the_o church_n through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o also_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a may_v be_v know_v well_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n be_v not_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o head_n invisible_a sure_o our_o join_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n will_v assure_o join_v we_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n now_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o head_n and_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n 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much_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o sect_n and_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o faction_n rend_v from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o such_o man_n choose_v and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o some_o singular_a way_n of_o worship_n form_n order_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o think_v they_o excel_v other_o christian_n and_o so_o cause_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a which_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o people_n to_o follow_v they_o especial_o have_v countenance_n of_o worldly_a authority_n by_o which_o mean_v both_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n depart_v from_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o this_o sevenfold_a spiritual_a unity_n be_v neglect_v christianity_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n into_z as_o many_o sect_n as_o the_o world_n and_o devil_n please_v till_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n leave_v either_o of_o faith_n or_o love_n so_o that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o confedracy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o outward_a order_n form_n rite_n law_n ceremony_n discipline_n which_o be_v necessary_o enforce_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n seduce_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a will_v never_o hold_v the_o church_n together_o but_o all_o these_o be_v and_o have_v prove_v and_o will_v prove_v rather_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n in_o the_o church_n than_o a_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o if_o they_o seem_v to_o work_v union_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mingle_v clay_n and_o iron_n together_o which_o no_o pain_n nor_o art_n can_v perfect_o compound_v for_o all_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n knit_v by_o other_o bond_n then_o be_v here_o name_v be_v no_o spiritual_a union_n neither_o will_v it_o stand_v and_o therefore_o dear_a christian_n and_o believer_n see_v we_o have_v seven_o bond_n of_o unity_n all_o of_o god_n own_o make_n to_o make_v we_o one_o let_v not_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v but_o sorry_a thing_n of_o man_n make_v separate_z and_o divide_v we_o but_o 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other_o thing_n christ_n and_o both_o otherwise_o then_o yet_o we_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v they_o 1._o to_o preserve_v our_o peace_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n do_v we_o must_v be_v instruct_v aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n government_n because_o the_o mistake_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v so_o great_a a_o cause_n of_o controversy_n and_o division_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o true_a government_n without_o any_o such_o form_n and_o law_n and_o power_n as_o be_v now_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o mediate_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v for_o these_o thing_n now_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a 1._o there_o be_v that_o government_n which_o god_n exercise_v immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o government_n which_o he_o exercise_v mediate_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a twofold_a the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o be_v god_n immediate_a government_n be_v also_o two_o fold_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n providence_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a government_n this_o be_v that_o government_n of_o god_n over_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o take_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n sign_n wonder_n by_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n and_o great_a terror_n when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o through_o the_o wilderness_n in_o path_n that_o be_v not_o tread_v when_o he_o feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n when_o he_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v they_o wrong_n but_o reprove_v even_o king_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o through_o multitude_n of_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o god_n lead_v that_o church_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o tribulation_n to_o quietness_n from_o a_o sordid_a condition_n to_o honour_n and_o renown_n from_o a_o strange_a land_n to_o a_o land_n of_o inheritance_n and_o from_o slavery_n to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a government_n indeed_o stand_v in_o god_n immediate_a conduct_n from_o heaven_n far_o above_o all_o humane_a counsel_n wisdom_n stratagem_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o man_n contrive_v and_o act_v and_o this_o government_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o all_o humane_a apprehension_n that_o according_a to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v his_o way_n be_v the_o sea_n and_o his_o path_n in_o the_o great_a water_n and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v and_o be_v not_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n every_o whit_n as_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o though_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v small_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n yet_o do_v it_o receive_v increase_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o be_v preserve_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v heathen_a emperor_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o ever_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v take_v the_o conduct_n of_o this_o church_n and_o have_v carry_v it_o through_o difficulty_n distress_n reproach_n prison_n torment_n death_n to_o ease_v liberty_n comfort_n joy_n salvation_n glory_n life_n happiness_n and_o this_o have_v be_v god_n glorious_a government_n of_o the_o church_n hitherto_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n the_o church_n of_o god_n want_v not_o this_o government_n among_o all_o the_o trouble_n confusion_n war_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o god_n be_v now_o as_o near_o his_o true_a church_n as_o ever_o and_o support_v it_o and_o comfort_n it_o and_o guide_v it_o as_o a_o skilful_a pilot_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o though_o the_o flood_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o billow_n against_o it_o yet_o they_o can_v sink_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n on_o high_a be_v mighty_a than_o the_o mighty_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o so_o still_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n lead_v his_o flock_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n and_o lion_n yea_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o devil_n in_o admirable_a and_o invincible_a safety_n and_o give_v they_o light_v in_o darkness_n counsel_n in_o difficulty_n and_o success_n in_o all_o attempt_n above_z and_o beyond_o both_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n now_o note_v here_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n god_n do_v not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n no_o not_o of_o his_o very_a people_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n do_v thing_n that_o they_o must_v not_o know_v yet_o but_o must_v know_v afterward_o yea_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v absurd_a and_o absolute_o destructive_a and_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n and_o order_n of_o god_n govern_v his_o saint_n that_o of_o luther_n on_o gen._n 39_o be_v worth_a our_o mind_v here_o i_o say_v he_o have_v often_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v certain_a way_n and_o method_n to_o god_n etc._n which_o he_o shall_v use_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n ah_o lord_n say_v i_o i_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v thus_o do_v in_o this_o order_n with_o this_o event_n but_o god_n do_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o do_v desire_v then_o again_o think_v i_o why_o my_o council_n be_v not_o differ_v
their_o employment_n for_o their_o suffering_n and_o for_o their_o do_n and_o as_o soldier_n that_o be_v under_o a_o wise_a and_o careful_a commander_n when_o they_o be_v near_o a_o engagement_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o run_v rash_o upon_o the_o enemy_n nor_o permit_v to_o go_v forth_o to_o battle_n till_o they_o be_v arm_v and_o mount_v so_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v forth_o in_o his_o warfare_n to_o encounter_v so_o many_o evil_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n and_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n till_o first_o he_o have_v arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o holy_a spirit_n you_o shall_v receive_v power_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o etc._n etc._n christ_n always_o give_v unto_o all_o those_o who_o he_o send_v forth_o and_o employ_v of_o his_o own_o power_n for_o his_o own_o work_n heavenly_a power_n for_o heavenly_a work_n spiritual_a power_n for_o spiritual_a work_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n indeed_o christ_n give_v unto_o some_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o power_n and_o to_o some_o a_o lesser_a according_a as_o he_o intend_v to_o use_v some_o in_o great_a work_n and_o difficulty_n and_o some_o in_o lesser_a but_o still_o they_o have_v of_o christ_n power_n whether_o more_a or_o less_o who_o be_v employ_v by_o christ_n and_o a_o little_a of_o that_o power_n that_o be_v communicate_v by_o christ_n will_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n far_o great_a than_o the_o world_n suspect_v or_o imagine_v so_o that_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o call_n to_o any_o business_n and_o of_o our_o employment_n in_o it_o by_o the_o power_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n for_o it_o if_o we_o have_v none_o of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v never_o set_v on_o work_n by_o christ_n for_o christ_n never_o set_v any_o on_o his_o work_n with_o out_o communicate_v unto_o they_o of_o his_o power_n and_o hereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v and_o conclude_v that_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v loose_a and_o vicious_a and_o idle_a and_o negligent_a and_o insufficient_a for_o that_o work_n be_v never_o call_v to_o it_o nor_o employ_v in_o it_o by_o christ_n but_o they_o run_v of_o their_o own_o head_n when_o they_o be_v not_o send_v and_o minister_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o money_n and_o preach_v only_o that_o they_o may_v live_v whereas_o if_o christ_n have_v employ_v they_o in_o that_o call_n he_o will_v have_v furnish_v they_o with_o ability_n for_o it_o and_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o ability_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a they_o be_v not_o send_v by_o christ_n eccl._n judge_v then_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o reformation_n this_o church_n be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o some_o man_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n who_o will_v have_v ignorant_a and_o insufficient_a man_n yea_o loose_a and_o profane_a man_n tolerate_v in_o the_o ministry_n under_o pretence_n of_o keep_v up_o ordinance_n when_o yet_o such_o man_n be_v never_o employ_v by_o christ_n nor_o supply_v with_o any_o power_n from_o he_o yea_o and_o what_o ordinance_n i_o pray_v be_v those_o like_a to_o be_v which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o man_n that_o be_v carnal_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n but_o you_o see_v here_o that_o christ_n way_n and_o wisdom_n be_v different_a from_o this_o for_o he_o first_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o send_v they_o to_o preach_v when_o he_o have_v first_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v 2._o you_o see_v here_o doctrine_n that_o christ_n be_v to_o leave_v his_o disciple_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n yet_o leave_v behind_o he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o this_o be_v some_o establishment_n to_o they_o yea_o this_o give_v great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n to_o they_o who_o before_o have_v their_o heart_n fill_v with_o sorrow_n christ_n though_o sometime_o he_o leave_v his_o people_n in_o regard_n of_o sense_n yet_o he_o never_o leave_v they_o without_o a_o promise_n the_o soul_n sometime_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n may_v want_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o never_o want_v a_o promise_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n make_v christ_n present_a in_o his_o absence_n for_o christ_n himself_o be_v spiritual_o present_a in_o the_o promise_n and_o not_o christ_n only_o but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o asunder_o but_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o so_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n one_o and_o all_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o the_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o uphold_v the_o soul_n in_o any_o condition_n not_o because_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v present_a in_o the_o promise_n and_o they_o be_v infinite_o able_a to_o support_v the_o soul_n through_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o great_a evil_n either_o of_o earth_n or_o hell_n now_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n and_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o intimate_a enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o may_v the_o soul_n enjoy_v christ_n presence_n in_o his_o absence_n his_o presence_n according_a to_o faith_n in_o his_o absence_n according_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o christ_n depart_v from_o his_o disciple_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n leave_v with_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o that_o promise_n his_o spiritual_a presence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a condition_n that_o christ_n ever_o leave_v his_o true_a church_n in_o he_o leave_v they_o his_o presence_n in_o a_o promise_n when_o in_o regard_n of_o sense_n he_o forsake_v they_o 3._o note_v doctrine_n that_o luke_n be_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o propagate_a and_o enlarge_n and_o govern_v the_o christian_a church_n do_v first_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o both_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o upon_o the_o disciple_n signify_v hereby_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o necessary_a for_o the_o increase_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v altogether_o deceive_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o of_o god_n who_o think_v the_o increase_n and_o propagation_n and_o preservation_n and_o establishment_n and_o order_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n depend_v especial_o upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n and_o that_o without_o these_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v soon_o come_v to_o woeful_a disorder_n yea_o to_o utter_a ruin_n and_o confusion_n as_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n sit_v idle_a in_o heaven_n and_o have_v leave_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o his_o church_n to_o man_n and_o the_o sacred_a power_n confirm_v with_o the_o secular_a be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o increase_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o regard_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n among_o we_o and_o the_o very_a head_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v break_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o and_o except_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n watch_v but_o in_o vain_a so_o also_o except_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o word_n pour_v forth_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o that_o spirit_n of_o he_o in_o and_o through_o the_o word_n enlarge_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o undertake_v these_o thing_n of_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n alone_o that_o through_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lay_n hold_v on_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o bring_v they_o through_o faith_n into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o teach_v they_o and_o order_n they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o and_o therefore_o you_o see_v here_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v first_o perform_v before_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v any_o enlargement_n or_o government_n and_o now_o from_o these_o general_a thing_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o word_n more_o particular_o word_n you_o shall_v receive_v power_n when_o the_o
