the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o the_o house_n be_v so_o call_v because_o it_o contain_v they_o by_o a_o usual_a figure_n the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v to_o dispute_v of_o be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v build_v of_o timber_n and_o stone_n second_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a those_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n be_v live_a member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o draw_v spiritual_a influence_n from_o he_o concern_v the_o church_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n but_o that_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v only_o make_v up_o of_o believer_n be_v all_o gracious_a because_o this_o church_n be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n the_o lamb_n wife_n all_o fair_a undefiled_a etc._n etc._n 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cast_v they_o out_o from_o it_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o understanding_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o enjoy_v of_o outward_a privilege_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o inward_a privilege_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n inward_a privilege_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o a_o right_n to_o he_o a_o save_v right_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a these_o be_v the_o inward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o only_a believer_n have_v right_a to_o those_o paint_a hypocrite_n have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o second_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v ordinary_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o be_v take_v a_o care_n of_o by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o servant_n to_o have_v liberty_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n these_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o these_o be_v privilege_n that_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o we_o say_v they_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n or_o a_o church_n right_o to_o they_o that_o be_v such_o a_o right_a as_o give_v warrant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o receive_v they_o to_o enjoy_v these_o privilege_n and_o yet_o possible_o they_o have_v not_o a_o right_n to_o they_o before_o god_n as_o for_o example_n when_o there_o be_v a_o paint_a hypocrite_n in_o a_o congregation_n who_o make_v conscience_n seem_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o man_n have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o come_v to_o a_o communion_n such_o a_o right_a as_o may_v warrant_v the_o minister_n for_o admit_v of_o he_o although_o he_o have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o come_v before_o god_n god_n will_v challenge_v the_o hypocrite_n for_o come_v and_o not_o the_o minister_n for_o suffer_v he_o to_o come_v yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o this_o ecclesiestical_a right_n be_v not_o save_v yet_o it_o be_v real_a in_o its_o kind_n be_v found_v upon_o god_n covenant_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o his_o ordinance_n of_o admit_v such_o therein_o now_o you_o may_v know_v somewhat_o by_o this_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v warrant_n to_o church_n officer_n to_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v these_o outward_a privilege_n and_o so_o you_o may_v know_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o visible_a church_n whereof_o we_o dispute_v there_o be_v several_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n concern_v the_o visible_a church_n first_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o a_o single_a congregation_n as_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n this_o we_o refute_v in_o the_o former_a controversy_n by_o show_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v far_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n yea_o many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n second_o they_o differ_v much_o from_o we_o as_o also_o from_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o power_n they_o give_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n they_o give_v they_o the_o full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o independent_o from_o any_o church_n power_n on_o earth_n this_o difference_n also_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a debate_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v stand_v now_o no_o long_o upon_o it_o three_o we_o differ_v concern_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o say_v to_o make_v a_o society_n of_o people_n a_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n there_o of_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n swear_v a_o covenant_n one_o to_o another_o wherein_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v that_o society_n till_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o true_o godly_a and_o gracious_a yet_o if_o he_o take_v not_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o if_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n he_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o â—agan_a to_o live_v and_o to_o die_v without_o any_o church_n ordinance_n the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o of_o truth_n herein_o be_v this_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n come_v out_o of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o call_v a_o paroch_n to_o another_o by_o his_o so_o do_v he_o come_v
under_o a_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o before_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n also_o to_o discharge_v himself_o in_o namely_o all_o the_o duty_n pertain_v to_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n or_o paroch_n to_o which_o he_o come_v although_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n we_o say_v second_o he_o may_v also_o swear_v to_o do_v these_o duty_n but_o three_o to_o bind_v this_o on_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n so_o as_o if_o they_o take_v it_o not_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n we_o say_v it_o be_v will_n worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n either_o by_o practice_n or_o precept_n in_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n we_o may_v easy_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n never_o take_v this_o way_n to_o gather_v a_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n be_v the_o four_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o receive_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v right_a to_o these_o outward_a privilege_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o they_o hold_v in_o this_o point_n be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v all_o visible_a church_n dissolve_v and_o then_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o these_o wherein_o none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o admit_v to_o partake_v of_o church_n privilege_n so_o as_o to_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o minister_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o those_o who_o have_v evident_a positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o not_o only_o evident_a to_o the_o minister_n and_o a_o few_o more_o but_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o congregation_n must_v be_v convince_v so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v attain_v unto_o that_o he_o have_v grace_n or_o else_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o which_o rule_n they_o model_n congregation_n but_o there_o be_v never_o a_o congregation_n since_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o earth_n so_o constitute_v except_o their_o own_o for_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v cast_v out_o the_o two_o part_n and_o of_o some_o congregation_n leave_v ten_o part_n and_o take_v but_o the_o eleven_o leave_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o pagan_n without_o baptise_v their_o child_n or_o admit_v themselves_o to_o any_o church_n privilege_n this_o be_v what_o they_o hold_v as_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n take_v those_o assertion_n first_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o man_n indeed_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n so_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n if_o he_o have_v it_o not_o and_o all_o the_o privilege_n he_o enjoy_v will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a without_o it_o we_o say_v in_o this_o respect_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o so_o ought_v to_o have_v grace_n that_o none_o of_o they_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a without_o it_o this_o we_o deny_v it_o be_v ill_o reason_v from_o unanswerableness_n to_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o forfeiture_n of_o privilege_n for_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n so_o as_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o have_v it_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o lawful_a magistrate_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o magistrate_n although_o he_o have_v not_o grace_n second_o we_o do_v willing_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o people_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n our_o practice_n come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o that_o care_n take_v to_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v our_o practice_n be_v indeed_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n but_o our_o rule_n which_o we_o shall_v hold_v out_o as_o we_o shall_v prove_v be_v good_n to_o know_v then_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o shall_v admit_v man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n first_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o privilege_n only_o and_o not_o to_o all_o as_o to_o baptism_n and_o these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n incompleat_o they_o be_v member_n but_o not_o so_o full_o and_o those_o be_v infant_n that_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o be_v member_n although_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n herein_o to_o wit_n whether_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptise_a there_o be_v no_o difference_n second_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o those_o be_v member_n complete_o and_o full_o and_o concern_v those_o the_o dispute_n be_v who_o be_v those_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o mantain_n as_o we_o hear_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v but_o those_o that_o can_v give_v evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n we_o hold_v first_o that_o if_o it_o be_v know_v that_o man_n be_v baptise_a and_o second_o if_o they_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n and_o three_o if_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o a_o man_n we_o hold_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v although_o he_o can_v give_v evident_a sign_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o to_o all._n and_o this_o be_v the_o controversy_n ii_o now_o we_o come_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o we_o hold_v by_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o receive_v member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o right_a rule_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o rule_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v luke_n 3_o wherein_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v who_o john_n baptise_a v_o 21._o now_o when_o all_o the_o people_n be_v baptise_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v all_o the_o people_n consider_v second_o what_o he_o require_v of_o this_o people_n before_o he_o baptise_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o precede_a word_n that_o he_o seek_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v wrong_v before_o and_o second_o profess_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o amend_v so_o we_o find_v in_o v_o 10._o and_o the_o people_n ask_v he_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o 12._o five_o do_v the_o same_o who_o yet_o be_v but_o course_n men._n and_o in_o the_o 14_o five_o the_o soldier_n likewise_o demand_v of_o he_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v now_o these_o question_n import_v this_o much_o that_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o be_v wrong_v and_o profess_v at_o least_o a_o desire_n to_o become_v better_a and_o according_o john_n instruct_v they_o thus_o and_o thus_o you_o shall_v do_v and_o without_o more_o ado_n in_o five_o 21._o he_o baptise_n they_o now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o john_n can_v have_v get_v positive_a sign_n from_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o they_o have_v real_a grace_n far_o less_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o multitude_n can_v have_v be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o grace_n in_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n can_v be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o to_o be_v admit_v shall_v have_v evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n satisfactory_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o john_n seek_v not_o this_o of_o those_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o be_v true_a he_o fall_v very_o sharp_o on_o the_o scribe_n matth._n 3_o five_o 7_o o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a when_o he_o have_v rebuke_v they_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o be_v before_o see_v now_o they_o profess_v a_o desire_n to_o amend_v he_o baptise_n they_o in_o five_o 11._o i_o indeed_o baptise_v you_o with_o water_n &c_n &c_n the_o same_o you_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o in_o v_o 7._o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o connexion_n of_o every_o verse_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v baptise_a we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o clear_a that_o baptism_n seal_v up_o a_o man_n
