of_o god_n to_o commit_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o his_o house_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v not_o qualify_v to_o that_o purpose_n beside_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o he_o trust_v any_o with_o those_o thing_n but_o he_o promise_v they_o furniture_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n enable_v they_o according_o so_o when_o he_o send_v forth_o moses_n jeremiah_n isaiah_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o furniture_n and_o when_o he_o send_v out_o the_o apostle_n he_o furnish_v they_o for_o that_o end_n so_o john_n 20._o 21_o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o they_o again_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o there_o be_v the_o commission_n give_v they_o and_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o this_o in_o v_o 22._o and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o furniture_n and_o so_o do_v he_o to_o minister_n who_o he_o entrust_v with_o this_o power_n he_o promise_v they_o furniture_n matth_n 28_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o the_o minister_n as_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o these_o promise_n can_v not_o be_v full_o verify_v in_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o die_v within_o a_o little_a but_o in_o minister_n their_o successor_n to_o the_o world_n end_n now_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a he_o have_v neither_o make_v such_o promise_n to_o every_o particular_a believer_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n neither_o do_v he_o perform_v they_o unto_o they_o what_o be_v every_o believer_n furnish_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n prudence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v require_v for_o the_o right_a manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o church_n government_n yea_o god_n do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o they_o and_o so_o certain_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o his_o wisdom_n to_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o believer_n this_o for_o ouâ—_n three_o argument_n our_o four_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n belong_v to_o church_n member_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o either_o as_o they_o be_v gift_v for_o it_o and_o choose_v out_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o have_v our_o intent_n for_o then_o all_o be_v not_o church_n governor_n but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v gift_v and_o choose_v and_o so_o church_n officer_n or_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o believer_n or_o church_n member_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o for_o every_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v a_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o whatever_o privilege_n flow_v from_o faith_n belong_v to_o every_o believer_n the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a so_o if_o the_o right_n of_o church_n government_n be_v ground_v on_o faith_n and_o grace_n than_o every_o believer_n and_o none_o but_o believer_n shall_v have_v the_o right_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o shall_v follow_v many_o absurdity_n as_o that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o parent_n the_o simple_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wise_a woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n may_v preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n lay_v on_o hand_n in_o ordain_v the_o minister_n sit_v in_o session_n inflict_v censure_n excommunicate_a and_o what_o not_o second_o then_o none_o but_o believer_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o church_n government_n so_o none_o have_v power_n to_o baptise_v censure_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o that_o have_v grace_n and_o upon_o this_o people_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v right_o baptize_v or_o not_o because_o they_o know_v not_o if_o the_o minister_n who_o baptize_v they_o have_v grace_n or_o not_o and_o if_o he_o want_v grace_n he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o church_n government_n by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o so_o no_o power_n to_o baptise_v we_o bring_v a_o five_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o private_a christian_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n governor_n there_o be_v no_o name_n nor_o title_n give_v to_o they_o import_v this_o power_n to_o be_v in_o they_o as_o be_v give_v to_o church_n officer_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o 28._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o title_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v give_v to_o private_a christian_n yea_o they_o be_v set_v down_o plain_o under_o name_n in_o opposition_n to_o governor_n as_o the_o flock_n to_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o take_v heed_n tberefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n obey_v submit_v to_o their_o governor_n set_v over_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o hebr_n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v entrust_v they_o with_o high_a power_n of_o government_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o style_v he_o give_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o import_v of_o that_o power_n but_o much_o of_o their_o subjection_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o with_o officer_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o let_v any_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n a_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v but_o only_o to_o some_o than_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o all_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v only_o give_v to_o some_o therefore_o not_o to_o all_o church_n member_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o second_o that_o it_o be_v only_o give_v to_o some_o see_v those_o proof_n that_o limit_v this_o power_n only_o to_o some_o as_o ephes_n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n some_o and_o therefore_o not_o all_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o which_o we_o cite_v before_o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n there_o be_v but_o some_o that_o he_o have_v set_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n and_o therefore_o not_o all_o and_o heb_n 13_o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n tim_n 5._o 17._o as_o be_v likewise_o before_o cite_v there_o be_v some_o then_o that_o rule_n to_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o submit_v and_o so_o all_o be_v not_o ruler_n there_o be_v a_o seven_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o power_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o set_v down_o rule_n and_o limit_n to_o order_v it_o by_o in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n how_o to_o direct_v the_o manage_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church-member_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o whatever_o power_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o order_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a as_o we_o may_v prove_v by_o the_o enumeration_n of_o lawful_a power_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o regulate_v the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n that_o he_o play_v not_o the_o tyrant_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n to_o regulate_v the_o power_n of_o master_n parent_n by_o so_o the_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v regulate_v that_o they_o rule_v with_o diligence_n rom._n 12._o 8._o and_o so_o through_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n to_o order_v church_n government_n by_o in_o the_o hand_n particular_a believer_n for_o in_o no_o place_n of_o the_o word_n will_v such_o rule_n be_v find_v you_o that_o be_v the_o flock_n govern_v the_o pastor_n and_o feed_v they_o watch_v over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o direction_n give_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o therefore_o this_o pretend_a power_n be_v not_o of_o god_n our_o last_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o every_o
infer_v any_o church_n power_n which_o we_o clear_v in_o both_o first_o the_o people_n power_n in_o elect_v their_o minister_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o they_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o people_n election_n or_o their_o choice_n that_o make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o exercise_n the_o ministerial_a call_n but_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v church_n officer_n that_o make_v the_o man_n the_o minister_n and_o give_v he_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o act_v 6_o 3._o where_o the_o people_n election_n and_o ordination_n by_o church_n officer_n be_v clear_o distinguish_v wherefore_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v the_o people_n election_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n there_o be_v the_o church_n officer_n part_n though_o the_o people_n look_v they_o out_o and_o choice_n they_o that_o give_v they_o not_o the_o power_n of_o their_o call_n until_o the_o church_n officer_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o second_o the_o power_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o such_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o government_n in_o the_o people_n otherwise_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o people_n of_o berea_n who_o do_v try_v paul_n doctrine_n act._n 17._o 11._o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o word_n whetber_v those_o thing_n be_v so_o have_v authority_n over_o paul_n which_o none_o will_v affirm_v a_o second_o distinction_n to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v and_o those_o for_o who_o or_o for_o who_o good_a it_o be_v give_v although_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o private_a believer_n yet_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v give_v for_o they_o so_o all_o ordinance_n be_v give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o believer_n as_o it_o be_v ephes_n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangilist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o respect_n 1_o cor_n 3._o 21_o 22._o all_o be_v say_v to_o be_v they_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollos_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o i._n e._n give_v for_o their_o good_a but_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o church_n discipline_n be_v give_v for_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o in_o this_o respect_n paul_n be_v give_v to_o every_o particular_a believe_a woman_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o woman_n have_v paul_n authority_n and_o so_o the_o body_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o this_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n although_o the_o power_n be_v give_v for_o their_o good_a a_o three_o thing_n for_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o do_v willing_o grant_v to_o private_a christian_n power_n to_o admonish_v exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o charity_n and_o this_o they_o may_v extend_v even_o to_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n but_o this_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n do_v not_o import_v any_o church_n power_n in_o they_o over_o those_o who_o they_o rebuke_v no_o more_o than_o paul_n rebuke_v of_o peter_n gal_n 2._o 14._o do_v infer_v a_o power_n in_o paul_n above_o peter_n so_o you_o see_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v they_o any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n this_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o govern_v his_o house_n or_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n must_v be_v clear_a for_o none_o have_v right_a to_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o christ_n church_n except_o those_o who_o have_v a_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o it_o now_o that_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n either_o by_o precept_n or_o promise_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o word_n this_o power_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o so_o rome_n 10._o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o preach_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o â—e_v send_v v_o 15._o now_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v send_v beside_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o discharge_v this_o office_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o can_v convince_v gainsayer_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v that_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v and_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n for_o christ_n jesus_n have_v join_v both_o these_o power_n in_o one_o commission_n he_o give_v no_o power_n to_o any_o to_o aministrate_n the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v power_n also_o to_o preach_v matth_n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v them-&c_a them-&c_a them-&c_a power_n of_o preach_v and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n go_v together_o and_o so_o see_v the_o one_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o other_o must_v be_v deny_v also_o three_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o to_o execute_v any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n jurisdiction_n for_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o try_v minister_n gift_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n command_v they_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o practice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v that_o ever_o they_o do_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v in_o answer_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o private_a christian_n do_v overturn_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n none_o may_v doubt_v of_o for_o nothing_o appoint_v by_o god_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o himself_o now_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o put_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v clear_a because_o his_o order_n be_v that_o some_o be_v watchman_n some_o watch_v over_o some_o ruler_n some_o to_o submit_v some_o governor_n some_o to_o be_v govern_v some_o shepherd_n some_o the_o flock_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o their_o hand_n than_o all_o shall_v be_v overseer_n watchman_n ruler_n governor_n and_o none_o more_o than_o another_o if_o so_o be_v that_o power_n to_o govern_v shall_v flow_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o be_v so_o alike_o the_o three_o argument_n we_o bring_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o to_o whosoever_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v promise_n of_o suitable_a ability_n for_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a trust_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o gift_v neither_o promise_n to_o gift_n every_o christian_a nor_o yet_o require_v he_o answerable_a gift_n for_o government_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n he_o do_v also_o promise_v they_o sufficient_a ability_n for_o their_o trust_n be_v clear_a for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o wisdom_n
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
