they_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o declension_n apostasy_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o ministration_n that_o put_v a_o period_n to_o it_o but_o the_o act_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o sovereign_n thereof_o 5._o whatever_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church-state_n be_v as_o they_o be_v very_o great_a it_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o lord_n poor_a people_n that_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o zachary_n elizabeth_n etc._n etc._n because_o in_o so_o do_v they_o testify_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o institute_v it_o 6._o nor_o be_v it_o actual_o remove_v but_o by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o new_a more_o spiritual_a sublime_a ministration_n set_v on_o foot_n by_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n fore-prophesied_n of_o as_o the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o period_n that_o ministration_n and_o set_v up_o another_o to_o who_o we_o be_v charge_v to_o attend_v in_o all_o thing_n second_o gospel-churche_n or_o the_o gospel-church-state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o house_n build_v upon_o a_o rock_n mat._n 7.25_o and_o 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o inquire_v i._n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o this_o rock_n 1._o the_o papist_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o this_o rock_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v peter_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o pretention_n be_v evident_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o this_o peter_n but_o upon_o this_o rock_n 2._o peter_n no_o where_o in_o any_o of_o his_o epistle_n assert_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v nor_o do_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o any_o of_o their_o epistle_n so_o affirm_v of_o he_o he_o account_v himself_o but_o as_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o co-eld_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 3._o christ_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o alone_a rock_n foundation_n of_o his_o church_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 3.11_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o 4._o he_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o other_o believer_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n which_o bear_v he_o and_o not_o he_o it_o or_o the_o church_n 5._o paul_n express_o assert_n 2_o cor._n 11.5_o that_o he_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n which_o have_v be_v false_a if_o peter_n have_v be_v constitute_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v 6._o if_o he_o be_v the_o rock_n when_o he_o deny_v christ_n as_o he_o do_v dreadful_o and_o at_o last_o fall_v asleep_a what_o become_v of_o the_o rock_n foundation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o vain_a pretention_n be_v hardly_o worth_a our_o consider_v nor_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v will_v it_o at_o all_o conduce_v to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o roman_a papal_a synagogue_n to_o which_o good_a service_n it_o be_v design_v therefore_o 2._o by_o the_o rock_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n he_o be_v express_o so_o call_v 1_o cor._n 10.4_o upon_o what_o account_n be_v not_o to_o our_o purpose_n at_o present_a to_o inquire_v ii_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n 1._o not_o particular_a believer_n in_o a_o scatter_a disperse_v state_n but_o 2._o saint_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o order_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v evident_a as_o if_o write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o to_o particular_a believer_n as_o such_o in_o their_o scattee_n red_a disperse_v state_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v do_v not_o appertain_v but_o to_o thy_o church_n congregat_v it_o do_v v_o 19_o iii_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o it_o be_v said-shall_a not_o prevail_v against_o this_o church_n first_o the_o subtlety_n policy_n of_o satan_n over_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o council-house_n let_v all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n sin_n in_o council_n against_o the_o lord_n church_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a by_o all_o their_o cunning_n subtlety_n to_o prevail_v against_o it_o the_o subtle_a attempt_n of_o satan_n to_o undermine_v destroy_v this_o church_n have_v be_v be_v various_a to_o enumerate_v particular_n be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o our_o lord_n assure_v we_o whatever_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v prove_v ineffectual_a yet_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a to_o mention_v some_o few_o of_o his_o subtlety_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o matter_n he_o have_v then_o attempt_v to_o