right_a of_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a we_o find_v this_o from_o the_o apostle_n practise_v act_n 2._o 41._o where_o the_o way_n be_v how_o they_o receive_v man_n to_o be_v church_n member_n it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v baptise_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n v_o last_o so_o in_o act._n 8_o 38._o the_o eunuch_n be_v receive_v by_o baptism_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o saul_n act_n 9_o 18._o and_o lydia_n act._n 16_o 15._o second_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o jew_n right_a of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o right_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a for_o baptism_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o place_n with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o be_v for_o our_o first_o argument_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o apostle_n go_v not_o by_o that_o method_n of_o our_o opposite_n in_o admit_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n they_o follow_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o right_a one_o we_o clear_v this_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o follow_v from_o act._n 2._o 41._o where_o in_o one_o day_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o add_v to_o the_o church_n now_o sure_o none_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thousand_o can_v be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a peter_n bind_v on_o they_o to_o repent_v but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o on_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o some_o evidence_n of_o their_o conviction_n he_o receive_v they_o although_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o do_v not_o even_o this_o much_o in_o sincerity_n for_o anamas_n and_o saphira_n be_v but_o hypocrite_n so_o no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o simon_n magus_n act._n 8._o 13._o and_o so_o of_o demas_n who_o afterward_o forsake_v paul_n yea_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o rule_n which_o christ_n walk_v by_o he_o seek_v no_o more_o but_o a_o profession_n to_o follow_v he_o and_o he_o seek_v no_o more_o of_o judas_n to_o make_v he_o not_o only_o a_o member_n of_o his_o society_n but_o a_o apostle_n and_o minister_n christ_n know_v he_o well_o enough_o to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o yet_o upon_o his_o profess_a desire_n to_o follow_v he_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o company_n yea_o make_v he_o a_o minister_n so_o that_o this_o rule_n which_o separatist_n so_o much_o cry_v up_o be_v neither_o follow_v by_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n the_o three_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v this_o there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n before_o or_o since_o christ_n day_n who_o member_n all_o of_o they_o can_v give_v evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o the_o church_n visible_a must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o only_a such_o we_o prove_v the_o antecedent_n sure_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o moses_n time_n be_v not_o such_o every_o member_n be_v not_o such_o a_o visible_a saint_n so_o as_o he_o be_v know_v to_o be_v gracious_a for_o say_v moses_n deut._n 29._o 4._o yet_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o ofttimes_o they_o be_v upbraid_v as_o stiff-necked_a second_o we_o must_v suppose_v the_o pure_a church_n come_v near_a the_o rule_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o yet_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v not_o of_o this_o kind_n so_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o plant_v and_o preach_v to_o and_o yet_o we_o shall_v find_v many_o in_o this_o church_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n one_o to_o another_o that_o there_o be_v many_o there_o schismatic_n 1_o cor_n 6._o many_o there_o fornicator_n that_o paul_n write_v against_o there_o be_v many_o there_o drunkard_n yea_o and_o drink_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o those_o he_o reprove_v 1_o cor_n 11._o yea_o there_o be_v some_o there_o who_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o resurrection_n as_o appear_v from_o chap_n 15._o so_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o such_o second_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n speak_v of_o revel_n 2._o 3._o be_v church_n that_o have_v the_o candlestick_n among_o they_o church_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n hand_n that_o he_o take_v a_o care_n of_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o every_o member_n of_o those_o church_n have_v real_a sign_n of_o grace_n otherwise_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o have_v say_v so_o often_o if_o any_o man_n have_v ear_n to_o hear_v etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v not_o suppose_v that_o there_o have_v be_v in_o they_o blind_a obdurate_a carnal_a hearer_n three_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n galatia_n thessalonica_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o since_o christ_n day_n never_o one_o of_o they_o be_v such_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o can_v be_v right_o see_v neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n do_v follow_v it_o we_o bring_v a_o four_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o can_v be_v a_o right_a rule_n of_o gather_v church_n that_o will_v hold_v out_o a_o number_n of_o gracious_a soul_n from_o be_v member_n but_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o will_v do_v so_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o right_a rule_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n none_o will_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o second_o that_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o many_o true_o gracious_a we_o prove_v it_o for_o first_o there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v grace_n that_o for_o want_v of_o part_n they_o can_v express_v the_o thing_n they_o have_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v evidence_n of_o grace_n to_o other_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o some_o so_o proud_a some_o so_o passionate_a so_o worldly_a so_o talkative_a so_o imprudent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v grace_n in_o they_o three_o the_o way_n of_o some_o be_v so_o hide_v or_o rather_o god_n way_n in_o they_o so_o hide_v that_o for_o any_o thing_n people_n can_v see_v in_o they_o they_o be_v nothing_o different_a from_o natural_a civilian_n and_o yet_o many_o of_o such_o will_v make_v clear_a and_o satisfy_a discovery_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o they_o at_o their_o death_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n then_o appear_v that_o be_v long_o under_o ground_n and_o now_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o these_o be_v all_o to_o be_v hold_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o put_v in_o the_o place_n of_o pagan_n and_o so_o that_o can_v be_v christ_n rule_n our_o five_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n be_v this_o that_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o put_v the_o church_n in_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o rent_v but_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o be_v rend_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o right_a rule_n we_o shall_v clear_v that_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o perpetual_a hazard_n of_o be_v rend_v for_o there_o be_v some_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o so_o that_o which_o will_v be_v a_o lawful_a church_n to_o one_o will_v not_o be_v so_o to_o other_o second_o there_o be_v some_o that_o in_o progress_n of_o time_n will_v grow_v more_o strict_a in_o search_v hence_o that_o which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o he_o the_o last_o year_n will_v be_v no_o church_n to_o he_o this_o and_o so_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o keep_v the_o church_n in_o a_o continual_a hazard_n of_o be_v rend_v of_o separate_v after_o separate_n while_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o this_o have_v make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o all_o their_o church_n rend_v and_o one_o part_n to_o excommunicate_v another_o yea_o hence_o many_o of_o that_o way_n cast_v off_o all_o church_n at_o last_o and_o turn_v seeker_n cast_v off_o all_o serve_a god_n with_o other_o all_o use_n of_o public_a mean_n only_o serve_v god_n apart_o and_o by_o themselves_o
again_o attain_v we_o read_v act._n 15._o 39_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n part_v but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o their_o meeting_n again_o and_o church_n history_n show_v we_o that_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n for_o almost_o just_a nothing_o have_v continue_v incurable_a for_o some_o generation_n until_o not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o schism_n but_o also_o their_o disciple_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n osiand_n gent._n 4._o reas._n 6._o when_o a_o rent_n be_v make_v in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v hardly_o curable_a so_o it_o still_o grow_v wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v whereabout_o a_o rent_n begin_v than_o whereat_o it_o will_v end_v the_o great_a of_o church_n division_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v have_v but_o small_a beginning_n hence_o be_v that_o common_o receive_v maxim_n omne_fw-la schisma_fw-la desinit_fw-la in_o haresin_n the_o faction_n of_o the_o donatist_n at_o first_o make_v but_o a_o schism_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o faulty_a officer_n and_o mix_v communion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o until_o they_o fall_v into_o several_a heresy_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o shall_v now_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n our_o first_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n the_o doctrine_n refute_v at_o least_o lay_v a_o just_a odium_fw-la upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o congregational_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o perpetual_a rent_v of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v reckon_v four_n the_o first_o be_v that_o principle_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a church_n a_o most_o divide_v principle_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v way_n for_o every_o man_n to_o separate_a from_o his_o own_o and_o to_o join_v himself_o with_o another_o church_n suppose_v pure_a with_o contempt_n of_o the_o former_a congregation_n to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v but_o not_o to_o heal_v disease_a church_n it_o be_v to_o destroy_v many_o church_n for_o make_v up_o of_o one_o as_o if_o one_o go_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n shall_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v out_o all_o the_o sound_a member_n and_o leave_v the_o rot_a and_o disease_a member_n either_o to_o cure_v one_o another_o or_o to_o perish_v a_o strange_a and_o desperate_a way_n of_o cure_n a_o second_o divide_v principle_n in_o that_o way_n be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v ecclesiastic_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o their_o church_n member_n to_o wit_n conviction_n of_o their_o inward_a good_a estate_n which_o rule_n be_v variable_a and_o uncertain_a some_o will_v judge_v one_o way_n some_o another_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o incline_v to_o charity_n yea_o the_o same_o man_n at_o several_a time_n will_v have_v a_o various_a judgement_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o another_o according_a as_o the_o presumption_n and_o probability_n by_o which_o only_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v within_o be_v more_o full_o or_o spare_o represent_a hence_o there_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o breach_n upon_o breach_n but_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o authoritative_n judge_v to_o walk_v by_o such_o uncertain_a rule_n a_o three_o divide_v principle_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n be_v this_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v sole_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n hence_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n go_v wrong_a though_o but_o make_v up_o of_o seven_o person_n which_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_a in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v they_o this_o must_v needs_o open_v a_o door_n to_o as_o many_o division_n as_o there_o be_v church_n a_o four_o divide_v principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n yea_o no_o church_n visible_a but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o another_o principle_n they_o hold_v which_o follow_v upon_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o a_o minister_n can_v exerce_fw-la no_o act_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n hence_o 1._o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o church_n there_o remain_v only_o a_o communion_n of_o member_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n act_n from_o one_o church_n or_o many_o towards_o another_o the_o result_v and_o determination_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a synod_n make_v up_o of_o never_o so_o many_o church_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o act_n of_o so_o many_o private_a christian_n yea_o 2._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n among_o member_n of_o several_a congregation_n in_o public_a church_n ordinance_n as_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n joint_o from_o a_o send_v minister_n in_o receive_v the_o seal_n together_o for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n a_o minister_n can_v authoritative_o preach_v nor_o in_o any_o respect_n administer_v baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o any_o though_o never_o so_o gracious_a except_o to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v occasional_o present_a when_o he_o be_v dispense_n these_o ordinance_n unto_o his_o own_o which_o consequence_n be_v express_o grant_v by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o destroy_v all_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o member_n and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o union_n several_a such_o like_a principle_n in_o that_o way_n may_v be_v reckon_v out_o concern_v which_o the_o doctrine_n warrand_v we_o to_o say_v this_o much_o if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o than_o such_o divide_v principle_n can_v be_v of_o god_n our_o second_o use_n be_v for_o direction_n if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o than_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v so_o far_o and_o every_o day_n a_o step_n further_o from_o it_o our_o division_n grow_v i_o fear_v all_o the_o three_o way_n and_o in_o all_o rank_n our_o head_n be_v divide_v our_o tongue_n divide_v yea_o and_o our_o heart_n divide_v synod_n be_v divide_v presbytery_n be_v divide_v congregation_n divide_v minister_n divide_v people_n divide_v yea_o and_o in_o some_o place_n family_n divide_v husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o son_n mother_n and_o daughter_n master_n and_o servant_n yea_o and_o all_o divide_a we_o be_v as_o madman_n every_o one_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n manasseh_n ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n manasseh_n and_o they_o together_o against_o judah_n a_o evil_a never_o enough_o lament_v and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v make_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a division_n as_o our_o sad_a affliction_n and_o great_a weight_n i_o shall_v reckon_v six_o thing_n 1._o the_o many_o particular_a evil_n which_o upon_o a_o exact_a search_n it_o will_v be_v find_v our_o division_n have_v bring_v upon_o peoples_n own_o spirit_n how_o much_o of_o our_o precious_a time_n be_v spend_v in_o vain_a jangle_n by_o which_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o â—e_v make_v worse_a many_o i_o fear_v too_o too_o many_o so_o take_v up_o with_o their_o head_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o heart_n the_o sweetness_n and_o profit_n of_o mutual_a converse_n and_o fellowship_n be_v much_o mar_v our_o mutual_a freedom_n and_o benefit_n that_o way_n much_o impair_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o our_o hot_a debate_n untender_a expression_n and_o bitter_a and_o unnecessary_a reflection_n of_o time_n brangle_v and_o shake_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v we_o look_v on_o our_o present_a division_n as_o our_o great_a weight_n be_v the_o name_n of_o praise_n which_o this_o church_n have_v have_v for_o unity_n in_o time_n bypass_a among_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o as_o a_o rare_a privilege_n of_o this_o church_n beyond_o many_o and_o that_o which_o make_v her_o very_a name_n famous_a among_o church_n abroad_o that_o for_o the_o space_n almost_o of_o sixty_o year_n she_o have_v keep_v unity_n with_o purity_n without_o either_o schism_n or_o heresy_n now_o if_o unity_n have_v be_v former_o this_o church_n praise_n how_o sad_a and_o weighty_a be_v it_o and_o how_o woeful_a man_n be_v we_o that_o
