saint_n to_o do_v but_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n be_v that_o the_o do_v whereof_o do_v cast_v contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o institution_n some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o they_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o harden_v person_n in_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o therefore_o the_o major_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o such_o full_a clear_a and_o evident_a expression_n bottom_v upon_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n as_o carry_v a_o brightness_n with_o they_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v desperate_o and_o judicious_o blind_v will_n or_o can_v gainsay_v the_o minor_a or_o second_v proposition_n viz_o that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n be_v the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o do_v cast_v contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o harden_v person_n in_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o be_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n gainsay_v answ._n if_o the_o major_n be_v understand_v of_o real_a and_o not_o only_o imaginary_a and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n of_o itself_o per_fw-la se_fw-la and_o not_o by_o accident_n through_o the_o prejudice_n or_o ill_a disposition_n of_o some_o person_n cast_v contempt_n and_o harden_v the_o major_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o minor_a deny_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v but_o let_v we_o attend_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o minor_a three_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v therein_o assert_v 1._o that_o our_o hear_v these_o person_n be_v that_o which_o cast_v contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o institution_n of_o christ._n 2_o that_o it_o harden_v person_n in_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n 3_o that_o it_o harden_v and_o encourage_v soul_n in_o their_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n as_o for_o the_o first_o a_o brief_a observation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n clear_o bottom_v upon_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o evince_v its_o original_a to_o be_v from_o god_n first_o then_o that_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o man_n of_o the_o world_n from_o all_o way_n of_o false_a worship_n and_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n thereabouts_o until_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v apparent_o a_o people_n dwell_v alone_o and_o not_o reckon_v among_o the_o nation_n however_o it_o be_v decry_v and_o find_v harsh_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v one_o grand_a institution_n a_o man_n may_v run_v and_o read_v in_o the_o follow_a scripture_n numb_a 23.9_o joh._n 15.9_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 17_o 19_o ephes._n 5.8_o 11._o 2_o tim_n 3.5_o hos._n 4_o 15._o revel_v 18.4_o prov._n 4.7_o nor_n be_v it_o deny_v by_o some_o of_o our_o conform_v brethren_n answ._n by_o the_o world_n and_o man_n of_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v understand_v such_o profess_a christian_n as_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n able_a to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n as_o the_o elder_n and_o member_n of_o a_o gather_a church_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n be_v satisfy_v with_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o admission_n into_o their_o church_n or_o that_o enter_v not_o into_o church_n covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a and_o dwell_v alone_o be_v mean_v either_o of_o join_v alone_o with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o hear_v pray_v and_o sacrament_n or_o of_o dwell_v alone_o in_o their_o habitation_n not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o not_o be_v member_n of_o a_o national_a or_o parochial_a chureh_n or_o not_o under_o a_o national_a government_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a or_o not_o take_v upon_o they_o anâ—_n office_n or_o employment_n in_o either_o such_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o none_o of_o these_o sense_n be_v the_o proposition_n prove_v by_o any_o of_o the_o text_n allege_v concern_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n or_o man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o proposition_n be_v both_o false_a and_o dangerous_a the_o first_o text_n numb_a 23_o 9_o be_v only_o a_o pprophecy_n of_o balaam_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n that_o they_o shall_v dwell_v alone_o and_o not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o nation_n to_o infer_v thence_o any_o of_o his_o sort_n of_o separation_n to_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v without_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n it_o may_v yield_v better_a proof_n for_o a_o national_a church_n christian_n against_o this_o author_n if_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o christian_a church_n visible_a can_v be_v thence_o deduce_v john_n 15.19_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o be_v of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o but_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v that_o party_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o christ_n that_o hate_v he_o and_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o according_o hate_v they_o that_o be_v for_o christ_n as_o v_o 18._o show_n but_o that_o by_o the_o world_n be_v mean_v a_o national_a or_o parochial_a church_n or_o national_a state_n common_a wealth_n kingdom_n city_n or_o house_n as_o such_o because_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a be_v most_o false_a it_o be_v true_a that_o christ_n choose_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o call_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o world_n in_o their_o enmity_n against_o he_o or_o his_o word_n but_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n not_o by_o any_o institution_n to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o other_o christian_n by_o profession_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n contra-distinct_a from_o national_a or_o parochial_a in_o the_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a way_n of_o discipline_n by_o a_o explicit_a or_o implicit_a church_n covenant_n or_o into_o a_o plantation_n or_o body_n politic_a or_o oeconomick_a independent_a on_o any_o civil_a government_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o nation_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 17_o 19_o or_o rather_o 18._o for_o 18._o be_v the_o last_o v_o of_o that_o chapter_n have_v be_v and_o so_o have_v ephes._n 5.8_o 11._o rev._n 18.4_o in_o the_o last_o section_n of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o 8_o chapter_n show_v to_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v for_o proof_n of_o such_o a_o separation_n as_o be_v here_o mean_v nor_o be_v it_o prove_v 2_o tim._n 3.5_o but_o it_o be_v a_o precept_n for_o timothy_n to_o turn_v away_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o arbitrary_a society_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o associate_a with_o such_o as_o be_v there_o describe_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o other_o employment_n as_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v either_o treacherous_a to_o he_o or_o a_o hindrance_n or_o a_o blot_n to_o he_o host_n 4.15_o be_v only_o a_o precept_n unto_o judah_n of_o not_o be_v idolatrous_a as_o israel_n prov._n 14.7_o be_v a_o precept_n advise_v man_n in_o prudence_n that_o they_o go_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o foolish_a man_n when_o they_o perceive_v not_o in_o he_o the_o lip_n of_o knowledge_n to_o allege_v text_n so_o far_o from_o the_o prove_v of_o what_o they_o be_v bring_v for_o show_v rather_o a_o mind_n willing_a to_o cheat_v honest_a and_o weak_a people_n than_o any_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o honesty_n and_o as_o i_o say_v the_o position_n be_v false_a for_o it_o suppose_v christ_n to_o have_v institute_v such_o a_o separation_n as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o sundry_a parable_n shall_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 13.30_o 40_o 49._o such_o as_o neither_o christ_n in_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n nor_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o to_o the_o corinthian_n or_o any_o other_o ever_o urge_v such_o as_o never_o be_v attempt_v but_o it_o be_v judge_v schismatical_a and_o prove_v unhappy_a in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o it_o be_v dangerous_a since_o it_o put_v person_n upon_o withdraw_a their_o subjection_n not_o only_o from_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n but_o also_o from_o civil_a and_o household_n ruler_n that_o be_v count_v the_o world_n or_o man_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o people_n dwell_v alone_o and_o not_o reckon_v among_o the_o nation_n which_o will_v overthrow_v also_o all_o state_n body_n politic_a and_o household_n government_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o rom._n 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 7.20_o 24._o it_o be_v add_v