destroy_v it_o in_o subtlety_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o doctrine_n labour_v to_o undermine_v destroy_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thereby_o subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o his_o attempt_n against_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n sometime_o endeavour_v to_o create_v a_o mis-belief_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o eternal_a deity_n to_o which_o john_n oppose_v himself_o in_o his_o gospel_n by_o impregnable_a undeniable_a argument_n at_z other_z time_n to_o the_o verity_n of_o his_o humanity_n against_o which_o the_o same_o apostle_n advance_v himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n 1_o joh._n 1._o his_o design_n against_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o early_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n particular_o against_o his_o priestly_a office_n labour_v to_o introduce_v a_o justification_n by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 9.32_o viz._n partly_o by_o christ_n and_o partly_o by_o work_n or_o internal_a sanctification_n a_o design_n subtle_o manage_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o bloody_a jesuit_n and_o other_o at_o this_o day_n as_o be_v know_v to_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n and_o other_o worthy_n since_o have_v oppose_v themselves_o but_o though_o he_o have_v hereby_o draw_v off_o at_o season_n not_o a_o few_o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o there_o have_v all_o along_o be_v a_o testimony_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n against_o he_o which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v or_o repel_v 2._o with_o respect_n to_o worship_n and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o introduce_v humane_a observance_n into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n so_o pollute_v defile_v it_o that_o he_o account_v it_o not_o his_o worship_n and_o hereby_o for_o a_o season_n he_o almost_o total_o prevail_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o professor_n of_o christanity_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v wonder_v after_o this_o beast_n rev._n 13.3_o and_o the_o whorish_a woman_n or_o false_a church_n be_v herself_o bewitch_v with_o this_o intoxicate_a cup_n of_o fornication_n she_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o nation_n with_o external_n pomp_n and_o grandeur_n to_o drink_v of_o it_o and_o they_o general_o drink_v of_o it_o and_o be_v drink_v and_o mad_a with_o it_o rev._n 17.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o yet_o all_o along_o christ_n have_v his_o remnant_n that_o witnese_v against_o these_o abomination_n among_o who_o the_o true_a church-state_n be_v continue_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o ordinance_n remain_v who_o also_o seal_v their_o testimony_n with_o their_o blood_n 2._o by_o reproach_v revile_v contemn_v despise_v the_o pure_a institution_n of_o christ_n as_o poor_a low_a and_o carnal_a pretend_v to_o a_o more_o sublime_a high_a spiritual_a ministration_n as_o some_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o since_o and_o herein_o satan_n eminent_o appear_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n withdraw_a person_n from_o the_o fellowship_n way_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a spirituality_n heavenliness_n leave_v the_o word_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o press_v after_o perfection_n a_o brave_a pretext_n wherewith_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o have_v be_v be_v not_o a_o little_a take_v ensnare_v but_o neither_o this_o way_n have_v he_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v the_o church_n which_o have_v weather_v this_o point_n also_o with_o and_o prevail_v against_o he_o be_v from_o its_o own_o experience_n as_o from_o the_o scripture_n ascertain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v in_o a_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o do_v they_o grow_v up_o into_o the_o spirit_n life_n and_o power_n of_o divine_a thing_n their_o spiritual_a progress_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n depend_v single_o upon_o jehovah_n blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v sole_o and_o they_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o their_o conscientious_a attendment_n on_o he_o in_o divine_a appointment_n second_o the_o force_n power_n tyranny_n oppressive_a destroy_v practice_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o
