have_v hitherto_o treat_v of_o some_o main_n ground_n of_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n the_o pillar_n of_o arbitrary_a government_n it_o remain_v to_o come_v to_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o person_n by_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v in_o handle_v whereof_o i_o desire_v the_o christian_a reader_n well_o to_o weigh_v the_o ground_n against_o the_o form_n so_o much_o extol_v now_o a_o day_n i_o know_v there_o be_v three_o special_a thing_n that_o make_v man_n otherwise_o not_o evill-minded_n quâ—te_a rejâ—â—t_n our_o cause_n whâ—ch_v he_o that_o wâ—ll_n judge_v â—â—ght_n of_o must_v lay_v aside_o else_o he_o shall_v bâ—â—_n blâ—ndâ—d_v so_o as_o he_o can_v dâ—scern_v the_o truth_n 1_o the_o first_o be_v long_o and_o ancient_a custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n wh_z ch_z to_o many_o be_v a_o law_n stand_v in_o great_a force_n for_o thâ—s_v first_o poâ—nt_v know_v there_o be_v no_o prescription_n against_o the_o king_n mâ—ch_o less_o against_o the_o king_n or_o heaven_n and_o even_o the_o best_a church_n have_v have_v bad_a custom_n witness_n the_o patriarch_n polligamy_n in_o doâ—ng_v evil_n and_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o booth_n which_o be_v not_o keep_v from_o jeshua_n till_o josiah_n therefore_o thou_o must_v not_o so_o look_v what_o this_o or_o that_o man_n that_o be_v before_o thou_o have_v do_v as_o what_o christ_n the_o ancient_a of_o dare_v have_v command_v thou_o to_o do_v and_o the_o long_o by_o any_o forge_a evidence_n his_o right_n have_v be_v keep_v from_o he_o the_o more_o sâ—ould_v every_o one_o strive_v in_o his_o place_n to_o set_v he_o in_o possession_n again_o 2_o a_o great_a obstacle_n be_v the_o allowance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n of_o this_o government_n therefore_o sâ—ch_o as_o stand_v aga_fw-la n_v this_o form_n seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o pr._n ncâ—s_v authority_n for_o thâ—t_v then_o though_o i_o know_v it_o dangerous_a to_o meddle_v which_o the_o â—uch_n person_n yet_o the_o controversy_n be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n who_o fear_v not_o the_o lord_n more_o than_o all_o man_n therefore_o this_o must_v firm_o be_v hold_v ever_o that_o the_o best_a prince_n be_v subject_a to_o command_v &_o appoint_v thing_n unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a to_o the_o people_n thus_o do_v david_n in_o number_v of_o the_o people_n thus_o salomâ—n_n 2_o the_o magistrate_n be_v overbear_v with_o show_n of_o reason_n as_o though_o this_o be_v the_o most_o profitable_a form_n so_o the_o sin_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o they_o that_o persuade_v he_o 3_o they_o that_o be_v the_o defendant_n far_o more_o encroach_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n right_a then_o we_o do_v as_o god_n willingâ—â—_n all_o be_v show_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v hereafter_o 4_o read_v in_o hos_n 5_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o israelite_n for_o follow_v the_o command_n of_o the_o prince_n in_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o trad_n tion_n then_o in_o force_n for_o magistrate_n as_o they_o have_v all_o authority_n from_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n so_o ought_v they_o and_o all_o other_o to_o obey_v absolute_o so_o far_o as_o may_v stand_v with_o his_o good_a pleasure_n man_n must_v not_o like_o flatter_a atheist_n imagine_v that_o prince_n command_n eâ—ther_o justify_v evil_a or_o abolish_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o whâ—ch_n be_v good_a a_o three_o let_v be_v old_a adam_n yet_o raignâ—ng_v in_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o â—gnorance_n in_o many_o make_v they_o stand_v for_o the_o present_a government_n dream_v that_o we_o will_v have_v a_o strange_a confusion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o chrâ—st_n not_o conceive_v what_o order_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o this_o order_n now_o in_o place_n keep_v out_o the_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v establish_v therefore_o read_v first_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n and_o then_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n we_o will_v have_v christ_n reign_v over_o all_o and_o each_o keep_v in_o that_o compass_n he_o have_v appoint_v do_v their_o several_a office_n without_o intermeddle_v with_o strange_a business_n which_o weaken_v and_o unfit_a they_o for_o the_o church_n service_n a_o second_o argument_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v carnal_a desire_n of_o liberty_n which_o be_v the_o strong_a adversary_n to_o