absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_v my_o conscience_n clear_a and_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n none_o will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v savour_v ill_a among_o any_o serious_a solid_a christian_n for_o i_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o persuade_v that_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o this_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o find_v it_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n christ_n command_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v and_o recommend_v it_o now_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o hold_v they_o and_o maintain_v they_o again_o after_o the_o apostasy_n in_o their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a purity_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v now_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o like_a holy_a order_n and_o government_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o we_o as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o be_v now_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n minister_v to_o we_o therefore_o what_o can_v any_o christianly_o or_o rational_o object_v against_o it_o for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n for_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o old_a be_v undeniable_a what_o kind_n of_o ground_n than_o can_v any_o such_o opposer_n have_v for_o to_o such_o as_o scruple_v at_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v our_o principle_n that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o imposition_n or_o imitation_n more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n see_v as_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v people_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v do_v but_o as_o truth_n move_v and_o draw_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v also_o no_o less_o needful_a when_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o love_n as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a as_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v wrong_n be_v remove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a cherish_v and_o encourage_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o there_o ought_v now_o as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o to_o be_v order_n &_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o now_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o three_o place_n be_v first_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o second_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v and_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v three_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o a_o other_o than_o the_o oppressive_a and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a then_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v proper_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n for_o some_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v or_o at_o least_o afraid_a of_o the_o very_a word_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o like_a pretence_n have_v be_v the_o great_a weapon_n wherewith_o antichrist_n and_o the_o apostate_n christian_n have_v be_v these_o many_o generation_n persecute_v the_o woman_n and_o war_a against_o the_o manchild_n and_o indeed_o great_a dispute_n have_v be_v among_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n in_o the_o apostasy_n concern_v this_o church_n what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o may_v be_v so_o account_v which_o i_o find_v not_o my_o place_n at_o present_a to_o dive_v much_o in_o but_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_a testimony_n the_o word_n church_n in_o itself_o and_o as_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o gather_v company_n or_o assembly_n of_o certain_a people_n call_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v which_o be_v that_o the_o translator_n render_v church_n which_o word_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n evoco_fw-la i_o call_v out_o of_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d voco_fw-la i_o call_v now_o though_o the_o english_a word_n church_n be_v only_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n yet_o the_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v so_o render_v be_v take_v in_o general_a for_o every_o gather_v or_o meet_v together_o of_o people_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o town-clark_n of_o the_o ephesian_n dismiss_v the_o tumult_n that_o be_v gather_v there_o together_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act_v 19_o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n or_o the_o church_n a_o church_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o meeting_n or_o gather_v of_o certain_a people_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o religious_a sense_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n whereby_o as_o a_o body_n they_o become_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a relation_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o conjunct_a interest_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o propagate_a these_o principle_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v right_a and_o therefore_o have_v a_o certain_a care_n and_o oversight_n over_o on_o another_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v all_o occasion_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o break_v this_o their_o conjunct_a interest_n hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o or_o bring_v infamy_n contempt_n or_o contumely_n upon_o it_o or_o give_v such_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v or_o may_v be_v band_v together_o to_o undo_v they_o just_a occasion_n against_o they_o to_o decry_v and_o defame_v they_o now_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v that_o church_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n of_o people_n whereof_o christ_n true_o be_v the_o head_n from_o snch_n as_o false_o pretend_v thereto_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o principle_n &_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n &_o order_n they_o have_v among_o themselves_o the_o