intendment_n of_o christ_n that_o these_o officer_n shall_v be_v continue_v prove_v 1_o cor._n 4.9_o explain_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n depend_v not_o upon_o these_o officer_n demonstrate_v apostle_n as_o apostle_n be_v neither_o foundation_n matter_n or_o form_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v object_n 2._o the_o apostasy_n prophesy_v of_o have_v cover_v swallow_v up_o all_o the_o church_n answer_v the_o apostasy_n speak_v of_o not_o a_o universal_a apostasy_n prove_v object_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o wise-master-builder_n remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o explain_v object_n 4._o the_o gift_n in_o the_o primitive-church_n want_v answer_v it_o be_v grace_n not_o gift_n that_o constitute_v a_o church_n prove_v object_n 5._o the_o present_a church_n have_v only_o the_o form_n deny_v the_o power_n remove_v object_n 6._o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v object_n 7._o the_o church_n be_v at_o first_o gather_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n consider_v answer_v object_n 8._o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o presence_n among_o the_o church_n answer_v the_o various_a way_n of_o god_n be_v present_a with_o a_o people_n consider_v have_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n at_o large_a evince_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n church_n ordinance_n that_o which_o remain_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o we_o now_o address_v ourselves_o to_o object_n 1._o we_o grant_v a_o church-state_n church_n institution_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n but_o there_o be_v now_o no_o such_o thing_n for_o you_o want_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a officer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n viz._n apostles_n prophet_n evangelist_n eph._n 4.11_o answ_n that_o the_o officer_n mention_v be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v ready_o yield_v that_o such_o be_v not_o now_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o grant_v but_o that_o a_o cessation_n of_o church_n do_v not_o hereupon_o ensue_v be_v very_o easy_o demonstrate_v for_o 1._o then_o there_o have_v be_v a_o cessation_n of_o church_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o and_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n yea_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o after_o those_o particular_a person_n invest_v by_o christ_n into_o the_o office_n and_o ministry_n beforementioned_a none_o such_o have_v stand_v up_o now_o it_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o absurdity_n that_o christ_n shall_v with_o such_o solemnity_n as_o he_o do_v by_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n set_v up_o a_o ministration_n wherein_o also_o he_o spend_v forty_o day_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n and_o shall_v in_o a_o few_o score_n of_o year_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v take_v down_o again_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v also_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o gospel-covenant_n mediatory_a office_n of_o christ_n and_o signal_n promise_v make_v to_o his_o church_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o distinct_o treat_v 2._o it_o be_v never_o the_o intendment_n of_o christ_n that_o such_o officer_n shall_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v evident_a as_o if_o write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o these_o few_o consideration_n 1._o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o intend_v their_o continuation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v continue_v for_o it_o will_v not_o it_o be_v presume_v be_v assert_v that_o christ_n fail_v of_o his_o intendment_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o succession_n of_o such_o officer_n nor_o any_o rule_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o their_o election_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n deacon_n we_o have_v a_o account_n and_o direction_n give_v for_o their_o set_n apart_o to_o office_n but_o of_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n ne_o gry_a quidem_fw-la not_o the_o least_o syllable_n or_o jota_n touch_v their_o continuation_n or_o the_o way_n to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n thereunto_o nay_o 3._o when_o the_o first-churche_n be_v plant_v we_o find_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n teacher_n and_o deacon_n choose_v to_o office_n but_o no_o choice_n make_v of_o new_a apostle_n nor_o any_o intimation_n give_v that_o more_o than_o these_o be_v necessary_a or_o expedient_a for_o the_o continuance_n or_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o when_o christ_n write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n he_o blame_v they_o most_o of_o they_o for_o several_a thing_n amiss_o among_o they_o but_o charge_v they_o not_o with_o any_o neglect_n or_o sin_n that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o officer_n mention_v among_o they_o which_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o for_o apostle_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v none_o of_o they_o only_o john_n be_v alive_a at_o that_o day_n the_o rest_n be_v fall_v asleep_o and_o he_o be_v not_o with_o they_o but_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n christ_n own_v they_o as_o his_o church_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v