beat_v down_o and_o vanquish_v for_o man_n have_v ever_o resolve_v to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o have_v he_o reign_v over_o they_o this_o make_v many_o to_o rage_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o contrary_a form_n to_o these_o time_n because_o they_o be_v like_o untamed_a heifer_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n this_o shall_v rather_o persuade_v against_o this_o present_a form_n of_o government_n since_o man_n natural_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o can_v brook_v the_o ordinance_n right_o to_o be_v administer_v and_o sâ—condly_o that_o to_o suffer_v man_n to_o have_v their_o own_o will_n be_v a_o thing_n most_o dangerous_a to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o israelite_n in_o choose_v their_o king_n or_o obtain_v quail_n oh_o consider_v thou_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a how_o thy_o disobedient_a life_n cause_v the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_a speak_v of_o and_o so_o thou_o lay_v stumble_a block_n before_o papist_n and_o turk_n and_o bring_v fearful_a woe_n upon_o thyself_o this_o come_v in_o part_n for_o want_v of_o strict_a discipline_n and_o therefore_o be_v content_a to_o deny_v thyself_o and_o fall_v not_o upon_o christ_n and_o o_o you_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n make_v way_n that_o christ_n this_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o and_o set_v up_o his_o throne_n among_o we_o outward_o many_o objection_n against_o this_o truth_n be_v bring_v especial_o the_o antiquity_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o have_v be_v even_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o seven_o angel_n rev._n 2.3_o they_o say_v be_v diocesan_n bishop_n and_o history_n mention_v the_o be_v and_o continuance_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v true_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a kind_n of_o bishop_n 1_o apostolical_a which_o only_o be_v parishional_a these_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n 2_o such_o as_o be_v pastor_n only_o though_o over_o many_o church_n such_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n 3_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o come_v in_o afterward_o and_o so_o they_o rise_v till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o popedom_n that_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o want_v all_o show_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o for_o that_o out_o of_o rev._n 2._o &_o 3_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o discourse_n betwixt_o mr._n downam_n and_o the_o answerer_n of_o hâ—s_n sermon_n only_o consider_v that_o can_v possible_o be_v mean_v of_o diocesan_n bishop_n for_o act_n 20_o paul_n leave_v none_o such_o but_o there_o all_o elder_n be_v bishop_n 2_o all_o minister_n be_v angel_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o diocesan_n bishop_n 3_o it_o be_v against_o all_o hâ—istorie_n both_o divine_a and_o ecclesiastical_a to_o bring_v in_o any_o such_o consoc_n ation_n of_o church_n witness_v the_o century_n 4_o the_o lord_n if_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a congregation_n in_o those_o place_n will_v have_v speak_v as_o paul_n do_v gal._n 1_o to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n 1_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o these_o can_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o man_n never_o espy_v they_o answ_n those_o first_o time_n be_v very_o troublesome_a which_o cunning_a and_o deceitful_a man_n make_v their_o advantage_n for_o they_o fish_n in_o troubled_a water_n best_o of_o all_o 2_o in_o city_n there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v and_o so_o but_o one_o pastor_n which_o be_v call_v bâ—shop_n only_o which_o when_o the_o church_n increase_v &_o more_o congregation_n be_v establish_v yet_o continue_v his_o careful_a oversight_n which_o be_v then_o his_o bishopric_n not_o so_o much_o for_o desire_v of_o preeminence_n as_o either_o of_o ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o provident_a care_n and_o respect_v such_o have_v of_o their_o brethren_n 3_o man_n give_v reason_n and_o carnal_a policy_n too_o great_a rule_n both_o in_o ceremony_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o church_n then_o labour_v with_o contentâ—ons_n think_v that_o the_o appoint_v of_o one_o over_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o still_o all_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n 4_o man_n be_v choose_v at_o first_o as_o arbitrator_n rather_o than_o judge_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o desert_n to_o the_o church_n then_o for_o any_o authority_n of_o their_o place_n other_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o