of_o outward_a form_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o do_v declare_v so_o much_o call_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v external_n uniformity_n now_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o after_o so_o much_o meditation_n and_o recollection_n as_o my_o other_o employment_n and_o the_o many_o distraction_n that_o necessary_o attend_v my_o present_a condition_n will_v permit_v i_o i_o can_v discern_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n say_v joh._n 4._o 23._o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a consist_v in_o faith_n hope_n love_n and_o in_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o three_o former_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o uniformity_n as_o it_o have_v be_v explicate_v and_o as_o they_o understand_v it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o capable_a of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n at_o the_o strange_a work_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o will_v have_v a_o exernal_a uniformity_n in_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a and_o of_o which_o the_o outward_a form_n be_v no_o part_n at_o all_o but_o be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o so_o absolute_o various_a again_o as_o i_o find_v not_o this_o uniformity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o practice_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n in_o act_n 1._o 14._o i_o read_v how_o the_o apostle_n be_v together_o with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o brethren_n continue_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n or_o mind_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o act_n 2._o v_o 44._o &_o 46._o how_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o continue_v daily_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o do_v break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v unity_n but_o no_o external_a uniformity_n neither_o name_n nor_o thing_n again_o act_v 4._o 23._o peter_n and_o john_n be_v let_v go_v by_o the_o magistrate_n go_v to_o their_o own_o company_n which_o many_o of_o our_o clergy_n will_v term_v a_o conventicle_n and_o report_v all_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n have_v say_v to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o mind_n and_o pray_v here_o be_v inward_a unity_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o spiritual_a prayer_n but_o no_o external_a uniformity_n and_o vers_fw-la 32._o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n unity_n still_o but_o nothing_o of_o external_a uniformity_n further_o we_o read_v act_n chap._n 7._o and_o chap._n 8._o that_o stephen_n and_o philip_n who_o by_o the_o church_n be_v ordain_v deacon_n and_o be_v to_o serve_v only_o for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o table_n yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o anoint_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n free_o and_o powerful_o and_o how_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v neither_o minister_n not_o deacon_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o by_o persecution_n go_v preach_v the_o word_n everywhere_o where_o they_o come_v in_o that_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o all_o believer_n partake_v alike_o be_v one_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o such_o ministry_n where_o there_o be_v no_o believer_n to_o call_v to_o the_o office_n and_o in_o this_o though_o there_o be_v unity_n of_o faith_n spirit_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o uniformity_n as_o they_o will_v have_v again_o act_v 20._o paul_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n preach_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o macedonia_n from_o the_o evening_n till_o midnight_n which_o dr._n pocklington_n in_o a_o print_a sermon_n say_v be_v out_o of_o order_n that_o be_v out_o of_o prelatical_a order_n or_o presbyterial_a uniformity_n and_o after_o break_v bread_n and_o do_v eat_v and_o talk_v with_o they_o a_o long_a while_n till_o break_v of_o day_n and_o go_v from_o thence_o he_o arrive_v at_o ephesus_n and_o there_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n together_o and_o appeal_v to_o they_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o have_v be_v with_o they_o to_o wit_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o many_o tear_n and_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o he_o have_v hold_v back_o nothing_o profitable_a for_o they_o but_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o i_o wish_v be_v more_o in_o use_n nowadays_o if_o it_o may_v obtain_v so_o much_o leave_v from_o uniformity_n and_o have_v preach_v to_o they_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o chief_a work_n towards_o god_n since_o our_o fall_n and_o corruption_n be_v repentance_n which_o be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o creature_n towards_o god_n through_o god_n own_o work_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v not_o do_v without_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o our_o chief_a work_n towards_o christ_n who_o be_v give_v to_o we_o as_o a_o head_n be_v faith_n or_o union_n and_o in_o the_o end_n exhort_v the_o presbyter_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o who_o according_a to_o the_o church_n principle_n of_o this_o age_n want_v no_o admonition_n themselves_o see_v they_o be_v become_v a_o peremptory_a rule_n to_o all_o other_o and_o to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o patron_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o all_o this_o neither_o practice_n himself_o nor_o preach_v to_o they_o nor_o command_v they_o to_o preach_v to_o other_o or_o impose_v upon_o other_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n as_o external_a uniformity_n and_o so_o sure_o they_o that_o so_o vehement_o urge_v this_o thing_n that_o they_o make_v it_o all_o in_o all_o in_o their_o reformation_n have_v some_o other_o teacher_n than_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v teach_v of_o christ_n as_o christ_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n yet_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o uniformity_n and_o yet_o further_o that_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v the_o more_o convince_v observe_v a_o little_a more_o serious_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o point_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v nothing_o less_o than_o external_a uniformity_n see_v this_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o christ_n prayer_n for_o the_o duty_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o so_o much_o spiritual_a worship_n as_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o flesh_n both_o in_o head_n &_o member_n this_o christ_n sometime_o perform_v with_o his_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n sometime_o be_v prostrate_a with_o his_o body_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o several_a time_n several_a way_n and_o as_o he_o so_o the_o saint_n have_v some_o pray_v stand_v &_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n as_o moses_n some_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n as_o solomon_n some_o stand_v and_o not_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n as_o the_o publican_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o external_a uniformity_n in_o all_o this_o and_o as_o for_o pray_v so_o for_o preach_v christ_n sometime_o preach_v in_o a_o ship_n sometime_o on_o the_o shore_n sometime_o in_o the_o city_n jerusalem_n sometime_o in_o the_o temple_n sometime_o in_o the_o desert_n sometime_o early_o sometime_o late_o as_o if_o he_o intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o witness_v against_o that_o piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o in_o after_o age_n shall_v be_v call_v uniformity_n so_o paul_n preach_v sometime_o on_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n sometime_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n sometime_o each_o day_n of_o the_o week_n sometime_o in_o the_o day_n sometime_o in_o the_o night_n sometime_o pray_v in_o the_o house_n sometime_o on_o the_o shore_n he_o circumcise_a timothy_n among_o the_o weak_a refuse_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n among_o the_o perverse_a become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o
greek_a to_o the_o greek_n to_o the_o weak_a as_o weak_a to_o the_o strong_a as_o strong_a all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v win_v some_o and_o what_o external_a uniformity_n be_v here_o and_o then_o for_o the_o sacrament_n christ_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n immediate_o after_o supper_n paul_n at_o midnight_n and_o it_o may_v be_v other_o in_o the_o morning_n or_o at_o noon_n and_o what_o external_a uniformity_n in_o all_o this_o and_o for_o government_n sometime_o the_o apostle_n meet_v together_o into_o a_o council_n and_o in_o that_o council_n order_v thing_n not_o of_o their_o own_o head_n or_o by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n but_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o what_o they_o order_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n they_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n at_o other_o time_n minister_n and_o believer_n do_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n among_o themselves_o by_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o both_o or_o else_o believer_n alone_o among_o themselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o minister_n present_v and_o where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v more_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o more_o officer_n and_o where_o few_o of_o few_o officer_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o free_a order_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v christ_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o father_n among_o they_o and_o in_o they_o and_o so_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o man_n into_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n that_o true_o i_o see_v not_o the_o gospel_n more_o set_v its_o spirit_n against_o any_o thing_n of_o antichrist_n then_o against_o this_o point_n of_o external_a uniformity_n for_o if_o we_o have_v one_o lord_n christ_n spirit_n faith_n baptism_n and_o god_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v free_a to_o the_o church_n as_o god_n shall_v order_v by_o they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o man_n have_v no_o place_n in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v as_o the_o only_a light_n but_o against_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v do_v lie_v some_o objection_n as_o first_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o and_o do_v not_o this_o imply_v external_a uniformity_n i_o answer_v nothing_o less_o for_o the_o apostle_n explicate_v plain_o and_o clear_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o lord_n one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o among_o believer_n eph._n 4._o ch_n 4._o 5._o 6._o where_o he_o say_v there_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a church_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o all_o where_o you_o see_v that_o among_o believer_n there_o be_v a_o manifold_a unity_n but_o no_o external_a uniformity_n yea_o the_o prayer_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n for_o the_o church_n unfold_v clear_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o the_o church_n joh._n 17._o christ_n pray_v that_o they_o all_o who_o be_v many_o among_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o external_a uniformity_n that_o after_o this_o manner_n they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o but_o again_o it_o be_v object_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n 14._o that_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v not_o this_o imply_v external_a uniformity_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o will_v hardly_o admit_v in_o their_o parish_n church_n such_o a_o decency_n and_o order_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o mean_v neither_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o it_o for_o he_o say_v before_o when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v come_v together_o into_o some_o place_n that_o all_o may_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o that_o during_o this_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o the_o former_a to_o give_v place_n and_o he_o must_v speak_v that_o have_v the_o clear_a light_n see_v the_o spirit_n to_o whosoever_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v give_v to_o profit_v withal_o and_o that_o though_o all_o may_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o yet_o all_o may_v not_o prophesy_v at_o once_o for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v order_n but_o confusion_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v avoid_v say_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v dâ—ne_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o this_o decency_n too_o he_o persuade_v to_o by_o the_o word_n he_o do_v not_o enforce_v by_o secular_a power_n and_o if_o they_o will_v call_v this_o uniformity_n for_o believer_n to_o prophesy_v one_o after_o another_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o many_o or_o two_o or_o three_o at_o once_o or_o the_o same_o time_n we_o willing_o agree_v with_o they_o but_o how_o far_o this_o thing_n be_v from_o their_o sense_n every_o one_o know_v thus_o you_o see_v these_o objection_n answer_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o more_o can_v be_v bring_v but_o may_v as_o clear_o and_o easy_o be_v answer_v as_o these_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v i_o wonder_v and_o wonder_v again_o that_o we_o have_v covenant_v and_o agree_v together_o solemn_o to_o endeavour_v for_o a_o government_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v leave_v so_o void_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o fall_v upon_o external_a uniformity_n which_o be_v nowhere_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o primitive_a christian_n yea_o while_o i_o consider_v more_o serious_o of_o the_o matter_n i_o think_v external_a uniformity_n be_v a_o monstrous_a thing_n how_o glorious_a soever_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o not_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o nature_n or_o in_o grace_n either_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o nature_n be_v no_o external_a uniformity_n extend_v to_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n for_o look_v into_o the_o world_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o variety_n of_o form_n heavenly_a and_o earthly_a body_n have_v several_a form_n and_o in_o the_o earth_n each_o bird_n beast_n tree_n plant_n creature_n differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o outward_a form_n if_o the_o whole_a creation_n shall_v appear_v in_o one_o form_n or_o external_a uniformity_n what_o a_o monstrous_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v nothing_o differ_v from_o the_o first_o chaos_n but_o the_o variety_n of_o form_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o most_o admirable_a unity_n among_o all_o the_o creature_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o external_a uniformity_n again_o as_o there_o be_v no_o external_a uniformity_n spread_v over_o the_o great_a world_n so_o nor_o yet_o over_o the_o little_a world_n or_o man_n for_o look_v upon_o a_o man_n consist_v of_o head_n and_o member_n unto_o which_o the_o apostle_n compare_v the_o church_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v all_o the_o member_n like_o one_o another_o neither_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o outward_a form_n nor_o operation_n for_o the_o hand_n do_v not_o move_v as_o the_o foot_n nor_o the_o foot_n act_n as_o the_o hand_n and_o if_o all_o the_o member_n shall_v appear_v and_o act_v in_o one_o form_n what_o a_o monster_n will_v a_o man_n be_v and_o yet_o among_o the_o member_n though_o there_o be_v no_o external_a uniformity_n yet_o there_o be_v admirable_a unity_n and_o yet_o again_o look_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o they_o as_o external_a uniformity_n here_o in_o england_n you_o shall_v observe_v that_o york_n be_v not_o govern_v as_o hull_n nor_o hull_v as_o hallifax_n nor_o that_o as_o bristol_n etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v one_o county_n govern_v uniform_o as_o another_o there_o be_v no_o uniformity_n in_o the_o government_n of_o kent_n and_o essex_n nor_o one_o town_n govern_v like_o another_o in_o godmanchester_n the_o young_a son_n inherit_v in_o huntingdon_n the_o elder_a nor_o one_o corporation_n govern_v like_o another_o nor_o one_o company_n in_o the_o city_n govern_v as_o another_o and_o yet_o between_o all_o county_n city_n town_n corporation_n company_n there_o be_v unity_n though_o no_o external_a uniformity_n yea_o look_v upon_o the_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n and_o there_o be_v it_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o thousand_o family_n or_o more_o in_o it_o and_o each_o one_o govern_v after_o a_o
