o all_o religion_n come_v to_o be_v tolerate_v then_o be_v war_n in_o the_o gate_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o chronicle_n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la 3._o 5_o 6._o now_o for_o a_o long_a season_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n israel_n have_v be_v without_o a_o true_a god_n and_o without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o law_n and_o in_o those_o time_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o he_o that_o go_v out_o nor_o to_o he_o that_o come_v in_o but_o great_a vexation_n be_v upon_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n and_o nation_n be_v destroy_v of_o nation_n and_o city_n of_o city_n for_o god_n do_v vex_v they_o with_o all_o adversity_n now_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o these_o misery_n and_o calamity_n that_o do_v come_v upon_o all_o these_o people_n be_v for_o their_o corrupt_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o nation_n for_o the_o corrupt_a of_o their_o way_n and_o for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o adulterate_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o as_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a both_o from_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o the_o lord_n denounce_v judgement_n against_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n for_o but_o connive_v at_o and_o tolerate_v of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n among_o they_o in_o the_o which_o place_n as_o the_o lord_n show_v he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o changeable_a so_o it_o shall_v lesson_n both_o people_n and_o minister_n but_o especial_o the_o magistrate_n now_o to_o add_v their_o help_a hand_n for_o the_o suppress_n of_o these_o damnable_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n that_o be_v now_o every_o where_o too_o much_o divulge_v and_o publish_v they_o shall_v also_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v zachariah_n 13._o for_o 3._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v say_v the_o prophet_n that_o when_o any_o shall_v yet_o prophesy_v than_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n that_o bear_v he_o shall_v say_v unto_o he_o thou_o shall_v not_o live_v for_o thou_o speak_v lie_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n that_o beget_v he_o shall_v thrust_v he_o through_o when_o he_o prophesi_v here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o nigh_a alye_n and_o kindred_n of_o any_o false_a prophet_n be_v not_o to_o spare_v he_o and_o there_o be_v most_o excellent_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o if_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o any_o wan_a or_o woman_n deserve_v death_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nation_n how_o much_o more_o be_v that_o punishable_a in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v labour_v to_o destroy_v and_o poison_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n which_o all_o false_a teacher_n do_v when_o they_o spread_v heresy_n and_o damnable_a doctrine_n among_o they_o and_o for_o this_o place_n out_o of_o zachariah_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a independent_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n pertain_v to_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o belong_v unto_o all_o christian_n as_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o suppress_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o they_o also_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o establish_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n in_o religion_n do_v much_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n confess_v if_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v there_o will_v be_v war_n in_o the_o gate_n and_o where_o religion_n rejoice_v the_o civil_a state_n flourish_v all_o this_o i_o say_v the_o independent_o themselves_o accord_n unto_o but_o they_o refer_v it_o and_o that_o true_o unto_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n partly_o by_o command_v and_o by_o stir_v up_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n thereof_o to_o go_v about_o it_o in_o their_o spiritual_a way_n partly_o also_o by_o civil_a punishment_n upon_o the_o wilful_a opposer_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o same_o yea_o they_o apply_v that_o place_n out_o of_o zachariah_n quote_v by_o i_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v prophesy_v there_o that_o in_o some_o case_n capital_a punishment_n shall_v proceed_v against_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o by_o procurement_n of_o their_o near_a kindred_n and_o moreover_o they_o say_v that_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v describe_v revel_n 16._o v._n 4_o to_o the_o 7._o where_o the_o river_n and_o fountain_n of_o water_n that_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n that_o convey_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n throughout_o the_o country_n be_v turn_v to_o blood_n that_o be_v have_v blood_n give_v they_o to_o drink_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n these_o be_v the_o very_a expression_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o now_o if_o this_o in_o their_o opinion_n do_v hold_v true_a against_o the_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o also_o hold_v true_a against_o all_o the_o erroneous_a and_o blasphemous_a sectary_n and_o heretical_a teacher_n that_o by_o
murder_v the_o soul_n of_o many_o thousand_o innocent_a people_n send_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n that_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o grave_a consideration_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n who_o ought_v ever_o to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o godly_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n the_o name_n of_o which_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n and_o in_o special_a it_o will_v be_v good_a to_o consider_v what_o asa_n and_o the_o people_n of_o his_o time_n do_v who_o praise_n be_v set_v down_o and_o what_o good_a follow_v upon_o it_o to_o the_o whole_a land_n 2_o chron._n 15._o verse_n 12_o 13._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n whether_o small_a or_o great_a whether_o man_n or_o woman_n and_o they_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o with_o shout_v and_o with_o trumpet_n and_o with_o cornet_n and_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n for_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a desire_n and_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o rest_v round_o about_o here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o the_o first_o that_o this_o their_o covenant_v against_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o