profession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o prescribe_v a_o way_n to_o convert_v those_o that_o go_v astray_o and_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a also_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v either_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n without_o a_o previous_a due_a mission_n and_o calling_n or_o in_o the_o tolerance_n and_o connivance_n of_o god_n by_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o respective_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o right_a of_o common_a call_n without_o that_o accurate_a search_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n 149._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n let_v the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v produce_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o they_o 150._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o these_o person_n and_o their_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o rich_a of_o such_o thing_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o great_a pity_n because_o in_o this_o revolt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o notwithstanding_o bear_v ecclesiastic_a office_n stout_o and_o zealous_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o discipline_n together_o with_o those_o other_o proceed_v of_o they_o adorn_v with_o specious_a title_n and_o exercise_v they_o in_o a_o proud_a magisteriall_a manner_n against_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o different_a opinion_n and_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o draw_v to_o themselves_o the_o spiritual_a right_n of_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v the_o secular_a right_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o part_n nor_o portion_n and_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o continue_v gather_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o stead_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n 151._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o person_n and_o their_o church_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o great_a pity_n let_v the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v produce_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o they_o 152._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o such_o person_n and_o their_o church_n be_v worthy_a of_o great_a pity_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o esteem_n a_o christian_a now_o a_o day_n since_o all_o either_o more_o or_o less_o have_v continue_v or_o gather_v and_o govern_v church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n without_o any_o previous_a institution_n command_n or_o welpleasing_a permission_n of_o he_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o what_o esteem_n i_o say_v a_o christian_n ought_v to_o hold_v such_o a_o church_n and_o society_n wherein_o he_o live_v 153._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v produce_v hereupon_o we_o will_v consider_v of_o it_o 154._o but_o if_o nothing_o be_v produce_v then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o all_o and_o singular_a church_n which_o in_o the_o revolt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n have_v neither_o be_v erect_v gather_v nor_o govern_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a manner_n by_o mere_a ecclesiastic_a authority_n but_o vaunt_v themselves_o to_o be_v either_o continue_a or_o gather_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v account_v imperfect_a and_o presumptuous_a imperfect_a because_o among_o other_o thing_n their_o minister_n want_v a_o word_n of_o mouth_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a to_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n presumptuous_a because_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o word_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a which_o ought_v alone_o to_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n they_o substitute_v their_o own_o concionatory_a word_n not_o whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a and_o have_v exclude_v all_o the_o people_n claim_v to_o themselves_o alone_o a_o power_n and_o right_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n both_o of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a and_o primitive_a christian_a church_n which_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a and_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o promiscuous_a explication_n of_o any_o text_n whatsoever_o destitute_a of_o such_o a_o effectual_a direction_n as_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n corrupt_o do_v in_o church_n by_o mean_n of_o sermon_n moreover_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v presumptuous_a because_o they_o perform_v their_o gather_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o church_n and_o all_o their_o aforesaid_a practice_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n 155._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o such_o church_n and_o society_n let_v the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v produce_v and_o let_v it_o be_v declare_v what_o manner_n of_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o it_o 156._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o all_o those_o ecclesiastic_a society_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v for_o such_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n one_o may_v notwithstanding_o continue_v and_o communicate_v with_o they_o 157._o if_o there_o be_v any_o expedient_n let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o will_v weigh_v they_o 158._o but_o if_o nothing_o be_v produce_v concern_v that_o matter_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v since_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o society_n be_v not_o whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a can_v for_o the_o reason_n often_o specify_v be_v account_v for_o the_o genuine_a worship_n perform_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n command_n or_o welpleasing_a permission_n although_o those_o society_n be_v by_o their_o author_n erect_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n alone_o as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v