not_o travel_v with_o child_n for_o more_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o desolate_a then_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n say_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v the_o place_n of_o thy_o tent_n and_o let_v they_o stretch_v forth_o the_o curtain_n of_o thy_o habitation_n spare_v not_o lengthen_v thy_o cord_n and_o strengthen_v thy_o stake_n for_o thou_o shall_v break_v forth_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v inherit_v the_o gentile_n and_o make_v the_o desolate_a city_n to_o be_v inhabit_v so_o that_o there_o shall_v certain_o be_v a_o most_o wonderful_a and_o numerous_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o they_o become_v as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o morning_n dew_n that_o can_v be_v tell_v all_o of_o they_o assemble_v in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v overmuch_o trouble_v use_v though_o at_o present_a we_o see_v in_o a_o numerous_a nation_n but_o few_o true_a child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n for_o god_n shall_v bless_v these_o few_o and_o bid_v they_o increase_v and_o multiply_v and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o though_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v now_o but_o thin_a and_o one_o come_v from_o this_o place_n and_o another_o from_o that_o to_o these_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o and_o most_o place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n these_o few_o be_v fain_o to_o come_v together_o secret_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o letter_n yet_o through_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o flock_n and_o as_o dove_n to_o their_o window_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n lift_v up_o thy_o eye_n round_o about_o and_o behold_v all_o these_o gather_v themselves_o together_o and_o come_v to_o thou_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n thou_o shall_v sure_o clothe_v thou_o with_o they_o all_o as_o with_o a_o ornament_n and_o bind_v they_o on_o thou_o as_o a_o bride_n do_v etc._n etc._n till_o at_o last_o the_o church_n shall_v say_v in_o her_o heart_n who_o have_v beget_v i_o these_o seeing_z i_o have_v lose_v my_o child_n and_o be_o desolate_a a_o captive_a and_o removing_z to_z and_o fro_o and_o who_o have_v bring_v up_o these_o behold_v i_o be_v leave_v alone_o these_o where_o have_v they_o be_v yea_o these_o very_a promise_n be_v now_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o accomplish_v among_o we_o for_o the_o spiritual_a church_n have_v receive_v a_o very_a great_a increase_n within_o these_o few_o year_n and_o god_n have_v many_o faithful_a people_n in_o many_o place_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o this_o myself_o and_o many_o more_o in_o this_o army_n be_v witness_n for_o have_v march_v up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sit_v we_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o christian_n who_o have_v much_o gospel_n light_n and_o which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a in_o such_o place_n where_o there_o have_v be_v no_o gospel_n ministry_n which_o have_v put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o prophecy_n isa_n 66._o 8._o who_o have_v hear_v such_o a_o thing_n who_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n shall_v the_o earth_n be_v make_v to_o bring_v forth_o in_o one_o day_n or_o shall_v a_o nation_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o zion_n travel_v nay_o before_o she_o travel_v she_o bring_v forth_o her_o child_n there_o be_v no_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o travel_v or_o take_v pain_n with_o they_o and_o yet_o zion_n bring_v forth_o her_o child_n and_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v remarkable_a touch_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v this_o that_o where_o christ_n send_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o many_o young_a people_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n as_o be_v most_o free_a from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o former_a age_n and_o from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n teach_v and_o receive_v instead_o of_o the_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a word_n of_o god_n whereas_o many_o old_a professor_n who_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o form_n prove_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o thus_o the_o first_o be_v the_o last_o and_o the_o last_o first_o now_o this_o great_a and_o sudden_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o exceed_o trouble_v the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o angry_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o if_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o mean_v contemptible_a and_o inconsiderable_a person_n who_o they_o may_v easy_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o will_v be_v pretty_a quiet_a but_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o land_n as_o israel_n do_v in_o egypt_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o taskmaster_n wherewith_o they_o be_v afflict_v and_o grieve_v do_v yet_o increase_v abundant_o and_o multiply_v and_o wax_v exceed_o mighty_a till_o they_o begin_v to_o fill_v the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o consult_v to_o deal_v wise_o with_o they_o lest_o they_o multiply_v too_o much_o do_v yet_o see_v they_o grow_v and_o multiply_v the_o more_o that_o they_o know_v not_o at_o what_o country_n or_o city_n or_o town_n or_o village_n or_o family_n to_o begin_v to_o suppress_v they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o exceed_o vex_v and_o enrage_v the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o even_o mad_a again_o as_o we_o see_v this_o day_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o grief_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o these_o man_n in_o vain_a attempt_n against_o this_o increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o egyptian_n against_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o israelite_n for_o none_o can_v hinder_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o that_o hinder_v god_n from_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n pour_v forth_o the_o spirit_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o much_o touch_v the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o church_n increase_v now_o in_o the_o word_n i_o read_v to_o you_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o another_o promise_n so_o that_o the_o lord_n because_o of_o the_o church_n weakness_n add_v one_o promise_n to_o another_o and_o these_o promise_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o out_o go_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n throug_n the_o word_n christ_n but_o to_o look_v more_o near_o upon_o the_o word_n verse_n 11._o oh_o thou_o afflict_a affliction_n in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o inseparable_o attend_v the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n even_o take_v its_o denomination_n from_o it_o church_n oh_o thou_o afflict_a the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o afflict_a condition_n for_o the_o church_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v put_v into_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v also_o of_o its_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v malignant_a against_o the_o faithful_a and_o spiritual_a church_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v set_v their_o face_n yea_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o hand_n against_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o unregenerate_a world_n be_v against_o the_o regenerate_a and_o the_o carnal_a world_n against_o the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o sinful_a world_n against_o the_o righteous_a and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v against_o that_o people_n and_o nation_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o holy_a nation_n and_o a_o peculiar_a people_n as_o the_o world_n can_v endure_v god_n in_o himself_o so_o neither_o can_v it_o endure_v god_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o the_o more_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o saint_n the_o more_o do_v the_o world_n afflict_v the_o saint_n for_o they_o oppose_v not_o the_o faithful_a for_o any_o thing_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o they_o but_o because_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o they_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a presence_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v there_o as_o he_o say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o christ_n where_o he_o say_v all_o this_o shall_v they_o do_v to_o you_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n that_o be_v when_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o be_v take_v into_o his_o name_n that_o be_v into_o his_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o into_o his_o nature_n which_o comprehend_v all_o this_o then_o when_o the_o world_n
christ_n joh_n 16._o the_o world_n shall_v hate_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o shall_v kill_v you_o and_o in_o do_v all_o this_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o say_v he_o i_o will_v send_v you_o the_o comforter_n christ_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o among_o all_o these_o evil_n they_o shall_v have_v no_o comforter_n on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o promise_v to_o send_v they_o one_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o when_o thy_o soul_n be_v place_v in_o affliction_n never_o look_v after_o any_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a or_o creature_n comfort_n for_o they_o will_v prove_v poison_n to_o thy_o soul_n but_o only_o look_v for_o heavenly_a comfort_n such_o as_o the_o spirit_n bring_v such_o as_o flow_v immediate_o from_o god_n for_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o sweet_a and_o unmixed_a and_o refresh_v and_o support_v and_o satisfy_v and_o endure_a comfort_n comfort_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o rejoice_v not_o only_o in_o fullness_n but_o in_o want_n not_o only_o among_o friend_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n not_o only_o in_o good_a report_n but_o in_o evil_a report_n not_o only_o in_o prosperity_n but_o in_o tribulation_n not_o only_o in_o life_n but_o in_o death_n they_o will_v make_v thou_o go_v sing_v to_o prison_n to_o the_o cross_n to_o the_o grave_n they_o be_v mighty_a comfort_n infinite_o strong_a than_o all_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o saint_n and_o martyr_n have_v go_v cheerful_o to_o the_o stake_n and_o sing_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n the_o comfort_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v strengthen_v they_o to_o this_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o in_o union_n with_o christ_n never_o doubt_v of_o this_o comfort_n in_o thy_o great_a sorrow_n when_o christ_n have_v none_o to_o stand_v by_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o god_n send_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o when_o we_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o we_o shall_v want_v comfort_n god_n will_v send_v we_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o comfort_v we_o yea_o the_o spirit_n itself_o which_o be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v comfort_v by_o god_n when_o we_o be_v afflict_v and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v by_o man_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n see_v the_o church_n in_o its_o affliction_n promise_n without_o all_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o comfort_v it_o himself_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o promise_n they_o be_v the_o sweet_a comfort_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o in_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o swadling-clothe_n of_o christ_n they_o carry_v christ_n wrap_v up_o in_o they_o and_o christ_n represent_v to_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o evil_n outward_a or_o inward_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o affliction_n take_v hold_v on_o thou_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o promise_n to_o draw_v thy_o comfort_n from_o christ_n through_o they_o oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v that_o life_n that_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o promise_n a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o best_a life_n in_o the_o world_n man_n that_o have_v estate_n in_o money_n or_o land_n depend_v on_o those_o thing_n for_o their_o maintenance_n but_o a_o christian_a may_v have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o these_o in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o have_v a_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o make_v his_o life_n more_o comfortable_a i_o be_o god_n all-sufficient_a and_o i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o whereupon_o he_o come_v to_o this_o resolution_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o portion_n say_v my_o soul_n i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a a_o life_n be_v this_o life_n that_o know_v no_o care_n nor_o fear_n nor_o trouble_n nor_o disquietment_n here_o say_v a_o believer_n lie_v my_o estate_n and_o live_v and_o the_o lot_n of_o my_o inheritance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o more_o certain_a estate_n than_o all_o the_o manor_n and_o lordship_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o my_o bread_n shall_v be_v give_v i_o my_o water_n shall_v be_v sure_a the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v no_o not_o then_o when_o the_o lion_n the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o every_o poor_a man_n be_v a_o prey_n shall_v lack_v and_o sufferâ—hunger_n he_o that_o have_v give_v i_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o spirit_n will_v not_o leave_v i_o destitute_a of_o food_n and_o clothing_n take_v another_o instance_n a_o man_n feel_v the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v oh_o how_o shall_v i_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o suffer_v this_o or_o that_o or_o to_o part_v with_o my_o relation_n with_o my_o estate_n with_o my_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a unto_o i_o why_o when_o a_o christian_a lay_n hold_v on_o the_o promise_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o which_o we_o be_v able_a o_o say_v a_o christian_n god_n will_v never_o bring_v i_o to_o any_o temptation_n or_o trial_n but_o he_o will_v give_v i_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o it_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o live_v satisfy_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o these_o instance_n that_o a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o sweet_a and_o best_a life_n when_o a_o man_n can_v draw_v all_o from_o god_n himself_o through_o a_o promise_n and_o this_o in_o general_a that_o god_n comfort_v his_o church_n by_o a_o promise_n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o word_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n and_o lay_v thy_o foundation_n with_o saphire_n glorious_o verse_n 12._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thy_o window_n of_o agate_n and_o thy_o gate_n of_o carbuncle_n and_o all_o thy_o border_n of_o pleasant_a stone_n the_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o you_o shall_v observe_v be_v oft_o in_o scripture_n compare_v to_o a_o building_n and_o that_o to_o a_o most_o stately_a sumptuous_a magnificent_a and_o glorious_a build_n as_o be_v all_o build_v of_o precious_a stone_n and_o so_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v up_o of_o common_a stone_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n shall_v far_o exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o the_o first_o temple_n be_v solomon_n which_o be_v indeed_o fill_v with_o the_o outward_a presence_n of_o god_n but_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n both_o head_n and_o member_n this_o be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o temple_n that_o god_n have_v build_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o his_o own_o habitation_n wherein_o god_n dwell_v true_o real_o spiritual_o and_o most_o near_o by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o most_o near_a union_n whereby_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v knit_v together_o and_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o material_a one_o either_o according_a to_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o it_o by_o solomon_n or_o the_o second_o edition_n of_o it_o by_o the_o father_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n here_o than_o you_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o stone_n of_o fair_a colour_n with_o precious_a stone_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o inquire_v particular_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o several_a stone_n here_o name_v for_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o full_o agree_v about_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v build_v with_o common_a but_o with_o precious_a stone_n now_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o forth_o in_o several_a particular_n 1._o you_o see_v here_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v make_v and_o that_o be_v not_o of_o common_a but_o of_o precious_a stone_n elect_v and_o precious_a stone_n and_o such_o be_v the_o faithful_a for_o 1._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o other_o man_n have_v for_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o