wine_n but_o what_o they_o draw_v then_o self_n but_o the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o humble_a there_o be_v never_o doctrine_n so_o vile_a but_o preferment_n and_o riches_n make_v â—t_a find_v favourite_n thâ—s_v the_o practise_n of_o the_o church_n and_o test_n money_n of_o the_o ancient_a witness_v cyprian_n ambrose_n tertullian_n etc._n etc._n by_o all_o whâ—ch_n may_v be_v understand_v hebr._n 13.17_o where_o obedience_n to_o their_o leader_n be_v enjoin_v now_o these_o be_v elder_n preach_v and_o lay_v which_o have_v the_o government_n then_o of_o the_o church_n therefore_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o subject_a to_o these_o 2_o that_o of_o jam._n 5.14_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o this_o order_n of_o elder_n be_v to_o perform_v many_o private_a duty_n special_o â—f_o the_o minister_n shall_v either_o be_v public_o employ_v or_o necessary_o hinder_v 3_o that_o rev._n 4.4_o lâ—ving_v creature_n have_v six_o wing_n full_a of_o eye_n whâ—ch_v vision_n be_v of_o the_o â—â—â—bâ—e_a church_n and_o fit_o expound_v for_o by_o wing_n be_v the_o help_v mean_v which_o be_v speak_v of_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o eye_n that_o be_v within_o be_v the_o elder_n which_o be_v as_o eye_n for_o the_o people_n to_o see_v by_o and_o inform_v the_o minister_n of_o their_o estate_n they_o fit_v he_o the_o better_a to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n which_o place_n so_o expound_v be_v far_o more_o forcible_a to_o persuade_v for_o this_o discipline_n than_o apoc._n 2_o so_o expound_v for_o lordbishop_n for_o that_o exposition_n agree_v not_o with_o the_o scripture_n it_o want_v all_o proof_n of_o holy_a wrâ—t_n to_o uphold_v â—t_a it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o in_o ephesus_n and_o philippi_n set_v many_o that_o have_v the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o bishop_n as_o be_v plain_a both_o in_o act_n 20.28_o and_o phil_n 1.1_o this_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n angel_n who_o in_o this_o place_n signify_v all_o that_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o discipline_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o context_n prove_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o as_o this_o poâ—nt_n have_v testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_n so_o may_v it_o appear_v in_o all_o sound_a reason_n to_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 1_o to_o omit_v that_o this_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o no_o way_n ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a but_o moral_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v the_o gentile_n after_o a_o sort_n in_o their_o civil_a government_n who_o with_o their_o consul_n have_v their_o senate_n 2_o because_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v minister_n hinder_v in_o their_o study_n but_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o read_v and_o med_a tatton_n that_o they_o may_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n be_v make_v wâ—se_n to_o salvation_n and_o perfect_o be_v furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_v there_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o wisdom_n gravity_n and_o respect_v choose_v to_o oversee_v the_o people_n and_o observe_v their_o manner_n and_o do_v less_o business_n in_o admonition_n and_o correctien_n 3_o this_o best_a benefit_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o all_o outward_a pomp_n cease_v which_o be_v use_v before_o in_o the_o leviticall_a priesthood_n to_o figure_v oâ—t_a christ_n heavenly_a and_o wonderful_a grace_n 4_o to_o have_v church_n so_o combine_v and_o consociate_v under_o one_o high_a priest_n be_v mere_o jewish_a which_o be_v to_o signify_v all_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n the_o great_a high_a priest_n who_o be_v come_v and_o alike_o in_o all_o if_o there_o be_v equal_a gift_n all_o congregation_n be_v equal_a none_o have_v power_n one_o over_o a_o other_o and_o therefore_o each_o be_v to_o have_v its_o governor_n 5_o every_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o a_o perfect_a body_n shall_v and_o must_v have_v power_n to_o preseru_a itself_o by_o expel_v and_o remove_v the_o dissolute_a and_o elect_v nâ—w_a officer_n 6_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o this_o end_n which_o be_v so_o employ_v bring_v great_a good_a and_o benefit_n to_o man_n further_a the_o ministry_n keep_v all_o in_o good_a order_n and_o prevent_v danger_n in_o the_o bâ—g_a nning_n 7_o the_o question_n be_v