able_a it_o be_v i_o say_v to_o be_v then_o inquire_v whether_o all_o such_o society_n as_o long_o as_o they_o sin_v out_o of_o ignorance_n may_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o some_o sort_n be_v account_v for_o society_n erect_v gather_v and_o govern_v mere_o by_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n and_o right_a of_o common_a call_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o respective_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o tolerance_n and_o connivance_n of_o god_n as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o be_v for_o such_o society_n wherein_o none_o either_o rule_v the_o church_n or_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o by_o way_n of_o embassage_n for_o god_n and_o wherein_o error_n both_o can_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o with_o which_o society_n ignorant_o vaunt_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n though_o imperfect_a because_o among_o other_o thing_n they_o want_v a_o word_n of_o mouth_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a and_o presumptuous_a because_o they_o boast_v their_o own_o concionatory_a word_n not_o whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a for_o divine_a service_n perform_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o because_o minister_n alone_o speak_v therein_o and_o that_o concern_v any_o point_n whatsoever_o and_o perform_v the_o gather_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o edificative_a worship_n perform_v there_o by_o their_o minister_n and_o people_n though_o defective_o and_o abusive_o a_o christian_a may_v in_o charity_n communicate_v with_o they_o apply_v to_o they_o as_o near_o as_o it_o may_v be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n despise_v not_o prophesying_n prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.20_o 21._o and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n there_o as_o they_o be_v public_a profession_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n get_v by_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v of_o the_o person_n that_o administer_v they_o and_o their_o call_n 159._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o account_v the_o foresay_a society_n for_o such_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n let_v the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v produce_v and_o let_v it_o be_v declare_v what_o manner_n of_o church_n they_o may_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v account_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o it_o 160._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o may_v be_v account_v for_o such_o church_n wherein_o edificative_a worship_n be_v perform_v by_o every_o christian_n respective_o that_o abide_v in_o they_o without_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o one_o ought_v perpetual_o to_o communicate_v with_o those_o society_n in_o that_o manner_n or_o not_o 161._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v produce_v touch_v this_o matter_n we_o will_v consider_v of_o it_o 162._o but_o if_o nothing_o
be_v produce_v then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o those_o society_n in_o that_o manner_n any_o long_o then_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o foresay_a way_n of_o gather_v &_o govern_v church_n by_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n due_o to_o examine_v their_o gather_n and_o govern_v of_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o public_o to_o declare_v their_o opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v genuine_a that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o not_o again_o then_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o after_o they_o have_v find_v and_o publish_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o institute_v in_o their_o stead_n in_o the_o connivance_n of_o god_n a_o public_a worship_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o member_n of_o those_o society_n abide_v every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o society_n respective_o may_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n without_o any_o sedition_n or_o schism_n addict_v themselves_o to_o that_o worship_n of_o connivency_n and_o persist_v unanimous_o therein_o be_v back_v with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o like_a society_n for_o if_o they_o either_o neglect_n or_o protract_v that_o examination_n or_o when_o they_o have_v make_v it_o refuse_v to_o declare_v and_o publish_v their_o opinion_n touch_v the_o usual_a gather_n and_o govern_v of_o their_o church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n traduce_v vex_v and_o persecute_v those_o who_o have_v persuade_v they_o to_o it_o and_o admonish_v they_o to_o publish_v it_o and_o so_o add_v obstinacy_n to_o their_o error_n or_o after_o they_o have_v find_v and_o publish_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o practise_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o neglect_v protract_v or_o refuse_v to_o institute_v that_o worship_n of_o connivance_n in_o short_a if_o such_o self_n condemn_v society_n nevertheless_o neither_o forsake_v their_o former_a worship_n nor_o institute_v the_o aforesaid_a worship_n of_o connivance_n then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o that_o case_n for_o christian_n to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o such_o society_n every_o one_o from_o his_o own_o respective_o account_v they_o not_o long_o church_n of_o god_n but_o malignant_a society_n whereinto_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n fear_v god_n and_o only_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a ought_v not_o to_o enter_v 163._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o separate_v himself_o from_o his_o own_o society_n let_v the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v produce_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o they_o 164._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v so_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o he_o ought_v to_o depart_v silent_o from_o that_o society_n without_o any_o declaration_n or_o have_v first_o use_v a_o declaration_n or_o first_o silent_o and_o afterward_o use_v a_o declaration_n 