this_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n as_o the_o child_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o more_o true_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o these_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o say_v peter_n great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n other_o have_v only_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o they_o or_o which_o be_v worse_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n communicate_v to_o they_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n 2._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o other_o have_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o daniel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n find_v with_o he_o then_o with_o all_o the_o other_o wise_a man_n now_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o creature_n be_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o but_o the_o saint_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n dwell_v in_o they_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o flesh_n as_o christ_n have_v dwell_v in_o his_o flesh_n so_o that_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a lustre_n than_o other_o man_n one_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o precious_a stone_n be_v the_o lustre_n of_o they_o now_o this_o lustre_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o the_o lord_n shall_v arise_v upon_o thou_o and_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v see_v upon_o thou_o say_v isaiah_n chap._n 60._o and_o paul_n say_v we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v take_v into_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o be_v we_o take_v into_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v joh._n 17._o and_o the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o head_n and_o member_n be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o glory_n accord_v to_o their_o proportion_n 4._o they_o have_v more_o excellent_a operation_n for_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o such_o precious_a stone_n that_o be_v only_o for_o show_v but_o they_o also_o have_v some_o virtue_n in_o they_o even_o the_o very_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v be_v able_a according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n that_o he_o do_v and_o so_o the_o saint_n be_v excellent_a in_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n humility_z meekness_n patience_n temperance_n heavenly_a mindedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o regard_n also_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o his_o jewel_n in_o the_o day_n whrein_o i_o make_v up_o my_o jewel_n and_o elsewhere_o they_o be_v call_v the_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o precious_a anoint_v though_o some_o wicked_a and_o scurrilous_a libeler_n against_o the_o spiritual_a church_n will_v not_o allow_v they_o this_o name_n but_o according_a to_o the_o anoint_v they_o have_v receive_v from_o satan_n reproach_n it_o and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o the_o true_o faithful_a be_v precious_a stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n partake_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lustre_n and_o operation_n of_o both_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a other_o people_n be_v the_o vile_a of_o the_o earth_n the_o true_a filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n psal_n 15._o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o natural_a man_n a_o sinful_a and_o unregerate_v man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o nature_n in_o he_o but_o that_o corrupt_a nature_n he_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n though_o in_o this_o present_a world_n he_o may_v be_v a_o gentleman_n or_o a_o knight_n or_o a_o noble_a man_n or_o a_o king_n yet_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n he_o be_v but_o a_o vile_a person_n and_o a_o poor_a mean_a christian_n that_o yearn_v his_o bread_n by_o hard_a labour_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a than_o he_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v that_o be_v of_o precious_a stone_n 2._o now_o the_o next_o thing_n observable_a church_n be_v the_o variety_n of_o these_o precious_a stone_n for_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v not_o build_v up_o of_o precious_a stone_n of_o one_o sort_n only_o not_o all_o of_o saphire_n or_o all_o of_o agate_n or_o all_o of_o carbuncle_n but_o of_o all_o these_o both_o saphire_n agate_n carbuncle_n and_o many_o other_o precious_a stone_n of_o fair_a colour_n and_o this_o note_n the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v precious_a stone_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o diversity_n of_o colour_n and_o lustre_n and_o operation_n and_o this_o also_o make_v for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o variety_n of_o lustre_n add_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o if_o the_o body_n be_v all_o but_o one_o member_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o lump_n of_o flesh_n but_o the_o variety_n of_o member_n with_o their_o several_a gift_n and_o operation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o body_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o be_v divers_a member_n with_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n excellent_o set_v forth_o by_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 4._o etc._n etc._n now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n that_o work_v all_o in_o all_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n to_o another_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n severally_z as_o he_o will_n here_o you_o see_v be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n and_o operation_n in_o the_o faithful_a but_o all_o proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o whatsoever_o gift_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n a_o heavenly_a lustre_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v connatural_a to_o thou_o and_o flow_v from_o thy_o own_o spirit_n and_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v supernatural_a and_o flow_v from_o god_n spirit_n in_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o thy_o own_o spirit_n in_o all_o thy_o natural_a ability_n part_n wisdom_n learning_n act_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ungloriousness_n deformity_n darkness_n death_n how_o specious_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o gift_n and_o operation_n that_o flow_v from_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n and_o glory_n yea_o even_o in_o weak_a christian_n that_o be_v true_a christian_n you_o shall_v oft_o see_v and_o discern_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n in_o some_o gift_n or_o other_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n which_o shine_v not_o forth_o so_o clear_o in_o some_o strong_a christian_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o expect_v all_o gift_n in_o all_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v excel_v in_o every_o gift_n for_o then_o one_o will_v be_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o but_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o
understand_v carnal_o and_o have_v apprehend_v the_o whole_a scripture_n not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n scripture_n and_o thus_o be_v antichrist_n kingdom_n first_o set_v up_o and_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o continue_v even_o by_o the_o carnal_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o have_v understand_v the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n carnal_o the_o rock_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v carnal_o the_o door_n of_o this_o kingdom_n carnal_o the_o law_n of_o it_o carnal_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o carnal_o the_o power_n authority_n government_n glory_n officer_n etc._n etc._n all_o carnal_o and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n which_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o carnal_a church_n understand_v carnal_o i'faith_o hope_n love_n it_o understand_v carnal_o redemption_n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n glorification_n union_n with_o christ_n communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n access_n to_o the_o father_n together_o with_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o office_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o understand_v carnal_o and_o have_v a_o fleshly_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o understand_v all_o other_o thing_n of_o god_n kingdom_n carnal_o carnal_o so_o also_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v not_o great_a and_o grosser_n mistake_v about_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n then_o about_o this_o man_n imagine_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v altogether_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o worldly_a state_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o only_o stand_v in_o outward_a thing_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o humane_a counsel_n and_o humane_a power_n now_o because_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o gross_a but_o a_o general_a error_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n both_o of_o high_a and_o of_o low_a degree_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v at_o this_o time_n according_a to_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o i_o to_o represent_v in_o some_o gospel_n light_n to_o this_o honourable_a and_o christian_n auditory_a the_o true_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o bless_v be_v he_o who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o word_n now_o read_v until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v read_v the_o context_n ver._n 9_o the_o first_o tabernacle_n be_v a_o figure_n for_o the_o time_n then_o present_a in_o which_o be_v offer_v both_o gift_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n v._o 10._o which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n it_o shall_v be_v righteousness_n or_o justification_n of_o the_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d impose_v on_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n show_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o old_a law_n law_n because_o it_o stand_v in_o outward_a rite_n ceremony_n duty_n performance_n and_o so_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o use_v they_o and_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o impose_v these_o thing_n on_o the_o church_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o but_o only_o until_o the_o time_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v not_o only_o evil_a thing_n but_o imperfect_a and_o then_o all_o that_o outward_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v now_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o make_v man_n perfect_a heretofore_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v any_o new_a law_n invent_v now_o and_o if_o any_o such_o law_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n now_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o same_o strength_n in_o itself_o to_o make_v they_o void_a as_o the_o former_a and_o also_o the_o same_o ground_n from_o they_o because_o all_o such_o law_n and_o ordinance_n devise_v by_o man_n can_v make_v they_o that_o obey_v and_o practice_v they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v quest_n now_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o when_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v when_o christ_n come_v not_o a_o servant_n as_o moses_n but_o the_o son_n out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o doctrine_n be_v not_o letter_n as_o moses_n be_v but_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o now_o when_o christ_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n and_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o strict_a law_n to_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o these_o thing_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o the_o severity_n of_o death_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n but_o under_o all_o that_o outward_a religion_n man_n be_v inward_o as_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a as_o the_o very_a heathen_a for_o all_o their_o circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n for_o all_o their_o outward_a wash_n they_o be_v inward_o unclean_a for_o all_o their_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n their_o sin_n remain_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o conscience_n for_o all_o their_o strict_a force_n of_o man_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o people_n still_o remain_v far_o from_o god_n even_o in_o all_o those_o duty_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o moses_n law_n the_o people_n remain_v inward_o corrupt_v filthy_a and_o unclean_a and_o without_o any_o true_a reformation_n before_o god_n till_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n in_o the_o flesh_n come_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o indeed_o be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o thing_n then_o the_o spirit_n will_v have_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n doctr._n when_o ever_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o time_n of_o reformation_n for_o our_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o this_o point_n we_o will_v observe_v this_o method_n 1._o show_v what_o true_a gospel-reformation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v qualify_v that_o so_o you_o may_v the_o better_o distinguish_v it_o from_o political_n and_o ecclesiastical_a reformation_n now_o both_o these_o i_o join_v together_o because_o the_o carnal_a church_n have_v always_o interest_v and_o mingle_v itself_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o it_o 2._o i_o will_v indevor_n to_o show_v to_o who_o hand_n the_o work_n of_o gospel-reformation_n be_v commit_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v he_o to_o who_o hand_n it_o be_v commit_v bring_v it_o about_o 4._o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n where_o it_o be_v wrought_v 5._o the_o use_n the_o first_o general_n what_o true_a gospel_n reformation_n be_v reformation_n and_o how_o qualify_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v be_v it_o be_v the_o mortify_n destroy_a and_o utter_a abolish_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a all_o that_o sin_n corruption_n lust_n evil_a that_o do_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o through_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o it_o be_v the_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a by_o the_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v true_a gospel-reformation_n and_o beside_o this_o i_o know_v no_o other_o this_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v chap._n 1._o 27._o zion_n shall_v be_v redeem_v with_o judgement_n and_o her_o convert_v with_o righteousness_n now_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n judgement_n as_o he_o discover_v reprove_v condemn_v and_o destroy_v sin_n so_o he_o be_v call_v judgement_n and_o thus_o be_v judgement_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o gospel_n sense_n and_o not_o terrible_o as_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o judgement_n shall_v at_o last_o break_v forth_o into_o victory_n that_o be_v though_o christ_n in_o
of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o work_n be_v too_o great_a for_o you_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o unto_o christ_n see_v the_o father_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o this_o work_n only_o to_o he_o and_o he_o have_v take_v this_o care_n and_o charge_n upon_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o he_o as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o only_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o equal_a to_o god_n the_o three_o general_n by_o what_o mean_v christ_n bring_v this_o reformation_n about_o and_o that_o be_v by_o these_o two_o and_o they_o only_o to_o wit_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o first_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n reform_v the_o church_n be_v the_o word_n word_n by_o this_o christ_n do_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o his_o kingdom_n by_o this_o he_o call_v and_o reject_v by_o this_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o this_o he_o comfort_v and_o terrify_v by_o this_o he_o enlighten_v and_o make_v blind_a by_o this_o he_o kill_v and_o quicken_v by_o this_o he_o save_v and_o damn_v and_o all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o this_o kingdom_n he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o without_o this_o he_o do_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o he_o do_v christ_n do_v all_o in_o his_o kingdom_n by_o the_o word_n only_o but_o antichrist_n do_v all_o thing_n without_o the_o word_n even_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n now_o as_o christ_n do_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o word_n so_o he_o reform_v too_o now_o be_v you_o clean_o through_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o world_n can_v reform_v the_o church_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v do_v for_o this_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o do_v change_v and_o renew_v and_o reform_v all_o and_o therefore_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n come_v with_o no_o worldly_a power_n or_o weapon_n but_o only_o with_o the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n yea_o though_o god_n set_v he_o king_n upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n yet_o he_o reform_v not_o by_o outward_a power_n but_o by_o preach_v say_v i_o will_v publish_v the_o decree_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o for_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o again_o the_o redeemer_n shall_v come_v to_o zion_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o the_o redeemer_n my_o word_n shall_v never_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 10._o and_o in_o psal_n 45._o the_o church_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o christ_n ride_v on_o prosperous_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n meekness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o christ_n when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v come_v go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o thus_o he_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o glorious_a