betwixt_o lordbishop_n and_o these_o the_o expulsion_n of_o they_o be_v the_o introduction_n of_o these_o 8_o there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n in_o this_o government_n of_o corrupt_a on_o as_o where_o one_o man_n have_v all_o in_o his_o hand_n he_o may_v corrupt_v a_o whole_a diocese_n nay_o kingdom_n but_o thâ—se_a though_o evil_a corrupt_a but_o their_o own_o congregation_n 2_o here_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v overcarried_n with_o antiquity_n the_o place_n be_v so_o eminent_a and_o the_o power_n so_o great_a but_o experience_n testify_v that_o where_o this_o government_n be_v use_v there_o be_v a_o more_o special_a blessing_n of_o god_n more_o purity_n and_o beauty_n in_o the_o face_n of_o these_o church_n wicked_a man_n be_v soon_o find_v and_o more_o terrify_v but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o here_o one_o question_n may_v be_v propound_v that_o be_v why_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o these_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o their_o name_n answ_n a_o description_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v a_o description_n of_o these_o elder_n that_o be_v bishop_n 1_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n for_o these_o place_n contain_v rather_o a_o descript_n on_o of_o their_o sufficiency_n and_o moral_a part_n and_o holy_a conversation_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o these_o though_o in_o a_o more_o excellent_a measure_n in_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n then_o of_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o to_o these_o ministerial_a duty_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n this_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o that_o considerate_o peruse_v the_o text_n and_o this_o answer_n be_v ground_v on_o that_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o where_o the_o apostle_n intimat_n the_o work_n be_v a_o excellent_a work_n of_o they_o that_o rule_v well_o else_o why_o be_v they_o to_o have_v double_a honour_n 2_o call_v they_o by_o the_o same_o name_n that_o pastor_n be_v style_v by_o as_o in_o the_o former_a place_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v their_o duty_n be_v not_o assign_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a their_o office_n be_v to_o rule_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n word_n and_o church_n censure_n reproof_n and_o excommunication_n the_o rule_n and_o law_n be_v the_o word_n the_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n in_o scripture_n be_v admonition_n reproof_n and_o excommunication_n of_o each_o whereof_o we_o have_v several_a and_o manifold_a example_n object_n 2._o this_o bring_v man_n into_o base_a subjection_n which_o â—s_v not_o fit_a nor_o that_o man_n of_o state_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o such_o mean_a officer_n answ_n 1_o no_o officer_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v aught_o to_o be_v account_v mean_a or_o bâ—se_a 2_o it_o be_v not_o a_o subjection_n unto_o man_n but_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 3_o man_n be_v no_o more_o subject_a to_o these_o elder_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n 4_o it_o be_v nothing_o impair_n the_o state_n or_o dignity_n of_o any_o one_o whatsoever_o for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v which_o the_o these_o thing_n but_o as_o physician_n &_o surgeon_n seek_v the_o cure_n of_o disease_n in_o the_o soul_n ob._n 3._o if_o â—t_a be_v say_v now_o man_n be_v petty_a pope_n there_o be_v none_o to_o over_o rule_v they_o the_o answer_n be_v plain_a here_o be_v many_o to_o rule_v pastor_n teacher_n &_o elder_n 1_o these_o be_v bind_v strict_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 2_o beside_o the_o church_n may_v say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n col._n 4.17_o 3_o other_o neighbour_n church_n may_v &_o aught_o to_o admonish_v they_o which_o if_o it_o take_v no_o place_n they_o be_v altogether_o to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n touch_v such_o a_o congregation_n 4_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o punish_v every_o congregation_n the_o leader_n especial_o into_o sin_n and_o error_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n if_o they_o do_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o worship_v god_n section_n ix_o from_o this_o whâ—ch_n have_v be_v show_v both_o against_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o in_o just_a fie_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o lay_v elder_n as_o they_o be_v call_v each_o may_v see_v what_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o officer_n now_o in_o use_n among_o