sure_o ordinary_a elder_n do_v never_o concur_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o act_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n as_o pen_v scripture_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o act_v as_o elder_n leave_v a_o pattern_n for_o such_o like_a judicatory_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n ¶_o iii_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subject_a to_o superior_a the_o three_o point_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o great_a have_v power_n of_o government_n over_o the_o lesser_a for_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o complaint_n of_o they_o enact_v of_o church_n canon_n unto_o which_o the_o inferior_a aught_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o point_n in_o short_a be_v that_o particular_a eldership_n be_v not_o independent_a so_o as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o be_v accountable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o presbytery_n be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v follow_v the_o former_a order_n first_o to_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o to_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o to_o answer_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n four_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n i._o for_o the_o first_o we_o allow_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n a_o eldership_n and_o power_n of_o discipline_n within_o themselves_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o particular_a concernment_n but_o as_o for_o thing_n wherein_o other_o congregation_n be_v concern_v with_o they_o we_o hold_v that_o such_o do_v belong_v to_o superior_a judicatory_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n what_o belong_v unto_o all_o shall_v be_v handle_v by_o all_o second_o we_o do_v not_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o single_a congregation_n above_o another_o we_o say_v that_o all_o congregation_n the_o least_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a be_v equal_a in_o power_n this_o way_n be_v the_o bishop_n tyranny_n that_o make_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o diocese_n subject_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n the_o parish_n where_o the_o bishop_n live_v so_o that_o all_o other_o be_v to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o the_o great_a lord_n bishop_n law_n which_o he_o give_v out_o in_o it_o we_o do_v only_o say_v that_o all_o particular_a congregation_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o elder_n take_v from_o among_o themselves_o wherein_o no_o congregation_n can_v challenge_v power_n more_o than_o another_o the_o mean_a have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o they_o as_o the_o great_a three_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n be_v absolute_a so_o that_o whatever_o they_o conclude_v shall_v stand_v for_o a_o law_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o affirm_v their_o power_n be_v a_o limit_a and_o ministerial_a power_n it_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o put_v the_o case_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n shall_v conclude_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v wrong_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v blind_o we_o allow_v to_o every_o particular_a christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o shall_v compare_v the_o act_n of_o church_n judicatories_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o according_o either_o to_o choice_n or_o refuse_v only_o herein_o we_o say_v first_o that_o particular_a christian_n shall_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v other_o blind_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o rather_o than_o they_o we_o mean_v when_o the_o matter_n be_v dubious_a second_o we_o say_v that_o when_o the_o case_n come_v that_o it_o be_v evident_o see_v that_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v go_v wrong_a private_a christian_n be_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o indeed_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judicatory_a even_o when_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o dissent_v from_o their_o act_n lest_o by_o their_o furious_a zeal_n they_o cast_v all_o loose_a and_o into_o confusion_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a eldership_n and_o so_o if_o particular_a eldership_n be_v independent_a or_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v warrant_v presbytery_n to_o be_v above_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o maintain_v the_o last_o and_o we_o clear_v our_o part_n the_o controversy_n from_o several_a argument_n ii_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n where_o the_o whole_a power_n be_v put_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o as_o to_o be_v countable_a to_o none_o we_o shall_v reckon_v four_o or_o five_o of_o these_o defect_n and_o indeed_o very_o great_a defect_n first_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a way_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o right_v a_o man_n that_o be_v wrong_v by_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o eldership_n shall_v wrong_v a_o man_n by_o censure_v he_o unjust_o according_a to_o their_o way_n he_o must_v sit_v with_o the_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o he_o till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n there_o be_v a_o second_o defect_n according_a to_o this_o independent_a way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o heal_v breach_n in_o a_o congregation_n put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o people_n shall_v divide_v from_o the_o elder_n or_o the_o elder_n among_o themselves_o or_o that_o one_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o contest_v with_o another_o now_o in_o these_o case_n suppose_v both_o these_o party_n to_o be_v wilful_a as_o too_o usual_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o any_o advice_n without_o authority_n to_o back_o it_o now_o what_o remedy_n be_v leave_v in_o such_o case_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o presbytery_n that_o have_v power_n over_o both_o party_n to_o command_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v no_o remedy_n in_o his_o house_n for_o such_o evil_n as_o may_v so_o frequent_o fall_v out_o three_o the_o independent_a way_n leave_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o hold_v down_o plurality_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o so_o then_o let_v a_o particular_a congregation_n set_v up_o what_o religion_n they_o please_v suppose_v it_o be_v popery_n there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n to_o hinder_v it_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v otherwise_o presbytery_n be_v christ_n weeding-hook_n to_o weed_v out_o heresy_n so_o we_o observe_v wherever_o it_o be_v set_v up_o it_o bear_v heresy_n down_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o judicatories_n be_v so_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o that_o what_o be_v oversee_v in_o the_o one_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o other_o four_o by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n among_o congregation_n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v take_v a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o this_o congregation_n one_o way_n and_o that_o congregation_n another_o way_n which_o doubtless_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a not_o know_v unto_o what_o congregation_n to_o join_v because_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n among_o all_o put_v the_o case_n to_o clear_v it_o in_o some_o thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v guess_v at_o other_o that_o in_o one_o congregation_n they_o will_v both_o read_v and_o expound_v in_o another_o they_o will_v only_o read_v in_o other_o the_o line_n be_v not_o read_v for_o sing_v and_o in_o another_o it_o be_v read_v in_o some_o congregation_n child_n be_v not_o baptise_a but_o in_o time_n of_o sermon_n in_o other_o that_o baptism_n be_v administrate_n at_o other_o time_n also_o in_o some_o congregation_n two_o prayer_n before_o a_o sermon_n in_o another_o but_o one_o in_o another_o the_o conclusion_n sing_v in_o another_o not_o now_o though_o the_o strong_a will_v not_o stumble_v at_o these_o thing_n know_v that_o such_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o least_o indifferent_a yet_o to_o the_o weak_a christian_a they_o may_v prove_v a_o ground_n of_o stumble_v for_o usual_o such_o present_o stamp_n conscience_n on_o that_o part_n of_o
the_o difference_n which_o they_o like_v best_a and_o hence_o arise_v contest_v jangle_n and_o matter_n of_o rent_v the_o church_n now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o independency_n leave_v for_o prevent_v of_o this_o five_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n leave_v no_o remedy_n to_o a_o congregation_n want_v a_o minister_n for_o trial_n of_o the_o next_o that_o come_v who_o trial_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o people_n by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o how_o slight_a that_o trial_n will_v be_v any_o may_v judge_v how_o few_o parish_n can_v try_v a_o minister_n in_o his_o ability_n if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o preach_v convince_v gainsayer_n watch_v against_o raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v remee_v in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n according_a to_o paul_n rule_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o that_o minister_n be_v ordain_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n from_o five_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n other_o defect_n also_o may_v be_v instance_a but_o these_o may_v suffice_v our_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o matth._n 18._o 16._o 17._o 18._o where_o jesus_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o private_a scandal_n or_o deal_v with_o a_o offend_a brother_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o gain_v a_o offend_a brother_n how_o much_o more_o for_o gain_v a_o offend_a church_n it_o be_v above_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o church_n may_v offend_v walk_v inoder_o wrest_v justice_n now_o sure_o god_n care_n must_v be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o of_o one_o member_n so_o that_o our_o consequence_n hold_v but_o we_o assume_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o heal_v the_o scandal_n of_o a_o offend_a congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o complean_v to_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n above_o they_o this_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o censure_v them-themselves_a they_o can_v be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o proportion_n for_o by_o that_o same_o rule_n that_o private_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v complean_v of_o to_o that_o eldership_n whereof_o they_o be_v part_n so_o the_o eldership_n be_v to_o be_v complean_v of_o to_o that_o presbytry_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o part_n and_o if_o the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o private_a christian_a be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o the_o one_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o just_a power_n of_o the_o eldership_n take_v away_o by_o the_o other_o our_o three_o argument_n be_v from_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v before_o that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v forth_o government_n by_o presbytry_n over_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o synod_n over_o presbytry_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o that_o the_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v still_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o the_o way_n then_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v by_o presbytry_n and_o synod_n it_o be_v prove_v before_o so_o we_o have_v only_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v so_o now_o and_o to_o clear_v this_o consequence_n consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v record_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n rome_n 15._o 4._o 2._o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n a_o promise_n of_o who_o presence_n they_o have_v with_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n and_o if_o so_o than_o their_o practice_n must_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o generation_n follow_v 1_o cor_n 11._o 1._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o etc._n etc._n 3._o we_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n as_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o give_v the_o people_n liberty_n in_o choise_v their_o own_o deacon_n act._n 7._o we_o argue_v that_o the_o people_n may_v choice_n their_o own_o officer_n yet_o and_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o have_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 15._o we_o argue_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v rule_v elder_n yet_o so_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o have_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n we_o argue_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v they_o yet_o and_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n act_n 27._o we_o argue_v therefore_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v it_o on_o that_o day_n yet_o now_o if_o so_o be_v that_o their_o practice_n shall_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n why_o not_o also_o in_o church_n government_n by_o presbytry_n and_o synod_n especial_o see_v that_o we_o have_v make_v out_o that_o their_o practice_n be_v as_o clear_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n a_o four_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n now_o have_v these_o same_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o that_o government_n which_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v and_o a_o law_n or_o practice_n be_v still_o bind_v so_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n remain_v now_o the_o reason_n that_o move_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o submit_v to_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v first_o because_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytry_n as_o say_v be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o particular_a congregation_n now_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o yet_o second_o in_o act_n 15._o there_o arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o antioch_n and_o because_o the_o controversy_n can_v be_v compose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a church_n of_o antioch_n therefore_o it_o be_v refer_v unto_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o many_o presbytry_n all_o concern_v in_o it_o so_o there_o be_v business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o presbytry_n yet_o and_o some_o that_o can_v be_v end_v in_o one_o presbytry_n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v synod_n for_o compose_v of_o these_o thing_n yet_o and_o see_v the_o apostle_n extraordinarly_a assist_v one_o whereof_o may_v have_v compose_v the_o controversy_n will_v nevertheless_o have_v a_o synodical_a convention_n for_o end_v controversy_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v it_o who_o gift_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o it_o remain_v clear_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o that_o point_n be_v bind_v to_o we_o now_o argument_n four_o there_o be_v no_o pattern_n of_o such_o a_o independent_a congregation_n by_o precept_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n where_o one_o particular_a congregation_n with_o one_o pastor_n and_o their_o eldership_n do_v exercise_n or_o may_v exercise_v all_o church_n government_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o that_o independent_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a first_o a_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n by_o one_o congregation_n second_o by_o precept_n and_o practice_n ordination_n be_v to_o be_v by_o more_o pastor_n than_o one_o as_o act_n 1._o 13._o act._n 6._o 2._o act_n 13._o 13._o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o so_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v by_o pastor_n and_o many_o pastor_n and_o so_o can_v be_v by_o a_o single_a congregation_n where_o there_o be_v require_v and_o shall_v be_v say_v they_o but_o one_o pastor_n as_o to_o what_o they_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a man_n we_o answer_v corinth_n be_v a_o presbyterial_a church_n and_o second_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v independent_o for_o if_o a_o controversy_n have_v arisen_a about_o it_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v end_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o recourse_n to_o a_o synod_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v act_v 15._o argument_n five_o if_o so_o be_v that_o congregation_n be_v independent_a and_o no_o benefit_n of_o appeal_n allow_v to_o the_o party_n grieve_v then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o great_a slavery_n than_o the_o jewish_a but_o