reformation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o eave_v the_o world_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v it_o as_o he_o say_v as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o not_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o he_o bid_v they_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o by_o teach_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o so_o according_o they_o do_v mark_v 16._o ver_fw-la 20._o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v everywhere_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o so_o that_o christ_n send_v they_o not_o forth_o with_o any_o power_n of_o sword_n or_o gun_n or_o prison_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n or_o with_o any_o power_n of_o state_n or_o army_n but_o send_v forth_o poor_a illiterate_a mechanic_n man_n and_o only_o arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o behold_v what_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v by_o that_o power_n alone_o they_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o they_o change_v the_o manner_n custom_n religion_n worship_n life_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o carry_v all_o opposition_n and_o difficulty_n before_o they_o they_o win_v many_o in_o most_o kingdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o willing_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o all_o this_o they_o do_v i_o say_v not_o with_o any_o earthly_a or_o secular_a power_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n alone_o christ_n great_a and_o only_a instrument_n for_o the_o conquer_a subdue_a and_o reform_v of_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o the_o power_n appear_v to_o be_v god_n only_o and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o word_n be_v one_o mean_n christ_n use_v for_o reformation_n and_o this_o word_n only_o work_v a_o right_a reformation_n for_o this_o reform_v true_o and_o indeed_o all_o other_o power_n reform_v but_o in_o appearance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o word_n but_o what_o ever_o evil_a be_v reform_v and_o not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o true_o reform_v it_o be_v only_o reform_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v only_o suspend_v in_o the_o outward_a operation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o seed_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n to_o grow_v up_o and_o work_v again_o as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o evil_a or_o corruption_n be_v reform_v in_o thou_o see_v it_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n if_o the_o word_n have_v kill_v it_o in_o thou_o it_o be_v kill_v indeed_o if_o not_o it_o be_v alive_a in_o thou_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a the_o outward_a power_n of_o the_o world_n may_v set_v up_o a_o image_n of_o reformation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n only_o can_v work_v true_a reformation_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o word_n which_o god_n have_v magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n when_o we_o can_v neglect_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n to_o the_o power_n work_v and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o which_o be_v almighty_a and_o able_a to_o bring_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n when_o man_n dare_v not_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n alone_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o will_v needs_o be_v call_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o rest_n and_o rely_v on_o that_o for_o this_o work_n as_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o reform_v man_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n will_v never_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o well_o say_v luther_n praedicare_fw-la annuntiare_fw-la scribere_fw-la volo_fw-la neminem_fw-la autem_fw-la vi_fw-la adigam_fw-la i_o will_v preach_v and_o teach_v and_o write_v but_o i_o will_v constrain_v no_o body_n oh_o therefore_o that_o our_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n will_v so_o much_o honour_n christ_n word_n as_o to_o trust_v the_o reformation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n with_o it_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reform_v the_o church_n so_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o think_v it_o sufficient_a and_o thus_o shall_v you_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n due_a honour_n as_o well_o as_o declare_v your_o own_o faith_n and_o if_o you_o will_v commit_v this_o work_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o which_o only_o it_o belong_v you_o shall_v soon_o see_v what_o the_o word_n will_v do_v there_o be_v no_o such_o glorious_a sight_n under_o heaven_n as_o to_o see_v the_o word_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o come_v in_o to_o a_o unreformed_a world_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o change_n and_o
and_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o show_v we_o clear_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v michael_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o both_o 2._o neither_o second_o church_n do_v i_o find_v any_o way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v all_o those_o together_o who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o visible_a church_n see_v even_o among_o these_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o child_n as_o paul_n teach_v we_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o another_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n as_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a enmity_n between_o these_o in_o the_o church_n as_o between_o the_o former_a in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n be_v always_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o agree_v with_o they_o now_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n christ_n one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o other_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spiritual_a child_n make_v up_o christ_n true_a body_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o these_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a flesh_n of_o christ_n as_o all_o that_o flesh_n be_v in_o which_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o these_o all_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v in_o no_o fleshly_a form_n ceremony_n or_o worship_n the_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n make_v up_o antichrist_n true_a body_n antichrist_n for_o as_o christ_n body_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n of_o carnal_a for_o antichrist_n set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o as_o christ_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o carnal_a christian_n and_o these_o have_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o godliness_n but_o they_o have_v no_o spirit_n or_o power_n in_o that_o form_n yea_o under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o exercise_v the_o great_a power_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o their_o thing_n be_v nowhere_o more_o oppose_v then_o by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o name_n only_o and_o not_o the_o anoint_v of_o christian_n this_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n and_o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o agreement_n between_o these_o two_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v between_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a christian_n then_o between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n themselves_o the_o head_n of_o these_o body_n and_o as_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n so_o neither_o do_v i_o propound_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o agreement_n here_o for_o to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v there_o where_o the_o father_n never_o intend_v nor_o the_o son_n never_o undertake_v any_o reconciliation_n will_v not_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o weakness_n so_o then_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o peace_n be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n touch_v who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o theâ—_n that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a make_v faithful_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v through_o their_o call_n and_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n than_o i_o seek_v by_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v first_o declare_v the_o church_n it_o self_n who_o peace_n i_o seek_v and_o then_o after_o declare_v wherein_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v and_o also_o how_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v among_o themselves_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n itself_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v speak_v plain_o and_o something_o large_o because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a business_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n and_o miss_v apprehension_n touch_v it_o even_o among_o the_o faithful_a the_o right_a church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n not_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o join_v together_o in_o a_o outward_a form_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v whoremonger_n idolater_n thief_n murderers_z and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a and_o unbelieving_a person_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o church_n but_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a society_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o consent_n or_o use_v of_o outward_a thing_n form_n ceremony_n worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o be_v it_o know_v by_o see_v or_o feel_n or_o the_o help_n of_o any_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o society_n of_o mercer_n or_o draper_n or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a fellowship_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o so_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v whole_o hide_v from_o carnal_a eye_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o this_o true_a church_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n believer_n have_v with_o one_o another_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o as_o believer_n have_v their_o union_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n so_o in_o they_o also_o they_o have_v their_o communion_n man_n and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thing_n even_o in_o his_o light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n truth_n love_n power_n peace_n joy_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o very_a many_o particular_n as_o follow_v 1._o member_n come_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o man_n either_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o else_o by_o the_o persuasion_n or_o by_o the_o force_n of_o other_o and_o so_o but_o after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o none_o come_v to_o this_o true_a church_n but_o from_o the_o draw_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o own_o call_n according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n member_n be_v admit_v through_o a_o outward_a confession_n of_o doctrine_n but_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o true_a church_n but_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o right_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o so_o have_v entrance_n into_o the_o true_a church_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n there_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o righteous_a but_o in_o this_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n be_v all_o righteous_a not_o one_o except_v as_o it_o be_v write_v thy_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a isa_n 60._o for_o they_o all_o have_v their_o iniquity_n forgive_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o redeem_v and_o wash_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n 4._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o teach_v of_o man_n who_o be_v their_o head_n and_o leader_n and_o who_o judgement_n they_o depend_v on_o
believer_n of_o all_o age_n so_o also_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v make_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n paul_n in_o ephes_n 2._o 15._o speak_v of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n say_v that_o christ_n of_o these_o twain_o who_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o mankind_n can_v he_o have_v make_v in_o himself_o one_o new_a man_n for_o christ_n melt_v these_o two_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v as_o fire_n cause_v each_o to_o depart_v from_o himself_o and_o make_v both_o together_o one_o new_a man_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o himself_o and_o thus_o make_v peace_n for_o as_o long_o as_o man_n remain_v different_a body_n or_o man_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n among_o they_o but_o when_o christ_n make_v they_o one_o body_n in_o himself_o he_o make_v peace_n between_o they_o unity_n of_o body_n be_v a_o most_o necessary_a bond_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v col._n 3._o 15._o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n now_o from_o this_o unity_n of_o body_n in_o the_o true_a church_n we_o may_v note_v very_o considerable_a thing_n all_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n 1._o that_o unity_n of_o body_n in_o the_o church_n body_n flow_v from_o unity_n of_o head_n for_o here_o the_o member_n do_v not_o first_o conspire_v into_o a_o unity_n of_o body_n among_o themselves_o and_o after_o choose_v a_o head_n to_o their_o body_n but_o first_o these_o member_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o then_o to_o one_o another_o in_o and_o with_o the_o head_n and_o so_o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a head_n christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a body_n the_o church_n 2._o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v bear_v such_o through_o a_o natural_a birth_n before_o they_o do_v or_o can_v exercise_v and_o act_n or_o office_n suitable_a to_o such_o member_n and_o do_v not_o first_o exercise_v such_o office_n and_o then_o after_o be_v make_v such_o member_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o eye_n do_v not_o first_o see_v and_o then_o or_o therefore_o be_v make_v a_o eye_n in_o the_o body_n or_o the_o ear_n first_o hear_v and_o then_o or_o therefore_o be_v make_v a_o ear_n in_o the_o body_n but_o the_o eye_n be_v first_o bear_v a_o eye_n in_o the_o body_n and_o then_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n be_v bear_v a_o ear_n and_o then_o hear_v etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o christ_n each_o christian_a have_v his_o membership_n mere_o from_o a_o new_a or_o spiritual_a birth_n and_o have_v his_o office_n from_o his_o membership_n and_o not_o from_o any_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o his_o own_o before_o he_o be_v a_o member_n in_o this_o spiritual_a as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o eye_n be_v bear_v a_o eye_n and_o therefore_o it_o see_v and_o the_o foot_n be_v bear_v a_o foot_n and_o therefore_o it_o walk_v and_o each_o believer_n be_v only_o that_o which_o he_o be_v through_o a_o new_a birth_n and_o can_v be_v place_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o office_n by_o man_n no_o more_o than_o man_n can_v place_v a_o see_a eye_n or_o walk_a foot_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n but_o they_o must_v be_v bear_v there_o ere_o they_o can_v be_v there_o each_o member_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v bear_v in_o his_o place_n and_o office_n by_o god_n and_o be_v not_o place_v there_o by_o man_n and_o when_o the_o church_n perceive_v this_o grace_n in_o its_o member_n it_o suffer_v they_o to_o exercise_v those_o place_n and_o office_n in_o the_o body_n in_o which_o god_n have_v produce_v or_o bring_v they_o forth_o by_o his_o spirit_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o body_n stand_v well_o with_o a_o difference_n or_o distinction_n of_o member_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o member_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o help_v the_o unity_n of_o body_n for_o say_v paul_n the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o one_o member_n where_o be_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o member_n and_o each_o member_n have_v its_o several_a form_n and_o office_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o ear_n where_o be_v see_v smell_a walk_a etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o member_n 12._o with_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o office_n and_o so_o one_o have_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n another_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n every_o member_n in_o this_o body_n be_v in_o office_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o so_o again_o rom._n 12._o 6._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v some_o of_o or_o other_o gift_n give_v to_o they_o if_o it_o 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among_o man_n but_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n there_o be_v also_o but_o one_o law_n and_o where_o people_n live_v by_o one_o law_n under_o one_o lord_n unto_o who_o all_o be_v equal_o subject_a this_o breed_v peace_n and_o union_n now_o the_o lordship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o creature_n must_v presume_v to_o arrogate_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o see_v unto_o the_o very_a angel_n he_o have_v not_o put_v in_o subjection_n