corrupt_a religion_n for_o the_o punish_n of_o they_o with_o death_n be_v leave_v not_o only_o for_o their_o eternal_a honour_n and_o praise_n and_o for_o our_o imitation_n but_o that_o it_o do_v so_o please_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o the_o second_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o he_o do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n bless_v they_o and_o give_v they_o rest_v round_o about_o so_o that_o from_o thence_o we_o learn_v that_o if_o magistrate_n who_o be_v god_n minister_n and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v will_v execute_v judgement_n against_o all_o seducer_n and_o blasphemous_a teacher_n by_o this_o they_o shall_v bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v peace_n and_o welfare_n to_o their_o country_n and_o safety_n to_o their_o dwelling_n and_o true_o magistrate_n shall_v consider_v their_o place_n who_o be_v call_v god_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v set_v they_o a_o example_n both_o in_o exod._n 32._o and_o numb_a the_o 25._o the_o place_n above_o cite_v in_o punish_v idolator_n so_o they_o also_o shall_v follow_v he_o and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a king_n asa_n in_o so_o do_v they_o may_v remember_v also_o they_o be_v call_v nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_v mother_n and_o therefore_o as_o nurse_v and_o tender_a father_n and_o mother_n will_v not_o suffer_v corrupt_a and_o poisonous_a food_n be_v give_v to_o their_o child_n but_o kill_v serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o such_o venomous_a creature_n and_o destroy_v they_o that_o may_v hurt_v they_o so_o they_o likewise_o shall_v labour_v in_o their_o particular_a place_n to_o root_v out_o all_o that_o generation_n of_o viper_n that_o poison_v the_o people_n with_o their_o heretical_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n the_o magistrate_n shall_v remember_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n now_o no_o godly_a and_o careful_a pastor_n will_v suffer_v wolf_n to_o come_v into_o their_o fold_n to_o worry_v and_o destroy_v their_o sheep_n how_o diligent_a ought_v they_o likewise_o to_o be_v to_o keep_v out_o those_o ravenous_a wolf_n though_o they_o come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n out_o of_o their_o several_a pasture_n that_o will_v destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o their_o sheep_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v all_o magistrate_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o due_o consider_v for_o their_o place_n it_o be_v to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o sword_n and_o who_o ought_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o people_n for_o good_a and_o who_o neglect_v of_o their_o duty_n will_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o who_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o it_o before_o god_n if_o through_o their_o con_fw-mi nivence_n or_o negligence_n any_o evil_a happen_v to_o the_o people_n but_o if_o they_o shall_v wilful_o suffer_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o allow_v of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n how_o much_o will_v this_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_v against_o the_o nation_n we_o may_v see_v how_o zealous_a good_a nehemiah_n be_v in_o his_o time_n and_o how_o undaunt_o he_o stand_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n say_v shall_v such_o a_o man_n as_o i_o be_o fly_v he_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v god_n truth_n which_o be_v his_o honour_n to_o eternity_n and_o for_o all_o magistrate_n imitation_n nehemiah_n the_o 13._o verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o who_o but_o see_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v marry_v wife_n of_o ashdod_n of_o ammon_n and_o of_o moab_n and_o but_o hear_v their_o child_n speak_v half_o â—in_v the_o speech_n of_o ashdod_n and_o can_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n but_o according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o each_o people_n it_o be_v relate_v there_o that_o he_o content_v with_o they_o and_o revile_v or_o curse_v they_o and_o smite_v certain_a of_o they_o and_o pluck_v off_o their_o hair_n and_o make_v they_o swear_v by_o god_n say_v you_o shall_v not_o give_v your_o daughter_n unto_o their_o son_n nor_o take_v their_o daughter_n unto_o your_o son_n or_o for_o yourselves_o do_v not_o solomon_n king_n of_o israel_n sin_n by_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n nevertheless_o even_o he_o do_v outlandish_a woman_n cause_n to_o sin_n shall_v we_o then_o hearken_v unto_o you_o say_v he_o to_o do_v all_o this_o great_a evil_n to_o transgress_v against_o our_o god_n in_o marry_v of_o strange_a wife_n here_o we_o have_v a_o example_n and_o pattern_n for_o all_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n to_o follow_v for_o this_o be_v pen_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v this_o example_n of_o nehemiah_n be_v wont_v great_o to_o be_v urge_v upon_o christian_n for_o imitation_n and_o that_o by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o now_o be_v displease_v that_o i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o magistrate_n be_v call_v upon_o by_o they_o to_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o noble_a and_o glorious_a nehemiah_n in_o make_v a_o through_o reformation_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o suppress_v of_o all_o error_n and_o innovation_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v or_o tolerate_v any_o strange_a religion_n among_o they_o for_o he_o but_o hear_v they_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o ashdod_n curse_v they_o and_o revile_v they_o and_o smite_v they_o and_o beat_v they_o also_o for_o it_o and_o tear_v off_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o their_o face_n so_o that_o he_o lay_v severe_a corporal_a punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o it_o now_o if_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o hear_v to_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o ashdod_n he_o will_v never_o have_v grant_v they_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o he_o be_v another_o joshua_n full_o resolve_v that_o he_o and_o his_o household_n and_o all_o that_o be_v under_o his_o command_n shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o only_o and_o that_o after_o his_o way_n and_o he_o sufficient_o there_o declare_v his_o detestation_n against_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o of_o give_v the_o people_n a_o indulgence_n to_o serve_v god_n which_o way_n they_o think_v best_a and_o to_o use_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o he_o make_v they_o all_o to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n according_a as_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n which_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o he_o make_v they_o swear_v by_o god_n which_o as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v be_v ever_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n now_o we_o see_v godly_a nehemiah_n not_o only_o urge_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n according_a as_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v by_o argument_n and_o reason_n set_v before_o they_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n that_o come_v upon_o the_o whole_a land_n by_o solomon_n tolerate_v of_o all_o religion_n among_o they_o but_o gallant_a nehemiah_n revile_v they_o as_o if_o he_o say_v you_o rogue_n do_v you_o speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o ashdod_n and_o then_o cudgel_v they_o