true_a he_o threaten_v some_o of_o they_o to_o un-church_n they_o but_o not_o because_o they_o want_v these_o officer_n but_o for_o other_o reason_n mention_v by_o he_o 5._o we_o have_v a_o almost_o express_a declaration_n that_o after_o the_o apostle_n fall_v asleep_a there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o more_o apostle_n to_o succeed_v they_o 1_o cor._n 4.9_o for_o i_o think_v god_n have_v set_v forth_o we_o the_o apostle_n last_o so_o we_o render_v it_o but_o not_o so_o full_o expressive_a of_o the_o greek_a which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o i_o think_v or_o i_o conclude_v for_o the_o word_n do_v not_o always_o signify_v a_o doubtful_a opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a conclusion_n it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o famous_a council_n act._n 15.28_o that_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o or_o exhibit_v we_o the_o last_o apostle_n so_o the_o arabic_a syriack_n v.l._n god_n have_v show_v we_o the_o last_o apostle_n god_n have_v design_v his_o last_o apostle_n so_o the_o aethiopic_a so_o then_o evident_o no_o new_a apostle_n be_v design_v by_o christ_n after_o they_o it_o be_v true_a many_o have_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v some_o such_o as_o it_o seem_v come_v to_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n who_o upon_o trial_n find_v they_o liaer_n rev._n 2.2_o but_o 6._o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v upon_o this_o single_a basis_n that_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o have_v the_o officer_n mention_v among_o they_o for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o the_o church_n be_v as_o real_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o these_o officer_n as_o the_o first_o apostolick-churche_n that_o have_v they_o be_v this_o be_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o apostle_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o i._o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n of_o convert_v believer_n before_o they_o ever_o see_v the_o face_n of_o a_o apostle_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n not_o to_o mention_v what_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o eunuch_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n act._n 8._o go_v in_o to_o ethiopia_n preach_v christ_n gather_v church_n there_o in_o which_o some_o think_v that_o prophecy_n have_v its_o accomplishment_n psa_n 68.31_o nor_o what_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v church_n gather_v here_o in_o england_n by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n what_o may_v we_o think_v of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n be_v that_o a_o true_a church_n the_o apostle_n own_a it_o as_o such_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v constitute_v without_o the_o officer_n mention_v act._n 11.19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 26._o and_o here_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n it_o be_v true_a there_o come_v apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o they_o but_o they_o be_v before_o their_o come_n a_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o samaria_n where_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o philip_n be_v convert_v bring_v over_o to_o christ_n and_o baptise_a before_o ever_o the_o apostle_n hear_v tittle_n of_o it_o who_o at_o this_o time_n keep_v private_o at_o jerusalem_n act._n 8.1_o 5_o 6_o 8_o 12_o 14._o that_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n church_n be_v plant_v at_o azotus_n caesarea_n act._n 8.40_o with_o 9.30_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a at_o ptolemais_n you_o have_v a_o intimation_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o no_o account_n of_o any_o apostle_n go_v thither_o till_o paul_n in_o his_o journey_n salute_v the_o brethren_n that_o be_v there_o and_o tarry_v with_o they_o one_o day_n act._n 21.7_o the_o church_n at_o colosse_n be_v gather_v by_o epaphras_n col._n 1.7_o as_o be_v several_a church_n before_o ever_o any_o apostle_n
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have_v the_o same_o rule_n the_o apostle_n walk_v by_o and_o the_o spirit_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o they_o may_v conform_v to_o it_o and_o so_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o have_v but_o so_o much_o wisdom_n as_o to_o understand_v the_o rule_n constitutive_a of_o church_n and_o so_o much_o conscience_n and_o honesty_n as_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o they_o be_v poor_a saint_n that_o be_v devoid_a of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o they_o can_v but_o do_v so_o the_o very_a truth_n be_v paul_n none_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v builder_n or_o wise-master-builder_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v build_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n with_o a_o neglect_n thereof_o have_v be_v