way_n and_o method_n they_o take_v to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v which_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o clear_v all_o mistake_v forasmuch_o as_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n among_o true_a christian_n which_o move_v they_o to_o gather_v together_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n define_v the_o church_n in_o his_o salutation_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n so_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o a_o church_n meeting_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n claim_v towards_o those_o that_o have_v or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o member_n who_o own_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o go_v under_o the_o same_o distinction_n and_o denomination_n who_o escape_n fault_n and_o error_n may_v by_o our_o adversary_n just_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o if_o not_o seasonable_o and_o christian_o reprove_v reclaim_v or_o condemn_v for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o far_o less_o who_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o reprove_v instruct_v or_o reclaim_v they_o as_o fellow_z member_n or_o brethren_n yet_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o remove_v the_o general_a reproach_n from_o the_o christian_a name_n with_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n for_o the_o zeal_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o
cry_v out_o of_o formality_n and_o apostasy_n because_o they_o be_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o their_o unruliness_n according_a to_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o cry_v out_o breach_n of_o liberty_n oppression_n persecution_n we_o will_v have_v none_o of_o your_o order_n and_o government_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n well_o of_o this_o hereafter_o but_o this_o give_v the_o rise_n of_o this_o controversy_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o that_o which_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o second_o place_n section_n three_o whether_o there_o be_v now_o to_o be_v any_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o proposition_n i_o meddle_v not_o at_o this_o time_n with_o those_o that_o deny_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v reserve_v their_o plea_n to_o another_o place_n neither_o need_v i_o to_o be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a to_o wit_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o opposer_n both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n who_o ready_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o have_v heretofore_o blame_v we_o for_o want_v of_o it_o though_o now_o some_o of_o they_o and_o that_o of_o the_o high_a pretender_n be_v become_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o accuse_v we_o for_o the_o use_v of_o it_o improve_n it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n for_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o partial_a envy_n that_o whereas_o the_o suppose_a want_n of_o it_o be_v once_o reckon_v heretical_a now_o the_o present_a performance_n of_o it_o be_v count_v criminal_a these_o then_o to_o who_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v this_o thing_n be_v such_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o themselves_o refuse_v all_o subjection_n or_o government_n deny_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o disagree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n or_o those_o who_o not_o be_v so_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o mind_n yet_o be_v fearful_a or_o scrupulous_a in_o the_o matter_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n they_o may_v apprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n may_v draw_v after_o it_o for_o the_o clear_n then_o as_o well_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o one_o as_o answer_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o other_o i_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o follow_a assertion_n will_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o matter_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o evidence_n first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o it_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v practice_v and_o commend_v it_o three_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n now_o occur_v which_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o power_n now_o as_o ever_o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n into_o the_o same_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o very_a word_n order_n and_o government_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o now_o this_o i_o suppose_v have_v proceed_v because_o of_o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n deceit_n and_o oppression_n that_o have_v be_v cloak_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o why_o shall_v the_o truth_n be_v neglect_v because_o hypocrite_n have_v pretend_v to_o it_o the_o right_a institution_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n must_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v because_o corrupt_v man_n have_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v they_o i_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v more_o abuse_v and_o pervent_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v we_o then_o renounce_v that_o honourable_a title_n because_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o wicked_a man_n yea_o antichrist_n have_v false_o assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v in_o his_o temple_n if_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n have_v assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v term_v her_o oppression_n and_o violence_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n thereof_o therefore_o must_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n &_o its_o authority_n be_v exercise_v where_o it_o true_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n this_o i_o prefix_v to_o warn_v all_o to_o beware_v of_o stumble_v at_o thing_n which_o be_v innocent_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v labour_v to_o hold_v the_o steady_a even_a