to_o perfect_a and_o go_v through_o which_o the_o what_o i_o have_v rude_o begin_v for_o i_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o s_o doubt_v this_o have_v persuade_v i_o to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o have_v do_v through_o god_n assistance_n 1_o the_o light_n and_o resolution_n i_o have_v attain_a through_o god_n blessing_n by_o these_o ground_n follow_v 2_o how_o wonderful_a the_o lord_n be_v to_o glorify_v himself_o in_o weak_a mean_n when_o man_n go_v not_o beyond_o their_o call_n and_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o 3_o the_o comfort_n some_o have_v have_v in_o the_o read_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o second_o doubt_n be_v that_o many_o may_v be_v hereby_o b_o aught_o into_o danger_n if_o they_o will_v follow_v these_o ruse_v teach_v and_o dissent_v from_o the_o common_a custom_n and_o receive_v order_n to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a 1_o the_o fire_n do_v ever_o follow_v christ_n where_o he_o be_v true_o preach_v and_o his_o ordinance_n desire_v and_o follow_v 2_o it_o be_v better_a god_n people_n be_v trouble_v by_o man_n then_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o live_v in_o the_o least_o sin_n against_o god_n 3_o trouble_v be_v raise_v already_o and_o this_o be_v but_o to_o advise_v man_n for_o what_o willing_o to_o suffer_v trouble_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o malign_v this_o poor_a fruit_n of_o my_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o read_v it_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o love_n i_o write_v it_o and_o so_o do_v doubtless_o thou_o shall_v gain_v something_o that_o may_v profit_v thou_o in_o a_o good_a way_n christ_n himself_o be_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n for_o the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o many_o in_o israel_n witness_v all_o age_n wherein_o many_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v offend_v and_o stumble_v at_o some_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o government_n many_o be_v not_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n but_o belong_v to_o another_o kingdom_n ne_o there_o can_v they_o believe_v because_o we_o tell_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v therefore_o the_o s_o poor_a writing_n of_o i_o shall_v find_v any_o better_a entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o great_a shepherd_n himself_o and_o all_o true_a prophet_n that_o follow_v he_o nevertheless_o my_o desire_n and_o humble_a prayer_n be_v that_o man_n may_v not_o stumble_v and_o dash_v themselves_o in_o piece_n by_o their_o fall_n and_o make_v other_o st_z mble_v to_o wherefore_o dear_a christian_n thou_o that_o tender_v thy_o own_o and_o other_o good_a take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o of_o fall_v upon_o this_o stone_n it_o be_v no_o small_a nor_o light_a matter_n either_o to_o deride_v &_o scoff_n at_o the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o thou_o or_o to_o be_v make_v worse_o or_o turn_v further_o in_o affection_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o servant_n read_v math._n 18_o howsoever_o man_n think_v by_o their_o witty_a and_o nice_a distinction_n to_o evade_v the_o plain_a light_n and_o cast_v mist_n before_o their_o own_o and_o other_o eye_n and_o join_v herewith_o power_n and_o authorize_v credit_n uphold_v their_o kingdom_n yet_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o give_v to_o a_o people_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o hold_v the_o gospel_n among_o we_o and_o reject_v thâ—se_a truth_n and_o the_o like_a and_o persecute_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o they_o nay_o further_a danger_n than_o this_o come_v for_o man_n stumble_v before_o other_o come_v to_o be_v scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o other_o and_o so_o mat._n 13_o shall_v be_v gather_v by_o the_o angel_n and_o cast_v into_o eternal_a fire_n contrariwise_o bless_v be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o christ_n but_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o offer_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n wherefore_o to_o prevent_v that_o which_o the_o wise_a be_v in_o danger_n of_o for_o the_o bvilder_n cast_v away_o christ_n and_o all_o other_o by_o they_o i_o desire_v thou_o before_o thou_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n follow_v see_v thou_o be_v one_o fit_v for_o this_o business_n and_o therefore_o 1_o see_v thou_o have_v learned_a sound_n the_o main_a ground_n of_o religion_n m_o lk_n must_v be_v well_o dige_v afore_o man_n can_v dâ—gest_v