folly_n and_o madness_n so_o that_o any_o that_o attend_v to_o this_o rule_n in_o church-work_a may_v be_v as_o well_o say_v to_o be_v builder_n and_o if_o they_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o church_n afterward_o build_v upon_o by_o other_o as_o true_o say_v with_o respect_n to_o such_o a_o church_n to_o be_v wise-master-builder_n as_o paul_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v hardly_o be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n to_o a_o man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o inconvenience_n almost_o to_o starve_v to_o death_n by_o wind_n and_o storm_n for_o want_v of_o a_o habitation_n to_o dwell_v in_o to_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v true_a here_o be_v material_n for_o a_o house_n and_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o build_v it_o by_o which_o if_o you_o attend_v to_o you_o can_v build_v amiss_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o wise-master-builder_n who_o act_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o build_v all_o the_o strong_a and_o beautiful_a house_n in_o the_o country_n be_v thousand_o of_o mile_n off_o and_o perhaps_o may_v not_o come_v hither_o again_o till_o you_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a in_o your_o grave_n therefore_o you_o have_v best_a not_o attempt_v the_o work_n till_o he_o come_v nay_o stay_v will_v the_o poor_a man_n say_v i_o have_v the_o rule_n that_o he_o walk_v by_o and_o i_o will_v up_o and_o be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o i_o christ_n command_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o build_v a_o house_n gives_z we_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o such_o a_o work_n but_o have_v no_o where_o say_v he_o will_v send_v we_o such_o wise-master-builder_n in_o every_o respect_n as_o paul_n be_v nor_o tell_v we_o the_o work_n must_v cease_v till_o they_o come_v but_o the_o contrary_n object_n 4._o but_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o primitive-churche_n therefore_o you_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v grace_n not_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n that_o constitute_v a_o church_n when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church-member_n they_o decipher_v they_o as_o sanctify_a one_o partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n christ_n require_v no_o other_o qualification_n of_o a_o church-member_n than_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o god_n john_n 3.3_o 5._o which_o person_n may_v be_v without_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n nay_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o church_n that_o have_v most_o excel_v in_o these_o have_v not_o be_v the_o most_o comely_a or_o beautiful_a church_n for_o instance_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n who_o perhaps_o in_o these_o gift_n excel_v other_o church_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a come_v short_a of_o some_o of_o they_o in_o divine_a grace_n 2._o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o primitive-churche_n be_v constitute_v convert_v believer_n add_v to_o they_o without_o any_o immediate_a participation_n of_o these_o gift_n act._n 2.40_o 41_o 42._o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o a_o tittle_n of_o their_o partake_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o apostle_n any_o of_o they_o come_v to_o they_o or_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o 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person_n may_v have_v they_o all_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n for_o they_o that_o have_v they_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v nothing_o devoid_a of_o true_a grace_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o 2._o object_n 5._o but_o the_o church_n have_v only_o the_o form_n of_o thing_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o from_o such_o we_o be_v command_v to_o turn_v away_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o answ_n 1._o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o the_o framer_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v ascend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o height_n of_o censorious_a uncharitableness_n but_o invade_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o will_v become_v judge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o heart_n for_o who_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n do_v any_o of_o the_o church_n themselves_o do_v any_o principle_n own_v by_o they_o any_o practice_n find_v among_o they_o declare_v as_o much_o let_v the_o individual_n hereof_o guilty_a plead_v for_o themselves_o i_o will_v not_o be_v their_o advocate_n though_o i_o must_v add_v i_o know_v no_o such_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o a_o few_o i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o 2._o it_o have_v be_v severe_a enough_o for_o the_o objector_n to_o have_v that_o they_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n therefore_o be_v not_o true_a church_n but_o this_o perhaps_o they_o think_v will_v not_o have_v serve_v their_o purpose_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.1_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o of_o laodicea_n v_o 15._o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a v_o 17._o wretched_a poor_a miserable_a blind_a naked_a yet_o even_o these_o be_v own_v by_o christ_n for_o his_o church_n rev._n 3.1_o