light_n break_v out_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n these_o be_v reason_n why_o heretic_n must_v be_v use_v the_o use_n be_v see_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v so_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o error_n shall_v trouble_v the_o church_n now_o when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o infallible_a light_n as_o these_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v a_o bold_a dare_v spirit_n it_o will_v dare_v to_o contradict_v god_n himself_o and_o find_v out_o some_o shift_n to_o cast_v at_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o say_v as_o may_v be_v see_v gen_n 3._o the_o lord_n say_v the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o satan_n contradict_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v such_o impudence_n see_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n now_o as_o to_o cast_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o god_n servant_n say_v see_v satan_n still_o act_v the_o instrument_n of_o error_n use_v 2_o but_o second_o from_o this_o doctrine_n learn_v not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n most_o holy_a and_o wise_a providence_n in_o that_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o error_n to_o be_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o if_o god_n have_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n covenant_n and_o cause_n as_o man_n will_v think_v he_o have_v he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o effront_a spirit_n and_o such_o blasphemous_a heretic_n to_o prevail_v and_o to_o outdare_v his_o truth_n but_o that_o be_v to_o quarrel_v the_o lord_n providence_n and_o without_o a_o ground_n he_o who_o furnace_n be_v in_o zion_n can_v make_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o time_n that_o arise_v from_o error_n to_o contribute_v much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v rouse_v up_o his_o people_n to_o study_v truth_n to_o understand_v it_o better_o to_o search_v out_o ground_n for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v one_o advantage_n only_o you_o will_v know_v also_o that_o these_o time_n will_v be_v discover_v time_n they_o will_v discover_v many_o a_o corrupt_a heart_n many_o unstable_a heart_n and_o light_a head_n many_o proud_a spirit_n and_o many_o that_o have_v lust_n lurk_v within_o they_o so_o that_o many_o will_v choose_v that_o religion_n that_o will_v gratify_v their_o lust_n most_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o error_n that_o satan_n hatch_n but_o there_o be_v one_o lust_n or_o other_o within_o people_n that_o speak_v for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ready_a to_o make_v people_n take_v in_o error_n than_o their_o harbour_v of_o unmortified_a lusts._n so_o in_o 2_o timoth_n cap._n 3._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o false_a teacher_n say_v in_o the_o 6._o v_o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n lead_v away_o with_o diverse_a lust_n unmortified_a lust_n be_v as_o fuel_n to_o make_v the_o fire_n of_o zeal_n for_o error_n to_o burn_v very_o hot_a in_o people_n bosom_n and_o so_o error_n will_v try_v people_n this_o way_n doct_n v._n next_o observe_v he_o say_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o fair_a pretence_n put_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v they_o not_o from_o this_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o foul_a error_n go_v out_o oftentimes_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o be_v back_v with_o most_o specious_a pretence_n what_o foul_a error_n than_o these_o speak_v of_o here_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o what_o fair_a name_n than_o the_o spirit_n what_o fair_a pretence_n than_o that_o they_o be_v doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o will_v find_v this_o of_o all_o error_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o part_n coraâ—_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n error_n whereby_o they_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o magistracy_n of_o moses_n and_o preist-hood_n of_o aaron_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v not_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n holy_a and_o jeroboam'_v error_n his_o idolatry_n in_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n 1_o king_n 12._o it_o be_v too_o fair_a for_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o people_n ease_n and_o the_o public_a good_a be_v the_o thing_n he_o pretend_v though_o his_o design_n be_v far_o otherwise_o and_o so_o these_o that_o urge_v justification_n by_o work_n and_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n they_o have_v their_o fair_a pretence_n o_o say_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o work_v from_o justification_n will_v make_v people_n secure_a we_o may_v sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v very_o take_v pretence_n all_o of_o they_o and_o as_o take_v as_o any_o that_o error_n be_v now_o cover_v over_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v from_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o tempter_n present_v error_n under_o fair_a colour_n and_o specious_a pretence_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o error_n the_o more_o take_v for_o these_o be_v the_o bait_n he_o put_v on_o the_o hook_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v and_o catch_v the_o simple_a therefore_o for_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n you_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n or_o ravishinglike_a expression_n that_o error_n may_v be_v faird_v over_o with_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o thess_n cap._n 2_o v_o 2._o where_o speak_v against_o a_o error_n he_o beseech_v they_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o suppose_v that_o the_o spreader_n of_o that_o error_n have_v all_o these_o three_o pretence_n firstâ—_o they_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o presence_n in_o their_o spirit_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a flash_n and_o rapture_n and_o in-bearings_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o second_o that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n or_o scripture_n to_o allege_v for_o it_o and_o three_o they_o pick_v somewhat_o out_o of_o paul_n letter_n for_o they_o so_o will_v they_o say_v in_o speak_v against_o we_o he_o contradict_v himself_o these_o be_v fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o say_v paul_n be_v not_o shake_v in_o mind_n with_o they_o so_o say_v i_o you_o will_v guard_v yourself_o against_o the_o fair_a pretence_n which_o error_n may_v have_v and_o look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o out_o side_n but_o to_o the_o inside_n of_o they_o and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v most_o bitter_a serpent_n lurk_v under_o fair_a flower_n as_o for_o example_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o error_n toleration_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o it_o viz._n that_o good_a man_n may_v err_v and_o so_o in_o suppress_v error_n you_o may_v suppress_v piety_n a_o fair_a pretence_n but_o it_o have_v afoul_a end_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n blasphemer_n denyer_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n must_v have_v liberty_n to_o vent_v their_o damnable_a error_n if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o can_v but_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o so_o stable_a room_n must_v be_v give_v in_o christ_n church_n to_o every_o unclean_a beast_n that_o ever_o be_v hatch_v in_o hell_n the_o antinomian_a error_n again_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n o_o say_v they_o christ_n have_v become_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v take_v off_o from_o we_o so_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o repent_v for_o it_o for_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o repent_v be_v to_o take_v the_o burden_n off_o from_o christ_n back_n and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o our_o own_o these_o be_v specious_a word_n without_o solidity_n but_o they_o contradict_v scripture_n truth_n where_o they_o be_v narrow_o look_v to_o peter_n be_v a_o justify_v person_n and_o yet_o when_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o he_o weep_v bitter_o david_n sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o christ_n have_v take_v the_o burden_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o david_n be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v correct_v for_o it_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o sword_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n because_o he_o have_v make_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_n and_o yet_o sin_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o david_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o it_o only_o he_o must_v get_v
church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
themselves_o have_v the_o power_n that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o time_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o civil_a punishment_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o the_o roman_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o punish_v there_o be_v a_o second_o objection_n which_o they_o bring_v from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n word_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philipp_n 3._o 15._o where_n speak_v of_o difference_n among_o christian_n he_o say_v let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a â—e_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o we_o see_v what_o be_v paul_n judgement_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o difference_n there_o shall_v be_v heart_n wal_a or_o unite_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o be_v stire_v up_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o err._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v paul_n speak_v nothing_o there_o of_o state_n toleration_n for_o then_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v not_o for_o christ_n but_o of_o church_n toleration_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o christ_n servant_n shall_v have_v in_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n for_o fear_v of_o break_v love_n second_o he_o command_v not_o all_o error_n to_o be_v thus_o tolerate_v for_o so_o he_o shall_v contradict_v himself_o in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v and_o three_o paul_n limit_n that_o toleration_n that_o he_o will_v have_v here_o and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o as_o to_o the_o time_n how_o long_o god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o and_o second_o he_o suppose_v the_o person_n differ_v from_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v not_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o make_v no_o separation_n now_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o remain_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n shall_v be_v still_o tolerate_v and_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o strick_v on_o they_o at_o all_o chief_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o error_n as_o cause_n rent_n and_o schism_n for_o he_o say_v take_v heed_n to_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16._o 17._o their_o three_o objection_n be_v that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o way_n the_o apostle_n take_v with_o those_o that_o err_v their_o way_n be_v to_o watch_v against_o they_o that_o err_v act_v 20._o 29._o for_o i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n verse_n 31._o therefore_o watch_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v be_v to_o watch_v against_o they_o and_o in_o rom._n 16._o 17._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o and_o in_o the_o 2_o timoth_n 2._o 24._o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o far_a other_o way_n than_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o this_o savour_v not_o of_o the_o meek_a spirit_n of_o christ._n i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o watch_v against_o error_n and_o that_o be_v one_o mean_a for_o suppress_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n but_o one_o mean_a destroy_v not_o another_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o this_o which_o be_v in_o controversy_n be_v not_o another_o mean_a also_o neither_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o that_o meekness_n command_v to_o wait_v on_o they_o more_o than_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n or_o to_o curse_n and_o excommunicate_a apostate_n with_o that_o great_a curse_n call_v anathema_n maranatha_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n meek_a spirit_n to_o establish_v the_o sword_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n according_a to_o rome_n 13._o 4._o for_o punish_v sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o under_o this_o pretence_n adulteter_n murderer_n seducer_n thief_n and_o all_o shall_v go_v free_a unpunished_a but_o they_o do_v far_o mistake_v the_o meekness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n christ_n meekness_n be_v not_o to_o let_v people_n live_v in_o their_o sin_n to_o let_v vile_a heretic_n trample_v on_o truth_n destroy_v soul_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n bind_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o hinder_v it_o this_o be_v a_o disrespect_n to_o truth_n and_o cruelty_n to_o poor_a soul_n in_o danger_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o there_o be_v a_o four_o objection_n from_o matth._n 13._o 24._o take_a from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v wheat_n and_o the_o wicked_a one_o come_v and_o sow_n his_o tare_n among_o it_o and_o both_o be_v bid_v let_v grow_v till_o the_o harvest_n now_o say_v they_o by_o these_o tare_n be_v mean_v heretic_n therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n we_o answer_v if_o they_o astrict_n the_o word_n tare_n to_o heretic_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v against_o they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o may_v say_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v dispute_v against_o for_o that_o be_v a_o pluck_n up_o of_o they_o also_o second_o we_o answer_v that_o by_o the_o tare_n that_o be_v command_v here_o to_o be_v suffer_v let_v grow_v up_o to_o the_o harvest_n be_v no_o more_o mean_v heretic_n than_o other_o scandalous_a liver_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o from_o christ_n expond_v the_o parable_n verse_n 41_o and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v now_o heretic_n be_v not_o all_o thing_n that_o offend_v other_o scandalous_a liver_n offend_v also_o three_o by_o the_o tare_n be_v mean_v they_o that_o do_v iniquity_n vers_fw-la 41._o now_o other_o beside_o heretic_n be_v such_o and_o four_o if_o by_o the_o tare_n be_v here_o mean_v heretic_n then_o by_o the_o wheat_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o orthodox_n and_o so_o every_o man_n that_o be_v orthodox_n shall_v shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 43_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v orthodox_n who_o yet_o be_v evil_a liver_n and_o so_o will_v never_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o wheat_n must_v only_o be_v mean_v the_o true_o regenerate_v and_o so_o by_o the_o tare_n must_v not_o only_o be_v mean_v heretic_n but_o all_o other_o evil-doer_n and_o further_o by_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v excommunicate_a for_o that_o be_v a_o root_n out_o but_o what_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o tare_n then_o for_o whatever_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o by_o this_o parable_n verse_n 30_o they_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o vile_a scandalous_a person_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o that_o only_a heretic_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v answer_v if_o we_o narrow_o observe_v christ_n exposition_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o will_v find_v that_o part_n where_o he_o bid_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n be_v not_o expon_v although_o he_o expone_fw-la the_o rest_n which_o doubtless_o he_o will_v not_o have_v omit_v if_o it_o have_v be_v his_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v build_v any_o doctrine_n of_o this_o kind_n on_o it_o therefore_o we_o say_v this_o be_v not_o christ_n meaning_n that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n how_o godless_a and_o scandalous_a soever_o let_v alone_o for_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o show_v that_o when_o all_o pain_n be_v take_v by_o christ_n officer_n for_o purge_v the_o church_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v always_o some_o hypocrite_n in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v christ_n mind_n though_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o censure_v scandalous_a offender_n yet_o that_o his_o servant_n shall_v not_o press_v after_o such_o a_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a as_o to_o have_v all_o the_o weed_n and_o wicked_a in_o heart_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o lest_o when_o they_o gather_v out_o the_o graceless_a tare_n they_o shall_v root_v out_o also_o the_o gracious_a wheat_n with_o they_o object_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o five_o objection_n from_o luk_n 9_o 54_o where_o christ_n reprove_v james_n and_o john_n for_o seek_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
