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 infallible_a judgement_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n it_o no_o doubt_v will_v leave_v the_o dissenter_n as_o much_o in_o the_o mist_n and_o at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n as_o those_o they_o dissent_v from_o both_o be_v no_o better_o then_o blind_a man_n hit_v at_o random_n which_o will_v turn_v christanity_n into_o sceptism_n and_o though_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o uncertainty_n prevail_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o call_v church_n yet_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v for_o the_o reason_n above_o declare_v and_o that_o for_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v give_v that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o more_o solid_a stable_a foundation_n and_o be_v never_o separate_v from_o christ_n her_o head_n walk_v in_o a_o more_o certaiu_fw-la steady_a and_o unerring_a path._n the_o conclusion_n the_o substance_n then_o
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 chair_n can_v err_v though_o without_o a_o council_n or_o of_o those_o that_o be_v less_o devote_v who_o plead_v this_o infallibility_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n lawful_o convene_v who_o yet_o by_o the_o more_o zealous_a be_v reckon_v petty_a schismatic_n i_o say_v whatever_o way_n we_o take_v they_o all_o those_o that_o do_v profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o be_v so_o far_o such_o as_o to_o understand_v their_o own_o principle_n do_v unquestionable_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o no_o general_n council_n can_v be_v lawful_o call_v without_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o christ_n vicar_n and_o peter_n successor_n call_v it_o second_o that_o either_o he_o himself_o or_o some_o from_o he_o as_o his_o legate_n must_v be_v there_o present_a and_o always_o precede_v three_o that_o the_o member_n have_v vote_n be_v
there_o be_v no_o extravagancy_n so_o wild_a which_o they_o will_v not_o cloak_v with_o it_o and_o so_o much_o be_v they_o for_o every_o one_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o christian-fellowship_n and_o community_n nor_o of_o that_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o this_o give_v a_o open_a door_n to_o all_o libertinism_n and_o bring_v great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian-faith_n and_o on_o this_o hand_n have_v foul_o fall_v the_o german_a anabaptist_n so_o call_v viz._n john_n of_o leiden_fw-mi knipperdoling_n etc._n etc._n in_o case_n these_o monstrous_a thing_n commit_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o some_o more_o moderate_a of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v find_v among_o the_o people_n in_o england_n call_v ranter_n as_o it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v brand_v with_o both_o of_o these_o extreme_n it_o be_v as_o true_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o work_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o even_a and_o good_a path_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n where_o all_o be_v no_o doubt_n lead_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o may_v all_o have_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o subjection_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o authority_n some_o have_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n there_o be_v a_o obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o and_o a_o be_v teach_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o a_o know_v of_o the_o inward_a anoint_v by_o which_o each_o individual_a be_v to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n the_o work_n and_o testimony_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v this_o again_o and_o to_o set_v both_o these_o in_o their_o right_a place_n without_o cause_v they_o to_o destroy_v one_o another_o to_o manifest_v how_o this_o be_v accomplish_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o be_v the_o business_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o impartial_a and_o unprejudicate_a spirit_n and_o may_v be_v make_v useful_a in_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v friend_n against_o their_o present_a opposer_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o the_o 17_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1674._o by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o content_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n page_n 9_o section_n second_o concern_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n p._n 12._o section_n three_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n p._n 18._o section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o p._n 31._o section_n five_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v p._n 37._o section_n six_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a p._n 47._o section_n seven_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n p._n 66._o section_n eight_o how_o this_o government_n altogether_o differ_v from_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n p._n 75._o the_o conclusion_n p._n 84._o page_n 20._o line_n 18._o for_o gatherng_n read_v gather_v p._n 21._o l._n 17._o f._n chucrch_n r._n church_n l._n 19_o f._n persecutiton_n r._n persecution_n p._n 24._o l._n 22._o f._n dding_n r._n add_v p._n 42._o l._n 2._o f._n god_n d_o r._n god_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n god_n in_o his_o own_o appoint_a time_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n through_o and_o by_o who_o he_o do_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o mount_n sinai_n divers_a commandment_n ordinance_n appointment_n and_o observation_n according_a as_o they_o be_v testify_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n it_o please_v he_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n who_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o give_v witness_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v approve_v himself_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n he_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v hold_v he_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v his_o despise_a witness_n who_o have_v believe_v in_o he_o in_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o after_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a comfort_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v and_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o suffer_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o by_o which_o spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v fill_v be_v embolden_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n without_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o great_a love_n and_o zeal_n prevail_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o lack_v for_o a_o season_n but_o all_o that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o net_n do_v not_o prove_v