and_o reason_n 4._o the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o practical_a use_n pag._n 47._o sect_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o errastianism_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 86._o head_n l._n there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n 〈◊〉_d forth_o in_o scripture_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 103_o sect_n iv._o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 123._o head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n pag._n 150._o paragr_n i._o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 152._o paragr_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytry_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 167._o paragr_n iii_o infertor_fw-la church_n judicatories_n be_v subject_a superior_n pag._n 173_o sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n try_v and_o sound_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 191_o head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ibid._n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n pag._n 214_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5._o 1653._o from_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 10._o pag._n 235._o sermon_n second_o preach_v at_o irving_n foom_n psalm_n 51_o 6._o immediate_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereto_o pag._n 287_o sermon_n three_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n 11_o may_n 1663._o from_o luke_n 7._o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 313._o sermon_n four_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n from_o act_n 11_o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 340._o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o 1_o john_n ch_z 4._o ver_fw-la 1._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 the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n as_o we_o show_v when_o first_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o run_v upon_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v upon_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v real_a grace_n to_o wit_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o not_o the_o second_o run_v upon_o exhortation_n to_o several_a duty_n of_o sanctification_n chief_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o christian_n will_v love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n love_n grace_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o the_o three_o head_n whereon_o it_o run_v be_v exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o avow_v truth_n against_o error_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o head_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o chapter_n in_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o stand_v by_o truth_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v people_n from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o ver_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o number_n of_o new_a argument_n to_o the_o end_n both_o which_o have_v be_v handle_v already_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o to_o they_o because_o exhortation_n against_o error_n can_v be_v enough_o inculcate_v and_o therefore_o he_o reiterat_o they_o again_o and_o again_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o exhortation_n 2._o there_o be_v argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o exhortation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v lend_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o fair_a name_n but_o bring_v every_o doctrine_n to_o the_o touchstone_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o exhortation_n first_o there_o be_v the_o compellation_n he_o give_v they_o a_o warm_a and_o kind_o style_n beloved_n and_o then_o second_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o 2._o what_o they_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n some_o take_v the_o spirit_n here_o for_o preacher_n believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n and_o some_o for_o doctrine_n believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n but_o both_o may_v well_o be_v join_v together_o thus_o believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n who_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n for_o his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o second_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o cast_v at_o all_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o error_n vent_v for_o truth_n as_o the_o natural_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v but_o he_o exhort_v that_o they_o will_v bring_v every_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a touch_n stone_n thus_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o word_n we_o intend_v if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o liberty_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o on_o this_o verse_n of_o those_o doctrine_n or_o error_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o trouble_v our_o church_n therefore_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o doctrine_n before_o hand_n which_o may_v make_v way_n for_o what_o we_o intend_v doct._n i._n the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n dehort_v believer_n from_o false_a doctrine_n by_o many_o argument_n hence_o observe_v that_o christian_n will_v by_o all_o mean_n eschew_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o pure_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n particular_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o error_n heresy_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n hence_o there_o be_v so_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o eschew_v contrary_a error_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o christian_n to_o be_v guard_v and_o watch_v against_o error_n or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o error_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o it_o be_v dangerous_a because_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o it_o be_v damnable_a 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o false_a prophet_n be_v speak_v of_o there_o as_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v high_o condemnable_a we_o shall_v afterwad_v show_v in_o what_o respect_n heresy_n be_v damnable_a 2._o error_n be_v dangerous_a sin_n because_o they_o steal_v subtle_o in_o upon_o people_n and_o people_n do_v too_o ready_o relish_v they_o so_o there_o be_v many_o who_o nature_n abhor_v gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o fornication_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o the_o devil_n get_v they_o hook_v by_o this_o sin_n of_o error_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o gross_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o natural_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o loathe_v in_o people_n at_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o plead_v conscience_n whereas_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n so_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n be_v dangerous_a because_o subtle_a 3._o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o this_o respect_n that_o as_o they_o creep_v easy_o in_o so_o when_o once_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v they_o shut_v to_o the_o door_n again_o and_o that_o because_o delude_a conscience_n plead_v for_o they_o people_n taint_v with_o error_n think_v themselves_o right_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o conscience_n cast_v at_o all_o as_o wrong_v now_o in_o other_o sin_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o second_o table_n although_o affection_n plead_v for_o they_o yet_o usual_o people_n light_n do_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o get_v a_o sin_n of_o error_n thrust_v out_o where_o it_o be_v once_o root_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o profanity_n itself_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v serve_v to_o fit_v you_o for_o receive_v the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
that_o be_v censure_v so_o in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 3._o 14_o note_n that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o 1_o cor_n 5._o 5._o excommunication_n serve_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o tame_v and_o mortify_v its_o lust_n and_o so_o although_o the_o word_n be_v only_o the_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o soul_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v exercise_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o word_n may_v work_v the_o better_a the_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n we_o have_v to_o establish_v a_o church_n government_n by_o divine_a right_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n practice_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o command_v give_v they_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v then_o shall_v be_v a_o rule_n now_o and_o they_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v then_o a_o pagan_a and_o so_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o case_n be_v now_o otherwise_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v turn_v christian._n we_o answer_v first_o by_o this_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n at_o least_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n now_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n institute_v by_o christ_n lay_v on_o a_o perpetual_a obligation_n except_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v set_v a_o period_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v only_o so_o long_o so_o if_o this_o argument_n of_o they_o have_v any_o force_n they_o must_v show_v from_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v this_o period_n for_o church_n government_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v only_o in_o force_n under_o a_o idolatrous_a pagan_a magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o shall_v cease_v under_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o no_o place_n of_o god_n word_n can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o tâ—is_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o command_n be_v give_v that_o which_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n 1_o timoth._n 6._o 14_o shall_v be_v keep_v to_o his_o second_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n second_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v worse_o under_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o pagan_a magistrate_n if_o so_o be_v that_o under_o the_o one_o they_o have_v a_o intrinsical_a power_n to_o purge_v and_o keep_v his_o church_n free_a from_o scandal_n but_o not_o under_o the_o other_o will_v not_o this_o be_v hard_o three_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n do_v exercise_v government_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v take_v from_o common_a equity_n and_o so_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n we_o find_v this_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o where_o a_o command_n be_v give_v to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n the_o reason_n give_v be_v first_o the_o good_a of_o the_o man_n soul_n verse_n 5._o second_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o infection_n vers_fw-la 6._o now_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o see_v to_o these_o at_o all_o time_n we_o come_v to_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o word_n of_o use_n and_o it_o serve_v 1._o to_o reprove_v those_o who_o think_v debate_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n useless_a and_o of_o no_o value_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o say_v they_o what_o be_v the_o government_n and_o who_o govern_v if_o sin_n be_v punish_v and_o the_o word_n preach_v i_o answer_v '_o it_o be_v of_o much_o moment_n for_o from_o what_o be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o part_n of_o his_o word_n and_o they_o who_o evert_v it_o or_o give_v way_n to_o the_o evert_n of_o it_o give_v way_n to_o evert_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o to_o the_o bring_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n own_o house_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o the_o royal_a diadem_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o who_o have_v get_v good_a of_o truth_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v for_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a truth_n the_o question_n be_v concern_v châ—ists_n kingdom_n if_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o distinct_a from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v â—is_n own_o law_n office-bearer_n court_n censure_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o his_o word_n or_o if_o all_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o that_o purpose_n be_v to_o scraâ—ched_a out_o and_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v what_o law_n rule_n court_n he_o please_v in_o christ_n house_n so_o it_o be_v a_o point_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v avow_v and_o a_o point_n of_o truth_n worth_a the_o suster_n for_o and_o which_o some_o have_v suffer_v for_o and_o boast_v in_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v this_o advantage_n beyond_o other_o truth_n that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o it_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a point_n he_o be_v accuse_v on_o by_o pâ—late_n and_o he_o avow_v it_o luke_n 23._o 3._o that_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n though_o not_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o point_n be_v chief_o lay_v to_o christ_n charge_n in_o john_n 18._o 33._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o and_o this_o be_v the_o pâ—int_n that_o be_v drive_v home_o by_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n john_n 19_o it_o be_v his_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o cross_n jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v the_o point_n that_o straighten_a pilate_n most_o and_o put_v he_o to_o it_o to_o make_v christ_n suffer_v joh._n 19_o so_o this_o point_n have_v this_o advantage_n that_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n christ_n suffer_v as_o a_o martyr_n for_o it_o shall_v any_o then_o think_v it_o a_o little_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o may_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n the_o second_o use_n if_o so_o be_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o those_o entrust_v with_o it_o such_o as_o minister_n and_o elder_n will_v discharge_v it_o as_o service_n to_o god_n so_o as_o to_o be_v countable_a to_o he_o tâ—ere_o shall_v be_v a_o other_o frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o man_n be_v in_o church_n judicatories_n than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o civil_a judicatories_n these_o be_v ordinance_n of_o man_n their_o of_o god_n and_o require_v more_o than_o a_o common_a frame_n of_o spirit_n alas_o we_o may_v say_v for_o the_o unministerial_a like_o carriage_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o through_o us_o out_o altogether_o a_o three_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v that_o see_v church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o you_o that_o be_v people_n shall_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v not_o tâ—us_o look_v on_o it_o may_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v the_o hedge_n from_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v god_n know_v what_o we_o will_v be_v we_o be_v evil_a now_o but_o if_o people_n get_v leave_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v much_o worse_o you_o see_v what_o you_o be_v with_o it_o but_o know_v not_o what_o you_o will_v be_v without_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o erastian_n doctrine_n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o second_o head_n of_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o here_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n among_o themselves_o some_o give_v he_o all_o power_n to_o dispense_v all_o church_n ordinance_n and_o this_o as_o a_o magistrate_n without_o a_o call_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n other_o again_o content_v themselves_o to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o only_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n law_n to_o inflict_v church_n censure_n and_o herein_o they_o also_o differ_v some_o put_v this_o power_n whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n other_o conjunct_o with_o the_o minister_n a_o three_o place_v it_o in_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n and_o in_o churchman_n but_o as_o