strong_a meat_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n indeed_o that_o mâ—n_z shall_v be_v so_o ignorant_a in_o such_o time_n as_o god_n have_v give_v under_o christ_n a_o prince_n and_o it_o be_v one_o sin_n that_o bring_v captivity_n and_o desolation_n learn_v these_o principle_n well_o therefore_o &_o thou_o â—naâ—t_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o discern_v of_o every_o spirit_n otherwise_o he_o that_o can_v read_v nor_o see_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v see_v any_o lesser_a point_n 2_o see_v thou_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o thy_o own_o blindness_n and_o brutish_a folly_n for_o such_o shall_v be_v make_v wise_a by_o christ_n that_o become_v fool_n in_o themselves_o a_o man_n that_o know_v not_o this_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o pharisy_n that_o when_o christ_n be_v preach_v most_o plain_o their_o eye_n shall_v not_o sâ—e_v nor_o their_o eaâ—es_n hear_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n 3_o man_n must_v be_v such_o as_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n at_o the_o correction_n and_o reproof_n of_o god_n that_o profit_n by_o the_o word_n and_o judgement_n they_o have_v be_v under_o then_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v their_o teacher_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o mind_n unto_o they_o and_o cause_n man_n to_o understand_v his_o way_n till_o then_o the_o vail_n cover_v they_o the_o natural_a man_n discern_v not_o these_o thing_n such_o therefore_o as_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o injustice_n live_v in_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n or_o go_v on_o in_o a_o secure_a course_n be_v never_o change_v let_v they_o never_o expect_v that_o further_a truth_n shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o 4_o such_o as_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o prayer_n much_o and_o often_o med_a tation_n with_o feel_v and_o hunger_n after_o knowledge_n jam._n 1_o it_o be_v well_o know_v this_o be_v the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o closet_n of_o god_n and_o where_o shall_v man_n see_v the_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n such_o therefore_o as_o through_o their_o unbeleâ—fe_n and_o profane_a contempt_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n set_v themselves_o to_o school_v to_o man_n only_o and_o think_v by_o a_o little_a study_n at_o further_a to_o comprehend_v any_o truth_n deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a person_n that_o can_v or_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o god_n who_o heart_n respect_v wickedness_n accuse_v and_o daunt_v he_o if_o not_o sear_v up_o or_o benumb_v prov._n 2.1_o 5_o see_v thy_o heart_n be_v not_o set_v much_o upon_o these_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o worldly_a happiness_n for_o such_o a_o heart_n will_v neither_o cry_v nor_o call_v earnest_o for_o nor_o esteem_v of_o the_o truth_n but_o sell_v it_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n it_o be_v well_o know_a affection_n corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o a_o man_n for_o the_o present_a evil_a world_n will_v make_v the_o lord_n speak_v please_v the_o ng_n and_o entertain_v any_o lie_n for_o the_o truth_n that_o may_v br_v ng_z earthly_a possession_n and_o prosperity_n phil._n 3_o 2_o pet._n 2.14.15_o 6_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o small_a matter_n nâ—their_o own_a practice_n as_o petty_a oath_n just_z lie_n idle_a speech_n which_o be_v the_o true_a sea_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 3_o psal_n 25_o for_o as_o for_o man_n of_o the_o pharisy_n judgement_n to_o which_o it_o that_o the_o lord_n only_o forbid_v great_a sin_n no_o marvel_n if_o they_o swallow_v such_o lesser_a matt_n r_n thou_o must_v therefore_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o this_o namely_o n_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v a_o clear_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n especial_o herein_o that_o thou_o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n through_o the_o use_n of_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n to_o thy_o brethren_n rom._n 14.13_o 1_o joh._n 2.10_o and_o account_v nothing_o smaâ—_n that_o god_n command_v math_n 5.19_o 7_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o sound_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o christ_n especial_o 1_o cor._n 8_o for_o the_o devil_n will_v pluck_v treasure_n from_o thy_o mind_n and_o rob_v thy_o understanding_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n 2_o thess_n 2._o the_o truth_n therefore_o must_v be_v dear_a than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n or_o silver_n unto_o thou_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o branch_n of_o it_o