path_n of_o truth_n without_o run_v in_o either_o of_o the_o extreme_n for_o that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v appoint_v order_n &_o government_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v very_o clear_a from_o his_o plain_a word_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o ver._n 15._o moreover_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o of_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n ver_n 16._o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o work_n may_v be_v establish_v ver._n 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n ver._n 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 and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n from_o which_o scripture_n it_o do_v manifest_o and_o evident_o follow_v first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n intend_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o certain_a order_n and_o method_n in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o procedure_n towards_o such_o as_o transgress_v second_o that_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v two_o be_v become_v more_o guilty_a as_o harden_v then_o in_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o first_o reprove_v alone_o three_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a assembly_n he_o do_v thereby_o exclude_v himself_o and_o shut_v out_o himself_o from_o be_v a_o member_n and_o be_v just_o judge_v by_o his_o brethren_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o last_o that_o the_o church_n gatherng_n or_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n have_v power_n to_o examine_v and_o call_v to_o a_o account_v such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o own_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o they_o do_v transgress_v and_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o hear_v or_o repent_v to_o exclude_v they_o from_o their_o fellowship_n and_o that_o god_n have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o people_n thus_o orderly_o proceed_v so_o as_o to_o hold_v such_o bind_v in_o heaven_n who_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n and_o such_o loose_v in_o heaven_n who_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n i_o be_o partly_o confident_a that_o no_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o above_o mention_a scripture_n and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o find_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o i_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a consequence_n which_o at_o present_a as_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v i_o forbear_v to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v reckon_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o offend_v one_o of_o the_o little_a one_o that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o so_o do_v that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n without_o question_n to_o offend_v and_o gainsay_v the_o whole_a flock_n must_v be_v more_o criminal_a and_o must_v draw_v after_o it_o a_o far_o deep_a judgement_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o order_n nor_o government_n in_o the_o church_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o those_o that_o transgress_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v again_o restore_v will_v not_o this_o make_v all_o reprove_v all_o instruct_v all_o care_v for_o and_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o void_a and_o null_a why_o shall_v christ_n have_v desire_v they_o to_o proceed_v after_o this_o method_n why_o do_v
as_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n may_v and_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n fundamental_a and_o weighty_a without_o which_o no_o decision_n nor_o decree_n in_o whatever_o matter_n be_v available_a so_o the_o same_o church_n and_o assembly_n also_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o to_o themselves_o yet_o be_v needful_a and_o expedient_a with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v fall_v in_o may_v and_o have_v power_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o no_o otherways_o be_v act_v move_v and_o assist_v and_o lead_v by_o it_o thereto_o to_o pronounce_v a_o positive_a judgement_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v find_v obligatory_a upon_o all_o such_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o reject_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o watchful_a and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o the_o feel_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o none_o that_o own_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o a_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v now_o a_o thing_n expect_v or_o dispense_v to_o the_o saint_n can_v without_o contradict_v their_o own_o principle_n deny_v far_o less_o such_o with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n who_o claim_v this_o privilege_n to_o particular_n say_v that_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n though_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o brethren_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o it_o add_v why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o that_o god_n have_v move_v they_o to_o it_o now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o suppose_v as_o to_o one_o or_o two_o i_o may_v without_o absurdity_n suppose_v it_o as_o well_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v whereof_o that_o be_v either_o any_o act_n or_o the_o forbearance_n of_o any_o may_v bring_v a_o real_a reproach_n or_o ground_n of_o accusation_n against_o the_o truth_n profess_v and_o own_a and_o in_o &_o through_o which_o there_o may_v a_o visible_a schism_n and_o dissension_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o truth_n be_v enemy_n may_v be_v gratify_v and_o itself_o bring_v into_o disesteem_a than_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o who_o care_n be_v to_o keep_v all_o right_a to_o take_v inspection_n in_o the_o matter_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o wait_v for_o his_o counsel_n and_o to_o speak_v forth_o his_o mind_n according_a as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v himself_o in_o and_o