this_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o speak_v and_o for_o man_n christ_n have_v charge_v his_o own_o apostle_n who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n among_o believer_n may_v undoubted_o challenge_v the_o pre-eminence_n i_o say_v christ_n have_v charge_v even_o they_o on_o this_o sort_n matth._n 23._o 10._o be_v not_o you_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n that_o be_v you_o may_v and_o 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all_z all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_z and_o in_o you_o all._n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v last_o name_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o first_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n even_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o brethren_n brethren_n who_o have_v all_o one_o god_n and_o father_n from_o who_o all_o receive_v alike_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o without_o any_o difference_n make_v they_o all_o one_o and_o equal_a that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o among_o these_o none_o have_v a_o better_a father_n than_o another_o nor_o none_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o another_o but_o all_o receive_v the_o same_o nature_n from_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n and_o so_o be_v brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o also_o be_v another_o strong_a bond_n of_o unity_n for_o they_o have_v all_o one_o god_n a_o father_n god_n first_o all_o be_v 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subjection_n to_o he_o and_o in_o quietness_n and_o love_n with_o one_o another_o daily_o compose_v their_o difference_n through_o his_o unity_n 2._o he_o be_v all_o through_o all_z as_o have_v communicate_v to_o all_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o nature_n of_o he_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o all_o alike_o and_o all_o alike_o possess_v he_o be_v through_o they_o all_o and_o hereupon_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o because_o god_n never_o differ_v from_o himself_o but_o his_o nature_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o itself_o in_o all_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o bring_v they_o all_o out_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o nature_n into_o the_o unity_n of_o go_n 3._o he_o be_v all_o in_o they_o all._n god_n be_v such_o a_o father_n as_o have_v his_o presence_n in_o all_o his_o child_n he_o have_v a_o special_a presence_n in_o they_o dwell_v in_o they_o after_o the_o manner_n he_o dwell_v in_o christ_n though_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n 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unity_n and_o peace_n seven_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o bond_n of_o unity_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n beside_o these_o for_o if_o there_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n will_v never_o have_v omit_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o be_v they_o to_o blame_v who_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n on_o high_a for_o unity_n unity_n peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o do_v whole_o neglect_v these_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o cry_v up_o one_o instead_o of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o be_v external_n uniformity_n so_o that_o now_o among_o they_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o our_o call_n and_o one_o lord_n and_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o church_n unity_n but_o their_o uniformity_n be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o whoever_o break_v that_o which_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o 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apostle_n which_o be_v all_o spiritual_a and_o of_o god_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o carnal_a or_o of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n true_a unity_n and_o that_o whoever_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n presume_v to_o add_v to_o these_o be_v guilty_a of_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n themselves_o be_v but_o wretched_a creature_n and_o so_o involve_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o curse_n write_v in_o his_o book_n among_o which_o death_n and_o hell_n have_v their_o place_n and_o let_v we_o further_o know_v that_o whoever_o do_v combine_v together_o to_o make_v themselves_o one_o out_o of_o the_o forenamed_a unity_n though_o they_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n never_o so_o
from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o thy_o name_n the_o gather_n and_o increase_a thy_o kingdom_n the_o propagate_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a design_n but_o god_n no_o doubt_n laugh_v at_o this_o wisdom_n of_o i_o and_o say_v go_v to_o now_o i_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a but_o this_o be_v never_o my_o manner_n that_o either_o peter_n or_o martin_n mean_v himself_o shall_v teach_v or_o form_n or_o govern_v or_o lead_v i_o for_o i_o be_o not_o a_o passive_a but_o a_o active_a god_n who_o use_v always_o to_o lead_v govern_z form_n now_o say_v he_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a that_o our_o wisdom_n shall_v be_v only_o passive_a and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o mortify_v and_o slay_v it_o and_o therefore_o many_o who_o can_v not_o endure_v this_o mortification_n have_v fall_v horrible_o and_o thus_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n 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this_o church_n depend_v whole_o on_o god_n who_o dwell_v within_o it_o for_o god_n will_v not_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o sit_v still_o whilst_z other_o that_o be_v without_o it_o shall_v govern_v it_o but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o right_a church_n lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n who_o be_v immanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o in_o we_o and_o so_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n who_o fill_v it_o govern_v it_o by_o a_o most_o present_a and_o powerful_a but_o invisible_a influence_n lead_v it_o into_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o patience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o patience_n into_o love_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n into_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n into_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o into_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o righteousness_n by_o that_o spirit_n which_o contain_v all_o these_o grace_n in_o itself_o and_o work_v they_o in_o all_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o government_n we_o hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o turn_v either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a in_o this_o government_n we_o have_v not_o outward_a law_n to_o order_v we_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o a_o inward_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o this_o law_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o live_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o live_a word_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o according_a to_o this_o government_n also_o god_n guide_v the_o true_a church_n wonderful_o the_o soul_n not_o see_v the_o way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o form_n and_o fashion_n the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o good_a pleasure_n clean_a contrary_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o mourning_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o comfort_n bring_v they_o to_o despair_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n to_o death_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o life_n yea_o even_o to_o hell_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n lead_v his_o choose_a people_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o will_v follow_v but_o faith_n which_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o thus_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fear_n woe_n agony_n temptation_n till_o it_o feel_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o true_a sorrow_n of_o death_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o this_o darkness_n see_v no_o beam_n nor_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n and_o want_v all_o counsel_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v itself_o then_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o lead_v it_o into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o redeem_v it_o from_o all_o distress_n subdue_a the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n under_o it_o yea_o and_o carry_v it_o into_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n now_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n age._n to_o wit_n the_o one_o of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o other_o of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n when_o the_o prelatical_a government_n have_v be_v dissolve_v for_o several_a year_n together_o can_v any_o christian_a think_v that_o the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v without_o all_o government_n nay_o all_o this_o while_o it_o have_v be_v govern_v most_o powerful_o by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o most_o sweet_o by_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v neither_o against_o its_o grace_n nor_o comfort_n and_o for_o a_o outward_a formal_a visible_a enforce_a government_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a corporation_n or_o worldly_a kingdom_n the_o true_a church_n can_v as_o well_o want_v such_o a_o government_n at_o all_o time_n as_o at_o any_o time_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v best_o without_o it_o as_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o man_n and_o more_o immediate_o under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n its_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v so_o violent_a for_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n temptation_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o may_v sometime_o or_o other_o be_v exercise_v with_o temptation_n of_o despair_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v their_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o speculation_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o humane_a power_n and_o method_n will_v soon_o vanish_v and_o they_o will_v soon_o give_v over_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o faithful_a about_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o power_n in_o they_o to_o free_v from_o eternal_a death_n nor_o to_o procure_v eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o twofold_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n himself_o exercise_v immediate_o in_o and_o over_o it_o whereof_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ignorant_a mans._n if_o we_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o our_o self_n and_o other_o now_o beside_o this_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n exercise_v mediate_o by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_v and_o man_n who_o have_v not_o know_v nor_o understand_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n have_v mistake_v this_o also_o through_o the_o same_o unbelief_n wherefore_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mind_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v immediate_a and_o by_o himself_o have_v make_v this_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n to_o be_v all_o and_o this_o also_o i_o say_v they_o have_v understand_v most_o gross_o and_o carnal_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o ignorant_a and_o seduce_a heart_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o their_o particular_a mis_fw-fr apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v far_o more_o profitable_a to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n then_o
now_o as_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o power_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o church_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a power_n i_o may_v add_v nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n according_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n it_o that_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o true_a church_n but_o mere_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n without_o any_o conjunction_n or_o mixture_n of_o the_o other_o see_v christ_n power_n be_v perfect_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v god_n kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o so_o man_n may_v as_o well_o carry_v worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o father_n kingdom_n as_o into_o the_o son_n see_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o earth_n which_o have_v not_o be_v understand_v nor_o consider_v by_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o busy_a to_o bring_v secular_a power_n into_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o if_o christ_n own_o power_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v either_o weak_a or_o imperfect_a more_o particular_o this_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o i_o say_v christ_n power_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o christ_n power_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o violence_n but_o a_o power_n of_o influence_n even_o such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o head_n have_v over_o the_o member_n and_o the_o soul_n over_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o a_o coercive_a but_o a_o persuasive_a power_n a_o power_n that_o make_v man_n willing_a that_o be_v not_o willing_a and_o do_v not_o force_v the_o unwilling_a against_o their_o will_n 2._o this_o power_n be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a as_o worldly_a power_n be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n set_v man_n over_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n set_v man_n under_o other_o i_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o be_o among_o you_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v and_o again_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o all_o 3._o this_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n as_o paul_n acknowledge_v 10._o again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o power_n the_o lord_n give_v he_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o power_n viz._n not_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o their_o native_a kingdom_n but_o to_o translate_v they_o into_o god_n kingdom_n not_o to_o take_v away_o their_o outward_a liberty_n or_o estate_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o liberty_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v man_n by_o temporal_a death_n 4._o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o more_o than_o its_o own_o yea_o good_a of_o other_o with_o the_o neglect_n of_o its_o own_o so_o moses_n be_v not_o busy_a to_o have_v a_o most_o rebellious_a people_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o rather_o desire_v his_o own_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o that_o book_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v in_o and_o paul_n desire_v that_o himself_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o christ_n that_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n after_o the_o flesh_n may_v have_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o after_o this_o high_a rate_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o own_o eternal_a good_a how_o much_o more_o to_o the_o neglect_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o temporal_a good_a their_o worldly_a profit_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n 5._o this_o power_n do_v not_o make_v other_o suffer_v to_o enlarge_v the_o church_n but_o suffer_v itself_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o so_o christ_n as_o wickliff_n say_v through_o his_o poverty_n humility_n and_o suffer_a injury_n and_o death_n get_v unto_o he_o the_o child_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o by_o force_n and_o the_o martyr_n enlarge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o cause_v other_o to_o die_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o this_o power_n only_a act_n to_o a_o spiritual_a end_n salvation_n and_o only_o according_a to_o spiritual_a law_n but_o not_o to_o any_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a end_n according_a to_o civil_a and_o humane_a law_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o this_o true_a church_n power_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a differ_v very_o much_o both_o from_o the_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a man_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o true_a church_n power_n i_o answer_v further_o that_o this_o power_n extend_v itself_o full_a as_o far_o as_o the_o church_n but_o no_o further_o for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o church_n power_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v no_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o world_n then_o worldly_a power_n which_o be_v fleshly_a be_v suitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n power_n only_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n true_o church_n government_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n effectual_a influence_n and_o operation_n but_o no_o further_o that_o be_v to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a but_o to_o none_o that_o be_v unwilling_a as_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o church_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n so_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o world_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a compulsion_n wherefore_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o distinct_a government_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o this_o power_n i_o answer_v power_n the_o word_n only_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n and_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n use_v no_o other_o instrument_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n by_o but_o the_o word_n or_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n do_v all_o in_o itself_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o quicken_v to_o life_n and_o wound_n to_o death_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o work_v faith_n renew_v the_o life_n act_n order_n guide_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o church_n that_o have_v another_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n beside_o the_o word_n that_o have_v order_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v by_o and_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o that_o have_v their_o own_o law_n and_o order_n to_o be_v their_o sceptre_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o sword_n in_o their_o kingdom_n i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v the_o way_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o government_n assure_o the_o church_n they_o boast_v of_o be_v another_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o be_v no_o other_o in_o very_a deed_n but_o a_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o when_o its_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o it_o
outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v to_o procure_v and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o to_o break_v it_o they_o be_v most_o unhappy_a and_o pernicious_a order_n that_o do_v not_o only_o offend_v a_o few_o of_o christ_n little_a one_o which_o it_o sefâ—_n be_v a_o sad_a thing_n but_o do_v grieve_v disquiet_a and_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a 3._o they_o must_v do_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n ecclesiast_n and_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o against_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n 4._o they_o must_v appoint_v nothing_o as_o of_o necessity_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o pestilent_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n necessary_a which_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o thus_o the_o liberty_n of_o faith_n be_v extinguish_v and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v ensnare_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o believer_n may_v order_v any_o outward_a thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a so_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o necessary_o on_o any_o as_o if_o the_o observe_n of_o they_o be_v righteousness_n and_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o church_n after_o all_o its_o order_n it_o be_v to_o leave_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o it_o find_v they_o that_o be_v free_a and_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n or_o judge_v convenient_a for_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o god_n regard_v no_o more_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n and_o time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n than_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o marry_v and_o trade_v for_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n without_o be_v tie_v necessary_o to_o a_o set_n and_o unchangeable_a form_n 5._o they_o may_v persuade_v their_o order_n if_o they_o see_v cause_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n but_o must_v not_o enforce_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o secular_a punishment_n or_o church_n censure_n as_o those_o use_n to_o do_v that_o make_v themselves_o lord_n and_o tyrant_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o outward_a thing_n the_o church_n can_v order_v only_o for_o the_o willing_a but_o not_o for_o the_o unwilling_a and_o so_o if_o some_o believer_n shall_v think_v good_a upon_o just_a ground_n to_o do_v otherwise_o in_o these_o outward_a thing_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o censure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v communion_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n for_o when_o christian_n be_v knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o do_v receive_v and_o walk_v in_o his_o spirit_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v at_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o christ_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o he_o whatever_o be_v beside_o christ_n be_v a_o perish_a thing_n and_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v that_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v now_o if_o the_o church_n do_v appoint_v any_o outward_a order_n these_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v yea_o the_o spiritual_a church_n do_v always_o observe_v they_o and_o never_o make_v rule_n in_o itself_o upon_o other_o term_n then_o be_v here_o set_v down_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a godliness_n the_o carnal_a church_n or_o church_n of_o man_n they_o especial_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o of_o these_o they_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n yea_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n and_o by_o these_o thing_n they_o judge_v the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o their_o rule_n and_o imposition_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v reckon_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o hereby_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o form_n and_o from_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o circumstance_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o advance_v empty_a form_n and_o shadow_n in_o the_o place_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v say_v with_o peter_z why_o tempt_v you_o god_n in_o put_v such_o a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n will_v with_o these_o thing_n still_o be_v trouble_v we_o and_o bite_v we_o by_o the_o heel_n yet_o in_o the_o power_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n we_o will_v by_o degree_n bruise_v its_o head_n till_o at_o last_o we_o break_v it_o quite_o in_o piece_n now_o one_o thing_n more_o i_o shall_v add_v touch_v the_o church_n power_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o order_n as_o conceive_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v these_o outward_a order_n it_o not_o for_o itself_o only_o but_o also_o for_o its_o officer_n which_o also_o be_v part_n of_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v its_o officer_n to_o frame_v or_o impose_v such_o on_o it_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n as_o paul_n have_v teach_v we_o say_v to_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o be_v not_o to_o order_v it_o and_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n forget_v that_o they_o be_v servant_n shall_v presume_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v outward_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n without_o the_o church_n as_o now_o be_v do_v the_o church_n still_o remain_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o have_v power_n to_o interpret_v change_n or_o whole_o take_v away_o all_o those_o thing_n as_o it_o see_v occasion_n to_o wit_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o grief_n to_o the_o strong_a and_o tend_v to_o work_v division_n among_o the_o faithful_a presumptuous_a officer_n be_v they_o and_o know_v not_o where_o christ_n have_v set_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o be_v order_v by_o the_o church_n go_v about_o to_o order_v it_o and_o make_v themselves_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o servant_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n and_o if_o there_o because_o to_o reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n officer_n true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n every_o member_n be_v in_o office_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o have_v power_n and_o privilege_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v to_o speak_v the_o word_n that_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o they_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n may_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n choose_v one_o or_o mo_z to_o speak_v to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o where_o he_o command_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o where_o the_o apostle_n contemn_v all_o superfluous_a ceremony_n and_o pomp_n of_o ordain_v only_o seek_v that_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o more_o parricular_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v inquire_v after_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 2._o out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o the_o first_o choose_v what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v paul_n teach_v we_o this_o say_v they_o must_v be_v faithful_a man_n apt_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o among_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o
that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o of_o this_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o sort_n be_v judge_n wherefore_o no_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n nor_o no_o humane_a learning_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o school_n or_o university_n nor_o no_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n or_o order_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o the_o faithful_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o 2._o out_o of_o who_o these_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o nowhere_o else_o indeed_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o humane_a learning_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n choose_v his_o minister_n only_o out_o of_o the_o university_n but_o the_o right_a church_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o reckon_v no_o man_n learned_a and_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o congregation_n or_o community_n of_o believer_n for_o if_o every_o free_a society_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n much_o more_o have_v the_o true_a church_n this_o power_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o free_a society_n under_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o have_v officer_n thrust_v over_o they_o by_o other_o but_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o its_o self_n if_o any_o object_n against_o this_o object_n that_o paul_n command_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 14._o 23._o do_v choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o minister_n but_o that_o some_o chief_a minister_n must_v appoint_v other_o minister_n in_o each_o congregation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o minister_n among_o we_o that_o do_v hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o act_v evident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o allow_v they_o as_o much_o authority_n in_o ordain_v minister_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v but_o since_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o very_o few_o of_o these_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v minister_n who_o can_v themselves_o be_v reckon_v believer_n or_o spiritual_a but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v true_a minister_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o appoint_v minister_n in_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o those_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n choose_v they_o be_v to_o commend_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act_n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n look_v you_o out_o among_o yourselves_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o those_o who_o the_o church_n choose_v the_o apostle_n confirm_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n to_o appoint_v man_n to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o alm_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a without_o the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o appoint_v any_o among_o believer_n to_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o approbation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o their_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o what_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v do_v through_o the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o beside_o this_o way_n i_o see_v no_o other_o how_o in_o this_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n again_o now_o this_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n for_o many_o age_n together_o and_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o father_n schoolman_n counsel_n doctor_n antiquity_n custom_n and_o the_o general_a praâ—ctice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v some_o begin_v and_o the_o rest_n follow_v as_o this_o practice_n shall_v be_v clear_v up_o to_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o none_o be_v to_o be_v force_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o authority_n shall_v entertain_v this_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o and_o on_o who_o he_o list_v neither_o ought_v this_o to_o trouble_v any_o if_o all_o do_v not_o present_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o at_o first_o a_o few_o begin_v who_o other_o may_v follow_v afterward_o as_o god_n shall_v persuade_v they_o now_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n so_o if_o
they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o unchristian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sexâ—_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subjectd_a to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o 344._o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o have_v his_o brethren_n authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o put_v he_o down_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n church_n among_o the_o heretic_n which_o prefer_v their_o false_a doctrine_n above_o the_o true_a word_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v its_o counsel_n if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o a_o council_n counsel_n it_o may_v call_v one_o if_o it_o please_v and_o it_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o council_n be_v not_o to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o church_n as_o be_v now_o do_v but_o the_o church_n be_v to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o council_n and_o the_o council_n be_v to_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o world_n it_o can_v no_o more_o call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n can_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o world_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o distinct_a as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v now_o i_o say_v the_o church_n if_o it_o need_v a_o council_n may_v call_v one_o because_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n now_o seldom_o need_v a_o council_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n why_o the_o right_a church_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o counsel_n as_o 1._o because_o counsel_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v be_v either_o call_v or_o congregat_v by_o the_o pope_n council_n a_o mere_a usurper_n in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o secular_a and_o worldly_a prince_n who_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o according_a to_o their_o end_n and_o design_n counsel_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v guide_v and_o point_v 2._o because_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v along_o with_o it_o that_o they_o have_v make_v people_n rather_o look_v to_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v divine_a thing_n from_o they_o by_o a_o humane_a say_v rather_o than_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o immediate_a word_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o so_o have_v give_v forth_o themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6._o because_o they_o always_o determine_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o do_v not_o weigh_v but_o number_v the_o suffrage_n and_o so_o the_o great_a part_n still_o overcome_v the_o better_a and_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v carry_v the_o vote_n against_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v subdue_v and_o error_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o plausible_a authority_n 7._o because_o such_o counsel_n sexâ—um_fw-la common_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o so_o set_v themselves_o up_o as_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v walk_v and_o none_o must_v presume_v to_o say_v to_o they_o curita_fw-la facitis_fw-la why_o do_v you_o so_o though_o they_o do_v never_o so_o ill_a they_o say_v they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o any_o other_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o but_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o they_o say_v they_o may_v pronounce_v all_o other_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n but_o no_o body_n must_v pronounce_v they_o so_o though_o they_o be_v so_o and_o