it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n galatia_n judaea_n in_o the_o evangelist_n history_n of_o the_o do_n suffering_n and_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n i_o find_v the_o word_n church_n use_v but_o in_o two_o place_n mat._n 16.18_o and_o 18.17_o of_o the_o extent_n and_o meaning_n of_o both_o which_o text_n there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n not_o only_o between_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n but_o also_o among_o the_o protestant_n themselves_o of_o different_a persuasion_n about_o church_n government_n that_o it_o will_v require_v a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o to_o make_v a_o thorough_a discussion_n of_o those_o two_o text_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v start_v about_o they_o that_o mat._n 16.18_o be_v undoubted_o mean_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o whether_o ecumenical_a visible_a or_o invisible_a or_o indefinite_a or_o topical_a be_v doubt_v it_o be_v without_o any_o proof_n appropriate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o order_v under_o this_o or_o that_o peculiar_a form_n of_o government_n but_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n whether_o of_o jew_n or_o gentile_n more_o or_o few_o abstractive_o from_o any_o political_a consideration_n and_o such_o external_a adjunct_n and_o denomination_n as_o whereby_o usual_o church_n be_v in_o common_a speech_n diversify_v in_o the_o other_o place_n mat._n 18.17_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o say_v tell_v my_o church_n but_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o the_o term_n thy_o brother_n may_v as_o well_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o brother_n as_o by_o birth_n or_o proselytism_n adjoin_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o jew_n by_o birth_n his_o brethren_n kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 9.3_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v in_o that_o place_n mat._n 5.23_o 24._o which_o be_v a_o precept_n like_a to_o this_o for_o the_o reconcile_n of_o particular_a difference_n and_o right_v of_o wrong_n and_o the_o expression_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a seem_v to_o intimate_v as_o of_o a_o brother_n in_o christian_a profession_n it_o may_v not_o without_o reason_n be_v doubt_v whether_o by_o the_o church_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o christian_a church_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o synedrium_fw-la whether_o great_a or_o lesser_a and_o if_o it_o be_v extend_v as_o a_o direction_n to_o christian_a brethren_n whether_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o their_o assembly_n under_o a_o ecclesiastical_a consideration_n or_o political_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n institution_n of_o a_o church_n by_o preception_n or_o command_n i_o find_v not_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n that_o i_o know_v have_v give_v we_o any_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o bound_v model_a or_o number_v church_n there_o be_v a_o precept_n heb._n 10.25_o that_o christian_n shall_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o none_o about_o the_o define_n how_o many_o shall_v go_v to_o a_o church_n or_o be_v account_v to_o belong_v to_o one_o church_n no_o determination_n by_o any_o precept_n concern_v member_n belong_v to_o a_o church_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v fix_v to_o one_o meeting_n or_o ambulatory_a and_o movable_a sometime_o belong_v to_o one_o assembly_n sometime_o to_o another_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o institution_n of_o church_n whether_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v domestic_a congregational_a parochial_a classical_a diocesan_n provincial_a patriarchical_a or_o ecumenical_a the_o order_n of_o such_o distinction_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o far_o as_o i_o deprehend_v have_v leave_v to_o divine_a providence_n and_o humane_a prudence_n allow_v more_o or_o few_o to_o a_o church_n as_o the_o ime_n will_v permit_v the_o increase_n or_o diminution_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v as_o pastor_n may_v be_v have_v and_o their_o partition_n and_o meeting_n be_v convenient_a for_o their_o edification_n and_o government_n it_o be_v true_a the_o romanist_n will_v infer_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o peter_n mat._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n that_o st._n peter_n and_o after_o hâ—m_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v make_v universal_a bishop_n but_o that_o by_o christ_n church_n be_v mean_v the_o universal_a church_n and_o by_o christ_n building_n it_o be_v mean_v constitute_v a_o universal_a bishop_n be_v a_o assertion_n without_o proof_n in_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v style_v ecumenical_a but_o so_o also_o have_v other_o patriarch_n we_o believe_v one_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n but_o so_o denominate_v from_o their_o common_a confession_n or_o the_o same_o faith_n not_o from_o union_n to_o and_o subjection_n under_o one_o visible_a church_n head_n mr._n paul_n bayne_n as_o i_o remember_v long_v since_o dispute_v against_o diocesan_n church_n for_o parochial_a and_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o westminster_n the_o dissenter_n against_o this_o proposition_n that_o many_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n from_o such_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n yield_v but_o the_o argument_n seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v cogent_a they_o declare_v only_o what_o be_v do_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o text_n mat._n 18.17_o be_v much_o urge_v by_o sundry_a sort_n of_o pleader_n for_o their_o several_a way_n of_o church-government_n but_o it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o by_o brother_n and_o church_n be_n mean_v christian_a believer_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o christian_a believer_n and_o church_n be_v mean_v whether_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o christian_a civil_a judicatory_a or_o ecclesiastical_a consistory_n or_o congregational_a assembly_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o rank_n or_o some_o select_a arbitrator_n that_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n be_v there_o no_o other_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o brother_n against_o another_o which_o v_o 21_o 22._o luk._n 17_o 3_o 4._o show_n to_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o private_a trespass_n or_o injury_n do_v by_o one_o to_o another_o who_o may_v remit_v or_o forgive_v they_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o act_n ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n than_o a_o admonition_n to_o the_o injurious_a brother_n to_o do_v right_a to_o he_o who_o he_o have_v wrong_v