among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o circumcision_n for_o here_o lay_v the_o debate_n some_o thought_n it_o not_o needful_a to_o circumcise_v the_o gentile_n other_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v dispense_v with_o and_o no_o doubt_n of_o these_o for_o we_o must_v remember_v they_o be_v not_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n but_o such_o as_o have_v already_o believe_v in_o christ_n there_o be_v that_o do_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n as_o judge_v circumcision_n to_o be_v still_o obligatory_a for_o they_o say_v thus_o except_o you_o be_v circumcise_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o what_o course_n take_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n in_o these_o case_n act_n 15._o 2._o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v unto_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n we_o must_v not_o suppose_v they_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o antioch_n to_o have_v decide_v the_o matter_n neither_o that_o these_o apostle_n neglect_v or_o go_v from_o their_o inward_a guide_n in_o undertake_v this_o journey_n yet_o we_o see_v they_o judge_v it_o meet_v in_o this_o matter_n to_o have_v the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o matter_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a property_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o pure_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o consent_n and_o oneness_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o yet_o admit_v of_o different_a measure_n growth_n and_o motion_n but_o never_o contrary_n and_o contradictory_n one_o and_o in_o these_o diversity_n of_o operation_n yet_o still_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o true_a liberty_n be_v exercise_v as_o shall_v be_v declare_v hereafter_o therefore_o pray_v christ_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o let_v these_o follow_a scripture_n be_v examine_v rom._n 12._o 16._o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n ephes._n 5._o 21._o submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n phil._n 2._o 2._o fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v likeminded_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o yet_o more_o remarkable_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 3._o vers._n 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwayesâ—minded_a god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n so_o here_o though_o the_o apostle_n grant_v forbearance_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v yet_o he_o conclude_v they_o must_v walk_v so_o as_o they_o have_v he_o for_o a_o example_n and_o so_o consequent_o not_o contrary_a or_o otherways_o and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o whereas_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n pretend_v conscience_n or_o revelation_n shall_v arise_v to_o teach_v and_o practice_v however_o insignificant_a or_o small_a in_o themselves_o whether_o principle_n or_o practice_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o such_o as_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o true_a and_o confirm_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o the_o introduce_v of_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o the_o truth_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o edify_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o stumble_v the_o weak_a those_o who_o have_v a_o true_a and_o right_o discern_v may_v in_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n authorise_v they_o and_o no_o otherways_o condemn_v and_o judge_v such_o thing_n and_o they_o so_o do_v it_o it_o will_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o all_o the_o member_n that_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n because_o they_o will_v feel_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o second_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o ground_n they_o proceed_v from_o whatsoever_o innovation_n difference_n or_o diverse_a appearance_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o pure_a move_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o be_v not_o do_v out_o pure_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n but_o either_o from_o that_o which_o be_v puff_v up_o affect_v singularity_n and_o there_o through_o will_v be_v observe_v commend_v and_o exalt_v or_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o malignity_n of_o some_o humour_n and_o natural_a temper_n which_o will_v be_v contradict_v without_o cause_n and_o secret_o beget_v of_o division_n animosity_n and_o emulation_n by_o which_o the_o unity_n and_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v lessen_v or_o rend_v i_o say_v all_o thing_n proceed_v from_o this_o root_n and_o spirit_n however_o little_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v guard_v against_o withstand_v and_o deny_v as_o hurtful_a to_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v say_v how_o know_v you_o that_o these_o thing_n proceed_v from_o that_o ground_n for_o answer_v i_o make_v not_o here_o any_o application_n as_o to_o particular_a person_n or_o thing_n but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o
infallibility_n be_v not_o inseparable_o annex_v to_o he_o he_o be_v find_v unblamable_a in_o a_o certain_a matter_n gal._n 2._o 11._o notwithstanding_o his_o sentence_n be_v positive_o receive_v in_o many_o particular_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n argue_v from_o his_o gather_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o and_o positive_o conclude_v in_o divers_a thing_n and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n exhort_v the_o church_n both_o he_o and_o peter_n in_o many_o passage_n heretofore_o mention_v which_o i_o will_v not_o to_o avoid_v repetition_n again_o rehearse_v to_o obey_v the_o elder_n that_o watch_v for_o they_o to_o hold_v such_o in_o reputation_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o that_o have_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 15_o 16._o also_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o john_n his_o belove_a disciple_n to_o inform_v and_o reprove_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o