good_a and_o wholesome_a fish_n some_o be_v again_o to_o be_v cast_v in_o that_o ocean_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v draw_v of_o those_o many_o that_o be_v call_v all_o prove_v not_o choose_v vessel_n fit_a for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o great_a supper_n and_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n there_o be_v that_o be_v find_v without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n some_o make_v a_o show_n for_o a_o season_n and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o there_o be_v that_o draw_v back_o there_o be_v that_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o do_v backslide_v themselves_o but_o seek_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o perdition_n with_o themselves_o seek_v to_o overturn_v their_o faith_n also_o yea_o there_o be_v that_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o also_o of_o those_o member_n that_o become_v not_o whole_o corrupt_v for_o some_o be_v never_o again_o restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v that_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a and_o young_a some_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n some_o be_v to_o be_v purge_v when_o the_o old_a leaven_n receive_v any_o place_n and_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o a_o season_n to_o be_v shut_v out_o as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o camp_n for_o a_o time_n until_o their_o leprosy_n be_v heal_v and_o then_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o again_o moreover_o as_o to_o outward_o there_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o fatherless_a of_o the_o stranger_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o several_a member_n of_o that_o body_n know_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o good_a order_n and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o preserve_v and_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o right_a station_n do_v in_o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n minister_v unto_o every_o member_n a_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o diverse_a according_a to_o operation_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n some_o apostle_n some_o teacher_n some_o pastor_n some_o elder_n there_o be_v old_a man_n there_o be_v young_a man_n there_o be_v babe_n for_o all_o be_v not_o apostle_n neither_o be_v all_o elder_n neither_o be_v all_o babe_n yet_o be_v all_o member_n and_o as_o such_o all_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n which_o from_o the_o head_n flow_v unto_o all_o the_o body_n be_v the_o ointment_n of_o aaron_n '_o s_o beard_n unto_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o every_o member_n have_v its_o place_n and_o station_n in_o the_o body_n so_o long_o as_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n and_o
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
for_o the_o exaltation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o gospel_n in_o the_o earth_n we_o have_v not_o be_v want_v with_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o life_n to_o seek_v the_o scatter_a one_o hold_v forth_o the_o live_n and_o sure_a foundation_n and_o invite_v and_o persuade_v all_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o reproof_n as_o he_o make_v himself_o manifest_a in_o and_o by_o his_o light_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o our_o care_n and_o travail_n be_v and_o have_v be_v towards_o those_o that_o be_v without_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v out_o again_o or_o draw_v aside_o either_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n or_o the_o right_n by_o the_o work_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o clear_v and_o open_v we_o do_v positive_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o that_o arise_v among_o ourselves_o do_v oppose_v we_o herein_o have_v acknowledge_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o also_o certain_a practice_n &_o performance_n by_o which_o we_o be_v come_v to_o be_v separate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o so_o as_o to_o meet_v apart_o and_o also_o to_o suffer_v deep_o for_o our_o joint-testimony_n there_o be_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o in_o the_o gather_n of_o we_o so_o in_o the_o preserve_n of_o we_o while_o gather_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n &_o this_o we_o suppose_v neither_o to_o be_v popish_a nor_o antichristian_a let_v our_o opposer_n say_v it_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o can_v without_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n such_o second_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o be_v not_o call_v in_o the_o same_o station_n some_o rich_a some_o poor_a some_o servant_n some_o master_n some_o marry_v some_o unmarried_a some_o widow_n and_o some_o orphan_n and_o so_o forth_o it_o be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o absolute_o needful_a that_o there_o be_v certain_a meeting_n at_o certain_a place_n and_o time_n as_o may_v best_o suit_v the_o conveniency_n of_o such_o who_o may_v be_v most_o particular_o concern_v in_o they_o where_o both_o those_o that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n may_v assemble_v and_o those_o who_o may_v need_v this_o care_n may_v come_v and_o make_v know_v their_o necessity_n and_o receive_v help_n whether_o by_o counsel_n or_o supply_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a needs_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o be_v lead_v inward_o and_o immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n else_o how_o come_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o day_n of_o the_o powerful_a pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o set_v apart_o man_n for_o this_o purpose_n sure_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lead_v they_o from_o their_o inward_a guide_n yea_o of_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v express_o say_v look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n sure_o they_o be_v not_o to_o undertake_v a_o business_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o may_v import_v a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o so_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o fit_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n to_o have_v meeting_n about_o business_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o whimsical_a or_o conceit_a as_o to_o scruple_n their_o be_v at_o set_a place_n and_o time_n though_o these_o be_v nothing_o relative_a to_o the_o essential_a part_n but_o only_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o conveniency_n of_o our_o person_n which_o we_o must_v have_v regard_v to_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o such_o notionist_n as_o be_v against_o this_o godly_a care_n work_v far_o more_o in_o their_o vain_a imagination_n than_o they_o reduce_v to_o practice_n be_v like_a