transfer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o they_o can_v do_v our_o five_o argument_n be_v to_o obviate_v that_o which_o they_o say_v that_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o magistrate_n depute_v from_o which_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o church_n officer_n in_o inflict_a censure_n be_v the_o magistrate_n depute_n than_o whatever_o the_o church_n judicatory_a do_v the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v it_o also_o for_o none_o can_v delegate_v more_o right_a to_o there_o than_o what_o he_o have_v himself_o and_o so_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v ordain_v mistress_n himself_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n he_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o if_o he_o may_v do_v this_o by_o consequence_n he_o may_v also_o preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o right_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o one_o which_o may_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v all_o our_o last_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o betwixt_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a power_n scripture_n condemn_v churchmen_n usurp_a the_o civil_a power_n and_o statesman_n usurp_a the_o church_n power_n church_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o judge_v or_o meddle_v with_o civil_a thing_n by_o christ_n himself_o luk_n 12._o 13_o 14._o 22_o 25._o and_o so_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o church_n power_n either_o there_o be_v two_o king_n we_o read_v of_o to_o be_v heavy_o punish_v for_o their_o transgression_n in_o this_o kind_n saul_n for_o offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a 1_o sam_n 13._o 13._o and_o vzziah_n for_o burn_a incense_n 2_o chorn._n 26._o 19_o he_o will_v go_v in_o and_o burn_v incense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n smite_v he_o with_o leprosy_n and_o sure_o reason_n will_v say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o church_n officer_n to_o exercise_n the_o civil_a government_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o take_v to_o himself_o the_o only_a supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o iii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_v of_o the_o opposite_n argument_n the_o first_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o this_o truth_n be_v that_o godly_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o so_o shall_v christian_n magistrate_n have_v it_o under_o the_o new_a we_o answer_v that_o their_o argument_n prove_v nothing_o except_o they_o also_o prove_v that_o what_o power_n of_o church_n government_n magistrate_n have_v then_o they_o have_v it_o as_o magistrate_n for_o we_o grant_v indeed_o what_o do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o magistrate_n then_o under_o other_o respect_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n yet_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o magistrate_n extraordinary_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o moses_n give_v out_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o order_v the_o church_n but_o we_o find_v in_o deut_n 18._o 15._o moses_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o a_o type_n of_o christ._n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v so_o david_n appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o divide_v their_o course_n but_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n 2._o chron_n 8_o 14._o and_o he_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o their_o service_n thus_o in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v show_v how_o david_n do_v this_o at_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 29._o 25._o and_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psalter_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n and_o so_o from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a practice_n they_o can_v no_o more_o infer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o in_o church_n matter_n than_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o power_n of_o churchman_n in_o civil-matter_n from_o the_o example_n of_o churchman_n under_o the_o old-testament_n for_o churchman_n do_v meddle_v with_o civil-matter_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o eli_n the_o priest_n he_o govern_v the_o state_n and_o samuel_n in_o cut_v agag_n in_o piece_n elisha_n in_o anoint_v jehu_n to_o be_v king_n and_o jehoâ—ada_n the_o priest_n in_o cause_v kill_v attaliah_n the_o usurper_n and_o make_v joash_n king_n all_o which_o we_o grant_v be_v extraordinary_a act_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o churchman_n to_o have_v such_o power_n in_o civil_a thing_n now_o and_o so_o must_v they_o grant_v concern_v these_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o civil_a judge_n in_o meddle_v sometime_o with_o church_n matter_n the_o second_o argument_n they_o use_v be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o magistrate_n be_v set_v over_o church_n officer_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o it_o will_v make_v they_o afraid_a to_o go_v beyond_o their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o abuse_n of_o discipline_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o minister_n be_v man_n indeed_o and_o as_o other_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v their_o power_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_v power_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o take_v power_n from_o they_o than_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o for_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o abuse_v their_o power_n and_o so_o all_o must_v be_v leave_v in_o confusion_n we_o give_v a_o second_o answer_n that_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o yet_o the_o erasitans_fw-la the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n for_o prevent_v of_o this_o abuse_n may_v step_v into_o the_o pulpit_n himself_o and_o preach_v better_o and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n better_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o curb_v that_o abuse_n and_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n there_o be_v danger_n indeed_o of_o abuse_v that_o power_n but_o we_o say_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o for_o that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n himself_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v leave_v to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n which_o shall_v be_v our_o three_o answer_n wherein_o we_o shall_v show_v some_o of_o these_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church-officer_n first_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n in_o the_o church_n power_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n so_o that_o although_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n shall_v wrest_v justice_n yet_o there_o be_v above_o they_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o synod_n and_o above_o they_o general_n assembly_n now_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n will_v hardly_o get_v through_o all_o those_o before_o it_o be_v brand_v with_o some_o deserve_a mark_n but_o second_o though_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v connive_v one_o at_o another_o and_o so_o the_o fault_n of_o minister_n go_v through_o unpunished_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n leave_v even_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a he_o may_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_a under_o pretence_n of_o right_v their_o abuse_n no_o more_o than_o he_o may_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o preach_v for_o prevent_v their_o abuse_n of_o preach_v yet_o he_o may_v do_v several_a thing_n 1._o if_o church_n officer_n commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n he_o may_v curb_v they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n 2._o if_o church_n judicatory_n meddle_v to_o judge_v in_o civil_a thing_n which_o concern_v a_o man_n life_n or_o estate_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v null_a what_o they_o conclude_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o abuse_v of_o power_n for_o therein_o they_o meddle_v with_o what_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o 3._o grant_v the_o matter_n be_v mere_o ecclesiastic_a wherein_o they_o abuse_v their_o power_n yet_o the_o
not_o have_v salute_v every_o one_o man_n by_o man_n and_o therefore_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v the_o prime_a man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o second_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o usua_o give_v to_o ruler_n and_o judge_n whether_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a without_o the_o people_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o psalm_n 82_o 1._o god_n stand_v in_o the_o congation_n of_o the_o mighty_a the_o same_o word_n render_v there_o congregation_n be_v render_v the_o church_n elsewhere_o and_o by_o the_o congregation_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o judge_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o we_o find_v it_o take_v for_o the_o ruler_n by_o compare_v exod_a 20._o 18._o 19_o with_o deut_n 5._o 23._o 2_o chron_n 1._o 3._o where_o solomon_n take_v up_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o that_o congregation_n be_v expon_v v._n 2._o to_o have_v be_v chief-man_n and_o ruler_n so_o that_o usualy_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v from_o ruler_n and_o three_o it_o must_v be_v so_o take_v in_o this_o place_n also_o for_o in_o the_o verse_n follow_v he_o tell_v what_o a_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o v_o 18_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n so_o it_o must_v be_v the_o church_n of_o ruler_n who_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o represent_v the_o church_n do_v her_o business_n wherein_o she_o be_v concern_v objection_n five_o this_o be_v say_v they_o to_o establish_v a_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n over_o church_n member_n if_o power_n be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o officer_n to_o make_v act_n bind_v to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o make_v these_o act_n themselves_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n to_o instruct_v officer_n with_o power_n to_o be_v over_o the_o people_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o rule_v they_o according_a to_o his_o will_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o do_v teach_v it_o be_v true_a church_n officer_n may_v abuse_v their_o power_n but_o there_o be_v no_o power_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a but_o come_v in_o man_n hand_n may_v be_v wrong_o use_v but_o second_o there_o be_v as_o great_a danger_n of_o tyranny_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n and_o more_o also_o than_o in_o this_o for_o if_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n shall_v enact_v what_o be_v wrong_a and_o press_v it_o on_o the_o few_o and_o better_a part_n will_v not_o that_o be_v tyranny_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v as_o great_a liklyhood_n of_o this_o as_o of_o what_o they_o say_v that_o the_o eldership_n may_v press_v unjust_a act_n upon_o the_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v as_o lik_o so_o it_o be_v more_o remeedless_a for_o though_o a_o congregation_n or_o any_o in_o it_o be_v wrong_v by_o the_o elerdership_n they_o have_v a_o superior_a judicatory_a to_o complean_a to_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n but_o if_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v wrong_v and_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o the_o great_a according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o power_n under_o heaven_n to_o right_v the_o wrong_n to_o call_v the_o oppress_a party_n to_o a_o account_n so_o of_o all_o government_n under_o heaven_n independency_n be_v the_o most_o tyrannical_a obj._n vi_o the_o six_o objection_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o matth_n 16._o 19_o where_o christ_n say_v i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n that_o by_o the_o key_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o will_v infer_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v three_o of_o their_o objection_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v this_o consequence_n the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n whereof_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o precede_a 18_o v._n but_o sure_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v believer_n be_v build_v on_o this_o rock_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o we_o answer_v what_o they_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n be_v say_v without_o a_o ground_n for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v unto_o this_o church_n build_v on_o a_o rock_n do_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o give_v it_o to_o thou_o peter_n sure_a none_o needs_o to_o learn_v our_o lord_n to_o speak_v and_o this_o change_n of_o person_n be_v not_o without_o a_o reason_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n now_o if_o christ_n have_v mean_v to_o have_v establish_v