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A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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this_o timothy_n must_v do_v and_o thereto_o antiquity_n so_o plain_o agree_v that_o jerome_n though_o otherwise_o bitter_a enough_o against_o bishop_n acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o mislike_v not_o the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o sure_o see_v ordination_n must_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n answer_v some_o person_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o special_a overrule_a hand_n in_o it_o and_o who_o be_v they_o but_o bishop_n that_o be_v they_o that_o be_v high_a and_o chief_a in_o the_o ministry_n so_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o the_o evangelist_n be_v the_o chief_a in_o the_o ministry_n do_v ordain_v minister_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v not_o as_o bishop_n but_o as_o apostle_n and_o timothy_n and_o titus_n not_o as_o bishop_n but_o evangelist_n yet_o the_o same_o office_n be_v of_o necessity_n still_o to_o be_v perform_v some_o must_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n answerable_a to_o they_o in_o that_o respect_n call_v they_o how_o you_o 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profession_n second_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a or_o open_a that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v so_o public_a and_o open_a that_o there_o may_v be_v notice_n take_v that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o religion_n else_o they_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o look_v as_o their_o profession_n be_v more_o or_o less_o public_a so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v more_o or_o less_o visible_a three_o as_o they_o must_v public_o profess_v so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o profession_n and_o that_o intend_v first_o their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o none_o or_o of_o a_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a religion_n and_o second_o it_o intend_v their_o associate_a or_o sort_v of_o themselves_o together_o with_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n grow_v into_o and_o live_v in_o a_o love_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o three_o it_o intend_v that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n some_o join_v for_o fashion_n some_o for_o fear_n some_o for_o hope_n of_o gain_n and_o some_o other_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o all_o these_o do_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o will_n can_v be_v force_v yea_o if_o they_o do_v it_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o they_o though_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o religion_n which_o this_o company_n make_v profession_n of_o must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o without_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n there_o be_v diverse_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o diverse_a church_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a church_n that_o be_v that_o which_o embrace_v that_o true_a religion_n 249._o so_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n under_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o profess_v that_o one_o true_a religion_n let_v they_o profess_v whatsoever_o religion_n they_o will_v beside_o they_o can_v just_o be_v repute_v true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o so_o discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n whatsoever_o company_n or_o congregation_n of_o man_n do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o same_o congregation_n and_o company_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v general_o in_o all_o congregation_n whatsoever_o of_o that_o quality_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o and_o from_o the_o best_a to_o the_o worst_a for_o first_o whereas_o all_o and_o every_o professor_n of_o god_n religion_n through_o the_o world_n do_v concur_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o common_a save_a faith_n church_n though_o not_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o may_v be_v term_v a_o true_a universal_a visible_a church_n so_o also_o every_o particular_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profess_v the_o same_o save_a truth_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o one_o settle_a congregation_n and_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n and_o order_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o province_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o according_o they_o be_v call_v a_o provincial_n a_o parochial_a or_o a_o domestical_a church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n church_n though_o one_o be_v universal_a and_o the_o other_o particular_a for_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o scripture_n first_o for_o a_o provincial_n or_o national_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a land_n or_o nation_n you_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n act._n 9.31_o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_v in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n and_o galilee_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v provincial_a church_n name_v by_o the_o country_n they_o be_v in_o as_o judea_n samaria_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n the_o seven_o church_n there_o mention_v be_v national_n church_n as_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n church_n second_o for_o a_o parochial_a or_o parish_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o they_o in_o act._n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o town_n church_n three_o for_o a_o domestical_a church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n and_o colos_n 4.15_o we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nimphas_n though_o these_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v repute_v invisible_a church_n except_o they_o may_v be_v so_o open_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o notorious_o know_v as_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n house_n then_o they_o may_v be_v call_v domestical_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o division_n that_o some_o church_n be_v either_o universal_a visible_a church_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o whole_a land_n or_o in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n visible_a second_o whereas_o some_o church_n be_v more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o yet_o both_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n though_o one_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o the_o other_o less_o visible_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v notorious_o know_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v know_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1.8_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v come_v abroad_o among_o all_o rom._n 16.19_o