no_o doubt_n john_n the_o rest_n by_o the_o usual_a computation_n be_v at_o that_o time_n all_o remove_v be_v then_o the_o most_o note_a and_o famous_a elder_a alive_a and_o indeed_o i_o mind_v not_o where_o under_o the_o gospel_n christ_n have_v use_v any_o other_o method_n but_o that_o he_o always_o in_o reveal_v his_o will_n have_v make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v before_o appoint_v elder_n and_o officer_n in_o his_o church_n though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o we_o to_o limit_v the_o lord_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o this_o privilege_n nor_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n will_v the_o possibility_n hereof_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o allow_v every_o obscure_a member_n to_o stand_v up_o and_o offer_v to_o rule_v judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o whole_a body_n nor_o yet_o be_v it_o without_o cause_n that_o such_o a_o one_o message_n be_v jealouse_v and_o call_v in_o question_n unless_o it_o have_v very_o great_a evidence_n and_o be_v bottom_v upon_o some_o very_a weighty_a and_o solid_a cause_n and_o foundation_n and_o god_n do_v so_o furnish_v those_o who_o he_o raise_v up_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n of_o which_o as_o i_o say_v i_o mind_v no_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o old_a we_o see_v though_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o little_a david_n shall_v oppose_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a goliath_n yet_o he_o have_v before_o that_o kill_v both_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n which_o be_v no_o less_o improbable_a and_o which_o of_o all_o be_v most_o observable_a be_v before_o that_o time_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prophet_n anoint_a king_n of_o israel_n compare_v the_o 16_o and_o 17_o chap._n of_o the_o one_a of_o samuel_n now_o as_o to_o the_o three_o that_o any_o particular_a person_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o effectual_o give_v out_o a_o positive_a judgement_n be_v no_o encroach_a nor_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n conscience_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o what_o be_v say_v before_o upon_o which_o for_o further_a probation_n there_o will_v only_o need_v this_o short_a reflection_n that_o for_o any_o member_n or_o member_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v forth_o a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o office_n they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o so_o for_o they_o to_o exercise_v that_o place_n in_o the_o body_n which_o the_o head_n move_v they_o to_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o their_o fellow_n member_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o submit_v and_o obey_v it_o be_v the_o place_n of_o some_o so_o to_o do_v be_v not_o a_o renounce_v a_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n see_v the_o spirit_n lead_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o not_o to_o obey_v in_o case_n the_o judgement_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n lead_v to_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n both_o offensive_a and_o sinful_a and_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o absurdity_n and_o so_o establish_v the_o above_o mention_v proposition_n will_v appear_v by_o a_o short_a review_n of_o the_o former_a passage_n if_o that_o peter_n and_o james_n their_o give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n of_o difference_n in_o divers_a particulars_n do_v not_o infer_v they_o to_o be_v imposer_n so_o neither_o will_v any_o so_o do_v now_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n every_o one_o may_v easy_o make_v the_o application_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o for_o any_o to_o have_v stand_v up_o and_o resist_v their_o judgement_n pretend_v a_o unclearness_n or_o so_o and_o thereby_o hold_v up_o the_o difference_n after_o their_o sentence_n break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n thing_n be_v conclude_v with_o a_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o i_o say_v if_o such_o will_v have_v give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o as_o despiser_n of_o dignity_n of_o old_a will_v not_o the_o like_a case_n now_o occur_v the_o same_o conclusion_n hold_v now_o whether_o those_o proposition_n do_v not_o hold_v upon_o the_o principle_n before_o lay_v down_o and_o prove_v i_o leave_v to_o every_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n to_o judge_v moreover_o we_o see_v how_o positive_a the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v in_o many_o particular_n throughout_o all_o his_o epistle_n insomuch_o as_o he_o say_v 2_o thes._n ult_n 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o in_o many_o more_o place_n before_o mention_v where_o he_o command_v they_o both_o to_o obey_v he_o and_o several_a other_o who_o be_v appoint_v no_o doubt_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v ruler_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o who_o will_v say_v that_o either_o the_o apostle_n do_v more_o than_o he_o ought_v in_o command_v or_o they_o less_o than_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o in_o submit_v and_o yet_o neither_o be_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o more_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o lead_v they_o to_o or_o allow_v they_o in_o and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n bear_v any_o parity_n or_o proportion_n now_o in_o these_o day_n with_o what_o it_o do_v of_o old_a as_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v now_o be_v suppose_v to_o take_v effect_n that_o do_v then_o and_o also_o be_v lawful_o do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o establish_v upon_o the_o same_o basis_n and_o foundation_n and_o thus_o much_o as_o to_o that_o part_n to_o show_v in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v which_o be_v serious_o and_o impartia_o consider_v be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n either_o of_o popery_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o nature_n with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o either_o wilful_o