whereupon_o it_o be_v then_o allow_v or_o appoint_v upon_o non-satisfaction_n to_o he_o or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o church_n without_o any_o other_o juridical_a sentence_n mention_v that_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o disobedient_a shall_v be_v to_o he_o that_o complain_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n with_o who_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o have_v familiarity_n nothing_o be_v say_v of_o be_v such_o to_o the_o church_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o its_o sentence_n juridical_a or_o be_v exclude_v à _fw-la sacris_fw-la which_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o publican_n be_v not_o luk._n 18.10_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o evince_v that_o neither_o be_v here_o that_o institute_v church_n which_o the_o assertor_n of_o congregational_a church_n and_o church-government_n urge_v as_o the_o only_a church_n and_o church-government_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o inculcate_v as_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n and_o any_o other_o way_n to_o be_v as_o the_o set_n of_o man_n post_n by_o god_n post_n and_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n as_o a_o humane_a invention_n nor_o be_v here_o that_o church-government_n institute_v which_o they_o make_v the_o only_a government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o congregation_n or_o the_o major_a part_n be_v to_o cast_v out_o exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o holy_a thing_n in_o every_o church_n though_o but_o of_o seven_o or_o eight_o every_o member_n that_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o monition_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o answer_v to_o the_o question_n in_o the_o first_o querie_n forementioned_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o since_o the_o unchurch_a of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o yet_o that_o we_o know_v of_o so_o espouse_v a_o nation_n or_o people_n to_o himself_o as_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o people_n or_o nation_n may_v be_v account_v he_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o his_o blood_n out_o of_o every_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o have_v make_v we_o unto_o our_o god_n king_n and_o priest_n revel_v 5.9_o 10._o we_o own_v no_o church_n visible_a now_o but_o of_o believer_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n we_o approve_v the_o 19_o article_n of_o
that_o every_o person_n be_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n and_o that_o be_v the_o fiâ—st_a seat_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n allege_v matth._n 16.18_o &_o 18.17_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o build_v thereupon_o their_o separation_n yet_o i_o never_o judge_v either_o the_o allegation_n of_o those_o text_n to_o be_v pertinent_a to_o that_o they_o produce_v they_o for_o or_o that_o such_o conclusion_n as_o they_o gather_v from_o they_o about_o the_o constitution_n and_o power_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v a_o member_n in_o such_o a_o church_n so_o form_v be_v right_o deduce_v but_o of_o this_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o this_o book_n sect_n 15._o and_o elsewhere_o sect._n 4._o to_o attend_v only_o on_o the_o ministry_n of_o minister_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n appointment_n fâ—uâ—thly_o say_v this_o author_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v officer_n of_o his_o own_o to_o act_v in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o and_o over_o thâ—se_a assembly_n who_o he_o furnish_v with_o gift_n every_o way_n suit_v their_o employment_n to_o who_o without_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n or_o attend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o his_o appointment_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o saint_n to_o hearken_v be_v very_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o ensue_a scripture_n ephes._n 4.11_o heb._n 13.7_o 13_o mat._n 24.4_o 5.23.24_o 1_o joh._n 2.18_o &_o 4.1_o 2_o joh_n 10_o act_n 20.29_o 30_o 31._o revel_v 2.14_o 15_o 16._o which_o exact_o agree_v with_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o primitive_a believer_n who_o it_o seem_v receive_v none_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o brethren_n of_o know_a integrity_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 16.3_o act_n 9.26_o answ._n it_o be_v true_a that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v officer_n of_o his_o own_o to_o act_v in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o furnish_v they_o with_o gift_n every_o way_n suit_v their_o employment_n when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o ephes._n 4.11_o and_o that_o such_o officer_n as_o may_v gather_v and_o perfect_v his_o church_n be_v of_o his_o appointment_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o obey_v they_o heb._n 13.7.17_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v or_o attend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v deceiver_n false_a teacher_n antichrist_n that_o bring_v not_o the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v false_a prophet_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n nicolaitan_n that_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n as_o the_o text_n allege_v do_v import_n and_o that_o s._n paul_n send_v alm_n to_o jerusalem_n by_o such_o messenger_n as_o the_o corinthian_n approve_v that_o s._n paul_n be_v not_o at_o first_o admit_v into_o society_n with_o the_o disciple_n till_o barnabas_n bring_v he_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o inform_v they_o of_o his_o conversion_n but_o that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v officer_n only_o in_o and_o over_o particular_a congregational_a church_n or_o that_o they_o only_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o such_o a_o church_n be_v his_o officer_n or_o that_o they_o be_v furnish_v by_o christ_n with_o gift_n every_o way_n suit_v their_o employment_n as_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a or_o that_o all_o other_o minister_n or_o preacher_n be_v stranger_n not_o of_o christ_n appointment_n or_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o to_o attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n or_o that_o hear_v they_o be_v turn_v aside_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n or_o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o preach_v or_o to_o communion_n in_o a_o congregational_a church_n or_o to_o be_v hear_v preach_v but_o such_o as_o have_v have_v testimony_n of_o some_o brethren_n of_o know_a integrity_n in_o the_o gather_a church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o text_n allege_v nor_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o these_o tenant_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n although_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o case_n as_o agree_v with_o the_o state_n of_o church_n at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o prudence_n may_v be_v commend_v yet_o to_o make_v they_o institution_n of_o christ_n necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v at_o all_o time_n and_o no_o other_o order_n different_a from_o these_o lawful_a but_o rather_o antichristian_a be_v a_o humane_a invention_n and_o no_o better_a than_o superstition_n which_o this_o author_n and_o other_o separatist_n do_v so_o much_o inveigh_v against_o and_o indeed_o to_o enjoin_v christian_n member_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n or_o other_o christian_n to_o hear_v only_o such_o officer_n be_v both_o against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v approve_v in_o the_o scripture_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n themselves_o and_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v rigid_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n of_o this_o author_n put_v such_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n as_o be_v intolerable_a and_o pernicious_a for_o 