the_o magistrate_n have_v much_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n but_o he_o have_v no_o church-power_n proper_o so_o call_v that_o belong_v only_o to_o christ_n own_o officer_n second_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n take_v this_o assertion_n what_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n we_o deny_v it_o to_o he_o only_o as_o a_o magistrate_n for_o so_o we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v prove_v a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n otherwise_o if_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v choose_v a_o elder_a he_o have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n only_o we_o say_v as_o a_o magistrate_n he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n ii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v our_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o 1_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o all_o these_o place_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o warrant_v give_v to_o any_o of_o church_n government_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o any_o of_o they_o only_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o apostle_n minister_n and_o elder_n so_o in_o matth_n 16._o 19_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v give_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o matth_n 18._o 17._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o 〈…〉_z be_v etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o in_o timoth_n and_o titus_n the_o scope_n of_o which_o epistle_n be_v to_o instruct_v minister_n concern_v the_o right_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n what_o be_v speak_v there_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o minister_n succeed_v to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v he_o have_v no_o right_a from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v challenge_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v but_o a_o usurpation_n and_o intrude_a unto_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v no_o right_a our_o second_o argument_n be_v if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n government_n belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a we_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n then_o it_o shall_v belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n for_o whatever_o belong_v to_o one_o as_o such_o belong_v to_o all_o such_o now_o this_o have_v many_o absurdity_n follow_v on_o it_o for_o by_o this_o rule_n heathen_a magistrate_n may_v have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v church_n governor_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n then_o second_o woman_n may_v be_v church_n governor_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n in_o some_o case_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n yea_o three_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o child_n not_o come_v to_o age_n may_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n when_o magistracy_n go_v by_o succession_n now_o child_n can_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o that_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o deputy_n but_o by_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o a_o three_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o if_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o they_o must_v be_v church_n officer_n if_o any_o thing_n make_v a_o man_n a_o church_n officer_n than_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n will_v do_v it_o for_o state_n government_n and_o state_n officer_n be_v relata_fw-la and_o have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o so_o must_v church_n government_n and_o church_n officer_n have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n be_v no_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o because_o among_o all_o that_o roll_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o christ_n reckon_v up_o his_o officer_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ephes_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o roll_n verse_n 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o in_o rome_n 12_o 6_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o other_o roll_n of_o church_n officer_n but_o no_o word_n of_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v etc._n etc._n but_o neither_o in_o this_o place_n or_o any_o other_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n only_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n mutter_v somewhat_o of_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o that_o by_o government_n there_o mention_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o refute_v for_o the_o text_n speak_v evident_o of_o such_o governor_n as_o the_o church_n have_v at_o that_o time_n and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o for_o above_o 200_o year_n after_o so_o by_o government_n can_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o the_o rule_v elder_a who_o be_v often_o speak_v of_o in_o other_o place_n our_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o government_n within_o herself_o and_o according_o do_v exercise_v it_o near_o 300_o year_n before_o any_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a and_o so_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n within_o herself_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o which_o be_v not_o controvert_v to_o wit_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n a_o christian_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o that_o all_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n within_o herself_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o they_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n power_n also_o to_o dispense_v censure_n as_o excommunication_n 1_o cor_n 5._o 4_o 5_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v power_n to_o relax_v from_o excommunication_n so_o 2_o cor_n 2_o 6._o where_o paul_n command_v to_o relax_v the_o excommunicate_a man_n from_o that_o sentence_n sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o v_o 7._o so_o that_o contrariwise_o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o forgive_v he_o etc._n etc._n four_o they_o have_v synod_n meet_v together_o make_v bind_a canon_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n act_n 15._o the_o synod_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n meet_v together_o determine_v a_o controversy_n and_o censure_v those_o who_o have_v trouble_v the_o church_n thus_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o discipline_n within_o herself_o long_o before_o any_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o church_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o that_o because_o if_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v right_a to_o dispense_v this_o power_n as_o undoubted_o she_o have_v than_o they_o must_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o christ_n take_v this_o right_n from_o she_o and_o
transfer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o they_o can_v do_v our_o five_o argument_n be_v to_o obviate_v that_o which_o they_o say_v that_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o magistrate_n depute_v from_o which_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o church_n officer_n in_o inflict_a censure_n be_v the_o magistrate_n depute_n than_o whatever_o the_o church_n judicatory_a do_v the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v it_o also_o for_o none_o can_v delegate_v more_o right_a to_o there_o than_o what_o he_o have_v himself_o and_o so_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v ordain_v mistress_n himself_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n he_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o if_o he_o may_v do_v this_o by_o consequence_n he_o may_v also_o preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o right_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o one_o which_o may_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v all_o our_o last_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o betwixt_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a power_n scripture_n condemn_v churchmen_n usurp_a the_o civil_a power_n and_o statesman_n usurp_a the_o church_n power_n church_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o judge_v or_o meddle_v with_o civil_a thing_n by_o christ_n himself_o luk_n 12._o 13_o 14._o 22_o 25._o and_o so_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o church_n power_n either_o there_o be_v two_o king_n we_o read_v of_o to_o be_v heavy_o punish_v for_o their_o transgression_n in_o this_o kind_n saul_n for_o offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a 1_o sam_n 13._o 13._o and_o vzziah_n for_o burn_a incense_n 2_o chorn._n 26._o 19_o he_o will_v go_v in_o and_o burn_v incense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n smite_v he_o with_o leprosy_n and_o sure_o reason_n will_v say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o church_n officer_n to_o exercise_n the_o civil_a government_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o take_v to_o himself_o the_o only_a supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o iii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_v of_o the_o opposite_n argument_n the_o first_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o this_o truth_n be_v that_o godly_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o so_o shall_v christian_n magistrate_n have_v it_o under_o the_o new_a we_o answer_v that_o their_o argument_n prove_v nothing_o except_o they_o also_o prove_v that_o what_o power_n of_o church_n government_n magistrate_n have_v then_o they_o have_v it_o as_o magistrate_n for_o we_o grant_v indeed_o what_o do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o magistrate_n then_o under_o other_o respect_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n yet_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o magistrate_n extraordinary_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o moses_n give_v out_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o order_v the_o church_n but_o we_o find_v in_o deut_n 18._o 15._o moses_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o a_o type_n of_o christ._n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v so_o david_n appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o divide_v their_o course_n but_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n 2._o chron_n 8_o 14._o and_o he_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o their_o service_n thus_o in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v show_v how_o david_n do_v this_o at_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 29._o 25._o and_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psalter_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n and_o so_o from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a practice_n they_o can_v no_o more_o infer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o in_o church_n matter_n than_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o power_n of_o churchman_n in_o civil-matter_n from_o the_o example_n of_o churchman_n under_o the_o old-testament_n for_o churchman_n do_v meddle_v with_o civil-matter_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o eli_n the_o priest_n he_o govern_v the_o state_n and_o samuel_n in_o cut_v agag_n in_o piece_n elisha_n in_o anoint_v jehu_n to_o be_v king_n and_o jehoâ—ada_n the_o priest_n in_o cause_v kill_v attaliah_n the_o usurper_n and_o make_v joash_n king_n all_o which_o we_o grant_v be_v extraordinary_a act_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o churchman_n to_o have_v such_o power_n in_o civil_a thing_n now_o and_o so_o must_v they_o grant_v concern_v these_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o civil_a judge_n in_o meddle_v sometime_o with_o church_n matter_n the_o second_o argument_n they_o use_v be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o magistrate_n be_v set_v over_o church_n officer_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o it_o will_v make_v they_o afraid_a to_o go_v beyond_o their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o abuse_n of_o discipline_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o minister_n be_v man_n indeed_o and_o as_o other_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v their_o power_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_v power_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o take_v power_n from_o they_o than_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o for_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o abuse_v their_o power_n and_o so_o all_o must_v be_v leave_v in_o confusion_n we_o give_v a_o second_o answer_n that_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o yet_o the_o erasitans_fw-la the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n for_o prevent_v of_o this_o abuse_n may_v step_v into_o the_o pulpit_n himself_o and_o preach_v better_o and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n better_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o curb_v that_o abuse_n and_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n there_o be_v danger_n indeed_o of_o abuse_v that_o power_n but_o we_o say_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o for_o that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n himself_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v leave_v to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n which_o shall_v be_v our_o three_o answer_n wherein_o we_o shall_v show_v some_o of_o these_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church-officer_n first_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n in_o the_o church_n power_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n so_o that_o although_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n shall_v wrest_v justice_n yet_o there_o be_v above_o they_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o synod_n and_o above_o they_o general_n assembly_n now_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n will_v hardly_o get_v through_o all_o those_o before_o it_o be_v brand_v with_o some_o deserve_a mark_n but_o second_o though_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v connive_v one_o at_o another_o and_o so_o the_o fault_n of_o minister_n go_v through_o unpunished_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n leave_v even_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a he_o may_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_a under_o pretence_n of_o right_v their_o abuse_n no_o more_o than_o he_o may_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o preach_v for_o prevent_v their_o abuse_n of_o preach_v yet_o he_o may_v do_v several_a thing_n 1._o if_o church_n officer_n commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n he_o may_v curb_v they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n 2._o if_o church_n judicatory_n meddle_v to_o judge_v in_o civil_a thing_n which_o concern_v a_o man_n life_n or_o estate_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v null_a what_o they_o conclude_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o abuse_v of_o power_n for_o therein_o they_o meddle_v with_o what_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o 3._o grant_v the_o matter_n be_v mere_o ecclesiastic_a wherein_o they_o abuse_v their_o power_n yet_o the_o
ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n thus_o he._n and_o who_o know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v honour_v some_o of_o we_o with_o that_o dignity_n a_o dignity_n indeed_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o diadem_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n iu._n a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church-member_n the_o day_n bypass_a we_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n and_o show_v you_o that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v now_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n you_o remember_v when_o we_o enter_v on_o these_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n we_o show_v you_o there_o be_v four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n a_o way_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n king_n or_o parliament_n to_o establish_v what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o please_v the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o he_o their_o two_o point_n we_o have_v make_v good_a in_o our_o former_a disput_n against_o erastianism_n the_o three_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n to_o the_o community_n of_o church_n member_n but_o have_v establish_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n the_o four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a eldership_n and_o church_n session_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o hand_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n but_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o superior_a church_n judicatory_n such_o as_o presbytry_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o in_o refute_v this_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n this_o error_n of_o independency_n above_o all_o other_o we_o may_v call_v a_o fountain_n error_n it_o be_v the_o sluice_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v to_o all_o other_o error_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o this_o be_v the_o error_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n these_o year_n by_o past_a have_v be_v first_o hook_v they_o first_o turn_v independent_o yet_o rest_v not_o long_o there_o but_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o our_o scope_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a point_n to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o main_a head_n of_o this_o error_n of_o independency_n opposite_a to_o the_o two_o last_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o first_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v not_o minister_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o community_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o second_o head_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v entrust_v particular_a congregation_n eldership_n or_o church_n session_n with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o judicatory_a above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o their_o error_n which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o they_o have_v different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n the_o community_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n yea_o a_o power_n over_o they_o to_o ordain_v they_o censure_n depose_v they_o and_o inflict_v all_o other_o church_n censure_n other_o give_v they_o this_o power_n conjunct_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n second_o some_o give_v only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v to_o the_o church_n member_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n they_o allow_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o the_o people_n depute_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n other_o give_v the_o people_n not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v sit_v down_o in_o church_n judicatory_n themselves_o enact_v church_n canon_n inflict_v church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n three_o some_o give_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n only_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o the_o excercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n and_o inflict_v church_n censure_n but_o not_o to_o preach_v other_o give_v they_o a_o full_a exercise_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o solid_a reason_n to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n or_o to_o private_a christian_n either_o the_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n neither_o in_o whole_a nor_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n i_o prosecute_a this_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v forth_o the_o former_a method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o three_o we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n i._o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n thâ—a_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v several_a distinction_n will_v be_v give_v first_o there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n and_o christian_a privilege_n we_o do_v grant_v several_a christian_a privilege_n to_o private_a christian_n but_o these_o do_v not_o infer_v any_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o people_n a_o power_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n minister_n or_o elder_n we_o grant_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o e_o they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v blind_o what_o minister_n say_v but_o have_v a_o power_n to_o try_v what_o they_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o practice_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n or_o not_o we_o grant_v these_o privilege_n to_o the_o people_n but_o none_o of_o they_o do_v
excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a person_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o say_v they_o this_o command_n be_v give_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n because_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o elder_n only_o as_o also_o the_o command_n be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o reproof_n in_o v_o 2._o and_o you_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o mourn_v etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v more_o reprove_v than_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n belong_v to_o other_o than_o these_o in_o answer_v this_o argument_n we_o shall_v first_o retort_v it_o on_o themselves_o for_o if_o so_o be_v the_o argument_n hold_v good_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n for_o if_o the_o command_n be_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n than_o they_o be_v not_o except_v and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o to_o who_o the_o reproof_n be_v give_v than_o it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o doubtless_o woman_n and_o child_n mourn_v no_o more_o than_o the_o man_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v also_o now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o against_o themselves_o and_o so_o the_o two_o main_a pillar_n whereon_o they_o build_v their_o argument_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o like_a latitude_n with_o the_o reproof_n but_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o point_n that_o all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n know_v that_o god_n use_v to_o give_v command_v indefinite_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v apply_v to_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o those_o person_n to_o who_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a calling_n interest_n or_o relation_n the_o command_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v make_v this_o clear_a from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o 31._o where_o paul_n speak_v general_o to_o the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n you_o may_v all_o prophecy_n one_o by_o one_o etc._n etc._n the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o and_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n mind_n that_o all_o to_o who_o he_o writ_n shall_v do_v this_o but_o only_o they_o who_o have_v ability_n and_o a_o call_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o precede_a 12_o chap._n 29._o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v than_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v to_o esteem_v high_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o work_n sake_n for_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v for_o the_o people_n so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o yet_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o but_o only_o by_o some_o to_o wit_n the_o church_n officer_n and_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o he_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o same_o case_n in_o hand_n to_o wit_n the_o relax_a of_o the_o incestous_a man_n from_o excommunication_n and_o say_v he_o sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o now_o he_o do_v not_o say_v inflict_v of_o all_o as_o they_o will_v make_v the_o word_n bear_v but_o inflict_v of_o many_o yea_o as_o the_o learned_a observe_v the_o word_n many_o signify_v the_o chief_a one_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v matth_n 12._o 41_o a_o great_a than_o ionas_n so_o paul_n explain_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o but_o the_o chief_a one_o to_o wit_n the_o ruler_n by_o who_o the_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o now_o for_o answer_v their_o objection_n iv._o in_o the_o nixt_a place_n we_o shall_v come_v and_o apply_v the_o whole_a purpose_n to_o a_o threefold_a use._n and_o the_o first_o be_v see_v this_o error_n as_o we_o have_v now_o make_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o will_v have_v you_o suspect_v fair_a pretence_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o there_o be_v no_o error_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n than_o this_o have_v it_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n say_v they_o shall_v not_o they_o judge_v other_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o that_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n have_v and_o so_o we_o need_v to_o stumble_v the_o less_o at_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o say_v they_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n numb-16_a 3._o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o private_a christian_n that_o you_o will_v do_v your_o duty_n and_o second_o content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n and_o first_o do_v your_o duty_n whereof_o many_o come_v short_a doubtless_o many_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v cast_v off_o all_o care_n see_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o officer_n thereof_o minister_n and_o elder_n nay_o but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n although_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o believer_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o to_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v even_o their_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o private_a christian_n that_o when_o your_o private_a admonition_n do_v not_o the_o business_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o delate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v this_o matth_n 16._o where_o christ_n institute_n this_o order_n v_o 16._o 1._o to_o tell_v thy_o brother_n private_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v bring_v two_o or_o three_o more_o witness_n with_o thou_o then_o if_o that_o do_v it_o not_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o every_o church_n member_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v even_o their_o minister_n and_o elder_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o when_o slack_a and_o when_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o tell_v it_o to_o other_o and_o we_o will_v charge_v you_o to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o usual_o you_o do_v a_o second_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n we_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o practice_n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v a_o doctrine_n on_o trust_n from_o minister_n though_o apostle_n nay_o not_o from_o angel_n though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v galat._n 1._o 8._o and_o private_a christian_n come_v short_a of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n also_o many_o seek_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o what_o minister_n preach_v it_o be_v a_o loose_a ground_n for_o you_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o second_o as_o you_o will_v make_v conscience_n of_o your_o duty_n so_o you_o will_v content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n you_o will_v look_v on_o church_n officer_n and_o reverence_n they_o you_o be_v not_o to_o say_v what_o be_v more_o in_o they_o than_o in_o ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o be_v as_o fit_a as_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o be_v god_n ordinance_n appoint_v by_o the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o he_o who_o reproach_v they_o reproach_v his_o ordinance_n and_o break_v down_o the_o hedge_n appoint_v by_o god_n the_o three_o use_n be_v direct_v to_o church_n officer_n those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v instruct_v with_o this_o power_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n you_o shall_v so_o carry_v yourselves_o in_o your_o place_n as_o not_o to_o tempt_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o despise_v your_o office_n when_o the_o lord_n people_n hear_v of_o a_o elder_a to_o be_v a_o tipler_n or_o a_o swearer_n it_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o they_o to_o despise_v both_o that_o elder_a and_o his_o office_n many_o sure_o in_o this_o be_v stumble_v block_n to_o people_n as_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o people_n abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v weight_n
alone_o because_o they_o can_v be_v sure_o enough_o that_o any_o other_o have_v grace_n but_o only_o themselves_o there_o be_v a_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o similitude_n and_o comparison_n under_o which_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n which_o similitude_n do_v show_v there_o be_v not_o that_o strictness_n require_v in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o separatist_n judge_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o draught_n net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a matth_n 13._o second_o to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o tare_n ibid._n three_o it_o be_v compare_v matth_n 22._o to_o a_o table_n of_o guest_n where_o there_o be_v some_o with_o and_o some_o without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n four_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n wherein_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o dishonour_v and_o to_o a_o fold_n of_o sheep_n and_o goat_n and_o in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v many_o call_v but_o few_o choose_a now_o how_o shall_v tare_n chaff_n goat_n etc._n etc._n give_v convince_a sign_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o certain_o these_o similitude_n seem_v to_o speak_v that_o there_o need_v not_o so_o much_o wal_n or_o pick_v out_o in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n provide_v they_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n once_o take_v they_o in_o and_o and_o then_o let_v the_o word_n work_n on_o they_o this_o great_a wale_n and_o separation_n will_v be_v when_o the_o net_n come_v to_o the_o shore_n when_o the_o great_a harvest_n come_v when_o the_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v sever_v this_o much_o for_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o answer_v their_o objection_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n visible_a shall_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o church_n member_n as_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o obj._n 1_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o specious_a be_v take_v from_o these_o glorious_a sâ—â—ies_n give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v saint_n a_o chaste_a â—â—rgine_n spouse_v to_o christ_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o christ_n mystical_a body_n who_o member_n be_v all_o gracious_a now_o say_v they_o see_v the_o church_n have_v these_o style_n in_o scripture_n shall_v any_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o discern_a have_v grace_n for_o answer_v if_o this_o argument_n conclude_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v conclude_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o those_o who_o have_v real_a grace_n for_o none_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o christsâ—_n mystical_a body_n the_o lamb_n wife_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o only_a now_o this_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v they_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v paint_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o same_o for_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n be_v such_o and_o so_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v prove_v more_o