blind_a or_o very_o ignorant_a of_o popish_a principle_n may_v observe_v but_o see_v to_o manifest_v that_o difference_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o say_v something_o of_o it_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n section_n eight_o how_o this_o government_n altogether_o differ_v from_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o oâ—her_o antichristian_a assembly_n whatever_o way_n we_o understand_v the_o popish_a principle_n in_o this_o matter_n whether_o of_o those_o that_o be_v most_o devote_v to_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n dominion_n &_o the_o prince_n of_o italy_n the_o jesuit_n and_o generality_n of_o all_o those_o call_v religious_a order_n who_o hold_v that_o papa_n in_o cathedra_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la errare_fw-la licet_fw-la absque_fw-la concilio_n that_o be_v that_o the_o pope_n in_o his_o 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make_v up_o of_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n or_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a order_n be_v of_o the_o clergy_n four_o that_o what_o be_v conclude_v on_o by_o plurallity_n of_o vote_n and_o agree_v to_o by_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o legate_n must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n five_o that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v implicit_o to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o council_n to_o be_v account_v lawful_a in_o the_o respect_n above_o mention_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o intrinsic_a or_o real_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n prescribe_v or_o bring_v they_o in_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o test_n or_o examination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o or_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n or_o their_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o truth_n former_o believe_v and_o receive_v for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o prove_v or_o try_v they_o by_o way_n of_o doubt_n they_o reckon_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o command_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o matter_n of_o merit_n implicit_o to_o receive_v and_o believe_v they_o however_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o own_o heart_n scripture_n truth_n and_o reason_n six_o that_o no_o man_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o simple_a capacity_n unless_o a_o clergyman_n or_o the_o ambassador_n of_o some_o king_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v vote_n or_o give_v his_o judgement_n seven_o that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o respect_n to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o member_n especial_o laic_n whether_o in_o a_o particular_a city_n country_n or_o nation_n may_v meet_v concern_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n any_o judgement_n but_o that_o all_o such_o meeting_n be_v to_o be_v account_v schismatical_a and_o unlawful_a and_o last_o that_o the_o 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any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o then_o if_o we_o admit_v none_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n it_o will_v be_v no_o popery_n in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o affirm_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n so_o gather_v who_o be_v not_o any_o long_a to_o retain_v just_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n or_o a_o church_n so_o qualify_v and_o design_v there_o be_v still_o a_o infallible_a judgement_n so_o that_o this_o infallibility_n be_v not_o annex_v to_o the_o person_n to_o the_o succession_n to_o the_o bare_a visible_a profession_n though_o true_a which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v or_o to_o any_o society_n because_o of_o its_o profession_n but_o single_o and_o alone_o to_o the_o true_a real_a and_o effectual_a work_n of_o sanctification_n and_o regeneration_n the_o new_a 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receive_v a_o outward_a ordination_n and_o so_o be_v by_o a_o lawful_a succession_n formal_o establish_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o meet_v together_o according_a to_o certain_a rule_n above_o declare_v there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n annex_v to_o their_o conclusion_n and_o they_o can_v but_o decide_v what_o be_v right_a or_o rather_o what_o they_o decide_v must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v right_a who_o see_v not_o here_o a_o vast_a disproportion_n now_o we_o differ_v herein_o fundamental_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o very_a basis_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o we_o build_v and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o from_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n in_o this_o matter_n all_o protestant_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o general_n council_n to_o be_v useful_a yea_o necessary_a in_o the_o case_n of_o division_n or_o debate_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o basis_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v and_o the_o stress_n they_o lie_v upon_o it_o first_o all_o joint_o both_o the_o prelatical_a and_o presbyterial_a will_v have_v this_o synod_n or_o council_n to_o consist_v of_o a_o convocation_n of_o the_o clergy_n choose_v and_o send_v from_o the_o particular_a congregation_n with_o some_o few_o laic_a elder_n call_v together_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o case_n he_o be_v one_o in_o judgement_n with_o they_o they_o decide_v by_o plurallity_n of_o vote_n and_o though_o they_o assume_v not_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n in_o that_o they_o reckon_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o err_v yet_o do_v they_o reckon_v their_o decision_n obligatory_a upon_o their_o suppose_a consonancy_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o however_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o constrain_v all_o to_o submit_v and_o obey_v or_o else_o to_o punish_v they_o either_o by_o death_n banishment_n imprisonment_n confiscation_n of_o good_n or_o some_o other_o