165._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o depart_v silent_o without_o any_o declaration_n let_v the_o reason_n be_v produce_v and_o we_o will_v weigh_v they_o 166._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o depart_v have_v first_o use_v or_o present_o after_o use_v a_o declaration_n or_o first_o silent_o and_o afterward_o use_v a_o declaration_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v how_o a_o christian_n ought_v to_o behave_v himself_o in_o point_n of_o religious_a worship_n after_o he_o have_v due_o forsake_v that_o vain_a society_n 167._o if_o there_o be_v any_o expedient_n let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o will_v weigh_v they_o 168._o but_o if_o nothing_o be_v produce_v touch_v this_o matter_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o better_o for_o a_o christian_a with_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o perform_v private_o a_o worship_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v and_o lie_v than_o contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n to_o be_v present_a with_o a_o assembly_n public_o perform_v in_o the_o name_n of_o of_o god_n a_o worship_n not_o whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a though_o convince_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n of_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n thereof_o 169._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o better_o for_o he_o let_v the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v produce_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o they_o 170._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o perform_v private_o a_o worship_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o in_o the_o case_n aforesaid_a namely_o when_o there_o be_v no_o public_a worship_n find_v whereof_o a_o christian_a can_v partake_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n where_o i_o say_v it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o pivate_a worship_n perform_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o scripture_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a do_v then_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o true_a public_a worship_n 171._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v concern_v that_o matter_n let_v the_o reason_n be_v produce_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o they_o 172._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v concern_v that_o matter_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o or_o how_o long_o a_o christian_a fear_v god_n ought_v to_o continue_v in_o that_o practice_n of_o private_a worship_n only_o 173._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v produce_v touch_v this_o matter_n we_o will_v consider_v it_o 174._o but_o if_o nothing_o be_v produce_v then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o since_o the_o very_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v &_o lie_v be_v public_o propose_v for_o the_o only_a catechism_n &_o confession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n also_o for_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o whole_a public_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o tolerance_n and_o connivance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o revolt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n and_o right_a of_o common_a call_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o respective_a member_n of_o the_o church_n also_o for_o the_o only_a mean_n whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n in_o common_a fundamental_n and_o of_o mutual_a public_a edification_n by_o speech_n which_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o and_o in_o their_o exercise_n come_v near_a to_o be_v whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a also_o for_o the_o fit_a mean_n of_o mutual_a tolerance_n since_o i_o say_v the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o foresay_a manner_n by_o some_o christian_n fear_v god_n who_o in_o this_o revolt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n have_v canvas_v the_o whole_a scripture_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v touch_v that_o gather_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o tolerance_n and_o connivance_n of_o god_n and_o have_v sincere_o communicate_v their_o collection_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o church_n gather_v worship_n edification_n government_n and_o tolerance_n according_a to_o the_o most_o evident_a determination_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o those_o collection_n be_v settle_v mere_o by_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n and_o right_a of_o common_a call_n &_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o respective_a member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o ear_n always_o open_v ready_o and_o thankful_o to_o receive_v better_a information_n whether_o i_o say_v it_o be_v then_o seasonable_a and_o profitable_a for_o a_o christian_a have_v prove_v the_o thing_n aforesaid_a the_o best_a he_o can_v and_o sincere_o and_o free_o approve_v they_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o that_o society_n to_o worship_n praise_n and_o profess_v god_n in_o a_o public_a manner_n unanimous_o with_o many_o and_o mutual_o to_o edify_v his_o neighbour_n in_o conference_n with_o those_o common_a fundamental_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o other_o may_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n and_o consequent_o according_a to_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o gift_n in_o every_o age_n of_o such_o a_o church_n the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v by_o all_o christian_n unanimous_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v unanimous_o do_v in_o the_o heaven_n 175._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o even_o then_o a_o christian_a can_v join_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o society_n let_v the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v produce_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o they_o 176._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o a_o christian_a then_o may_v do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v