the_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n he_o may_v have_v as_o easy_o say_v unto_o this_o church_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o say_v not_o so_o but_o change_v the_o person_n unto_o thou_o to_o wit_n peter_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n beside_o this_o also_o every_o believe_a woman_n be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n and_o yet_o according_a to_o their_o own_o grant_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o this_o place_n be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o those_o who_o peter_n do_v represent_v but_o peter_n do_v represent_v all_o believer_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o we_o deny_v what_o be_v affirm_v that_o peter_n in_o this_o place_n do_v represent_v all_o believer_n he_o do_v but_o represent_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o succeed_v to_o the_o aposte_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o grant_n of_o this_o power_n be_v renew_v and_o confirm_v the_o first_o place_n be_v john_n 20._o 21._o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o they_o again_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o five_o 23_o whosoever_n sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o above_o mention_v grant_n be_v renew_v and_o renew_v to_o the_o apostle_n second_o he_o do_v not_o only_o represent_v the_o apostle_n but_o all_o minister_n who_o succeed_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n as_o in_o plain_a also_o from_o matth_n 28._o 19_o 20._o where_o you_o will_v find_v these_o thing_n clear_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o power_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n 2_o that_o this_o grant_n be_v make_v there_o not_o only_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o these_o who_o shall_v succeed_v to_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o baptise_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o from_o this_o we_o retort_v the_o argument_n on_o themselves_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o these_o who_o peter_n do_v represent_v but_o so_o it_o be_v peter_n do_v represent_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v to_o they_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o argue_v three_o from_o this_o place_n that_o the_o grant_v of_o the_o key_n be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o peter_n confession_n v._n 16_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n now_o this_o confession_n belong_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o so_o also_o must_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o who_o hold_v out_o peter_n confession_n have_v no_o ground_n but_o their_o own_o assertion_n and_o 2._o we_o say_v it_o be_v false_a for_o this_o confession_n belong_v to_o all_o faithful_a woman_n and_o child_n as_o well_o as_o man_n who_o yet_o by_o our_o opposite_n own_o concession_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 5._o where_o the_o apostle_n command_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o
find_v in_o act_n 15._o 4._o and_o act_n 21._o 15_o 18._o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n now_o they_o be_v not_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o do_v meet_v in_o one_o common_a judicatory_a the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o by_o our_o opposite_n who_o prove_v their_o particular_a eldership_n from_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o in_o act_n 20._o 28._o mention_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n from_o whence_o they_o reason_v thus_o ephesus_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n we_o read_v there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v that_o church_n in_o common_a they_o must_v give_v we_o liberty_n to_o reason_n that_o same_o way_n thus_o we_o find_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o particular_a church_n we_o find_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v of_o this_o church_n or_o these_o church_n in_o common_a but_o three_o to_o make_v this_o argument_n yet_o strong_a not_o only_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n but_o we_o find_v they_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a for_o proof_n of_o this_o see_v act_n 11_o 30._o the_o contribution_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o supply_v of_o the_o saint_n be_v send_v to_o the_o elder_n now_o what_o the_o elder_n shall_v do_v with_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o a_o place_n like_o it_o act_n 4._o 35._o 37._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_v so_o doubtless_o the_o contribution_n be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v have_v distribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n further_o we_o find_v this_o more_o clear_a act_n 21._o 18._o they_o meet_v together_o and_o judicial_o set_v down_o a_o way_n to_o paul_n for_o remove_v of_o a_o church_n scandal_n by_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a and_o purify_n himself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o five_o 23._o do_v therefore_o this_o etc._n etc._n so_o we_o see_v their_o elderships_n meeting_n together_o for_o remove_v a_o scandal_n we_o find_v a_o three_o place_n to_o confirm_v this_o act._n 15._o 2._o 4_o we_o shall_v afterward_o make_v use_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n only_o this_o much_o at_o present_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v the_o elder_n meet_v and_o make_v bind_v act_n to_o the_o church_n under_o they_o so_o we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o first_o point_n that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n the_o main_a thing_n our_o opposite_n flee_v to_o at_o the_o last_o be_v this_o that_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n in_o act_n 8._o and_o that_o they_o have_v one_o government_n above_o they_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o infer_v a_o government_n by_o presbytry_n for_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n before_o the_o dispersion_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o few_o a_o number_n that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v one_o common_a government_n then_o by_o elder_n it_o infer_v not_o a_o presbytry_n but_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n only_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o this_o for_o answer_v they_o grant_v to_o we_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v a_o common_a eldership_n over_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o second_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o there_o even_o after_o the_o dispersion_n and_o we_o have_v also_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v elder_n over_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o whatever_o be_v before_o the_o dispersion_n yet_o even_o from_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o dispersion_n second_o we_o answer_v they_o can_v hardly_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o dispersion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v not_o of_o elder_n until_o act._n 11._o but_o when_o they_o be_v first_o institute_v we_o read_v not_o three_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o elder_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v they_o in_o common_a for_o they_o be_v also_o elder_n so_o they_o call_v themselves_o 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 1._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 1._o but_o second_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o what_o they_o do_v in_o these_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v it_o as_o elder_n for_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostles_n be_v not_o imitable_a now_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v imitable_a such_o as_o ordain_v of_o officer_n distribute_v of_o alms._n again_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostle_n one_o of_o they_o may_v do_v it_o alone_o but_o here_o they_o do_v it_o in_o collegio_fw-la act._n 6._o and_o reserve_v the_o people_n part_n of_o election_n to_o they_o now_o they_o never_o meet_v together_o to_o write_v scripture_n nor_o seek_v the_o people_n concurrence_n for_o any_o act_n mere_o apostolic_a so_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o so_o the_o church_n even_o then_o be_v under_o one_o common_a eldership_n and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n ¶_o ii_o there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytery_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n so_o also_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v church_n judicatories_n above_o presbytery_n as_o they_o be_v above_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n i._o for_o understand_v the_o question_n these_o synod_n or_o great_a meeting_n of_o church_n officer_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n some_o make_v up_o of_o several_a presbytery_n and_o these_o be_v provincial_a synod_n such_o as_o common_o we_o have_v twice_o a_o year_n or_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a synod_n within_o a_o nation_n and_o these_o be_v general_a assembly_n or_o three_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a church_n of_o several_a nation_n or_o commissioner_n from_o they_o and_o these_o be_v call_v universal_a council_n or_o general_a synod_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n now_o all_o these_o differ_v from_o presbytery_n not_o only_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o ample_a but_o also_o in_o this_o that_o the_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v the_o common_a ordinary_a way_n of_o government_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n but_o synod_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v more_o rare_a and_o upon_o particular_a emergent_a as_o act._n 15._o that_o synod_n be_v call_v upon_o a_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o trouble_v other_o church_n about_o second_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o great_a synod_n the_o provincial_a synod_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o universal_a council_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o nature_n and_o kind_n but_o only_o in_o less_o and_o more_o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o every_o one_o of_o they_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n in_o the_o general_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o every_o kind_n in_o particular_a for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o in_o thing_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_a general_n rule_n be_v sufficient_a or_o a_o rule_n for_o one_o particular_a which_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n as_o matth_n 18._o christ_n set_v down_o the_o way_n of_o walk_v in_o private_a scandal_n speak_v
nothing_o of_o public_a scandal_n not_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v mean_v that_o public_a scandal_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o but_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v serve_v for_o these_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o synod_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o bound_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v extend_v whether_o of_o one_o province_n or_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o a_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o number_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n the_o independent_o and_o we_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n for_o meet_v of_o synod_n only_o we_o differ_v about_o their_o power_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o division_n or_o scandal_n synod_n may_v meet_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a only_o they_o say_v that_o synod_n have_v no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o command_v other_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o embrace_v their_o determination_n we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v instance_n this_o in_o act_n 1_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n which_o be_v do_v by_o no_o particular_a church_n for_o here_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o paroch-church_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n here_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n from_o galilie_o v_a 14._o some_o from_o jerusalem_n v._n 15._o this_o meeting_n do_v a_o church_n business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o do_v represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o behoove_v to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v take_v act_n 15._o where_o this_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v hold_v forth_o clear_o the_o history_n be_v plain_a a_o difference_n arise_v in_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n this_o can_v be_v compose_v in_o antioch_n itself_o so_o they_o send_v up_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n meeting_n or_o judicatory_a here_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o be_v clear_a v_o 6._o second_o consider_v that_o this_o judicatory_a be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a presbytery_n we_o see_v that_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o v_a 6._o and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o antioch_n act_n 15._o 2_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o now_o that_o these_o be_v commissioner_n and_o have_v voice_n appear_v from_o act_n 16._o 4._o where_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v be_v ascrive_v to_o all_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v present_a it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v other_o commissioner_n there_o also_o from_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o they_o be_v join_v with_o antioch_n in_o the_o letter_n v._n 23._o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v except_o that_o as_o they_o be_v alike_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n as_o antioch_n be_v so_o they_o have_v their_o commissioner_n there_o as_o antioch_n have_v and_o therefore_o these_o act_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n so_o the_o meeting_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o presbytry_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o three_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o this_o meeting_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n make_v bind_v act_n unto_o other_o absent_a church_n who_o be_v present_a only_o in_o their_o commissioner_n and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o first_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o five_o 19_o 20_o second_o they_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n v_o 28._o the_o word_n that_o be_v turn_v there_o a_o burden_n signify_v a_o law_n or_o a_o decree_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o act_n 16._o 4._o there_o their_o conclusion_n be_v call_v decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elâ—ers_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o do_v make_v act_n bind_v other_o congregation_n three_o we_o find_v they_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o censure_n on_o the_o false_a prophet_n five_o 24._o they_o call_v they_o liar_n a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o censure_v they_o not_o with_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o know_v they_o be_v become_v incorrigible_o obstinate_a according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v