in_o his_o own_o house_n by_o his_o own_o servant_n sueton._n in_o domit._n under_o trajan_n a_o great_a persecution_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o lamb_n follower_n about_o a.d._n 100_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v destroy_v some_o mention_v by_o name_n viz._n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n clemens_n alexander_n quirinus_n and_o his_o daughter_n balbilia_fw-la sulpitius_n and_o servilianus_n nereus_n and_o achilleus_n phocas_n a_o bishop_n in_o pontus_n ignatius_n this_o storm_n continue_v fourteen_o year_n in_o fine_a by_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o joint_n nummedness_n of_o body_n and_o a_o choke_a water_n trajan_n miserable_o perish_v dion_n cassius_n de_fw-fr traj_n under_o hadrian_n about_o a.d._n 120._o a_o storm_n fall_v upon_o the_o christian_n not_o a_o few_o be_v cut_v off_o about_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n aurelius_n come_v cast_v about_o 1250._o of_o they_o into_o prison_n who_o he_o at_o last_o burn_v to_o death_n among_o who_o be_v alexander_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o hermes_n the_o praefect_n of_o the_o city_n zenon_n a_o roman_a senator_n with_o ten_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o three_o it_o be_v say_v be_v slay_v in_o a_o witness_n for_o christ_n cent._n mag._n cent._n 2._o c._n 3._o p._n 12._o at_o last_o he_o perish_v with_o a_o flux_n and_o cast_v of_o blood_n aelius_n sparta_n in_o had._n some_o add_v that_o he_o give_v the_o world_n this_o poetic_a desperate_a farewell_n animula_fw-la vagula_fw-la blandula_fw-la hospes_fw-la comesqùe_fw-la corporis_fw-la quae_fw-la nunc_fw-la abibis_fw-la in_o loca_fw-la pallidula_fw-la rigida_fw-la nudula_fw-la nec_fw-la ut_fw-la sole_n dabis_fw-la jocos_fw-la antoninus_n pius_n come_v next_o about_o a.d._n 139._o many_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v cut_v off_o at_o rome_n felicitas_n with_o her_o seven_o son_n braxedis_n in_o spain_n and_o france_n not_o a_o few_o among_o the_o rest_n photinus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n with_o forty_o nine_o more_o at_o alexandria_n in_o egypt_n ptolomaeus_n and_o licius_fw-la with_o many_o other_o be_v martyr_a for_o christ_n euseb_n chron._n justin_n apol._n after_o he_o have_v read_v the_o apology_n of_o justin_n and_o other_o he_o become_v better_o affect_v to_o the_o christian_n and_o send_v we_o letter_n into_o asia_n to_o stop_v the_o persecution_n euseb_n l._n 4._o c._n 26._o for_o which_o cause_n perhaps_o the_o lord_n pour_v not_o forth_o his_o wrath_n on_o he_o as_o on_o other_o who_o abode_n in_o their_o enmity_n against_o his_o choose_a one_o under_o antoninus_n verus_n about_o a.d._n 162._o the_o church_n have_v their_o time_n of_o tribulation_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o saint_n at_o vienna_n and_o lion_n to_o the_o brethren_n throughout_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n record_v by_o eusebius_n l._n 5._o c._n 1._o do_v abundant_o declare_v wherein_o they_o acquaint_v they_o that_o the_o fierceness_n of_o the_o gentile_n anger_n against_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n they_o suffer_v can_v be_v well_o write_v or_o speak_v among_o other_o that_o suffer_v they_o mention_v vetius_n epagathus_n sanctus_n maturus_n attalus_n blandina_fw-la ponticus_n photinus_n alexander_n etc._n etc._n by_o name_n at_o rome_n they_o be_v persecute_v among_o other_o justin_n there_o fall_v by_o wicked_a hand_n in_o asia_n there_o be_v great_a distress_n euseb_n l._n 5._o c._n 15_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o smyrna_n unto_o the_o church_n at_o philomilium_n and_o to_o all_o the_o church_n throughout_o pontus_n intimate_v where_o they_o at_o large_a declare_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o policarpus_fw-la nor_o be_v there_o a_o stop_v put_v to_o this_o persecution_n by_o the_o apology_n make_v for_o the_o christian_n by_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n and_o apollinarius_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n at_o last_o his_o army_n be_v sore_o distress_v in_o germany_n for_o want_v of_o water_n the_o christian_a legion_n by_o their_o prayer_n procure_v rain_n and_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n that_o scare_v and_o rout_n the_o enemy_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thunder_a legion_n this_o come_v with_o some_o conviction_n upon_o the_o emperor_n who_o now_o write_v letter_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o