than_o they_o will_v grant_v but_o to_o answer_v direct_o you_o will_v know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n visible_a there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a sincere_a christian_n and_o paint_a hypocrite_n now_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n and_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n it_o speak_v so_o of_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o evil_a man_n among_o they_o all_o hence_o be_v these_o style_n the_o lamb_n wise_a son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v so_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part._n again_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n it_o give_v such_o name_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n among_o they_o all_o it_o call_v they_o stifnecked_n a_o rebelious_a house_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n now_o as_o it_o be_v ill_o argue_v to_o conclude_v from_o these_o place_n where_o such_o style_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n be_v corrupter_n stifnecked_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o one_o seek_v god_n for_o there_o he_o give_v they_o those_o style_n from_o the_o evil_a part_n among_o they_o so_o it_o be_v also_o ill_o argue_v from_o these_o place_n where_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o the_o lamb_n wife_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o and_o we_o shall_v clear_v it_o more_o full_o from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor_n 6_o 18._o they_o get_v many_o glorious_a style_n they_o be_v call_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a they_o be_v call_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor_n 11_o 2._o now_o there_o be_v many_o schismatic_n among_o they_o some_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n some_o vilify_n paul_n doctrine_n many_o who_o be_v contentious_a drunkard_n fornicator_n so_o that_o these_o style_n can_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o of_o the_o better_a part_n that_o be_v among_o they_o even_o as_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n and_o corn_n will_v call_v it_o a_o heap_n of_o corn_n not_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o corn_n in_o it_o but_o because_o the_o corn_n be_v the_o best_a part_n and_o so_o the_o church_n visible_a wherein_o be_v a_o mix_a company_n be_v denominate_v from_o the_o better_a part_n sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o call_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o sometime_o from_o the_o worse_a part_n and_o call_v stiffnecked_n etc._n etc._n obj._n two_o their_o second_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o act_n 2._o 47._o where_o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v say_v they_o god_n add_v no_o other_o to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v save_v therefore_o we_o shall_v add_v no_o other_o for_o answer_v if_o any_o thing_n follow_v from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o who_o be_v believer_n real_o for_o no_o other_o will_v be_v save_v but_o this_o be_v against_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o second_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v a_o chief_a care_n of_o add_v those_o to_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o he_o add_v no_o other_o for_o the_o same_o chapter_n say_v he_o add_v more_o five_o 41_o whole_a three_o thousand_o be_v add_v and_o yet_o all_o those_o be_v not_o to_o be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o doubtless_o many_o other_o hypocrite_n among_o they_o obj._n iii_o the_o three_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o matth_n 22._o 12._o in_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o king_n banquet_n where_o he_o bid_v his_o servant_n go_v and_o invite_v to_o the_o marriage_n and_o find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n say_v he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o those_o who_o admit_v he_o to_o this_o privilege_n we_o answer_v this_o be_v quite_o contrair_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o command_n v_o 9_o go_v you_o therefore_o into_o the_o highway_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v command_v to_o invite_v all_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o none_o for_o want_n of_o the_o wedding-garment_n for_o that_o be_v inward_a be_v only_o discernible_a by_o god_n indeed_o this_o parable_n will_v show_v this_o much_o that_o minister_n may_v admit_v people_n to_o communion_n and_o yet_o christ_n will_v come_v with_o a_o after_o search_v and_o find_v many_o there_o who_o he_o will_v cast_v that_o minister_n have_v admit_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o every_o man_n that_o come_v through_o a_o minister_n trial_n be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n the_o place_n say_v that_o christ_n find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n but_o it_o say_v not_o that_o minister_n shall_v let_v none_o come_v but_o those_o that_o have_v the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n see_v five_o 14._o there_o it_o be_v say_v for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v ob._n iv_o their_o four_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n speak_v there_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n say_v nevertheless_o i_o have_v
somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candelstick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o argue_v thus_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n who_o will_v ruin_v the_o church_n but_o all_o those_o who_o can_v convince_o prove_v their_o regeneration_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v we_o answer_v that_o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n be_v false_a for_o there_o be_v many_o gracious_a person_n keep_v their_o first_o love_n who_o yet_o can_v neither_o satisfy_v themselves_o nor_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o will_v not_o ruin_v the_o church_n second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n where_o they_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v not_o real_a grace_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a for_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n at_o all_o neither_o know_v nor_o unknown_a for_o hypocrite_n can_v do_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o be_v tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n now_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v that_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v debar_v for_o they_o admit_v some_o such_o and_o scripture_n say_v the_o contrair_a in_o the_o admission_n of_o annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o so_o some_o must_v be_v admit_v who_o if_o god_n look_v not_o more_o to_o his_o own_o mercy_n than_o to_o their_o meâ—â—t_n and_o more_o to_o the_o respect_n he_o have_v to_o other_o than_o to_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o ruin_v the_o church_n obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 2_o tim_n 3._o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n for_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o place_n those_o who_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n he_o tell_v what_o they_o be_v highminded_a etc._n etc._n v_o 4._o and_o in_o the_o 6_o five_o subtle_a heretic_n who_o lead_v away_o the_o simple_a now_o we_o say_v none_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o those_o be_v scandalous_a but_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o follow_v for_o many_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o gross_a liver_n nor_o scandalous_a nor_o seduce_v heretic_n and_o so_o not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o from_o who_o paul_n bid_v turn_v away_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o strong_a of_o their_o objection_n iu_o use._n i._o this_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o clear_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v on_o what_o our_o opposite_n hold_v in_o this_o point_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n neither_o ought_v you_o to_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o strictness_n with_o which_o they_o cover_v it_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v fearful_a consequence_n for_o by_o this_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o best_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v shall_v be_v put_v in_o no_o better_a case_n than_o pagan_n themselves_o to_o live_v without_o all_o ordinance_n their_o child_n without_o baptism_n and_o this_o will_v hold_v off_o many_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o even_o of_o those_o who_o can_v give_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n man_n conscience_n shall_v still_o be_v hold_v in_o a_o uncertainty_n whether_o they_o may_v stay_v member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o not_o because_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o all_o in_o it_o have_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o now_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o keep_v conscientious_o christian_n ought_v to_o separate_a by_o this_o rule_n a_o insupportable_a burden_n be_v put_v on_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o examine_v themselves_o but_o also_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n christ_n apostle_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v be_v in_o the_o mist_n all_o live_a and_o die_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o without_o baptism_n and_o so_o as_o pagan_n as_o also_o this_o show_n of_o strictness_n beyond_o whatever_o god_n have_v command_v do_v ever_o end_v in_o looseness_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o separatist_n present_v practice_v for_o what_o ever_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o looseness_n of_o other_o church_n that_o we_o be_v but_o a_o mixture_n of_o drunkard_n and_o loose_a profane_a liver_n yet_o there_o be_v as_o great_a looseness_n in_o their_o own_o church_n as_o in_o any_o other_o for_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o admit_v heretic_n covetous_a vain_a proud_a boaster_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n if_o so_o be_v they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o principle_n against_o presbyterian_o this_o rule_n put_v man_n in_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o other_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o all_o be_v unclean_a or_o at_o best_o but_o civil_a natural_a moral_a man_n but_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a saint_n and_o what_o not_o now_o that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n put_v people_n to_o overvalue_v themselves_o and_o undervalue_v other_o be_v certain_o not_o of_o god_n this_o rule_n of_o they_o make_v way_n for_o infinite_a jangle_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o self_n interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n for_o when_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n think_v sign_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o alike_o to_o some_o they_o will_v be_v too_o strict_a to_o other_o more_o lax_n as_o affection_n carry_v until_o at_o last_o they_o think_v all_o good_a enough_o who_o be_v for_o their_o way_n and_o all_o other_o but_o natural_a worldly_a and_o carnal_a who_o be_v not_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unhappy_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n hatch_v for_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o satan_n have_v carry_v on_o his_o design_n main_o these_o year_n by_o past_a many_o such_o deceiver_n cry_v up_o strictness_n whereby_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o some_o and_o terrible_a to_o other_o while_o under_o this_o pretence_n they_o have_v bear_v down_o christ_n truth_n and_o holiness_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o countenance_v looseness_n nor_o to_o give_v a_o dash_n to_o holy_a strictness_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v plague_v for_o it_o that_o we_o have_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o rule_n yet_o i_o love_v no_o further_o strictness_n than_o what_o christ_n command_v let_v we_o stretch_v out_o our_o arm_n to_o invite_v sinner_n to_o give_v outward_a obedience_n and_o then_o when_o they_o be_v in_o let_v we_o hew_v they_o with_o the_o word_n and_o discipline_n this_o be_v christ_n way_n and_o his_o apostle_n way_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v so_o when_o separatist_n say_v to_o you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o sinful_a mixture_n in_o your_o church_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v pollute_v to_o come_v among_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v better_a to_o stay_v in_o your_o chamber_n with_o a_o few_o of_o a_o gracious_a temper_n and_o let_v the_o rest_v run_v to_o the_o devil_n tell_v they_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v no_o such_o separation_n and_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v no_o strict_a than_o they_o be_v only_o this_o be_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o our_o come_n short_a of_o christ_n rule_n in_o our_o practice_n that_o scandal_n be_v too_o easy_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o ignorant_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o this_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o separation_n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o head_n concern_v separation_n from_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n i._o that_o which_o our_o adversary_n hold_v concern_v this_o be_v that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n at_o ordinance_n do_v defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o godly_a therefore_o say_v they_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n
that_o the_o apostle_n john_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o whorish_a rome_n and_o be_v command_v all_o god_n people_n to_o separate_a from_o the_o antichristian_a church_n now_o let_v any_o judge_n if_o that_o be_v not_o loose_a reason_v we_o be_v command_v to_o separate_a from_o rome_n who_o have_v overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n worship_n the_o creature_n instead_o of_o the_o creator_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o christ_n true_a and_o pure_a church_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o so_o be_v profane_a man_n be_v keep_v in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a consequence_n obj._n iii_o their_o three_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la â—_o 11._o but_o now_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v our_o ordinary_a meat_n with_o wicked_a man_n and_o far_o more_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sin_n that_o scandalous_a and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v partly_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o minister_n and_o partly_o through_o abound_a corruption_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v to_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v as_o to_o this_o place_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v true_a every_o tender_a christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o use_v familiar_a society_n with_o fornicator_n but_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o forbid_v as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a at_o all_o time_n to_o eat_v with_o they_o for_o even_o paul_n himself_o eat_v with_o heathen_n act_n 27._o 35._o so_o the_o thing_n here_o forbid_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v not_o use_v intimate_fw-la society_n with_o wicked_a man_n yet_o so_o as_o when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o eschew_v it_o be_v lawful_a both_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o as_o put_v the_o case_n we_o can_v not_o get_v it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o follow_v paul_n practice_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o it_o be_v in_o minister_n power_n to_o hold_v they_o back_o if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o private_a christian_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o debarr_v they_o and_o so_o can_v get_v eat_v with_o they_o eschew_v without_o neglect_v of_o a_o duty_n be_v bind_v to_o separate_a obj._n iu._n their_o four_o objection_n