1._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v according_a to_o christ_n design_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o christian_n not_o appropriate_a to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a number_n of_o man_n so_o as_o not_o to_o act_v as_o minister_n of_o his_o appointment_n but_o in_o particular_a gather_v church_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a perhaps_o for_o good_a order_n and_o government_n to_o assign_v particular_a place_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o apostolical_a institution_n that_o in_o particular_a church_n there_o shall_v be_v pastor_n and_o elder_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o be_v resident_a with_o they_o and_o to_o feed_v they_o but_o that_o no_o other_o than_o such_o shall_v be_v officer_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o prove_v if_o there_o be_v not_o apostle_n prophet_n or_o evangelist_n now_o as_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yet_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o man_n may_v be_v officer_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v assign_v to_o no_o particular_a charge_n as_o lecturer_n catechist_n reader_n in_o the_o university_n member_n of_o synod_n commissioner_n for_o settle_v church_n in_o discipline_n for_o approbation_n of_o preacher_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n either_o in_o common_a or_o more_o special_o for_o some_o place_n may_v be_v hear_v or_o else_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o give_v they_o shall_v be_v frustrate_a this_o i_o gather_v partly_o from_o the_o expression_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o that_o not_o only_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n but_o also_o teacher_n be_v set_v by_o god_n in_o the_o church_n indefinite_o not_o in_o this_o or_o that_o definite_a church_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o well_o as_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n ephes._n 4.12_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o determinate_a assignation_n of_o some_o saint_n or_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n but_o make_v they_o his_o gift_n to_o any_o saint_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o his_o providence_n shall_v order_v partly_o and_o chief_o in_o that_o s._n paul_n count_v it_o sinful_a glory_v in_o man_n to_o appropriate_v this_o or_o that_o teacher_n as_o peculiar_a to_o some_o and_o that_o because_o paul_n and_o apollo_n and_o cephas_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n every_o minister_n be_v every_o christian_n in_o that_o every_o christian_a be_v christ_n and_o he_o god_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o so_o that_o however_o every_o of_o they_o can_v be_v every_o christian_n in_o use_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v jus_o in_o re_fw-mi yet_o every_o christian_a have_v a_o title_n to_o every_o minister_n or_o jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la and_o therefore_o to_o say_v none_o be_v christ_n officer_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o congregational_a church_n and_o over_o they_o and_o to_o attend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o other_o be_v to_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n be_v to_o deprive_v christian_n of_o the_o right_a god_n give_v they_o to_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o tend_v to_o that_o glory_v in_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v 2._o we_o find_v that_o apollo_n say_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n by_o who_o the_o corinthian_n believe_v who_o paul_n plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 6._o be_v a_o diligent_a teacher_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o ephesus_n and_o he_o disdain_v not_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n more_o perfect_o by_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n act_v 18.25_o 26._o who_o be_v
his_o paraphrase_n on_o mat._n 23.8_o 9_o 10._o as_o if_o christ_n do_v forbid_v the_o apostle_n to_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o any_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o god_n which_o they_o do_v act_n 15.25_o 28._o but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o be_v a_o order_n ordinance_n institution_n of_o the_o house_n of_o christ_n appoint_v by_o himself_o such_o order_n i_o take_v to_o be_v precept_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v god_n gift_n to_o he_o mat._n 28.18_o joh._n 3.35_o and_o 5.22_o 26_o 27._o and_o 17.2_o act_n 3.22_o and_o 5.31_o ephes._n 1.22_o etc._n etc._n no_o precept_n to_o we_o but_o let_v it_o imply_v a_o precept_n to_o we_o do_v not_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n conform_v to_o it_o he_o grant_v they_o do_v so_o in_o word_n but_o not_o in_o deed_n why_o so_o they_o own_o other_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o lawâ—making_a power_n and_o will_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o freeborn_a subject_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n beside_o he_o and_o thereby_o proclaim_v their_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n against_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o their_o rejection_n of_o his_o sceptre_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o they_o this_o be_v a_o high_a charge_n and_o if_o true_a will_v unchristen_v they_o but_o i_o see_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o oratory_n such_o as_o tertullus_n use_v against_o st._n paul_n act_v 24._o which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o venomous_a in_o that_o it_o be_v in_o generalibus_fw-la without_o instance_v in_o particular_n which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o diabolical_a calumniatour_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v the_o lord_n he_o mean_n be_v either_o the_o king_n or_o the_o bishop_n the_o king_n be_v own_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n the_o bishop_n in_o the_o promise_n at_o their_o ordination_n wherein_o they_o promise_v the_o lord_n be_v their_o helper_n to_o obey_v reverent_o their_o ordinary_n and_o other_o minister_n unto_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n over_o they_o follow_v with_o a_o glad_a mind_n and_o will_v their_o godly_a admonition_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o godly_a judgement_n the_o law-making_a power_n of_o the_o king_n be_v with_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o convocation_n the_o enforce_n of_o the_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v a_o uncouth_a phrase_n as_o suppose_v the_o conscience_n can_v be_v enforce_v by_o man_n which_o be_v impossible_a be_v mean_v of_o causative_a compulsion_n by_o enjoin_v man_n to_o act_n or_o speak_v according_a to_o such_o statute_n or_o canon_n as_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o under_o certain_a penalty_n how_o many_o and_o which_o of_o these_o act_n or_o speech_n be_v rebellion_n and_o rejection_n of_o christ_n authority_n be_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o not_o person_n of_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v thus_o criminate_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o railer_n and_o scold_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o prove_v that_o though_o such_o act_n and_o speech_n be_v imagine_v to_o be_v such_o rebellion_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v so_o in_o they_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o do_v they_o presumptuous_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o proud_a heart_n and_o a_o high_a hand_n which_o if_o this_o author_n have_v not_o learn_v the_o maxim_n calumniare_fw-la audacter_fw-la aliquid_fw-la haerebit_fw-la methinks_v he_o shall_v tremble_v to_o attempt_v but_o since_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o i_o intend_v to_o observe_v his_o motion_n he_o go_v on_o sect._n 4._o minister_n oppose_v not_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n by_o not_o join_v in_o the_o separation_n plead_v for_o 2._o say_v he_o