suffer_v as_o christian_n that_o the_o informer_n prosecutor_n of_o they_o as_o such_o shall_v be_v burn_v alive_a tertull._n in_o apologet._n lie_v speechless_a for_o three_o day_n he_o die_v of_o a_o apoplexy_n cent._n mag._n cent._n 2._o c._n 4._o p._n 28._o the_o church_n have_v a_o little_a rest_n under_o commodus_n the_o emperor_n who_o succeed_v antoninus_n yet_o be_v his_o throne_n tincture_v with_o some_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n apollonius_n a_o roman_a senator_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o ancient_a law_n make_v against_o the_o christian_n and_o unrepealed_a lose_v his_o head_n in_o a_o witness_n for_o christ_n euseb_n hieron_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o severus_n about_o a.d._n 205._o the_o devil_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o purpose_n a_o fresh_a persecution_n be_v raise_v every_o where_o against_o they_o euseb_n l._n 6._o c._n 1._o spartian_a the_o accusation_n against_o they_o be_v general_o sedition_n treason_n sacrilege_n incest_n adultery_n the_o candle_n be_v put_v out_o leonides_n the_o father_n of_o origen_n be_v behead_v euseb_n ibid._n with_o many_o other_o tertul._n ad_fw-la scapul_n apologetic_n contra_fw-la gentes_fw-la all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n be_v exercise_v against_o they_o their_o house_n be_v rifle_v their_o good_n take_v away_o they_o themselves_o be_v murder_v burn_v in_o a_o witness_n for_o christ_n but_o the_o emperor_n at_o last_o pay_v dear_a for_o these_o cruelty_n after_o he_o have_v endure_v great_a pain_n in_o all_o his_o member_n especial_o in_o his_o foot_n he_o poison_v himself_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o torment_n cent._n mag._n cent._n 3._o c._n 3._o p._n 22._o for_o a_o little_a while_o the_o church_n have_v some_o tranquillity_n but_o under_o maximinus_n about_o a.d._n 237._o persecution_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v remove_v the_o rest_n the_o flock_n will_v deny_v their_o profession_n euseb_n l._n 6._o c._n 28._o the_o distress_n be_v short_a but_o smart_n he_o continue_v emperor_n but_o three_o year_n and_o then_o he_o with_o his_o son_n yet_o a_o child_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n of_o the_o soldier_n all_o cry_v out_o exit_fw-la pessimo_fw-la genere_fw-la ne_fw-la catulum_fw-la quidem_fw-la habendum_fw-la that_o not_o a_o whelp_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v of_o so_o curse_a a_o stock_n aurel._n victor_n capitol_n decius_n a.d._n 247._o raise_v another_o fierce_a persecution_n euseb_n l._n 6._o c._n 39_o cypr._n l._n 4._o epist_n 4._o nicephorus_n l._n 5._o c._n 29._o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o number_v the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o martyr_n that_o lose_v their_o life_n by_o this_o persecution_n some_o be_v mention_v by_o name_n as_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n there_o who_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o die_v as_o do_v babylas_n the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n niceph._n l._n 5._o c._n 26._o another_o babylas_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n at_o nicomedia_n be_v martyr_a spec._n vincent_n l._n 11._o c._n 52._o asclepiades_fw-la pastor_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n with_o forty_o virgin_n id._n ibid._n at_o lampsac_n one_o peter_n in_o troas_n andrew_n paul_n nicomachus_n and_o dionysia_n a_o virgin_n id._n l._n 11._o c._n 46._o at_o caesarea_n germanus_n theophilus_n caesarius_n vitalis_n l._n 11._o c._n 52._o at_o babylon_n polychronius_n their_o bishop_n c._n 49._o at_o perga_n in_o pamphylia_n nestor_n their_o bishop_n c._n 52._o olympias_n and_o maximus_n in_o persia_n but_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o persecution_n be_v in_o africa_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o particular_o at_o alexandria_n as_o euseb_n l._n 6._o c._n 40_o 41_o 42._o demonstrate_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o dionysius_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n there_o at_o rome_n fabian_n their_o bishop_n and_o cornelius_n sabel_n l._n 7._o ennead_n 7._o as_o they_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n that_o at_o this_o time_n suffer_v for_o the_o name_n worship_n of_o christ_n so_o be_v their_o suffering_n of_o divers_a kind_n some_o be_v drive_v from_o house_n and_o harbour_v spoil_v of_o their_o good_n and_o enjoyment_n bind_v with_o chain_n shut_v up_o in_o prison_n cast_v to_o wild_a beast_n to_o be_v devour_v consume_v in_o the_o flame_n cypr._n contr_n demet._n some_o they_o beat_v with_o club_n prick_v face_n and_o eye_n with_o sharp_a quill_n stone_n to_o death_n drag_v along_o the_o street_n sore_o scourge_n dash_v against_o millstone_n they_o break_v into_o their_o house_n take_v away_o their_o jewel_n and_o all_o of_o any_o value_n throw_v the_o wooden_a stuff_n into_o the_o street_n burn_v it_o to_o ash_n euseb_n l._n 6._o c._n