as_o though_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v this_o burden_n and_o undergo_v this_o task_n not_o be_v extraordinary_o quaâ—â—â—ed_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o material_a tabernacle_n temple_n or_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v both_o extraordinary_a direction_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v 4_o no_o man_n can_v show_v any_o licence_n or_o pattenâ—_n from_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v warrant_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n but_o rather_o contrary_a not_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n 5_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o absolute_a to_o every_o good_a work_n therefore_o how_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 6_o christ_n leave_v not_o his_o church_n without_o government_n and_o a_o special_a form_n of_o discipline_n for_o that_o be_v confusion_n that_o will_v lay_v open_a the_o church_n to_o all_o danger_n and_o no_o polity_n or_o society_n can_v long_o continue_v wherein_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o observe_v therefore_o it_o can_v possible_o stand_v with_o chr_n sts_v care_n and_o wisdom_n that_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neglect_v 7_o arbitrary_a form_n of_o government_n overthrow_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n who_o vaunt_v himself_o as_o god_n appoint_v what_o law_n he_o will_v and_o decree_n to_o hold_v man_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v lord_n it_o over_o king_n and_o prince_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o which_o be_v arbitrary_a will_n ever_o be_v corrupt_v for_o man_n will_n and_o mind_n be_v natural_o so_o vain_a and_o wicked_a want_v a_o law_n to_o direct_v and_o contain_v it_o in_o obedience_n of_o itself_o grow_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o here_o two_o question_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v 1_o whether_o this_o form_n of_o discipline_n institute_v by_o christ_n may_v be_v alter_v the_o answer_n s_o it_o may_v not_o by_o any_o whosoever_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v these_o follow_v 1_o it_o be_v a_o special_a privilege_n of_o christ_n kingly_a office_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n outward_o by_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o word_n chr_n st_o have_v this_o sceptre_n and_o rod_n and_o none_o â—â—e_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o that_o be_v prince_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n wherefore_o no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v this_o for_o that_o be_v to_o advance_v man_n above_o christ_n 2_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o foreshow_v his_o people_n what_o shall_v be_v alter_v before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o change_v disturb_v not_o their_o mind_n this_o be_v plain_a for_o thus_o be_v do_v before_o he_o place_v his_o name_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o christ_n come_v before_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v call_v wherefore_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v alter_v this_o he_o will_v have_v tell_v it_o his_o disciple_n else_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o faithful_a a_o prophet_n as_o moses_n who_o show_v that_o covenant_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o christ_n shall_v come_v else_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v all_o thing_n needful_a to_o his_o church_n 3_o the_o lord_n shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n but_o once_o after_o moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n hag._n 2_o heb._n 12_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o alteration_n afterward_o of_o any_o thing_n touch_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n join_v a_o renew_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o the_o institution_n of_o all_o thing_n any_o way_n needful_a for_o his_o church_n 4_o to_o desire_v a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n be_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o lord_n from_o reign_v over_o we_o 1_o sam._n 8.7_o which_o place_n bind_v in_o ecclesiastical_a as_o firm_o as_o in_o civil_a 1_o because_o the_o lord_n institute_v this_o as_o well_o as_o that_o 2_o there_o be_v no_o express_a commandment_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v ever_o be_v tie_v to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n