corporal_a pain_n even_o though_o such_o be_v persuade_v and_o offer_v to_o make_v appear_v that_o the_o decision_n they_o refuse_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o last_o as_o among_o the_o papist_n none_o though_o otherwise_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n both_o know_v and_o sober_a except_o commissionate_a in_o some_o of_o the_o respect_n above_o declare_v can_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v vote_n and_o give_v his_o judgement_n any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o foundation_n i_o before_o lay_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n in_o that_o we_o may_v account_v only_o to_o be_v true_o call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v easy_o see_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v sum_v up_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o do_v we_o exclude_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o may_v be_v true_o account_v so_o to_o tell_v his_o judgement_n second_o do_v we_o say_v man_n ought_v to_o be_v persecute_v in_o his_o outward_o for_o his_o disassent_v in_o spiritual_n three_o do_v we_o plead_v that_o decision_n be_v to_o pass_v conclusive_a because_o of_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o much_o more_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v from_o what_o be_v already_o mention_v which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v all_o more_o obvious_a at_o one_o view_n will_v appear_v somewhat_o clear_o by_o this_o follow_a figure_n which_o will_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o opportunity_n to_o recollect_v what_o lie_v heretofore_o more_o scatter_v the_o romanist_n say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n which_o infallibility_n be_v whenas_o the_o pope_n call_v a_o general_n council_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n that_o whatsoever_o they_o conclude_v and_o agree_v upon_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n make_v up_o of_o certain_a of_o the_o clergy_n have_v one_o outward_a succession_n and_o be_v lawful_o ordain_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n be_v that_o church_n to_o which_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v however_o wicked_a or_o deprave_v they_o be_v yet_o this_o infallible_a judgement_n follow_v they_o as_o be_v necessary_o annex_v to_o their_o office_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n still_o stand_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n so_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o obey_v their_o decree_n and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o be_v not_o only_o certain_o damn_v for_o their_o disobedience_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o punish_v such_o by_o death_n banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n in_o case_n they_o refuse_v the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n say_v that_o though_o all_o synod_n and_o council_n may_v err_v yet_o such_o assembly_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o such_o do_v consist_v of_o a_o convocation_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o some_o few_o laic_n particular_o choose_v that_o all_o other_o except_o those_o so_o elect_v have_v not_o any_o right_n to_o vote_n or_o give_v judgement_n chap._n that_o such_o a_o assembly_n so_o constitute_v may_v ministerial_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n case_n of_o conscience_n matter_n of_o worship_n and_o authoritative_o determine_v the_o same_o the_o decision_n be_v to_o be_v by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n without_o any_o necessary_a respect_n to_o the_o inward_a holiness_n or_o regeneration_n of_o the_o person_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v outward_o call_v ordain_v and_o invest_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o capacity_n as_o give_v they_o a_o authority_n to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n what_o they_o thus_o decide_v as_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submit_v to_o and_o those_o that_o do_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o death_n banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n though_o they_o declare_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o refuse_v such_o decree_n the_o quaker_n say_v that_o whereas_o none_o true_o ought_v nor_o can_v be_v account_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o measure_n sanctify_a or_o sanctify_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n nor_o yet_o any_o make_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o inward_a revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n not_o by_o outward_a ordination_n or_o succession_n from_o which_o none_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v if_o so_o call_v whether_o marry_v or_o a_o tradesman_n or_o a_o servant_n if_o so_o be_v in_o such_o a_o church_n there_o shall_v arise_v any_o difference_n there_o will_v be_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n yet_o not_o limit_v to_o it_o as_o exclude_v other_o and_o may_v prove_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o plurality_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v decide_v thereby_o as_o if_o the_o infallibility_n be_v place_v there_o exclude_v the_o few_o in_o which_o a_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n upon_o such_o a_o account_n there_o be_v no_o limitation_n to_o be_v of_o person_n particular_o choose_v but_o that_o all_o that_o in_o a_o true_a sense_n may_v be_v reckon_v of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v sober_a and_o weighty_a may_v be_v present_a and_o give_v their_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v want_v in_o such_o a_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v give_v through_o one_o or_o more_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o not_o because_o such_o person_n give_v it_o but_o because_o the_o spirit_n lead_v so_o to_o do_v which_o every_o one_o come_v to_o in_o themselves_o will_v willing_o and_o natural_o assent_v to_o and_o if_o any_o through_o disobedience_n or_o unclearness_n do_v not_o all_o that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o do_v be_v to_o deny_v