by_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v clear_o a_o pattern_n for_o great_a synod_n a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n and_o these_o make_n bind_a law_n to_o other_o church_n who_o be_v absent_a in_o their_o person_n and_o only_o present_a in_o their_o commissioner_n iii_o their_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o who_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o determine_v and_o so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o our_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o man_n want_v that_o assistance_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v make_v against_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o for_o they_o hold_v that_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n so_o if_o their_o argument_n hold_v against_o we_o in_o the_o one_o it_o must_v hold_v also_o against_o they_o in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v also_o elder_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o elder_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o act_v as_o elder_n here_o it_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o objection_n but_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o willing_o submit_v act_n 15._o 4_o now_o in_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o meâ—_n and_o so_o sure_o here_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n second_o the_o apostle_n all_o along_o go_v not_o on_o that_o way_n as_o when_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o they_o state_n the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o in_o five_o 7._o now_o when_o they_o write_v scripture_n they_o do_v not_o use_v advice_n nor_o do_v they_o debate_v what_o they_o shall_v conclude_v but_o speak_v all_o as_o immediate_o inspire_v but_o here_o they_o debate_n and_o â—aving_a find_v truth_n by_o force_n of_o reason_n they_o conclude_v as_o any_o other_o assembly_n upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n in_o five_o 25._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v any_o thing_n as_o apostle_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v determine_v the_o question_n full_o that_o nothing_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o here_o for_o peter_n v_o 6_o give_v his_o judgement_n that_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a indeed_o yet_o it_o speak_v not_o full_o to_o the_o point_n until_o james_n add_v somewhat_o to_o wit_n that_o however_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o to_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n they_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v &c_n &c_n v_a 20._o and_o therefore_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n intend_v to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n yet_o do_v not_o speak_v full_o to_o the_o point_n which_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o that_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o pen_v scripture_n four_o because_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o act_n 15._o 22._o 23._o act._n 16._o 4._o act._n 21._o 25._o now_o
sure_o ordinary_a elder_n do_v never_o concur_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o act_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n as_o pen_v scripture_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o act_v as_o elder_n leave_v a_o pattern_n for_o such_o like_a judicatory_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n ¶_o iii_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subject_a to_o superior_a the_o three_o point_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o great_a have_v power_n of_o government_n over_o the_o lesser_a for_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o complaint_n of_o they_o enact_v of_o church_n canon_n unto_o which_o the_o inferior_a aught_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o point_n in_o short_a be_v that_o particular_a eldership_n be_v not_o independent_a so_o as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o be_v accountable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o presbytery_n be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v follow_v the_o former_a order_n first_o to_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o to_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o to_o answer_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n four_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n i._o for_o the_o first_o we_o allow_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n a_o eldership_n and_o power_n of_o discipline_n within_o themselves_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o particular_a concernment_n but_o as_o for_o thing_n wherein_o other_o congregation_n be_v concern_v with_o they_o we_o hold_v that_o such_o do_v belong_v to_o superior_a judicatory_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n what_o belong_v unto_o all_o shall_v be_v handle_v by_o all_o second_o we_o do_v not_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o single_a congregation_n above_o another_o we_o say_v that_o all_o congregation_n the_o least_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a be_v equal_a in_o power_n this_o way_n be_v the_o bishop_n tyranny_n that_o make_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o diocese_n subject_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n the_o parish_n where_o the_o bishop_n live_v so_o that_o all_o other_o be_v to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o the_o great_a lord_n bishop_n law_n which_o he_o give_v out_o in_o it_o we_o do_v only_o say_v that_o all_o particular_a congregation_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o elder_n take_v from_o among_o themselves_o wherein_o no_o congregation_n can_v challenge_v power_n more_o than_o another_o the_o mean_a have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o they_o as_o the_o great_a three_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n be_v absolute_a so_o that_o whatever_o they_o conclude_v shall_v stand_v for_o a_o law_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o affirm_v their_o power_n be_v a_o limit_a and_o ministerial_a power_n it_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o put_v the_o case_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n shall_v conclude_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v wrong_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v blind_o we_o allow_v to_o every_o particular_a christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o shall_v compare_v the_o act_n of_o church_n judicatories_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o according_o either_o to_o choice_n or_o refuse_v only_o herein_o we_o say_v first_o that_o particular_a christian_n shall_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v other_o blind_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o rather_o than_o they_o we_o mean_v when_o the_o matter_n be_v dubious_a second_o we_o say_v that_o when_o the_o case_n come_v that_o it_o be_v evident_o see_v that_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v go_v wrong_a private_a christian_n be_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o indeed_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judicatory_a even_o when_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o dissent_v from_o their_o act_n lest_o by_o their_o furious_a zeal_n they_o cast_v all_o loose_a and_o into_o confusion_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a eldership_n and_o so_o if_o particular_a eldership_n be_v independent_a or_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v warrant_v presbytery_n to_o be_v above_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o maintain_v the_o last_o and_o we_o clear_v our_o part_n the_o controversy_n from_o several_a argument_n ii_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n where_o the_o whole_a power_n be_v put_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o as_o to_o be_v countable_a to_o none_o we_o shall_v reckon_v four_o or_o five_o of_o these_o defect_n and_o indeed_o very_o great_a defect_n first_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a way_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o right_v a_o man_n that_o be_v wrong_v by_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o eldership_n shall_v wrong_v a_o man_n by_o censure_v he_o unjust_o according_a to_o their_o way_n he_o must_v sit_v with_o the_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o he_o till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n there_o be_v a_o second_o defect_n according_a to_o this_o independent_a way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o heal_v breach_n in_o a_o congregation_n put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o people_n shall_v divide_v from_o the_o elder_n or_o the_o elder_n among_o themselves_o or_o that_o one_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o contest_v with_o another_o now_o in_o these_o case_n suppose_v both_o these_o party_n to_o be_v wilful_a as_o too_o usual_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o any_o advice_n without_o authority_n to_o back_o it_o now_o what_o remedy_n be_v leave_v in_o such_o case_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o presbytery_n that_o have_v power_n over_o both_o party_n to_o command_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v no_o remedy_n in_o his_o house_n for_o such_o evil_n as_o may_v so_o frequent_o fall_v out_o three_o the_o independent_a way_n leave_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o hold_v down_o plurality_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o so_o then_o let_v a_o particular_a congregation_n set_v up_o what_o religion_n they_o please_v suppose_v it_o be_v popery_n there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n to_o hinder_v it_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v otherwise_o presbytery_n be_v christ_n weeding-hook_n to_o weed_v out_o heresy_n so_o we_o observe_v wherever_o it_o be_v set_v up_o it_o bear_v heresy_n down_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o judicatories_n be_v so_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o that_o what_o be_v oversee_v in_o the_o one_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o other_o four_o by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n among_o congregation_n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v take_v a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o this_o congregation_n one_o way_n and_o that_o congregation_n another_o way_n which_o doubtless_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a not_o know_v unto_o what_o congregation_n to_o join_v because_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n among_o all_o put_v the_o case_n to_o clear_v it_o in_o some_o thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v guess_v at_o other_o that_o in_o one_o congregation_n they_o will_v both_o read_v and_o expound_v in_o another_o they_o will_v only_o read_v in_o other_o the_o line_n be_v not_o read_v for_o sing_v and_o in_o another_o it_o be_v read_v in_o some_o congregation_n child_n be_v not_o baptise_a but_o in_o time_n of_o sermon_n in_o other_o that_o baptism_n be_v administrate_n at_o other_o time_n also_o in_o some_o congregation_n two_o prayer_n before_o a_o sermon_n in_o another_o but_o one_o in_o another_o the_o conclusion_n sing_v in_o another_o not_o now_o though_o the_o strong_a will_v not_o stumble_v at_o these_o thing_n know_v that_o such_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o least_o indifferent_a yet_o to_o the_o weak_a christian_a they_o may_v prove_v a_o ground_n of_o stumble_v for_o usual_o such_o present_o stamp_n conscience_n on_o that_o part_n of_o
this_o be_v absurd_a for_o christian_n be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o great_a liberty_n as_o appear_v from_o galat._n 4._o 1._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o clear_v the_o first_o proposition_n we_o lie_v down_o these_o thing_n first_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o may_v be_v make_v out_o from_o several_a place_n we_o take_v one_o 2_o chron_n 19_o 8._o where_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a v_o 10._o the_o matter_n they_o handle_v come_v to_o they_o from_o other_o judicatories_n and_o deut_n 17._o 8._o show_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_a be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o the_o inferior_a court_n but_o find_v too_o hard_o to_o be_v judge_v there_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o refuge_n for_o the_o party_n wrong_v by_o the_o inferior_a court_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o refuge_n leave_v to_o christian_n we_o may_v certain_o say_v the_o state_n of_o christiansis_n most_o hard_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o tyrannical_a sentence_n of_o the_o unjust_a eldership_n and_o no_o power_n to_o right_v they_o when_o the_o oppress_a jew_n may_v appeal_v to_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a we_o may_v further_o argue_v from_o this_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a government_n that_o be_v neither_o ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a but_o moral_a that_o be_v bind_v to_o we_o for_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v all_o alike_o and_o be_v not_o abrogate_v but_o this_o that_o there_o be_v subordination_n of_o judicatories_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o grieve_a party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v moral_a not_o ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o supremacy_n in_o judgement_n so_o the_o papist_n argue_v ill_a from_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o the_o pope_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n for_o thing_n of_o hard_a knowledge_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o oppress_a party_n be_v typical_a of_o nothing_o but_o moral_a and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o forbid_v party_n to_o be_v judge_n which_o will_v natural_o follow_v if_o there_o be_v not_o subordination_n of_o court_n yea_o further_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o this_o law_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o pattern_n upon_o the_o mount_n but_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o jethro_n and_o by_o he_o give_v to_o moses_n exod._n 18._o 22._o it_o shall_v be_v that_o every_o great_a matter_n they_o shall_v bring_v unto_o thou_o &c_n &c_n iii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v their_o objection_n many_o whereof_o we_o have_v take_v off_o in_o the_o first_o two_o head_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o those_o that_o be_v frivolous_a as_o indeed_o the_o most_o part_n be_v we_o shall_v only_o pitch_v on_o these_o that_o â—eem_v to_o carry_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n and_o whereof_o they_o boast_v most_o their_o first_o objection_n be_v from_o matth_n 18._o 17._o this_o church_n say_v they_o be_v a_o parochial_a church_n and_o christ_n mind_n be_v that_o the_o business_n shall_v be_v here_o end_v without_o any_o appeal_n from_o it_o answer_v christ_n mean_v not_o only_o a_o particular_a singular_a congregation_n but_o also_o if_o not_o main_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n for_o first_o the_o particular_a church_n can_v sometime_o heal_v the_o distemper_n as_o when_o it_o be_v divide_v or_o when_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v scandalous_a as_o oft_o may_v fall_v out_o by_o give_v a_o wrong_a sentence_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n