but_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o king_n &_o his_o duty_n describe_v 3_o the_o people_n desire_v it_o because_o they_o will_v be_v like_o the_o world_n in_o state_n and_o pomp_n 4_o they_o do_v not_o first_o know_v the_o lord_n pleasure_n but_o heady_o follow_v their_o affection_n this_o place_n show_v that_o man_n who_o alter_v the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v into_o another_o form_n lawful_a in_o itself_o despise_v the_o lord_n 2_o that_o such_o exclude_v the_o lord_n from_o reign_v over_o they_o like_o to_o this_o be_v that_o judg._n 8.22_o where_o gideon_n be_v offer_v the_o kingdom_n refuse_v it_o for_o this_o cause_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v reign_v over_o they_o which_o plain_o show_v what_o wrong_v they_o do_v to_o the_o lord_n &_o his_o people_n which_o bring_v in_o another_o government_n than_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o lord_n else_o will_v reign_v defend_v his_o people_n from_o all_o spiritual_a enemy_n gentle_o carry_v his_o lamb_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v great_a with_o young_a esay_n 40.11_o whereas_o now_o satan_n be_v every_o where_o let_v in_o by_o seducer_n and_o idle_a shepherd_n the_o lord_n name_n be_v not_o know_v his_o goodness_n &_o mercy_n obscure_v and_o hide_v man_n be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o hinder_v in_o their_o calling_n lose_v their_o money_n and_o maintain_v unprofitable_a drone_n a_o second_o question_n how_o may_v the_o discipline_n of_o chr_n st_o be_v know_v answ_n by_o theâ—e_n note_n 1_o for_o the_o person_n christ_n precise_o forbid_v any_o one_o man_n to_o exercise_v lordship_n and_o authority_n over_o his_o people_n luk._n 22._o this_o wâ—ll_n be_v more_o apparent_a hereafter_o therefore_o the_o government_n wherein_o any_o one_o loâ—ds_n â—t_a over_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o christ_n but_o where_o there_o be_v equality_n for_o jurisdiction_n 2_o that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a near_a or_o rather_o one_o with_o the_o form_n follow_v by_o the_o apostle_n undoubted_o be_v chrâ—sts_n now_o such_o be_v not_o primacy_n of_o one_o over_o a_o other_o 3_o that_o in_o the_o which_o man_n proceed_v in_o thâ—ir_a censure_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o teach_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o who_o â—oosed_v but_o so_o do_v not_o they_o which_o govern_v by_o popish_a canon_n by_o force_a oath_n but_o such_o as_o proceed_v by_o admonition_n reproof_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o 4_o that_o which_o best_a provide_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o most_o further_v every_o man_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o be_v from_o chrâ—st_n for_o he_o only_o so_o govern_v none_o else_o have_v such_o wisdom_n or_o will_n such_o be_v not_o the_o government_n by_o some_o one_o person_n over_o many_o congregation_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a possible_o to_o oversee_v but_o the_o contrary_n 5_o which_o proceed_v not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o worldly_a government_n fear_v man_n with_o outward_a torment_n fine_n imprisonment_n and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o giv_v ng_z man_n over_o to_o satan_n christ_n maintain_v his_o government_n by_o no_o such_o forcible_a mean_n 6_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a or_o much_o opposite_a to_o the_o government_n of_o rome_n for_o antichrist_n corrupt_a 〈◊〉_d sacrament_n and_o all_o and_o â—t_a be_v worder_n â—f_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v corrupt_v by_o wh_z ch_z he_o reign_v most_o and_o most_o effectual_o eâ—â—ablisheth_v his_o kingdom_n among_o man_n by_o all_o which_o man_n not_o prejudicate_v and_o desirous_a to_o learn_v and_o practice_v the_o truth_n may_v understand_v what_o that_o be_v so_o much_o urge_v and_o press_v rather_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n then_o evident_a ground_n of_o scr_n pture_n section_n xii_o satan_n have_v many_o devise_n to_o bring_v in_o error_n among_o man_n to_o be_v entertain_v he_o change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n mat._n 24_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o best_a servant_n 2_o thess_n 2_o and_o of_o the_o church_n he_o come_v under_o pretence_n of_o glorious_a end_n to_o bring_v in_o devise_n of_o man_n wherefore_o that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o he_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o what_o power_n it_o have_v herein_o i_o propound_v some_o ground_n 1_o that_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n