they_o her_o spiritual_a fellowship_n in_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o their_o disobedience_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n as_o may_v deserve_v such_o a_o censure_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o molest_v trouble_v or_o persecute_v any_o in_o their_o outward_o who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v these_o three_o serious_o together_o i_o be_o hopeful_a will_v need_v no_o further_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o difference_n but_o if_o any_o will_v further_o object_v what_o if_o it_o fall_v out_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o the_o teacher_n elder_n or_o plurality_n do_v decide_v and_o from_o thence_o will_v say_v this_o be_v like_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o false_a church_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o wrong_a judgement_n as_o we_o have_v not_o say_v it_o be_v of_o a_o right_n and_o indeed_o to_o conclude_v it_o be_v so_o will_v necessary_o condemn_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n where_o we_o see_v the_o teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v observe_v the_o great_a number_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o decision_n act_v 1._o 15._o for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_a and_o according_a to_o truth_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a that_o the_o elder_n and_o great_a number_n do_v agree_v to_o it_o and_o if_o wrong_v their_o affirm_v of_o it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o right_n and_o true_o a_o gather_v where_o the_o elder_n and_o great_a number_n be_v always_o or_o most_o frequent_o wrong_v and_o the_o young_a and_o lesser_a number_n right_o be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v and_o if_o any_o will_v plead_v that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o 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not_o hold_v suppose_v a_o people_n real_o gather_v unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o of_o these_o people_n shall_v arise_v and_o contradict_v any_o of_o those_o fnndamental_a truth_n whether_o have_v not_o such_o as_o stand_v good_a right_a to_o cast_v such_o a_o one_o out_o from_o among_o they_o &_o to_o pronounce_v positive_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v and_o own_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o not_o receive_v nor_o yet_o he_o that_o assert_v it_o as_o one_o of_o we_o and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a upon_o all_o the_o member_n see_v all_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o like_a care_n as_o to_o themselves_o to_o hold_v the_o right_n and_o shut_v out_o the_o wrong_n i_o can_v tell_v if_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v well_o deny_v this_o however_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o next_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 1._o 8._o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o who_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o i_o have_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v 2_o john_n 10._o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o rejoice_v for_o so_o the_o greek_a have_v it_o these_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o need_v no_o great_a exposition_n to_o the_o unbiased_a and_o 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condemn_v yea_o rather_o than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n because_o they_o crucify_v afresh_o unto_o themselves_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n judge_v it_o very_o needful_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o deal_v with_o tit._n 1._o 10._o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v many_o unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n especial_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stopped_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o a_o principle_n to_o be_v receive_v or_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v separate_v from_o no_o man_n condemn_v or_o exclude_v the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n for_o his_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o blasphemy_n so_o horrid_a what_o heresy_n so_o damnable_a what_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n but_o may_v harbour_v itself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o need_v then_o of_o 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firm_a in_o the_o faith_n have_v power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v use_v christian_a endeavour_n to_o convince_v and_o reclaim_v they_o upon_o their_o obstinacy_n to_o separate_v from_o such_o and_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o their_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n for_o otherways_o if_o this_o be_v deny_v farewell_o to_o all_o christianity_n or_o to_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o sound_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n but_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n may_v in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n pronounce_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o judgement_n without_o hazard_n of_o imposition_n upon_o the_o member_n it_o come_v to_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o power_n reach_v i_o answer_v first_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o case_n any_o shall_v offer_v to_o teach_v otherways_o as_o be_v above_o declare_v and_o prove_v but_o some_o may_v perhaps_o acknowledge_v that_o indeed_o if_o any_o shall_v contradict_v the_o know_a and_o own_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o teach_v otherways_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o cast_v out_o and_o exclude_v such_o but_o what_o judge_v thou_o as_o to_o lesser_a matter_n as_o in_o principle_n of_o less_o consequence_n or_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n or_o gesture_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o second_o the_o spirit_n and_o ground_n they_o proceed_v from_o and_o three_o the_o consequence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v upon_o these_o i_o affirm_v and_o that_o according_a to_o truth_n that_o