for_o in_o such_o term_n they_o usual_o express_v themselves_o now_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o care_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o superstition_n and_o popish_a ceremony_n and_o all_o will_n worship_n be_v also_o root_v out_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o and_o faithful_o by_o they_o preach_v both_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n true_o invocate_v and_o the_o sacrament_n due_o and_o right_o administer_v what_o just_a cause_n have_v the_o independent_o now_o either_o of_o separation_n or_o of_o traduce_v either_o minister_n or_o people_n of_o be_v enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n when_o by_o all_o their_o endeavour_n they_o only_o seek_v the_o advancement_n of_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n among_o they_o i_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o all_o moderate_a mind_a christian_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v and_o true_o and_o faithful_o set_v down_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o have_v former_o be_v alienate_v from_o they_o will_v again_o be_v now_o undeceive_v return_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o their_o own_o pastor_n by_o who_o ministry_n they_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o that_o all_o other_o understand_v man_n will_v not_o only_o have_v more_o charitable_a thought_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o will_v likewise_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o and_o examine_v more_o diligent_o all_o those_o new_a way_n and_o by_o find_v they_o out_o to_o be_v indeed_o but_o new_a will_v seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n and_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o true_o it_o stand_v all_o man_n now_o in_o hand_n that_o desire_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n yea_o the_o safety_n tranquillity_n and_o felicity_n of_o three_o kingdom_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o they_o all_o and_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o zion_n and_o indeed_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o family_n and_o a_o good_a accord_n harmony_n love_n and_o unity_n among_o brethren_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o peace_n which_o can_v never_o be_v preserve_v where_o difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n with_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v allow_v of_o for_o they_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o dis-union_n and_o to_o a_o violation_n of_o all_o bond_n of_o true_a and_o cordial_a affection_n for_o they_o can_v never_o love_v such_o as_o they_o have_v a_o command_n to_o shun_v nor_o never_o real_o affect_v such_o man_n company_n and_o acquaintance_n who_o they_o be_v ever_o jealous_a of_o that_o they_o will_v seduce_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n therefore_o i_o say_v that_o all_o people_n may_v not_o only_o seek_v for_o but_o find_v that_o old_a way_n of_o peace_n shall_v ever_o be_v his_o prayer_n that_o wish_v that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v 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censure_a and_o punish_v of_o they_o for_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o excommunication_n it_o be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o office_n and_o not_o by_o the_o multitude_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o cor._n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 6._o a_o place_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o the_o independent_o sufficient_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o censure_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inflict_v by_o all_o the_o people_n but_o by_o such_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n lay_v which_o be_v the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o many_o or_o of_o many_o and_o true_o if_o we_o will_v but_o due_o read_v the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o they_o and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v only_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a church_n through_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n as_o the_o ruler_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o to_o obey_v again_o if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 2._o &_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o epistle_n christ_n write_v unto_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o several_a church_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n lay_v and_o who_o have_v both_o the_o praise_n of_o well_o do_v and_o blame_v of_o any_o evil_a either_o commit_v or_o tolerate_v by_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o steward_n and_o guide_n of_o those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o all_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o malversation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n in_o they_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o not_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n