this_o great_a prophet_n and_o king_n have_v also_o reveal_v and_o proclaim_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o those_o who_o he_o have_v call_v by_o his_o word_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n walk_v together_o in_o particular_a society_n and_o church_n have_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o lord_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o sovereign_a institution_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v in_o the_o scripture_n hereunto_o annex_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o 5.12_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o rev._n 18.4_o joh._n 15.19_o and_o 17.6_o act_n 2.40_o and_o 19.9_o phil._n 1.5_o act_n 2.41_o and_o 17.4_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o with_o many_o more_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v copious_a but_o that_o we_o study_v brevity_n the_o diligent_a reader_n know_v where_o to_o find_v this_o theme_n at_o large_a treat_v of_o by_o learned_a ainsworth_n bartlet_n cotton_n rogers_n etc._n etc._n how_o do_v the_o minister_n of_o england_n acquit_v themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o solemn_a appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n alas_o who_o see_v not_o that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o practice_n at_o open_a defiance_n herewith_o have_v it_o in_o derision_n and_o contempt_n make_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a admit_v person_n lead_v captive_a by_o the_o devil_n at_o his_o will_n that_o open_o blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o deride_v its_o effectual_a operation_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n into_o their_o society_n be_v any_o too_o vile_a except_o such_o as_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o desire_v to_o press_v after_o holiness_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o into_o their_o communion_n be_v not_o their_o church-state_n so_o unlike_a be_v it_o to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n a_o very_a babel_n a_o den_n of_o dragon_n and_o hold_v of_o unclean_a beast_n answ._n this_o crimination_n proceed_v on_o these_o supposition_n 1._o that_o christian_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o parish_n assembly_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n by_o church-covenant_n which_o they_o call_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o reject_v and_o not_o to_o admit_v to_o the_o communion_n those_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o to_o admit_v only_o real_a saint_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o that_o by_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n and_o promiscuous_a admission_n to_o the_o communion_n they_o infringe_v the_o solemn_a appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o my_o part_n have_v read_v somewhat_o in_o mr._n ainsworth_n and_o mr._n cotton_v write_n both_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o the_o separatist_n in_o the_o low-countries_n and_o the_o independent_o in_o new-england_n i_o do_v not_o either_o in_o the_o scripture_n here_o allege_v find_v such_o a_o solemn_a appointment_n of_o christ_n either_o that_o private_a person_n or_o minister_n be_v to_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n as_o these_o author_n do_v press_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o nor_o have_v experience_n either_o in_o the_o low-countries_n or_o old_a or_o new-england_n give_v such_o encouragement_n to_o sober_a mind_a christian_n as_o to_o engage_v they_o in_o that_o way_n but_o rather_o many_o division_n declining_n into_o error_n and_o other_o evil_n have_v give_v too_o much_o cause_n for_o man_n to_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v ever_o a_o plant_n of_o god_n plant_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o those_o who_o he_o have_v call_v by_o his_o word_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o this_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o worship_n so_o as_o not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o therein_o and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o text_n allege_v but_o then_o by_o the_o world_n be_v mean_v profess_v infidel_n such_o as_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o worship_v idol_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o be_v profess_v unbeliever_n as_o john_n 15.19_o and_o 17.6_o act_n 2.40_o and_o 19.9_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v nor_o to_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n or_o to_o take_v a_o vow_n and_o purify_v themselves_o at_o the_o temple_n notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o priest_n service_n and_o people_n and_o their_o open_a opposition_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o christian_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n because_o of_o either_o know_a evil_n in_o the_o conversation_n of_o those_o present_a or_o only_o suspect_v or_o report_v be_v without_o all_o colour_n of_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v invite_v rev._n
charge_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o first_o step_n to_o apostasy_n heb._n 10.25_o be_v you_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o see_v what_o spiritual_a saint_n will_v be_v offend_v at_o you_o if_o any_o shall_v you_o may_v have_v peace_n therein_o you_o do_v your_o duty_n no_o just_a cause_n of_o scandal_n be_v give_v yet_o further_o 5._o consider_v on_o which_o side_n the_o cross_n lie_v which_o the_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a interest_n be_v most_o opposite_a to_o whether_o in_o go_v or_o forbear_v to_o go_v to_o hear_v these_o man_n usual_o that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o have_v most_o of_o the_o cross_n in_o it_o and_o the_o flesh_n be_v most_o struggle_a and_o contest_v against_o but_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o seven_o argument_n answ._n if_o the_o case_n be_v grant_v as_o be_v suggest_v the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v the_o present_a minister_n prove_v it_o unlawful_a not_o to_o hear_v they_o unless_o omission_n may_v not_o be_v say_v to_o scandalize_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o matth._n 17.27_o no_o serious_a and_o strict_a search_n of_o man_n can_v find_v what_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o man_n conformity_n till_o god_n discover_v it_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o insinuate_v conceit_n of_o other_o which_o beget_v evil_a surmise_n in_o we_o of_o they_o true_a charity_n believe_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o malignity_n to_o say_v i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v what_o may_v beget_v evil_a prejudice_n in_o i_o or_o another_o towards_o a_o brother_n but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v a_o embrace_v a_o toleration_n if_o grant_v this_o will_v only_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o tie_v themselves_o to_o the_o present_a ministry_n not_o that_o then_o or_o now_o they_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v they_o nor_o that_o their_o hear_n be_v only_o to_o avoid_v offence_n but_o for_o other_o reason_n conjunct_a with_o it_o which_o may_v be_v lawful_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o same_o act_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o evil_a in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a to_o arm_v at_o our_o own_o peace_n and_o other_o outward_a advantage_n beside_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n if_o a_o man_n be_v dispose_v to_o retaliate_v it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v tell_v this_o author_n that_o perhaps_o somewhat_o else_o lay_v at_o the_o bottom_n beside_o his_o not_o offend_v the_o lamb_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o do_v separate_v heretofore_o it_o may_v be_v credit_n preferment_n power_n and_o gain_v lay_v that_o way_n it_o may_v be_v adherence_n to_o a_o party_n interest_n in_o their_o affection_n that_o i_o say_v no_o more_o retain_v he_o still_o in_o this_o way_n yet_o will_v he_o take_v this_o ill_a and_o why_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o other_o what_o he_o will_v not_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n christ_n teach_v otherwise_o matth._n 7.