unto_o such_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n james_n testify_v who_o content_n themselves_o with_o say_v to_o the_o naked_a be_v clothe_v and_o to_o the_o hungry_a be_v feed_v while_o they_o offer_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o clothing_n and_o feed_v of_o they_o yet_o shall_v we_o not_o scruple_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o we_o both_o appoint_v place_n and_o time_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o place_n i_o say_v as_o before_o it_o be_v with_o our_o body_n we_o must_v meet_v as_o well_o as_o with_o our_o spirit_n and_o so_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v convey_v our_o body_n unto_o one_o place_n that_o we_o may_v speak_v and_o act_v in_o those_o thing_n we_o meet_v for_o and_o that_o must_v be_v in_o some_o certain_a place_n where_o all_o must_v know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o have_v herein_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o conveniency_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o as_o meet_v be_v it_o fit_a that_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n shall_v go_v do_v their_o business_n at_o antioch_n or_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o rome_n nay_o sure_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n yet_o always_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v respect_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o appoint_v of_o our_o meeting_n and_o do_v it_o not_o without_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o fear_n and_o so_o the_o like_a as_o to_o time_n which_o be_v no_o contradict_v of_o the_o inward_a lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n else_o how_o come_v the_o apostle_n to_o appoint_v a_o time_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o contribution_n desire_v they_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 2._o to_o lay_v by_o they_o in_o store_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n yea_o say_v he_o not_o that_o he_o give_v the_o same_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o in_o reason_n can_v quarrel_v set-time_n for_o outward_a business_n it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o subjection_n to_o god_n will_n as_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v or_o else_o how_o can_v such_o as_o so_o do_v but_o quarrel_v the_o apostle_n for_o this_o imposition_n at_o that_o rate_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n we_o appoint_v no_o set_a time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o appoint_v man_n to_o preach_v and_o pray_v at_o such_o and_o such_o set-time_n though_o we_o appoint_v time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v feel_v his_o presence_n and_o he_o may_v move_v in_o and_o through_o who_o he_o please_v without_o limitation_n which_o practice_n of_o meet_v together_o we_o be_v great_o encourage_v to_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o bless_a experience_n and_o also_o we_o be_v severe_o prohibit_v to_o lay_v it_o aside_o by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o such_o as_o by_o negligence_n or_o prejudice_n forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n upon_o many_o of_o which_o be_v already_o fulfil_v and_o upon_o other_o daily_o fulfil_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o such_o transgressor_n read_v heb._n 10._o from_o ver_fw-la 23._o to_o the_o end_n where_o that_o duty_n be_v so_o serious_o exhort_v to_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o reckon_v a_o wilful_a sin_n almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o unpardonable_a yea_o a_o tread_v under_o 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the_o positive_a promise_n of_o christ_n beforementioned_a which_o be_v not_o without_o blasphemy_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n or_o doubt_v of_o i_o shall_v add_v these_o reason_n that_o see_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n it_o be_v to_o make_v christ_n negligent_a of_o his_o body_n who_o style_v himself_o the_o good_a shepherd_n and_o have_v say_v he_o will_v never_o leave_v nor_o forsake_v his_o own_o or_o else_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o will_v infer_v a_o possibility_n of_o error_n or_o mistake_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o as_o the_o head_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v in_o all_o thing_n next_o we_o never_o find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n since_o the_o gospel_n that_o ever_o this_o be_v want_v but_o that_o god_n still_o give_v infallible_a judgement_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o some_o of_o the_o respect_n above_o mention_v if_o the_o transaction_n and_o controversy_n of_o the_o 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member_n do_v work_v most_o effectual_o and_o their_o help_n be_v most_o necessary_a to_o supply_v any_o defect_n or_o trouble_v in_o the_o body_n so_o also_o if_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v above_o prove_v and_o some_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n and_o some_o a_o lesser_a these_o that_o have_v the_o great_a be_v more_o capable_a to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o help_v the_o body_n in_o its_o need_n than_o other_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o less_o powerful_a since_o there_o be_v strong_a and_o weak_a babe_n and_o young_a man_n who_o have_v overcome_v the_o evil_a one_o and_o in_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v such_o be_v more_o able_a when_o the_o enemy_n beset_v to_o resist_v have_v already_o overcome_v then_o other_o who_o be_v but_o yet_o wrestle_v and_o not_o conqueror_n now_o every_o controversy_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n come_v from_o the_o besetment_n of_o the_o enemy_n yet_o if_o any_o of_o these_o strong_a or_o young_a 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of_o israel_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v mean_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n instrument_n to_o gather_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o proclaim_v the_o acceptable_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o though_o paul_n be_v once_o account_v the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n a_o child_n bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n yet_o be_v he_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n now_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v who_o the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o through_o who_o he_o give_v forth_o his_o infallible_a judgement_n do_v he_o not_o begin_v first_o by_o peter_n he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o meeting_n they_o have_v act_v 1._o and_o who_o first_o stand_v up_o after_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o who_o first_o appear_v before_o the_o council_n 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