be_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 6_o know_v you_o not_o that_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n scandalous_a man_n infect_v the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v infect_v infect_v the_o worship_n and_o so_o if_o i_o come_v to_o the_o worship_n it_o be_v infect_v to_o i_o and_o i_o do_v sin_n now_o this_o be_v a_o consequence_n far_o from_o paul_n word_n a_o little_a leaven_n say_v he_o leaven_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o cast_v out_o the_o incestous_a man_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o he_o be_v not_o put_v out_o cast_v out_o yourselves_o as_o for_o that_o they_o say_v that_o profane_a man_n infect_v the_o worship_n it_o be_v without_o ground_n it_o be_v true_a profane_a man_n ofttimes_o infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v but_o they_o do_v not_o infect_v the_o worship_n for_o the_o way_n that_o profane_a man_n infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v be_v not_o physical_a as_o the_o pest_n infect_v every_o thing_n it_o touch_v but_o they_o infect_v by_o their_o evil_a example_n and_o so_o a_o profane_a man_n may_v infect_v another_o man_n but_o by_o his_o evil_a example_n can_v infect_v the_o worship_n because_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o evil_a example_n as_o a_o man_n be_v and_o so_o if_o i_o can_v keep_v myself_o from_o follow_v their_o example_n the_o worship_n be_v pure_a and_o clean_a to_o i_o obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v say_v they_o my_o come_n to_o the_o table_n with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n so_o i_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n &_o say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o better_a for_o i_o to_o withdraw_v we_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o plausible_a argument_n to_o deter_v people_n that_o be_v tender_a but_o when_o try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v weak_a for_o if_o so_o be_v this_o argument_n do_v hold_v for_o separate_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o will_v conclude_v also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hear_v preach_v with_o they_o for_o our_o hear_n preach_a with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o our_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o and_o the_o wicked_a man_n profane_v the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v be_v pollute_v which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o speak_v by_o his_o preach_v to_o profane_a multitude_n for_o in_o that_o he_o countenance_v they_o therefore_o second_o for_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n we_o say_v worship_v with_o they_o be_v not_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o hold_v they_o out_o but_o not_o otherwise_o thou_o do_v say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o be_v serve_v god_n do_v the_o command_v duty_n but_o not_o to_o their_o hypocritical_a way_n in_o do_v of_o it_o do_v christ_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o pharisee_n way_n of_o hear_v although_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o so_o neither_o do_v thou_o but_o as_o be_v already_o say_v thou_o approve_v of_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v the_o command_a duty_n but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v impenitent_o thou_o by_o thy_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n approve_v it_o not_o this_o for_o their_o objection_n iv._o for_o use_v our_o first_o be_v this_o to_o regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o occasion_n give_v to_o this_o error_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n profane_a and_o wicked_a and_o that_o people_n walk_v not_o like_o their_o holy_a call_v we_o may_v regrate_a that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o elder_n do_v not_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n do_v not_o labour_v to_o find_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o and_o debarr_v they_o from_o communion_n but_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v purge_v out_o other_o their_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v purge_v out_o as_o scandalous_a themselves_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o rent_n the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v man_n arise_v among_o ourselves_o under_o pretence_n of_o pious_a strictness_n to_o cast_v at_o our_o worship_n we_o behove_v to_o say_v just_o be_v the_o lord_n although_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o excuse_n but_o a_o fearful_a sin_n to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o carriage_n rent_n and_o undo_v the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o use_v ii_o the_o second_o use_n be_v that_o you_o will_v not_o think_v all_o alike_o guilty_a that_o may_v incline_v to_o this_o error_n of_o separate_n from_o lawful_a worship_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v some_o pious_o strict_a that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n loath_a at_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o but_o in_o wicked_a man_n company_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n because_o they_o can_v live_v without_o the_o ordinance_n therefore_o they_o incline_v to_o make_v up_o a_o little_o church_n of_o good_a man_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o devil_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o zeal_n to_o make_v they_o dishonour_n god_n by_o run_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a now_o although_o the_o humour_n of_o such_o shall_v not_o be_v give_v way_n to_o yet_o those_o who_o incline_v this_o way_n from_o a_o desire_n of_o strictness_n be_v much_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o error_n it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o have_v be_v more_o carry_v on_o by_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n than_o any_o true_a love_n to_o holiness_n itself_o it_o have_v be_v usual_o find_v in_o heady_a man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o rupture_n in_o tâ—e_v church_n that_o
this_o have_v be_v the_o method_n they_o use_v to_o walk_v in_o to_o cry_v up_o holiness_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o cry_v down_o all_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o untender_a that_o so_o they_o may_v carry_v all_o with_o they_o at_o last_o at_o least_o to_o rent_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n to_o such_o we_o will_v say_v nothing_o but_o christ_n curse_n and_o the_o church_n for_o rent_v her_o bowel_n will_v fall_v on_o them_o but_o unto_o the_o other_o we_o will_v speak_v something_o that_o be_v to_o those_o who_o be_v pious_o strict_a and_o real_o loath_a at_o the_o good_a service_n of_o god_n because_o such_o person_n be_v at_o it_o who_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o to_o those_o i_o shall_v say_v first_o know_v what_o it_o your_o duty_n and_o second_o what_o be_v not_o your_o duty_n in_o reference_n to_o profane_a man_n ofttime_n we_o mistake_v our_o duty_n and_o leap_v over_o it_o to_o what_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n now_o your_o duty_n in_o reference_n to_o profane_a man_n be_v not_o to_o take_v your_o hand_n from_o the_o ordinance_n because_o their_o hand_n be_v at_o it_o to_o turn_v your_o back_n on_o your_o duty_n because_o profane_a man_n join_v with_o you_o in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o small_a excuse_n to_o pretend_v when_o god_n reckon_v with_o you_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v what_o make_v you_o neglect_v such_o a_o duty_n to_o say_v lord_n i_o grant_v it_o be_v my_o duty_n but_o i_o can_v not_o because_o such_o man_n be_v at_o it_o therefore_o you_o shall_v know_v your_o duty_n in_o reference_n to_o those_o and_o it_o be_v this_o in_o the_o place_n where_o you_o live_v when_o you_o see_v a_o fault_n commit_v you_o shall_v tell_v the_o guilty_a person_n of_o it_o if_o the_o fault_n be_v open_a and_o a_o fault_n you_o can_v get_v prove_v you_o ought_v to_o delate_v it_o to_o those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v they_o if_o so_o be_v they_o may_v be_v gain_v by_o this_o mean_a or_o if_o not_o you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n or_o if_o the_o church_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o cast_v out_o the_o obstinate_a than_o you_o have_v your_o intent_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o notwithstanding_o you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v not_o they_o in_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n you_o be_v to_o regrate_a the_o matter_n to_o god_n to_o mourn_v for_o it_o you_o be_v to_o testify_v that_o you_o do_v not_o approve_v their_o way_n and_o in_o so_o do_v you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n and_o may_v have_v peace_n for_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n make_v not_o the_o work_n sinful_a in_o itself_o to_o you_o he_o eats_z and_o drinks_z damnation_n to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o you_o his_o presence_n do_v not_o make_v the_o worship_n sinful_a to_o thou_o and_o so_o it_o lose_v thou_o not_o from_o they_o obligation_n to_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n for_o if_o that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v defile_v the_o worship_n to_o thou_o than_o christian_n will_v be_v in_o a_o very_a hard_a condition_n for_o there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n so_o pure_a but_o there_o be_v some_o admit_v to_o it_o who_o a_o man_n true_o tender_a will_v think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n so_o pure_a but_o a_o tender_a man_n zealous_o strict_a will_v find_v some_o to_o challenge_v and_o so_o according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o church_n that_o a_o tender_a christian_n can_v join_v with_o and_o so_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o serve_v god_n apart_o and_o by_o himself_o alone_o and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o separatist_n way_n they_o have_v separate_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o can_v get_v none_o to_o join_v with_o and_o so_o turn_v seeker_n that_o be_v a_o sect_n who_o think_v there_o be_v none_o they_o can_v join_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o public_a duty_n and_o serve_v god_n by_o themselves_o alone_o because_o they_o can_v see_v none_o so_o holy_a as_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o you_o will_v suspect_v zeal_n when_o join_v with_o error_n and_o fear_v error_n most_o when_o it_o be_v cover_v over_o with_o zeal_n for_o error_n be_v never_o so_o dangerous_a as_o when_o it_o get_v on_o the_o mask_n of_o zeal_n it_o be_v then_o most_o cruel_a and_o most_o impudent_a people_n then_o have_v no_o will_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v enemy_n to_o true_a piety_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v suffer_v and_o bear_v with_o it_o turn_v impudent_a until_o it_o undo_v all_o i_o only_o give_v one_o word_n to_o guard_v this_o and_o so_o i_o shall_v end_v there_o be_v not_o one_o error_n that_o we_o refute_v but_o if_o not_o guard_v profane_a man_n may_v abuse_v it_o and_o so_o may_v they_o this_o to_o cast_v at_o those_o who_o be_v pious_o strict_a though_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v it_o be_v every_o christian_n duty_n to_o walk_v tender_o and_o to_o be_v so_o strict_a towards_o other_o as_o god_n require_v of_o he_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v refute_v as_o a_o error_n be_v only_o this_o that_o because_o a_o man_n can_v get_v all_o duty_n go_v about_o by_o all_o so_o strict_o as_o god_n command_v that_o therefore_o he_o will_v separate_a from_o altogether_o but_o withal_o we_o do_v show_v that_o not_o only_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v strict_a on_o himself_o where_o right_a strictness_n will_v always_o begin_v but_o also_o do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n and_o call_v that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v be_v keep_v pure_a by_o other_o finis_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5_o 1653._o the_o first_o sermon_n 1_o corinth_n 1._o 10._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n this_o text_n begin_v a_o new_a purpose_n so_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o speak_v much_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o dependence_n and_o cohesion_n only_o you_o will_v know_v somewhat_o of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v which_o will_v help_v we_o not_o a_o little_a to_o take_v up_o the_o occasion_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n read_v paul_n have_v plant_v a_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v after_o drive_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o sury_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v from_o act_n 18._o 12._o in_o who_o absence_n partly_o through_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n partly_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o false_a apostle_n the_o church_n be_v rend_v in_o faction_n some_o take_a part_n with_o one_o pastor_n and_o some_o with_o another_o according_a to_o the_o diverse_a estimation_n they_o hold_v they_o in_o for_o their_o humane_a eloquence_n great_a knowledge_n and_o other_o part_n the_o church_n be_v thus_o rend_v the_o apostle_n address_v himself_o timous_o to_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a but_o because_o he_o be_v almost_o out_o of_o request_n with_o the_o most_o part_n of_o that_o people_n though_o as_o he_o himself_o chap._n 4._o v._n 15._o declare_v he_o have_v beget_v they_o in_o christ_n jesus_n through_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o as_o a_o skill_a physician_n be_v to_o administer_v a_o bitter_a potion_n he_o sugger_v the_o brim_n of_o the_o cup_n by_o show_v that_o whatever_o be_v their_o respect_n to_o he_o yet_o his_o affection_n do_v remain_v the_o same_o towards_o they_o and_o this_o he_o insist_v on_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o ten_o verse_n wherein_o he_o fall_v upon_o the_o sore_a he_o intend_v to_o cure_v to_o wit_n their_o faction_n and_o schism_n obte_v they_o grau_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o will_v set_v about_o the_o heal_n of_o these_o woeful_a rent_n before_o they_o shall_v turn_v to_o worse_a in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1_o a_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v exhort_v 2._o some_o argument_n move_v they_o to_o set_v about_o this_o duty_n the_o duty_n be_v last_o in_o order_n of_o the_o word_n and_o propound_v in_o three_o sentence_n 1._o that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o 3._o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n the_o duty_n press_v in_o all_o these_o may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o two_o 1._o a_o evil_a they_o be_v to_o eschew_v 2._o