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 12._o but_o to_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hear_v the_o present_a minister_n while_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o word_n of_o god_n and_o though_o by_o immediate_a precept_n a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o hear_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a minister_n of_o this_o or_o that_o way_n of_o church-government_n or_o persuasion_n but_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v as_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n consider_v for_o his_o conveniency_n yet_o if_o other_o thing_n concur_v he_o ought_v to_o hear_v such_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v place_v over_o he_o or_o near_o his_o habitation_n though_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v his_o pastor_n which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v prove_v from_o 1_o thâ—s_fw-la 5.12_o heb._n 13.17_o john_n 10_o 27_o mark_v 4.23_o how_o we_o be_v to_o avoid_v scandalize_a our_o brethren_n be_v show_v above_o but_o it_o favour_n of_o schism_n to_o appropriate_v the_o term_n brethren_n to_o christian_n of_o our_o persuasion_n or_o of_o our_o society_n who_o exceed_v in_o number_n holiness_n spirituality_n and_o tenderness_n be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o determine_v vivorum_fw-la difficilis_fw-la est_fw-la censura_fw-la who_o can_v tell_v what_o measure_n of_o these_o qualification_n there_o be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v live_v who_o can_v point_v out_o who_o be_v such_o who_o not_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o man_n may_v prove_v for_o all_o their_o fair_a show_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o this_o author_n or_o any_o other_o to_o number_v they_o compare_n weigh_v they_o in_o a_o upright_a balance_n may_v not_o those_o be_v more_o carnal_a yea_o very_a hypocrite_n which_o he_o count_v spiritual_a saint_n be_v not_o he_o and_o all_o other_o special_o of_o his_o way_n of_o separation_n most_o apt_a to_o magifie_v those_o who_o jump_v with_o he_o in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o disparage_v dissenter_n be_v not_o the_o sincere_a lamb_n of_o christ_n oftentimes_o carry_v away_o with_o false_a show_n and_o partial_a affection_n and_o wrong_a report_n what_o a_o lesbian_a leaden_a rule_n do_v this_o author_n then_o give_v who_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v rather_o than_o another_o yea_o the_o rule_n be_v against_o his_o scope_n for_o if_o those_o non-hearer_n be_v such_o holy_a spiritual_a person_n as_o he_o make_v they_o there_o be_v the_o less_o danger_n of_o offend_v they_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o grant_v it_o they_o be_v the_o experience_n the_o world_n have_v have_v of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v yet_o give_v we_o no_o such_o assurance_n of_o their_o surpass_a holiness_n but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v many_o of_o they_o caâ—nal_n and_o walk_v as_o man_n have_v not_o they_o even_o some_o of_o the_o prime_a leader_n of_o they_o show_v as_o much_o passion_n pride_n covetousness_n self-seeking_a and_o other_o sinister_a affection_n as_o other_o of_o different_a way_n sure_a hildersham_n ball_n bradshaw_n gataker_n and_o many_o other_o who_o have_v oppose_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n of_o old_a and_o of_o late_o have_v give_v as_o much_o proof_n of_o their_o holiness_n spirituality_n and_o tenderness_n as_o johnson_n ainsworth_n robinson_n and_o other_o in_o old_a or_o new_a england_n or_o holland_n have_v do_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v any_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v exceed_v i_o will_v not_o say_v the_o martyr_a bishop_n in_o q._n mary_n day_n but_o even_o late_a bishop_n usher_n bedel_n potter_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prelatical_a minister_n and_o church_n in_o holiness_n spirituality_n and_o tenderness_n let_v the_o reader_n pardon_v my_o just_a indignation_n at_o this_o rot_a and_o stink_a course_n of_o puff_v up_o his_o own_o party_n and_o disparage_v dissenter_n which_o can_v never_o tend_v to_o clear_a truth_n and_o beget_v righteous_a judgement_n in_o man_n but_o to_o delude_v man_n with_o specious_a pretence_n and_o â—oment_n division_n non_fw-fr est_fw-fr ex_fw-la personis_fw-la fides_fw-la aestimanda_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la fide_fw-la persona_fw-la say_v tertullian_n truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o person_n but_o the_o person_n by_o truth_n if_o we_o must_v know_v our_o duty_n by_o this_o author_n rule_n we_o must_v leave_v study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o study_v man_n every_o weak_a christian_a must_v take_v upon_o he_o a_o impossible_a task_n to_o weigh_v two_o party_n in_o a_o upright_a balance_n one_o offend_v at_o hear_v the_o present_a minister_n and_o the_o other_o for_o not_o hear_v they_o and_o both_o be_v conceive_v godly_a and_o sober_a christian_n judge_v which_o party_n be_v most_o numerous_a holy_a spiritual_a and_o tender_a nor_o be_v the_o next_o direction_n much_o better_a it_o suppose_v that_o they_o who_o conform_v whether_o minister_n or_o hearer_n blame_v the_o separatist_n that_o they_o do_v not_o build_v up_o in_o practice_n in_o a_o day_n of_o trouble_n what_o in_o a_o day_n of_o liberty_n they_o do_v in_o their_o preach_n and_o practice_n pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v and_o thereby_o cause_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o offence_n on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o thâ—y_o be_v disobedient_a to_o what_o they_o be_v satisfy_v and_o the_o conformist_n minister_n or_o hearer_n of_o they_o or_o both_o once_o be_v that_o god_n be_v call_v they_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o to_o separate_v from_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o offence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o offence_n be_v more_o just_a on_o the_o side_n of_o these_o late_a these_o word_n be_v enigmatical_a and_o require_v a_o oâ—dipus_n to_o unriddle_v they_o however_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v his_o meaning_n that_o the_o godly_a and_o sober_a christian_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o other_o of_o his_o
warrant_v and_o engage_v to_o attend_v upon_o it_o the_o great_a hope_n we_o have_v of_o their_o goodness_n the_o more_o be_v all_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n bind_v to_o encourage_v they_o in_o this_o way_n as_o be_v the_o the_o true_a way_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v very_o sinful_a since_o it_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o hold_v they_o as_o excommunicate_v to_o reprove_v to_o urge_v they_o to_o repentance_n not_o to_o receive_v they_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o brethren_n walk_v disorderly_a be_v uncharitableness_n and_o injustice_n that_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v a_o good_a man_n before_o he_o repent_v can_v be_v well_o conceive_v since_o he_o commit_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o mourn_v that_o he_o that_o have_v do_v that_o deed_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n that_o the_o saint_n do_v not_o mourn_v that_o the_o present_a minister_n who_o be_v confess_o good_a man_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o it_o be_v their_o great_a sin_n if_o they_o do_v not_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o and_o pray_v for_o their_o establishment_n and_o good_a success_n in_o their_o ministry_n that_o the_o ministry_n be_v devise_v by_o any_o other_o than_o god_n be_v not_o show_v they_o that_o talk_v and_o write_v ignorant_o not_o ever_o read_v the_o book_n of_o ordination_n which_o show_v what_o their_o ministry_n be_v make_v