have_v power_n to_o examine_v try_v and_o judge_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o angel_n much_o more_o of_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o anoint_v neither_o do_v live_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o that_o peace_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v in_o christ_n now_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v to_o rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_n it_o in_o peace_n the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v either_o 1._o more_o absolute_a and_o general_a or_o 2._o more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o thing_n 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to_o accomplish_v the_o whole_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o work_v all_o the_o work_n in_o it_o that_o god_n have_v to_o do_v and_o so_o it_o be_v strong_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o man_n that_o dare_v not_o commit_v the_o success_n of_o their_o business_n to_o christ_n power_n alone_o but_o will_v call_v in_o secular_a power_n over_z and_o above_o to_o help_v they_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v underneath_o some_o secular_a end_n see_v christ_n power_n alone_o be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o his_o kingdom_n beside_o this_o worldly_a power_n never_o work_v peace_n but_o always_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n put_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o god_n way_n and_o method_n into_o man_n and_o work_v man_n will_n rather_o than_o god_n yea_o man_n will_n against_o god_n and_o it_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n if_o any_o shall_v reply_v object_n that_o worldly_a power_n do_v well_o in_o the_o church_n because_o it_o keep_v down_o many_o profane_a person_n that_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v down_o by_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v answ_n that_o so_o far_o as_o such_o profane_a one_o be_v govern_v by_o worldly_a power_n they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o worldly_a power_n have_v better_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v own_o proper_a sphere_n then_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v beyond_o their_o line_n especial_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n enough_o in_o itself_o to_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v govern_v willing_o in_o the_o church_n as_o christian_n let_v they_o be_v govern_v against_o their_o will_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o man_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v over_o man_n as_o christian_n as_o spiritual_a but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n be_v over_o man_n as_o man_n as_o natural_a and_o carnal_a the_o first_o of_o these_o government_n belong_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o office_n and_o headship_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o christ_n faithfulness_n in_o he_o but_o now_o if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o power_n but_o will_v needs_o intrude_v on_o christ_n alâ—â—_n and_o not_o reckon_v it_o enough_o to_o govern_v man_n a_o man_n by_o his_o world_n power_n will_v also_o by_o the_o same_o power_n be_v tamper_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d church_n this_o both_o render_v he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a â—nd_v the_o faithful_a troublesome_a to_o he_o he_o troublesome_a to_o thâ—_n faithful_a in_o that_o he_o use_v a_o power_n over_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o suitable_a to_o they_o nor_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o troublesome_a to_o he_o because_o in_o god_n kingdom_n as_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o a_o stranger_n the_o pope_n he_o arrogate_v both_o sword_n to_o himself_o when_o neither_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o due_a time_n shall_v perish_v by_o both_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v assume_v to_o himself_o power_n of_o bothâ—ingdoms_n â—ingdoms_z christ_n and_o the_o world_n when_o of_o right_n but_o one_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o world_n and_o not_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a lest_o by_o encroach_a on_o christ_n kingdom_n he_o lose_v his_o own_o let_v the_o magistrate_n therefore_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o state_n and_o let_v he_o suffer_v christ_n to_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o church_n see_v his_o presence_n be_v always_o there_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v quietness_n in_o both_o but_o else_o in_o neither_o see_v christ_n will_v as_o assure_o trouble_v the_o magistrate_n kingdom_n as_o the_o magistrate_n trouble_v he_o the_o three_o rule_n will_n be_v not_o to_o bring_v or_o force_v man_n into_o the_o church_n against_o their_o will_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unquiet_a because_o many_o that_o be_v unwilling_a be_v under_o those_o regiment_n but_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v therefore_o quiet_a because_o all_o the_o people_n in_o it_o be_v willing_a and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v force_v in_o but_o all_o be_v persuade_v in_o as_o it_o be_v write_v god_n persuade_v japhet_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n that_o be_v the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o not_o force_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o christ_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o not_o to_o offer_v they_o outward_a
thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n &_o to_o speak_v the_o dream_n and_o vision_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o when_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o come_v to_o he_o only_o but_o to_o other_o also_o and_o that_o they_o have_v wisdom_n and_o spirit_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o this_o will_n both_o keep_v down_o his_o pride_n and_o make_v he_o careful_a what_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o know_v there_o be_v those_o present_n in_o the_o congregation_n that_o be_v able_a to_o reprove_v his_o darkness_n by_o light_n and_o this_o prophesy_a be_v a_o strong_a bit_n and_o bridle_n in_o the_o jaw_n of_o error_n that_o it_o can_v run_v that_o race_n in_o the_o church_n it_o do_v desire_v 2._o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v prove_v to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o in_o the_o common_a ministry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o error_n be_v not_o only_o preach_v but_o also_o go_v 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kingdom_n of_o prophet_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o esteem_v not_o that_o to_o be_v learning_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o man_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n and_o so_o they_o neither_o reckon_v he_o that_o have_v humane_a learning_n to_o be_v learn_v here_o nor_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o to_o be_v ignorant_a yea_o far_o in_o this_o society_n god_n will_v have_v he_o who_o be_v most_o unlearned_a according_a to_o humane_a literature_n to_o speak_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v the_o more_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a truth_n may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o gift_n part_n learning_n or_o study_n but_o only_o to_o his_o spirit_n which_o can_v even_o in_o a_o moment_n teach_v the_o ignorant_a and_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o very_a dumb_a to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n by_o whereas_o when_o a_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n speak_v with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v common_o attribute_v to_o his_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o so_o god_n lose_v all_o or_o most_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o if_o a_o plain_a ignorant_a man_n shall_v speak_v spiritual_o and_o divine_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n than_o man_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v admire_v in_o his_o saint_n it_o will_v be_v again_o object_v yea_o but_o if_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n will_v not_o this_o breed_v great_a confusion_n and_o disturbance_n i_o answer_v no_o not_o in_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o people_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v christ_n himself_o present_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o so_o every_o one_o demean_n himself_o answerable_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o also_o every_o one_o speak_v not_o after_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n but_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o gâ—d_n as_o it_o be_v write_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o speak_v here_o but_o by_o revelation_n or_o a_o inward_a teach_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n and_o where_o man_n speak_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o speak_v there_o can_v be_v no_o confusion_n but_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n yea_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v prophesy_v as_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o dare_v to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o confusion_n see_v god_n know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n than_o thou_o do_v wherefore_o see_v prophesy_v be_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v still_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o a_o proper_a and_o incommunicable_a ministry_n or_o the_o only_a power_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v but_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o from_o this_o thing_n 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o you_o and_o be_v it_o to_o come_v out_o only_o from_o you_o nay_o it_o be_v come_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o you_o and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o come_v forth_o from_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v come_v see_v they_o can_v but_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v 5._o the_o last_o mean_v i_o shall_v name_v whereby_o the_o true_a church_n may_v keep_v error_n out_o of_o itself_o be_v to_o exercise_v its_o power_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n as_o paul_n command_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 29._o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n shall_v also_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o judgement_n error_n will_v not_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v vent_v but_o will_v also_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n but_o now_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o
the_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o lord_n of_o arras_n a_o city_n of_o picardy_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o flanders_n will_v be_v govern_v otherwise_o then_o france_n or_o burgundy_n and_o this_o consideration_n say_v he_o right_o understand_v to_o wit_n not_o to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o let_v the_o church_n use_v its_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n uniformity_n notwithstanding_o the_o contradiction_n of_o many_o of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n luther_n also_o that_o choose_a vessel_n of_o christ_n do_v clear_o oppose_v this_o evil_n of_o uniformity_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n touch_v uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n mundi_fw-la if_o one_o church_n will_v not_o follow_v another_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n in_o those_o outward_a thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o counsel_n which_o presen_o be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o snare_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v one_o church_n free_o imitate_v another_o or_o let_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o use_v its_o own_o way_n so_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n be_v preserve_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n though_o there_o be_v variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o element_n of_o the_o world_n again_o the_o same_o luther_n after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o form_n of_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o wittingberg_n conclude_v thus_o in_o quibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cavendum_fw-la ne_fw-la legem_fw-la ex_fw-la libertate_fw-la faciamus_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o all_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o make_v not_o a_o law_n of_o liberty_n or_o constrain_v they_o to_o sin_n who_o shall_v either_o do_v otherwise_o or_o shall_v omit_v some_o thing_n so_o they_o permit_v the_o word_n of_o blessing_n to_o remain_v entire_a and_o do_v all_o act_n here_o in_o faith_n for_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o freewoman_n who_o may_v keep_v they_o willing_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v power_n to_o change_v they_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o any_o shall_v either_o desire_n or_o establish_v any_o necessary_a form_n as_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o ensnare_v or_o trouble_v man_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o in_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o primitive_a church_n any_o example_n of_o any_o such_o rite_n but_o only_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o quod_fw-la legibus_fw-la hic_fw-la obstringi_fw-la nec_fw-la possent_fw-la nec_fw-la debent_fw-la because_o these_o thing_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o law_n moreover_o if_o divers_a man_n shall_v use_v a_o diverse_a rite_n let_v none_o either_o judge_n or_o contemn_v another_o but_o let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o all_o savour_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o for_o form_n we_o act_v diverse_o and_o let_v each_o rite_n please_v other_o lest_o by_o diversity_n of_o rite_n follow_v divesity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o outward_a rite_n though_o we_o can_v want_v they_o as_o neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n yet_o they_o commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n but_o only_a faith_n and_o love_n commend_v we_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o paul_n take_v place_n here_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n accipere_fw-la but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o no_o rite_n nor_o form_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o faith_n within_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o form_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittenberg_n which_o he_o write_v out_o for_o nicholas_n hausmannus_fw-la a_o godly_a minister_n he_o say_v which_o copy_n either_o you_o or_o other_o may_v follow_v if_o you_o please_v if_o not_o we_o willing_o give_v place_n to_o the_o anoint_v be_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v from_o you_o or_o any_o other_o more_o profitable_a thing_n these_o thing_n he_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o as_o in_o other_o that_o act_n these_o thing_n peremptory_o and_o command_v and_o enforce_v they_o by_o secular_a power_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v thief_n and_o murderer_n melancton_n also_o uniformity_n persuade_v certain_a christian_n to_o unity_n who_o differ_v in_o uniformity_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o do_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n let_v we_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o mutual_a love_n nostras_fw-la and_o let_v not_o unlikeness_n and_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o bucer_n quote_v this_o place_n add_v no_o nor_o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n disjoin_v our_o mind_n upon_o all_o these_o testimony_n which_o these_o godly_a man_n give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o form_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o congregation_n of_o saint_n and_o when_o any_o shall_v set_v down_o any_o form_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v use_v they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o please_v or_o may_v add_v or_o alter_v or_o whole_o reject_v they_o and_o no_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o secular_a power_n shall_v enforce_v to_o ensnare_v conscience_n and_o to_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n in_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o obscure_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o people_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v most_o horrible_o mistake_v that_o now_o urge_v external_a uniformity_n on_o the_o church_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n who_o scarce_o mind_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o name_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o call_v one_o lord_n faith_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o do_v earnest_o and_o fierce_o labour_v for_o one_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n one_o directory_n one_o confession_n one_o catechism_n one_o discipline_n and_o to_o have_v these_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v enforce_v on_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n their_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o the_o seer_n be_v blind_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_a thing_n for_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o uniformity_n what_o woeful_a division_n will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n live_v in_o one_o form_n the_o father_n after_o the_o flood_n in_o another_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o john_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v