to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n or_o a_o proposal_n of_o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n by_o way_n of_o quaere_fw-la chief_o touch_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o other_o thing_n either_o necessary_a or_o profitable_a for_o christianity_n present_v to_o those_o church_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o profess_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n &_o manner_n wherein_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a way_n to_o reconcile_v christian_n be_v lay_v open_o translate_v out_o of_o latin_a into_o english_a by_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n london_n print_v for_o george_n whittington_n at_o the_o blue_a anchor_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1648._o to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n that_o the_o author_n name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o work_n be_v not_o here_o express_v know_v it_o be_v do_v for_o thy_o sake_n to_o prevent_v sinister_a prejudice_n which_o be_v wont_v common_o to_o arise_v from_o such_o undertake_n especial_o when_o man_n write_v pro_fw-la and_o con_v otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v publish_v to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o thou_o know_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o design_n conceal_v it_o till_o the_o author_n when_o he_o shall_v judge_v it_o expedient_a manifest_a himself_o farewell_n reade_n judge_n answer_v but_o on_o this_o condition_n that_o thou_o remember_v it_o speak_v to_o thyself_o and_o other_o john_n 7.24_o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n a_o preface_n whosoever_o shall_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o stir_n and_o tumult_n that_o be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v see_v among_o christian_n will_v find_v they_o chief_o to_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o leader_n of_o almost_o every_o party_n claim_v to_o themselves_o a_o divine_a authority_n as_o if_o they_o be_v true_a preacher_n and_o man_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o ground_n they_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o stir_v up_o not_o only_o private_a christian_n but_o also_o magistrate_n to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o priest_n esteem_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n constantine_n the_o great_a though_o otherwise_o a_o sage_a and_o excellent_a prince_n be_v yet_o bring_v into_o this_o fool_n paradise_n and_o so_o exceed_o dote_v on_o the_o priest_n as_o that_o he_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o three_o hundred_o bishop_n meet_v together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o according_o employ_v his_o power_n in_o persecute_v those_o who_o the_o bishop_n have_v vote_v heretic_n in_o who_o step_n christian_a prince_n have_v ever_o since_o for_o the_o most_o part_n tread_v to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o many_o time_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o crown_n wherefore_o it_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o christian_a state_n that_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o claim_n which_o the_o priest_n lay_v to_o divine_a authority_n shall_v be_v detect_v &_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o christian_n may_v cease_v for_o shame_n to_o prosecute_v any_o long_o their_o interest_n perceive_v their_o office_n to_o be_v but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o if_o they_o as_o they_o pretend_v have_v receive_v a_o commission_n from_o god_n they_o will_v not_o only_o know_v when_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o be_v but_o will_v also_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o for_o it_o will_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o send_v messenger_n on_o other_o term_n since_o he_o will_v thereby_o expose_v not_o only_o they_o but_o his_o own_o majesty_n to_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n for_o who_o will_v not_o laugh_v at_o such_o a_o prince_n as_o shall_v send_v ambassador_n to_o treat_v of_o some_o weighty_a affair_n in_o his_o name_n without_o a_o commission_n or_o letter_n of_o credence_n to_o give_v assurance_n of_o their_o embassy_n but_o the_o preacher_n of_o our_o time_n can_v neither_o tell_v we_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v to_o they_o as_o be_v institute_v of_o man_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n nor_o do_v they_o know_v what_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o message_n be_v as_o learn_v all_o their_o skill_n out_o of_o book_n like_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o preach_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o yea_o the_o same_o person_n oftentimes_o preach_v contrary_a to_o himself_o cry_v up_o that_o one_o while_n for_o truth_n which_o another_o while_n he_o cry_v down_o again_o for_o error_n nor_o can_v they_o make_v their_o call_n apparent_a to_o other_o in_o that_o their_o speech_n and_o preach_v stand_v only_o in_o the_o plausible_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o not_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o yet_o they_o present_o take_v on_o if_o we_o receive_v they_o not_o as_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n not_o weigh_v that_o whosoever_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n intitule_v god_n to_o whatsoever_o he_o publish_v and_o consequent_o if_o his_o doctrine_n be_v false_a as_o that_o of_o our_o preacher_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o contrariety_n find_v therein_o intitule_v god_n himself_o to_o false_a doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o grievous_a impiety_n upon_o these_o ground_n therefore_o let_v we_o compare_v the_o preacher_n of_o our_o time_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o heretofore_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o perceive_v how_o unlike_a our_o preacher_n be_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o they_o pretend_v nor_o true_a messenger_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o false_a prophet_n against_o who_o god_n himself_o denounce_v a_o woe_n for_o run_v when_o he_o have_v not_o