and_o they_o only_a in_o every_o church_n have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o more_o noble_a member_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o man_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o that_o office_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o keep_v himself_o in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o at_o large_a rom._n 12._o ver_fw-la 6._o have_v gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o find_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o office_n he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o wait_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_v they_o be_v ever_o to_o rule_v and_o the_o other_o that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v every_o member_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o station_n in_o this_o mystical_a body_n the_o magistrate_n and_o parent_n and_o master_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o rank_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o place_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o whether_o subject_n child_n or_o servant_n they_o be_v likewise_o to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o to_o obey_v all_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v their_o place_n for_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o teach_v we_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o 7._o of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o corinth_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o circumcision_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o yield_a of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obey_n of_o those_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o and_o the_o honour_v of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o our_o power_n be_v that_o that_o commend_v any_o man_n unto_o god_n especial_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o reverence_v of_o our_o godly_a minister_n and_o painful_a pastor_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 12._o know_v they_o which_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n for_o god_n have_v make_v they_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o people_n their_o flock_n they_o father_n and_o the_o people_n child_n beget_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o bvilder_n and_o the_o people_n the_o stone_n lay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o build_n they_o steward_n and_o the_o people_n domestics_n under_o they_o and_o their_o conduct_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o until_o they_o by_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o eminent_a ability_n be_v remove_v to_o a_o high_a calling_n or_o else_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 7._o ver_fw-la 20._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v once_o specify_v his_o mind_n in_o this_o business_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n he_o reiterate_v this_o precept_n say_v brethren_n let_v every_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v therein_o abide_v with_o god_n so_o that_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o master_n or_o parent_n of_o family_n for_o either_o of_o they_o i_o say_v to_o leave_v their_o call_n in_o their_o particular_a place_n of_o rule_v and_o for_o either_o the_o flock_n under_o the_o pastor_n or_o subject_n under_o the_o magistrate_n or_o servant_n and_o child_n in_o the_o several_a family_n under_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n to_o offer_v to_o take_v the_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n in_o either_o church_n state_n or_o family_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o leave_v their_o calling_n and_o so_o to_o transgress_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v enjoin_v the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o each_o of_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n and_o station_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v find_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o violator_n of_o that_o order_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n in_o both_o now_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o have_v enjoin_v all_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o rule_v and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_n and_o yield_v double_a honour_n unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n they_o be_v ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n god_n appoint_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o shall_v rule_v in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o too_o too_o many_o have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o now_o the_o church_n and_o state_n be_v imbroyl_v with_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v learn_v but_o this_o lesson_n to_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v he_o will_v know_v that_o the_o magistrate_n place_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclersiasticall_a be_v to_o command_v and_o that_o the_o subject_n and_o people_n place_n under_o they_o in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n be_v to_o obey_v they_o will_v understand_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o kingdom_n commonwealth_n corporation_n or_o in_o any_o province_n and_o country_n or_o church_n that_o howsoever_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o each_o of_o those_o government_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o and_o rule_v and_o order_v of_o they_o respective_o belong_v and_o pertain_v only_o to_o those_o in_o authority_n as_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o republic_n howsoever_o the_o embasladour_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v send_v into_o such_o a_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n about_o business_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o whole_a country_n yet_o none_o but_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n or_o the_o state_n have_v the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o the_o people_n and_o subject_n under_o they_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o those_o high_a affair_n for_o they_o be_v arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la and_o appertain_v not_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o every_o corporation_n howsoever_o the_o letter_n or_o mandate_n from_o either_o king_n parliament_n or_o state_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o several_a county_n hundred_o or_o corporation_n or_o city_n yet_o the_o lieutenant_n governor_n sheriff_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-councell_n in_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n what_o they_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v by_o either_o letter_n or_o mandate_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o several_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v according_a to_o the_o several_a exigence_n of_o the_o time_n as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o direct_n of_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o several_a county_n or_o hundred_o or_o corporation_n in_o general_a do_v not_o invest_v all_o the_o people_n with_o power_n or_o join_v they_o in_o commission_n with_o the_o magistrate_n of_o those_o respective_a place_n but_o leave_v the_o transact_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o those_o only_a in_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n which_o the_o people_n be_v not_o yea_o