invective_n against_o they_o and_o wild_o wander_v from_o they_o upon_o false_a suggestion_n often_o to_o their_o perdition_n that_o to_o hear_v they_o be_v not_o to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o sin_n be_v show_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o author_n 8_o the_o argument_n chap._n 8_o the_o that_o their_o ministry_n be_v usurp_v be_v not_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a ministry_n which_o if_o it_o be_v though_o it_o be_v usurp_v it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n but_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o he_o that_o exercise_v it_o it_o follow_v sect._n 11._o the_o example_n of_o the_o learned_a godly_a nonconformist_n be_v some_o inducement_n to_o hear_v the_o present_a minister_n object_n 7._o but_o many_o learned_a and_o good_a man_n and_o such_o as_o in_o conscience_n can_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v in_o day_n past_a and_o do_v now_o hear_v the_o present_a minister_n thereof_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o most_o accomplish_a for_o humane_a wisdom_n part_n yea_o visible_a holiness_n have_v not_o be_v always_o on_o the_o lord_n side_n follow_v he_o in_o path_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n but_o many_o time_n have_v be_v find_v the_o great_a persecutor_n and_o opposer_n of_o christ_n the_o most_o stupendious_o ignorant_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o work_v of_o their_o generation_n of_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n witness_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o learned_a rabbi_n and_o profound_a doctor_n of_o that_o day_n with_o what_o virulency_n do_v they_o oppose_v christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o he_o 2._o that_o person_n of_o as_o great_a holiness_n and_o renown_n for_o learning_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o accomplishment_n as_o learned_a ainsworth_n cotton_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o reform_a church_n who_o general_o renounce_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o admit_v any_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o soul_n as_o they_o speak_v but_o 3._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa._n 8.20_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n though_o angel_n for_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v or_o heed_v one_o word_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o more_o weight_n to_o heart_n make_v true_o tender_a than_o the_o example_n of_o a_o hundred_o professor_n can_v be_v it_o be_v possible_a these_o may_v err_v be_v yea_o and_o nay_o but_o so_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o will_v abide_v so_o for_o ever_o 4._o the_o apostle_n have_v long_o since_o determine_v this_o case_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o saint_n follow_v christ_n i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o follow_v they_o but_o no_o further_o so_o that_o the_o learning_n part_n or_o holiness_n of_o any_o that_o attend_v upon_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o i_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n i_o reply_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n such_o as_o st._n paul_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o most_o excellent_a moralist_n among_o the_o gentile_n have_v be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n afore_o their_o call_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o objection_n be_v of_o learned_a and_o good_a man_n among_o christian_n who_o be_v never_o find_v the_o great_a persecutor_n and_o opposer_n of_o christ._n possible_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o yea_o and_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o that_o among_o christian_n the_o great_a scholar_n and_o most_o accomplished_a for_o humane_a part_n wisdom_n yea_o for_o visible_a holiness_n have_v not_o be_v always_o on_o the_o lord_n side_n follow_v he_o in_o path_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n but_o have_v be_v stupendious_o ignorant_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o work_n of_o their_o generation_n i_o think_v cardinal_n caietan_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a scholar_n of_o his_o time_n yet_o see_v not_o what_o luther_n see_v about_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o luther_n though_o he_o do_v much_o in_o that_o point_n yet_o see_v not_o so_o much_o as_o calvin_n in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o reâ—l_a presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n and_o therefore_o like_o well_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o â—h_a answer_v here_o that_o we_o shall_v adhere_v only_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o learned_a as_o they_o be_v of_o christ._n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a course_n which_o be_v take_v by_o some_o so_o to_o disparage_v learning_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o no_o necessity_n university_n as_o of_o no_o use_n but_o rather_o seminary_n of_o ungodliness_n to_o say_v that_o man_n that_o have_v humane_a learning_n be_v the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a which_o do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o as_o how_o the_o cobbler_n a_o much_o follow_v preacher_n a_o great_a while_n ago_o in_o london_n vent_v in_o print_n that_o learned_a scholar_n do_v make_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n be_v but_o juggler_n and_o deceiver_n which_o be_v too_o too_o often_o insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o well_o meaning_n but_o weak_a mind_n whereby_o they_o be_v more_o addict_v to_o such_o as_o how_o tillinghast_n and_o other_o popular_a orator_n and_o their_o injudicious_a discourse_n if_o stuff_v with_o feign_a word_n and_o earnest_a affection_n then_o to_o the_o most_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a who_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o handle_v of_o controversy_n have_v clear_v the_o truth_n and_o restore_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o these_o people_n understand_v not_o but_o it_o happen_v according_a to_o the_o say_n scientia_fw-la nâ—minem_fw-la habâ—â—_n inimicum_fw-la nisi_fw-la ignorantem_fw-la and_o sure_a though_o i_o will_v have_v no_o christian_a enslave_v his_o judgement_n to_o any_o man_n it_o be_v that_o anthropolatria_n or_o sin_n of_o glory_v in_o man_n forbid_v 1_o cor._n 3.21_o against_o which_o i_o print_v a_o little_a treatise_n in_o the_o the_o year_n 1645_o foreseeing_a it_o will_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o divide_v christian_n into_o party_n nor_o will_v i_o have_v that_o which_o be_v propound_v by_o man_n of_o none_o or_o lesser_a learning_n reject_v because_o it_o be_v from_o they_o one_o paphâ—utius_n may_v see_v that_o truth_n which_o a_o whole_a council_n though_o such_o as_o the_o first_o nâ—cene_n without_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a spirit_n in_o matthaeus_n langius_n that_o make_v he_o disdain_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o luther_n as_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o thâ—_n council_n of_o â—rent_n god_n do_v out_o of_o the_o