send_v they_o and_o prophesy_v when_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o they_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v certain_a of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o preach_v and_o therefore_o constant_o teach_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o strain_n but_o our_o preacher_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a of_o they_o and_o thereupon_o bewray_v so_o much_o sicklenesse_n in_o their_o teach_n they_o require_v not_o that_o man_n shall_v believe_v they_o as_o come_v from_o god_n unless_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o our_o preacher_n though_o destitute_a of_o divine_a power_n do_v yet_o fall_v foul_a upon_o all_o those_o who_o do_v but_o make_v a_o question_n of_o their_o call_n they_o though_o they_o be_v both_o themselves_o infallible_o assure_v of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o can_v by_o miracle_n make_v their_o hearer_n also_o infallible_o assure_v of_o it_o yet_o never_o desire_v that_o refractory_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o embrace_v it_o though_o thereby_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v compel_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o our_o preacher_n though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o exact_a and_o entire_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o able_a to_o beget_v a_o certainty_n in_o their_o hearer_n yet_o never_o cease_v to_o importune_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o force_v the_o people_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o doctrine_n though_o most_o common_o it_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o to_o common_a sense_n but_o let_v we_o leave_v prosecute_a these_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n any_o further_a lest_o we_o too_o much_o forestall_v the_o reason_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o this_o ensue_a excellent_a discourse_n which_o do_v so_o canvas_v the_o pretend_a divine_a authority_n that_o the_o preacher_n of_o our_o time_n challenge_v to_o themselves_o and_o so_o drive_v they_o from_o post_n to_o pillar_n that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o set_v their_o foot_n so_o that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o weigh_v what_o be_v here_o offer_v to_o their_o view_n they_o will_v soon_o pull_v down_o their_o crest_n and_o cease_v to_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o their_o brethren_n acknowledge_v their_o own_o institution_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v indeed_o mere_o humane_a and_o that_o their_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o further_o receive_v than_o the_o hearer_n perceive_v it_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n which_o if_o they_o do_v the_o christian_a world_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o truth_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o discover_v since_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o whirlwind_n of_o passion_n or_o in_o the_o earthquake_n of_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o still_a voice_n of_o love_n and_o
without_o prejudice_n argue_v on_o both_o side_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v and_o the_o weight_n and_o force_n of_o every_o place_n accurate_o scan_v to_o the_o intent_n that_o all_o those_o place_n be_v set_v down_o discuss_v and_o weigh_v on_o both_o side_n judgement_n may_v at_o length_n be_v make_v according_a as_o the_o manifest_a truth_n shall_v present_v itself_o to_o the_o view_n in_o some_o one_o of_o those_o part_n immediate_o confront_v together_o 141._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o so_o laborious_a a_o enquiry_n after_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v another_o way_n to_o search_v it_o out_o alike_o certain_a in_o this_o revolt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v produce_v and_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v of_o it_o 142._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v or_o determine_v concern_v that_o matter_n unless_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o any_o man_n either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v now_o know_v who_o in_o this_o revolt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n have_v so_o perform_v that_o thing_n 143._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o let_v the_o person_n be_v name_v who_o have_v seek_v out_o and_o endeavour_v that_o gather_n and_o govern_v of_o church_n by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o have_v heretofore_o be_v or_o now_o be_v 144._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o none_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v now_o know_v who_o in_o this_o revolt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n have_v take_v that_o course_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o can_v any_o long_o be_v doubt_v whence_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a contentons_n and_o schism_n have_v spring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o do_v as_o yet_o spring_v up_o since_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o search_n have_v be_v &_o still_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o stir_n in_o that_o minister_n not_o observe_v or_o not_o regard_v the_o want_n of_o fit_a person_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v yet_o adventure_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n those_o church_n that_o be_v at_o first_o due_o gather_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o to_o erect_v new_a one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o such_o mean_v as_o be_v not_o whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a whereupon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o one_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o lawful_a minister_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v captivate_v the_o people_n with_o his_o doctrine_n as_o due_o propose_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v strict_o observe_v and_o so_o divide_v the_o people_n be_v zealous_a for_o their_o minister_n into_o divers_a faction_n whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v