again_o attain_v we_o read_v act._n 15._o 39_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n part_v but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o their_o meeting_n again_o and_o church_n history_n show_v we_o that_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n for_o almost_o just_a nothing_o have_v continue_v incurable_a for_o some_o generation_n until_o not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o schism_n but_o also_o their_o disciple_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n osiand_n gent._n 4._o reas._n 6._o when_o a_o rent_n be_v make_v in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v hardly_o curable_a so_o it_o still_o grow_v wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v whereabout_o a_o rent_n begin_v than_o whereat_o it_o will_v end_v the_o great_a of_o church_n division_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v have_v but_o small_a beginning_n hence_o be_v that_o common_o receive_v maxim_n omne_fw-la schisma_fw-la desinit_fw-la in_o haresin_n the_o faction_n of_o the_o donatist_n at_o first_o make_v but_o a_o schism_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o faulty_a officer_n and_o mix_v communion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o until_o they_o fall_v into_o several_a heresy_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o shall_v now_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n our_o first_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n the_o doctrine_n refute_v at_o least_o lay_v a_o just_a odium_fw-la upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o congregational_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o perpetual_a rent_v of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v reckon_v four_n the_o first_o be_v that_o principle_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a church_n a_o most_o divide_v principle_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v way_n for_o every_o man_n to_o separate_a from_o his_o own_o and_o to_o join_v himself_o with_o another_o church_n suppose_v pure_a with_o contempt_n of_o the_o former_a congregation_n to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v but_o not_o to_o heal_v disease_a church_n it_o be_v to_o destroy_v many_o church_n for_o make_v up_o of_o one_o as_o if_o one_o go_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n shall_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v out_o all_o the_o sound_a member_n and_o leave_v the_o rot_a and_o disease_a member_n either_o to_o cure_v one_o another_o or_o to_o perish_v a_o strange_a and_o desperate_a way_n of_o cure_n a_o second_o divide_v principle_n in_o that_o way_n be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v ecclesiastic_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o their_o church_n member_n to_o wit_n conviction_n of_o their_o inward_a good_a estate_n which_o rule_n be_v variable_a and_o uncertain_a some_o will_v judge_v one_o way_n some_o another_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o incline_v to_o charity_n yea_o the_o same_o man_n at_o several_a time_n will_v have_v a_o various_a judgement_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o another_o according_a as_o the_o presumption_n and_o probability_n by_o which_o only_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v within_o be_v more_o full_o or_o spare_o represent_a hence_o there_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o breach_n upon_o breach_n but_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o authoritative_n judge_v to_o walk_v by_o such_o uncertain_a rule_n a_o three_o divide_v principle_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n be_v this_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v sole_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n hence_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n go_v wrong_a though_o but_o make_v up_o of_o seven_o person_n which_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_a in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v they_o this_o must_v needs_o open_v a_o door_n to_o as_o many_o division_n as_o there_o be_v church_n a_o four_o divide_v principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n yea_o no_o church_n visible_a but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o another_o principle_n they_o hold_v which_o follow_v upon_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o a_o minister_n can_v exerce_fw-la no_o act_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n hence_o 1._o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o church_n there_o remain_v only_o a_o communion_n of_o member_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n act_n from_o one_o church_n or_o many_o towards_o another_o the_o result_v and_o determination_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a synod_n make_v up_o of_o never_o so_o many_o church_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o act_n of_o so_o many_o private_a christian_n yea_o 2._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n among_o member_n of_o several_a congregation_n in_o public_a church_n ordinance_n as_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n joint_o from_o a_o send_v minister_n in_o receive_v the_o seal_n together_o for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n a_o minister_n can_v authoritative_o preach_v nor_o in_o any_o respect_n administer_v baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o any_o though_o never_o so_o gracious_a except_o to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v occasional_o present_a when_o he_o be_v dispense_n these_o ordinance_n unto_o his_o own_o which_o consequence_n be_v express_o grant_v by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o destroy_v all_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o member_n and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o union_n several_a such_o like_a principle_n in_o that_o way_n may_v be_v reckon_v out_o concern_v which_o the_o doctrine_n warrand_v we_o to_o say_v this_o much_o if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o than_o such_o divide_v principle_n can_v be_v of_o god_n our_o second_o use_n be_v for_o direction_n if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o than_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v so_o far_o and_o every_o day_n a_o step_n further_o from_o it_o our_o division_n grow_v i_o fear_v all_o the_o three_o way_n and_o in_o all_o rank_n our_o head_n be_v divide_v our_o tongue_n divide_v yea_o and_o our_o heart_n divide_v synod_n be_v divide_v presbytery_n be_v divide_v congregation_n divide_v minister_n divide_v people_n divide_v yea_o and_o in_o some_o place_n family_n divide_v husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o son_n mother_n and_o daughter_n master_n and_o servant_n yea_o and_o all_o divide_a we_o be_v as_o madman_n every_o one_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n manasseh_n ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n manasseh_n and_o they_o together_o against_o judah_n a_o evil_a never_o enough_o lament_v and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v make_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a division_n as_o our_o sad_a affliction_n and_o great_a weight_n i_o shall_v reckon_v six_o thing_n 1._o the_o many_o particular_a evil_n which_o upon_o a_o exact_a search_n it_o will_v be_v find_v our_o division_n have_v bring_v upon_o peoples_n own_o spirit_n how_o much_o of_o our_o precious_a time_n be_v spend_v in_o vain_a jangle_n by_o which_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o â—e_v make_v worse_a many_o i_o fear_v too_o too_o many_o so_o take_v up_o with_o their_o head_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o heart_n the_o sweetness_n and_o profit_n of_o mutual_a converse_n and_o fellowship_n be_v much_o mar_v our_o mutual_a freedom_n and_o benefit_n that_o way_n much_o impair_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o our_o hot_a debate_n untender_a expression_n and_o bitter_a and_o unnecessary_a reflection_n of_o time_n brangle_v and_o shake_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v we_o look_v on_o our_o present_a division_n as_o our_o great_a weight_n be_v the_o name_n of_o praise_n which_o this_o church_n have_v have_v for_o unity_n in_o time_n bypass_a among_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o as_o a_o rare_a privilege_n of_o this_o church_n beyond_o many_o and_o that_o which_o make_v her_o very_a name_n famous_a among_o church_n abroad_o that_o for_o the_o space_n almost_o of_o sixty_o year_n she_o have_v keep_v unity_n with_o purity_n without_o either_o schism_n or_o heresy_n now_o if_o unity_n have_v be_v former_o this_o church_n praise_n how_o sad_a and_o weighty_a be_v it_o and_o how_o woeful_a man_n be_v we_o that_o
this_o be_v absurd_a for_o christian_n be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o great_a liberty_n as_o appear_v from_o galat._n 4._o 1._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o clear_v the_o first_o proposition_n we_o lie_v down_o these_o thing_n first_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o may_v be_v make_v out_o from_o several_a place_n we_o take_v one_o 2_o chron_n 19_o 8._o where_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a v_o 10._o the_o matter_n they_o handle_v come_v to_o they_o from_o other_o judicatories_n and_o deut_n 17._o 8._o show_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_a be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o the_o inferior_a court_n but_o find_v too_o hard_o to_o be_v judge_v there_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o refuge_n for_o the_o party_n wrong_v by_o the_o inferior_a court_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o refuge_n leave_v to_o christian_n we_o may_v certain_o say_v the_o state_n of_o christiansis_n most_o hard_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o tyrannical_a sentence_n of_o the_o unjust_a eldership_n and_o no_o power_n to_o right_v they_o when_o the_o oppress_a jew_n may_v appeal_v to_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a we_o may_v further_o argue_v from_o this_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a government_n that_o be_v neither_o ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a but_o moral_a that_o be_v bind_v to_o we_o for_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v all_o alike_o and_o be_v not_o abrogate_v but_o this_o that_o there_o be_v subordination_n of_o judicatories_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o grieve_a party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v moral_a not_o ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o supremacy_n in_o judgement_n so_o the_o papist_n argue_v ill_a from_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o the_o pope_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n for_o thing_n of_o hard_a knowledge_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o oppress_a party_n be_v typical_a of_o nothing_o but_o moral_a and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o forbid_v party_n to_o be_v judge_n which_o will_v natural_o follow_v if_o there_o be_v not_o subordination_n of_o court_n yea_o further_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o this_o law_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o pattern_n upon_o the_o mount_n but_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o jethro_n and_o by_o he_o give_v to_o moses_n exod._n 18._o 22._o it_o shall_v be_v that_o every_o great_a matter_n they_o shall_v bring_v unto_o thou_o &c_n &c_n iii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v their_o objection_n many_o whereof_o we_o have_v take_v off_o in_o the_o first_o two_o head_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o those_o that_o be_v frivolous_a as_o indeed_o the_o most_o part_n be_v we_o shall_v only_o pitch_v on_o these_o that_o â—eem_v to_o carry_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n and_o whereof_o they_o boast_v most_o their_o first_o objection_n be_v from_o matth_n 18._o 17._o this_o church_n say_v they_o be_v a_o parochial_a church_n and_o christ_n mind_n be_v that_o the_o business_n shall_v be_v here_o end_v without_o any_o appeal_n from_o it_o answer_v christ_n mean_v not_o only_o a_o particular_a singular_a congregation_n but_o also_o if_o not_o main_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n for_o first_o the_o particular_a church_n can_v sometime_o heal_v the_o distemper_n as_o when_o it_o be_v divide_v or_o when_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v scandalous_a as_o oft_o may_v fall_v out_o by_o give_v a_o wrong_a sentence_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n have_v mean_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v complean_v to_o and_o in_o no_o case_n a_o judicatory_a above_o they_o than_o his_o remedy_n shall_v have_v come_v short_a in_o cure_v the_o disease_n for_o which_o he_o intend_v it_o which_o to_o say_v be_v no_o small_a imputation_n to_o jesus_n christ._n second_o christ_n here_o allude_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o obstinate_a to_o be_v repute_v as_o a_o heathen_a the_o same_o which_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o speech_n tell_v the_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o understand_v if_o he_o have_v not_o allude_v to_o the_o jewish_a judicatory_a beside_o which_o they_o know_v no_o judicatory_a for_o such_o offence_n as_o christ_n speak_v of_o to_o they_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v give_v its_o name_n to_o christ._n now_o as_o we_o clear_v before_o the_o judicatories_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v to_o be_v complain_v to_o for_o scandal_n be_v not_o only_o these_o who_o be_v in_o their_o single_a synagogue_n or_o congregation_n but_o also_o superior_a court_n to_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v from_o the_o lesser_a court_n three_o christ_n mean_v here_o of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o as_o we_o have_v already_o clear_v be_v presbyterial_a church_n or_o judicatories_n have_v the_o oversight_n of_o many_o congregation_n now_o sure_a these_o be_v the_o first_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o power_n of_o government_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n in_o that_o place_n their_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o the_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o presbytry_n lay_v on_o a_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n and_o subjection_n upon_o particular_a congregation_n equal_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v in_o bondage_n it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o lord_n bishop_n than_o under_o a_o number_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n in_o presbytry_n or_o synod_n for_o answer_v we_o make_v no_o other_o subjection_n here_o than_o what_o the_o independent_o themselves_o make_v for_o they_o make_v ten_o in_o a_o congregation_n subject_a to_o five_o hundred_o and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o five_o hundred_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o ten_o so_o make_v we_o many_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o elder_n convene_v in_o a_o presbytry_n what_o more_o subjection_n be_v there_o in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o second_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a comparison_n to_o compare_v bishop_n tyranny_n with_o presbytry_n for_o 1._o the_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v humane_a this_o be_v divine_a 2._o the_o bishop_n be_v but_o one_o man_n do_v by_o himself_o alone_o govern_v and_o that_o ad_fw-la arbitratum_fw-la nor_o have_v he_o any_o to_o answer_v to_o but_o here_o more_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v join_v together_o who_o be_v by_o mutual_a advice_n to_o rule_n god_n people_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o government_n by_o the_o bishop_n be_v altogether_o extrinsical_a to_o or_o without_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o bishop_n be_v none_o of_o their_o member_n nor_o yet_o choose_v by_o they_o but_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o they_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o member_n and_o commissioner_n from_o those_o same_o very_a church_n where_o they_o govern_v and_o so_o it_o be_v whole_o intrinsical_v 4._o we_o say_v government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tyrannical_a as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a remedy_n against_o church_n tyranny_n because_o it_o be_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n for_o all_o these_o who_o be_v oppress_v in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n for_o if_o in_o the_o independent_a government_n one_o be_v wrong_v he_o must_v sit_v with_o it_o till_o christ_n come_v and_o right_v he_o neighbour_n church_n may_v advise_v and_o request_v but_o the_o congregation_n advise_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o follow_v it_o but_o hâ—â—e_v when_o the_o eldership_n do_v wrong_a there_o be_v a_o refuge_n to_o a_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o to_o a_o synod_n etc._n etc._n object_n 3._o government_n by_o presbytery_n lay_v upon_o minister_n and_o elder_n the_o charge_n of_o other_o flock_n than_o these_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n make_v they_o overseer_n to_o wit_n the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o these_o church_n because_o they_o govern_v they_o answer_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o all_o these_o congregation_n in_o particular_a and_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a so_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v particular_o to_o catechise_v to_o visit_v etc._n etc._n only_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o and_o as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o the_o court_n with_o other_o and_o this_o be_v