have_v mean_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v complean_v to_o and_o in_o no_o case_n a_o judicatory_a above_o they_o than_o his_o remedy_n shall_v have_v come_v short_a in_o cure_v the_o disease_n for_o which_o he_o intend_v it_o which_o to_o say_v be_v no_o small_a imputation_n to_o jesus_n christ._n second_o christ_n here_o allude_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o obstinate_a to_o be_v repute_v as_o a_o heathen_a the_o same_o which_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o speech_n tell_v the_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o understand_v if_o he_o have_v not_o allude_v to_o the_o jewish_a judicatory_a beside_o which_o they_o know_v no_o judicatory_a for_o such_o offence_n as_o christ_n speak_v of_o to_o they_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v give_v its_o name_n to_o christ._n now_o as_o we_o clear_v before_o the_o judicatories_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v to_o be_v complain_v to_o for_o scandal_n be_v not_o only_o these_o who_o be_v in_o their_o single_a synagogue_n or_o congregation_n but_o also_o superior_a court_n to_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v from_o the_o lesser_a court_n three_o christ_n mean_v here_o of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o as_o we_o have_v already_o clear_v be_v presbyterial_a church_n or_o judicatories_n have_v the_o oversight_n of_o many_o congregation_n now_o sure_a these_o be_v the_o first_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o power_n of_o government_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n in_o that_o place_n their_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o the_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o presbytry_n lay_v on_o a_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n and_o subjection_n upon_o particular_a congregation_n equal_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v in_o bondage_n it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o lord_n bishop_n than_o under_o a_o number_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n in_o presbytry_n or_o synod_n for_o answer_v we_o make_v no_o other_o subjection_n here_o than_o what_o the_o independent_o themselves_o make_v for_o they_o make_v ten_o in_o a_o congregation_n subject_a to_o five_o hundred_o and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o five_o hundred_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o ten_o so_o make_v we_o many_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o elder_n convene_v in_o a_o presbytry_n what_o more_o subjection_n be_v there_o in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o second_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a comparison_n to_o compare_v bishop_n tyranny_n with_o presbytry_n for_o 1._o the_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v humane_a this_o be_v divine_a 2._o the_o bishop_n be_v but_o one_o man_n do_v by_o himself_o alone_o govern_v and_o that_o ad_fw-la arbitratum_fw-la nor_o have_v he_o any_o to_o answer_v to_o but_o here_o more_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v join_v together_o who_o be_v by_o mutual_a advice_n to_o rule_n god_n people_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o government_n by_o the_o bishop_n be_v altogether_o extrinsical_a to_o or_o without_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o bishop_n be_v none_o of_o their_o member_n nor_o yet_o choose_v by_o they_o but_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o they_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o member_n and_o commissioner_n from_o those_o same_o very_a church_n where_o they_o govern_v and_o so_o it_o be_v whole_o intrinsical_v 4._o we_o say_v government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tyrannical_a as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a remedy_n against_o church_n tyranny_n because_o it_o be_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n for_o all_o these_o who_o be_v oppress_v in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n for_o if_o in_o the_o independent_a government_n one_o be_v wrong_v he_o must_v sit_v with_o it_o till_o christ_n come_v and_o right_v he_o neighbour_n church_n may_v advise_v and_o request_v but_o the_o congregation_n advise_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o follow_v it_o but_o hâ—â—e_v when_o the_o eldership_n do_v wrong_a there_o be_v a_o refuge_n to_o a_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o to_o a_o synod_n etc._n etc._n object_n 3._o government_n by_o presbytery_n lay_v upon_o minister_n and_o elder_n the_o charge_n of_o other_o flock_n than_o these_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n make_v they_o overseer_n to_o wit_n the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o these_o church_n because_o they_o govern_v they_o answer_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o all_o these_o congregation_n in_o particular_a and_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a so_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v particular_o to_o catechise_v to_o visit_v etc._n etc._n only_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o and_o as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o the_o court_n with_o other_o and_o this_o be_v
alone_o because_o they_o can_v be_v sure_o enough_o that_o any_o other_o have_v grace_n but_o only_o themselves_o there_o be_v a_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o similitude_n and_o comparison_n under_o which_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n which_o similitude_n do_v show_v there_o be_v not_o that_o strictness_n require_v in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o separatist_n judge_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o draught_n net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a matth_n 13._o second_o to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o tare_n ibid._n three_o it_o be_v compare_v matth_n 22._o to_o a_o table_n of_o guest_n where_o there_o be_v some_o with_o and_o some_o without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n four_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n wherein_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o dishonour_v and_o to_o a_o fold_n of_o sheep_n and_o goat_n and_o in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v many_o call_v but_o few_o choose_a now_o how_o shall_v tare_n chaff_n goat_n etc._n etc._n give_v convince_a sign_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o certain_o these_o similitude_n seem_v to_o speak_v that_o there_o need_v not_o so_o much_o wal_n or_o pick_v out_o in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n provide_v they_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n once_o take_v they_o in_o and_o and_o then_o let_v the_o word_n work_n on_o they_o this_o great_a wale_n and_o separation_n will_v be_v when_o the_o net_n come_v to_o the_o shore_n when_o the_o great_a harvest_n come_v when_o the_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v sever_v this_o much_o for_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o answer_v their_o objection_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n visible_a shall_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o church_n member_n as_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o obj._n 1_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o specious_a be_v take_v from_o these_o glorious_a sâ—â—ies_n give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v saint_n a_o chaste_a â—â—rgine_n spouse_v to_o christ_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o christ_n mystical_a body_n who_o member_n be_v all_o gracious_a now_o say_v they_o see_v the_o church_n have_v these_o style_n in_o scripture_n shall_v any_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o discern_a have_v grace_n for_o answer_v if_o this_o argument_n conclude_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v conclude_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o those_o who_o have_v real_a grace_n for_o none_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o christsâ—_n mystical_a body_n the_o lamb_n wife_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o only_a now_o this_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v they_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v paint_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o same_o for_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n be_v such_o and_o so_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v prove_v more_o than_o they_o will_v grant_v but_o to_o answer_v direct_o you_o will_v know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n visible_a there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a sincere_a christian_n and_o paint_a hypocrite_n now_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n and_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n it_o speak_v so_o of_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o evil_a man_n among_o they_o all_o hence_o be_v these_o style_n the_o lamb_n wise_a son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v so_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part._n again_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n it_o give_v such_o name_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n among_o they_o all_o it_o call_v they_o stifnecked_n a_o rebelious_a house_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n now_o as_o it_o be_v ill_o argue_v to_o conclude_v from_o these_o place_n where_o such_o style_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n be_v corrupter_n stifnecked_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o one_o seek_v god_n for_o there_o he_o give_v they_o those_o style_n from_o the_o evil_a part_n among_o they_o so_o it_o be_v also_o ill_o argue_v from_o these_o place_n where_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o the_o lamb_n wife_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o and_o we_o shall_v clear_v it_o more_o full_o from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor_n 6_o 18._o they_o get_v many_o glorious_a style_n they_o be_v call_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a they_o be_v call_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor_n 11_o 2._o now_o there_o be_v many_o schismatic_n among_o they_o some_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n some_o vilify_n paul_n doctrine_n many_o who_o be_v contentious_a drunkard_n fornicator_n so_o that_o these_o style_n can_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o of_o the_o better_a part_n that_o be_v among_o they_o even_o as_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n and_o corn_n will_v call_v it_o a_o heap_n of_o corn_n not_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o corn_n in_o it_o but_o because_o the_o corn_n be_v the_o best_a part_n and_o so_o the_o church_n visible_a wherein_o be_v a_o mix_a company_n be_v denominate_v from_o the_o better_a part_n sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o call_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o sometime_o from_o the_o worse_a part_n and_o call_v stiffnecked_n etc._n etc._n obj._n two_o their_o second_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o act_n 2._o 47._o where_o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v say_v they_o god_n add_v no_o other_o to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v save_v therefore_o we_o shall_v add_v no_o other_o for_o answer_v if_o any_o thing_n follow_v from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o who_o be_v believer_n real_o for_o no_o other_o will_v be_v save_v but_o this_o be_v against_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o second_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v a_o chief_a care_n of_o add_v those_o to_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o he_o add_v no_o other_o for_o the_o same_o chapter_n say_v he_o add_v more_o five_o 41_o whole_a three_o thousand_o be_v add_v and_o yet_o all_o those_o be_v not_o to_o be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o doubtless_o many_o other_o hypocrite_n among_o they_o obj._n iii_o the_o three_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o matth_n 22._o 12._o in_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o king_n banquet_n where_o he_o bid_v his_o servant_n go_v and_o invite_v to_o the_o marriage_n and_o find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n say_v he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o those_o who_o admit_v he_o to_o this_o privilege_n we_o answer_v this_o be_v quite_o contrair_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o command_n v_o 9_o go_v you_o therefore_o into_o the_o highway_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v command_v to_o invite_v all_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o none_o for_o want_n of_o the_o wedding-garment_n for_o that_o be_v inward_a be_v only_o discernible_a by_o god_n indeed_o this_o parable_n will_v show_v this_o much_o that_o minister_n may_v admit_v people_n to_o communion_n and_o yet_o christ_n will_v come_v with_o a_o after_o search_v and_o find_v many_o there_o who_o he_o will_v cast_v that_o minister_n have_v admit_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o every_o man_n that_o come_v through_o a_o minister_n trial_n be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n the_o place_n say_v that_o christ_n find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n but_o it_o say_v not_o that_o minister_n shall_v let_v none_o come_v but_o those_o that_o have_v the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n see_v five_o 14._o there_o it_o be_v say_v for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v ob._n iv_o their_o four_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n speak_v there_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n say_v nevertheless_o i_o have_v