measure_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o module_n and_o after_o the_o want_n of_o fit_a person_n and_o gift_n to_o have_v gather_v and_o govern_v church_n not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o only_o by_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n and_o right_a of_o common_a call_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o respective_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o mean_v as_o be_v whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a according_a as_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o toleration_n in_o such_o case_n also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o aforesaid_a collection_n and_o range_v of_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v esteem_v a_o thing_n impossible_a or_o not_o 145._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o thing_n impossible_a then_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v also_o impossible_a in_o this_o revolt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o gather_v and_o govern_v church_n in_o any_o convenient_a manner_n for_o how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o convenient_a manner_n if_o you_o proceed_v otherwise_o 146._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o collection_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o esteem_v a_o thing_n impossible_a since_o few_o place_n be_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v this_o gather_n and_o govern_v of_o church_n in_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v to_o institute_v conserve_n and_o introduce_v the_o exactness_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o prescribe_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n in_o the_o tolerance_n and_o connivance_n of_o god_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o church_n which_o during_o the_o want_n of_o fit_a person_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v gather_v and_o govern_v neglect_v to_o inquire_v the_o aforesaid_a manner_n of_o constitute_v church_n can_v and_o can_v accurate_o know_v whether_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v well_o gather_v and_o govern_v 147._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o can_v and_o can_v accurate_o know_v it_o let_v the_o reason_n there_o of_o be_v produce_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o they_o 148._o but_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o can_v accurate_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o just_o aught_o to_o doubt_v whether_o that_o administration_n and_o constitution_n of_o church_n which_o have_v heretofore_o pass_v and_o at_o this_o day_n pass_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v institute_v command_v or_o welplease_o permit_v by_o christ_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o all_o and_o singular_a person_n who_o after_o the_o foresay_a want_n of_o gift_n and_o person_n have_v not_o follow_v that_o course_n of_o search_v out_o and_o constitute_a church_n but_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n those_o church_n that_o be_v at_o first_o due_o gather_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o erect_v new_a one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v not_o whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a whether_o i_o say_v all_o such_o person_n and_o their_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v very_o rich_a of_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n a_o word_n not_o whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a of_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n catechism_n and_o confession_n not_o whole_o intrinsical_o undoubted_o and_o mere_o true_a of_o administer_a sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o slight_v and_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n of_o call_v ordain_v and_o send_v minister_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o examine_v man_n about_o their_o faith_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o exercise_v ecclesiastic_a discipline_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o frame_v and_o impose_v liturgy_n and_o consistoriall_a classical_a and_o synodal_a act_n and_o ecclesiastic_a decree_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o implore_v the_o secular_a arm_n to_o punish_v such_o as_o they_o call_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n of_o public_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o pray_v public_o for_o all_o the_o people_n as_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n send_v to_o discharge_v a_o embassage_n for_o christ_n of_o make_v hymn_n to_o be_v public_o sing_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n of_o make_v form_n of_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n elder_n and_o deacon_n of_o make_v form_n of_o marriage_n excommunication_n reception_n and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o the_o deposition_n of_o minister_n of_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o of_o private_a prayer_n of_o make_v form_n to_o bid_v public_a fast_n and_o day_n of_o humiliation_n of_o make_v form_n to_o appoint_v holy_a day_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o form_n have_v be_v make_v as_o by_o minister_n send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n moreover_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v rich_a of_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o write_a commentary_n of_o write_a sermon_n of_o common_a place_n thesis_n and_o the_o like_a make_v and_o propose_v to_o the_o people_n as_o by_o minister_n officiate_a for_o god_n also_o of_o open_v erect_v and_o govern_v school_n and_o university_n of_o calling_n election_n confirmation_n and_o ordination_n of_o doctor_n bachelor_n and_o professor_n of_o divinity_n of_o licens_v book_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o press_n of_o ordain_v public_a reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n clerk_n and_o visiter_n of_o the_o sick_a of_o forbid_v to_o converse_v with_o christian_n of_o other_o society_n of_o forbid_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o christian_n in_o public_a of_o require_v of_o christian_n a_o public_a