27._o the_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o affect_v of_o and_o addict_v themselves_o to_o some_o teacher_n with_o relinquishment_n if_o not_o disclaim_v of_o other_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 1.12_o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n and_o i_o of_o christ_n whereupon_o there_o be_v among_o they_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o and_o they_o sort_v themselves_o into_o company_n sever_v from_o other_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 1_o cor._n 11.17_o 18._o and_o that_o about_o the_o lord_n supper_n v_o 21.33_o now_o the_o not_o hear_v of_o the_o present_a minister_n and_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n that_o hear_v they_o and_o adhere_v only_o to_o their_o own_o teacher_n and_o church_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o separatist_n be_v either_o the_o same_o or_o very_o like_o the_o schism_n or_o division_n among_o the_o corinthian_n or_o tend_v to_o it_o and_o have_v beget_v and_o be_v like_a to_o beget_v the_o same_o if_o not_o worse_o effect_n among_o the_o christian_n in_o england_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v to_o be_v alike_o evil_a as_o the_o schism_n among_o the_o corinthian_n and_o be_v reckon_v gal._n 5.20_o 21._o among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n exclude_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o be_v allege_v by_o this_o author_n to_o justify_v such_o separation_n be_v answer_v before_o that_o which_o dr._n john_n owen_n have_v in_o his_o book_n of_o schism_n tend_v to_o acquit_v such_o separation_n from_o the_o crime_n of_o schism_n or_o to_o difference_n it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o evil_a among_o the_o corinthian_n have_v be_v examine_v by_o mr._n daniel_n cawdrey_n that_o notion_n which_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o corinthian_a schism_n as_o if_o it_o be_v only_a division_n in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o not_o separation_n from_o other_o not_o join_v in_o the_o same_o particular_a congregation_n or_o such_o congregational_a church_n be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o what_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v 1_o cor._n 10.17_o and_o 12.12_o 13._o rom._n 12.4_o 5._o ephes._n 4.4_o ephes._n 5.30_o 31_o 32._o ephes._n 1.23_o col._n 3.11.15_o whereby_o every_o christian_a believer_n wherever_o be_v count_v of_o the_o same_o body_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o love_n peace_n mutual_a affection_n and_o correspondent_a endeavour_n for_o their_o good_a and_o if_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.25_o express_o count_v it_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n when_o any_o christian_a do_v neglect_v another_o and_o not_o take_v care_n of_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o schism_n when_o christian_n separate_v without_o necessary_a cause_n from_o communion_n with_o other_o and_o more_o special_o when_o they_o disclaim_v they_o that_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v divide_v as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 1.13.23_o st._n james_n in_o his_o epistle_n ch_n 2.1_o write_v thus_o my_o brethren_n have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o he_o express_v himself_o by_o instance_n that_o they_o prefer_v the_o rich_a before_o the_o poor_a in_o place_v they_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o tax_v they_o therefore_o as_o partial_a in_o themselves_o and_o judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n now_o to_o hear_v one_o that_o preach_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v of_o our_o particular_a society_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o particular_a interest_n or_o agreement_n in_o opinion_n or_o any_o other_o than_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o disclaim_v hear_v another_o that_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n preach_v it_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o embrace_v it_o and_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o to_o despise_v or_o oppose_v such_o be_v to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n for_o other_o reason_n then_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o be_v condemn_v by_o st._n james_n as_o evil_n 24._o st._n paul_n rom._n 16_o 17._o write_v thus_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n maâ—k_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o but_o those_o who_o teach_v man_n not_o to_o hear_v their_o minister_n which_o preach_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n or_o not_o elect_v or_o ordain_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o such_o church_n or_o because_o they_o conform_v to_o some_o thing_n conceive_v unwarrantable_a which_o be_v make_v the_o reason_n of_o unlawfulness_n to_o hear_v the_o present_a minister_n who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v cause_n offence_n and_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n rom._n 12.4.5_o rom._n 14.1_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 15.1_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v 25._o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.36_o speak_v thus_o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o from_o you_o or_o come_v it_o unto_o you_o only_o which_o seem_v to_o reprehend_v the_o conceit_n whether_o schismatical_a or_o arrogant_a as_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v from_o they_o as_o the_o only_a right_a teacher_n or_o confine_v to_o they_o as_o the_o only_a person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v communicate_v and_o from_o who_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v and_o so_o condemn_v such_o suppose_a enclosure_n by_o any_o church_n or_o company_n of_o teacher_n but_o such_o conceit_n and_o enclosure_n they_o have_v and_o make_v who_o deny_v the_o present_a minister_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v conceive_v the_o separate_a church_n and_o minister_n the_o only_a right_a church_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v hear_v 26._o the_o apostle_n philip._n 3_o 15_o 16._o write_v thus_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thâ—ng_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shâ—ll_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o thaâ—_n be_v as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v 1_o cor._n 2.6_o 1_o coâ—_n 14.20_o hâ—b_n 5_o 14._o be_v oppose_v to_o child_n and_o babe_n that_o be_v wâ—ak_v in_o thâ—_n faith_n rom._n 14.1_o lâ—t_v they_o be_v mind_v as_o i_o be_o which_o he_o have_v express_v before_o in_o the_o chapter_n from_o v_o 4._o to_o v_o 15._o and_o if_o any_o through_o weakness_n â—n_v faith_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o those_o rom._n 14_o 2.5_o that_o think_v moysaicall_a law_n be_v yet_o obligatory_a god_n will_v in_o time_n reveal_v this_o to_o be_v their_o liberty_n whicâ—_n i_o now_o judge_v to_o be_v i_o nevertheless_o say_v he_o whereto_o you_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o require_v christian_a communion_n without_o separation_n notwithstanding_o such_o difference_n and_o consequent_o condemn_v separation_n from_o ministerâ—_n or_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n about_o church_n government_n and_o liturgy_n and_o different_a practice_n about_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n to_o they_o which_o be_v of_o less_o moment_n than_o those_o difference_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v walk_v together_o in_o preach_v hear_v pray_v and_o other_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n 27._o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v record_v the_o prophecy_n of_o â—alaam_n numb_a 24.3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n of_o caiaphas_n john_n 1â—_n 51_o 52._o yea_o the_o saying_n of_o greek_a infidel_n idolatrous_a poet_n cite_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o word_n of_o aratus_n act_v 17.28_o of_o menander_n 1_o cor._n 15.33_o of_o epimâ—nides_n titus_n 1.12_o which_o show_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o read_v hear_v and_o make_v use_n of_o true_a say_n of_o any_o though_o neither_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n nor_o believer_n but_o idolater_n and_o wicked_a enemy_n to_o the_o faith_n much_o more_o may_v the_o book_n be_v read_v and_o the_o sermon_n hear_v of_o such_o learned_a man_n or_o preacher_n as_o clear_v and_o deliver_v the_o word_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o dissent_v or_o disconformity_n to_o other_o about_o liturgy_n and_o church_n discipline_n 28._o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess._n 5.20_o 21._o require_v christian_n not_o to_o despise_v prophesying_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a st._n john_n 1_o epist._n chap._n 4._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n they_o make_v it_o not_o sin_v mere_o to_o hear_v they_o