to_o the_o word_n do_v that_o and_o for_o their_o wicked_a life_n follow_v they_o not_o in_o it_o arg_n ii_o our_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n many_o corrupter_n and_o graceless_a man_n that_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n both_o of_o the_o preacher_n and_o people_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o find_v that_o the_o godly_a do_v loathe_v the_o lawful_a worship_n or_o keep_v back_o from_o it_o because_o of_o that_o yea_o we_o find_v the_o lord_n command_v they_o to_o join_v in_o the_o lawful_a worship_n and_o when_o they_o will_v separate_a he_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o we_o shall_v make_v this_o appear_v from_o three_o or_o four_o time_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o first_o be_v moses_n time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o profane_a man_n in_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n as_o you_o will_v find_v deut_n 32._o only_o remember_v this_o all_o along_o that_o the_o point_v we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o keep_v profane_a man_n in_o the_o church_n we_o show_v those_o shall_v be_v remove_v but_o the_o question_n be_v when_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o what_o the_o godly_a shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n if_o they_o shall_v turn_v back_o and_o leave_v that_o church_n i_o say_v we_o find_v deut_n 32._o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_a sound_n they_o corrupt_v themselves_o their_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o child_n yet_o we_o never_o read_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o godly_a do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o command_a worship_n because_o such_o be_v at_o it_o yea_o on_o the_o contrair_a we_o find_v they_o join_v with_o they_o deut_n 29._o moses_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o yea_o deut_n 1â—_n 6._o 7._o 8._o the_o lord_n command_v the_o people_n to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o shall_v choose_v to_o place_v his_o name_n and_o go_v about_o the_o lawful_a command_a duty_n though_o doubtless_o there_o will_v be_v many_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o the_o second_o time_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o take_v to_o prove_v the_o point_n be_v in_o joshua_n time_n there_o be_v then_o great_a mixture_n of_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v from_o joshua_n 24._o 14._o 23._o he_o bid_v they_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n so_o there_o be_v number_n of_o they_o corrupt_v in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n v_o 23._o that_o joshua_n conveen_v they_o altogether_o to_o a_o solemn_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o on_o that_o subject_a now_o sure_o joshua_n will_v not_o have_v do_v this_o if_o so_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v defile_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o if_o it_o have_v 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who_o seem_v resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o better_a and_o worse_o as_o once_o he_o say_v joh._n 6._o 67._o unto_o the_o twelve_o when_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o i_o have_v therefore_o choose_v this_o text_n to_o speak_v from_o now_o immediate_o after_o have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v guard_v against_o that_o woeful_a common_a evil_n of_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v christ_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o the_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n answer_n to_o that_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o two_o of_o john_n disciple_n at_o john_n desire_n verse_n 20._o art_n thou_o he_o that_o 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there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n and_o christian_a privilege_n we_o do_v grant_v several_a christian_a privilege_n to_o private_a christian_n but_o these_o do_v not_o infer_v any_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o people_n a_o power_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n minister_n or_o elder_n we_o grant_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o e_o they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v blind_o what_o minister_n say_v but_o have_v a_o power_n to_o try_v what_o they_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o practice_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n or_o not_o we_o grant_v these_o privilege_n to_o the_o people_n but_o none_o of_o they_o do_v
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paul_n authority_n and_o so_o the_o body_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o this_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n although_o the_o power_n be_v give_v for_o their_o good_a a_o three_o thing_n for_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o do_v willing_o grant_v to_o private_a christian_n power_n to_o admonish_v exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o charity_n and_o this_o they_o may_v extend_v even_o to_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n but_o this_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n do_v not_o import_v any_o church_n power_n in_o they_o over_o those_o who_o they_o rebuke_v no_o more_o than_o paul_n rebuke_v of_o peter_n gal_n 2._o 14._o do_v infer_v a_o power_n in_o paul_n above_o peter_n so_o you_o see_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v they_o any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n this_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o govern_v his_o house_n or_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n must_v be_v clear_a for_o none_o have_v right_a to_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o christ_n church_n except_o those_o who_o have_v a_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o it_o now_o that_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n either_o by_o precept_n or_o promise_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o word_n this_o power_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o so_o rome_n 10._o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o preach_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o â—e_v send_v v_o 15._o now_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v send_v beside_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o discharge_v this_o office_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o can_v convince_v gainsayer_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v that_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v and_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n for_o christ_n jesus_n have_v join_v both_o these_o power_n in_o one_o commission_n he_o give_v no_o power_n to_o any_o to_o aministrate_n the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v power_n also_o to_o preach_v matth_n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v them-&c_a them-&c_a them-&c_a power_n of_o preach_v and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n go_v together_o and_o so_o see_v the_o one_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o other_o must_v be_v deny_v also_o three_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o to_o execute_v any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n jurisdiction_n for_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o try_v minister_n gift_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n command_v they_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o practice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v that_o ever_o they_o do_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v in_o answer_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o private_a christian_n do_v overturn_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n none_o may_v doubt_v of_o for_o nothing_o appoint_v by_o god_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o himself_o now_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o put_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v clear_a because_o his_o order_n be_v that_o some_o be_v watchman_n some_o watch_v over_o some_o ruler_n some_o to_o submit_v some_o governor_n some_o to_o be_v govern_v some_o shepherd_n some_o the_o flock_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o their_o hand_n than_o all_o shall_v be_v overseer_n watchman_n ruler_n governor_n and_o none_o more_o than_o another_o if_o so_o be_v that_o power_n to_o govern_v shall_v flow_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o be_v so_o alike_o the_o three_o argument_n we_o bring_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o to_o whosoever_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v promise_n of_o suitable_a ability_n for_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a trust_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o gift_v neither_o promise_n to_o gift_n every_o christian_a nor_o yet_o require_v he_o answerable_a gift_n for_o government_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n he_o do_v also_o promise_v they_o sufficient_a ability_n for_o their_o trust_n be_v clear_a for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o wisdom_n
or_o where_o profane_a or_o wicked_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v in_o it_o the_o godly_a be_v bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o not_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o mix_a multitude_n and_o because_o they_o hold_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o live_v in_o any_o church_n where_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o whole_a ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v bind_v to_o separate_a from_o that_o church_n and_o to_o make_v up_o a_o church_n of_o their_o own_o by_o gather_v out_o so_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a that_o be_v in_o it_o as_o they_o can_v get_v and_o make_v a_o little_a congregation_n of_o their_o own_o choose_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o some_o one_o or_o two_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o so_o they_o set_v up_o a_o church_n against_o a_o church_n a_o church_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a error_n it_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n long_v since_o in_o the_o four_o century_n or_o something_o more_o than_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o donatist_n a_o kind_n of_o heretic_n arise_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o do_v teach_v the_o same_o very_a thing_n against_o who_o the_o godly_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o time_n do_v write_v yet_o because_o this_o error_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n more_o than_o ordinary_a it_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o well_o mind_v people_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v drive_v out_o by_o force_n of_o argument_n till_o the_o lord_n do_v leave_v the_o mantainer_n of_o this_o error_n to_o fall_v into_o other_o vile_a abomination_n for_o all_o their_o pretence_n of_o strictness_n which_o make_v all_o other_o to_o loathe_v they_o and_o before_o it_o can_v be_v get_v root_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o trouble_v the_o church_n almost_o 100_o year_n together_o the_o same_o be_v the_o error_n which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o refute_v that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n that_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o and_o which_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n in_o this_o particular_a take_v it_o up_o thus_o first_o we_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v reform_v from_o all_o corruption_n and_o that_o wicked_a scandalous_a man_n shall_v be_v casten_z out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o least_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n this_o we_o hold_v and_o herein_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n but_o the_o question_n be_v when_o the_o church_n officer_n do_v not_o their_o duty_n as_o often_o it_o fall_v out_o what_o through_o negligence_n and_o what_o through_o other_o corruption_n and_o what_o through_o a_o base_a want_n of_o courage_n so_o that_o sometime_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o put_v in_o practice_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o some_o corruption_n be_v tolerate_v the_o question_n i_o say_v be_v what_o the_o godly_a shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n and_o concern_v this_o we_o hold_v first_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o godly_a person_n to_o remove_v his_o dwell_n and_o go_v dwell_v in_o another_o congregation_n where_o he_o may_v have_v the_o ordinance_n more_o pure_o administrate_v there_o be_v no_o tie_n lay_v on_o he_o for_o bind_v he_o to_o remain_v constant_o where_o he_o be_v if_o he_o may_v convenient_o remove_v second_o we_o hold_v that_o if_o he_o can_v convenient_o remove_v from_o that_o congregation_n he_o may_v remain_v a_o member_n of_o it_o without_o sin_n although_o he_o know_v there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o in_o it_o provide_v he_o keep_v his_o own_o hand_n clean_o of_o these_o three_o we_o hold_v that_o as_o long_o as_o the_o godly_a man_n stay_v in_o that_o congregation_n where_o there_o be_v abuse_n of_o that_o kind_n tolerate_v he_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o his_o place_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o they_o he_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n to_o admonish_v these_o who_o be_v wicked_a and_o scandalous_a and_o if_o his_o admonition_n do_v no_o good_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o delate_v they_o to_o the_o eldership_n that_o they_o may_v be_v censure_v if_o they_o be_v censure_v it_o be_v well_o he_o have_v gain_v his_o point_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o censure_v or_o not_o so_o full_o as_o he_o will_v he_o be_v to_o regrate_a the_o matter_n to_o god_n and_o mourn_v for_o it_o but_o four_o we_o hold_v that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o stay_v in_o that_o congregation_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o keep_v back_o from_o god_n worship_n as_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o from_o any_o part_n of_o service_n in_o itself_o lawful_a because_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n join_v with_o he_o in_o it_o far_o less_o be_v he_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o draw_v away_o a_o number_n with_o he_o to_o set_v up_o a_o little_a church_n for_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o question_n we_o be_v to_o debate_v about_o the_o separatist_n say_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o communion_n if_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o be_v profane_a or_o wicked_a and_o that_o lest_o he_o be_v defile_v with_o they_o we_o say_v if_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n be_v lawful_a and_o pure_a in_o itself_o he_o sin_n in_o keep_v back_o from_o it_o notwithstanding_o that_o other_o join_v with_o he_o in_o it_o who_o the_o church_n officer_n shall_v keep_v back_o we_o grant_v indeed_o when_o the_o service_n be_v not_o pure_a and_o lawful_a in_o its_o self_n as_o for_o example_n when_o communion_n can_v be_v have_v except_o the_o people_n kneel_v and_o so_o worship_v the_o bread_n in_o that_o case_n every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v back_o that_o will_v keep_v himself_o free_a of_o sin_n not_o because_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n go_v to_o the_o table_n but_o because_o the_o ordinance_n be_v go_v about_o in_o a_o sinful_a way_n but_o our_o question_n be_v concern_v worship_n in_o itself_o lawful_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o communion_n be_v administrate_v by_o a_o minister_n lawful_o call_v when_o that_o table_n gesture_n which_o christ_n himself_o use_v be_v keep_v at_o it_o when_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o his_o command_n what_o godly_a person_n shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n when_o scandalous_a person_n one_o or_o more_o be_v suffer_v to_o come_v to_o the_o table_n we_o hold_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o be_v there_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o come_v forward_o and_o the_o wicked_a man_n be_v there_o defile_v only_o the_o worship_n to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o those_o who_o come_v in_o honesty_n this_o much_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o have_v clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o our_o 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jerusalem_n second_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o command_v his_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o that_o upon_o the_o contrair_a he_o forbid_v they_o to_o stumble_v at_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o to_o come_v to_o the_o lawful_a worship_n as_o matth_n 23._o 1._o 2._o then_o speak_v jesus_n to_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o lawful_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v but_o godless_a man_n that_o go_v about_o it_o what_o they_o preach_v according_a