so_o that_o this_o church_n be_v more_o visible_a other_o church_n be_v less_o know_v as_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n &_o crect_n which_o be_v only_o name_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o now_o because_o they_o be_v only_o mention_v therefore_o they_o be_v less_o know_v and_o so_o less_o visible_a &_o yet_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o three_o whereas_o some_o church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n more_o pure_o and_o sincere_o other_o more_z corrupt_o pure_a yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o pure_a not_o more_o true_a the_o other_o less_o instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n some_o church_n there_o be_v more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o all_o true_a church_n church_n more_o pure_a be_v smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n all_o commend_v in_o they_o nothing_o disprayse_v church_n less_o pure_a be_v ephesus_n pergamus_n and_o thiatira_n in_o which_o church_n some_o thing_n be_v commend_v some_o thing_n discommend_v church_n yet_o less_o pure_a be_v sardis_n and_o laodicea_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o commend_v but_o all_o thing_n disprayse_v so_o we_o see_v that_o some_o of_o these_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n more_o pure_o some_o less_o pure_o and_o some_o more_o corrupt_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o and_o last_o perfect_a whereas_o some_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o some_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n other_o be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v not_o such_o a_o form_n establish_v for_o government_n yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o the_o other_o less_o perfect_a instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n first_o for_o they_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a as_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o james_n be_v bishop_n there_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n there_o the_o apostle_n meet_v and_o have_v a_o consultation_n
together_o act._n 15.2_o &_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o be_v also_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 17.28_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o overseer_n second_o some_o be_v less_o perfect_a as_o the_o church_n in_o creta_n which_o have_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v unperfect_a and_o therefore_o titus_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o that_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n on_o they_o but_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o able_a to_o bear_v act._n 15.19_o yet_o these_o be_v true_a church_n so_o that_o though_o some_o visible_a church_n be_v universal_a some_o particular_a some_o more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o know_v some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a and_o some_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o ripeness_n some_o in_o their_o infancy_n less_o perfect_a yet_o all_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o note_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o first_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v a_o set_a place_n choose_v where_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v his_o name_n that_o be_v where_o religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v and_o he_o dwell_v there_o that_o be_v as_o a_o father_n or_o as_o a_o master_n of_o the_o family_n beget_v child_n and_o rule_v and_o govern_v that_o family_n by_o his_o word_n now_o what_o be_v this_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o that_o where_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v there_o god_n himself_o be_v present_a as_o in_o his_o true_a visible_a church_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n of_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o joint_o to_o profess_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o what_o be_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o be_v but_o his_o church_n for_o so_o in_o revel_v 2.1_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o what_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o the_o seven_o visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o and_o this_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o place_n more_o than_o other_o but_o wheresoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v etc._n etc._n be_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o general_o in_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o house_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v any_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n that_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v that_o hear_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o embrace_v but_o outward_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 1.2_o describe_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n in_o christ_n that_o sanctify_v they_o saint_n by_o call_v that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v profession_n at_o the_o least_o to_o be_v so_o with_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o every_o place_n which_o phrase_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n general_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o profession_n of_o god_n religion_n so_o that_o those_o that_o thus_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o the_o church_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o candlestick_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o not_o only_a experience_n teach_v but_o christ_n himself_o teach_v it_o mat._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o company_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n and_o those_o instance_n allege_v of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v some_o more_o visible_a some_o less_o some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a some_o more_o perfect_a some_o more_o imperfect_a yet_o all_o of_o they_o true_a church_n prove_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o observation_n clear_o and_o direct_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o save_a reas_n 1_o truth_n or_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o thereby_o make_v it_o public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o that_o embrace_v it_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n profess_v god_n reas_n 2_o truth_n there_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n matth._n 18.20_o but_o christ_n be_v present_v no_o where_o in_o such_o a_o special_a manner_n but_o in_o his_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o company_n be_v a_o true_a church_n again_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n rom._n 10.13_o but_o none_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n three_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o prophet_n and_o reas_n 3_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.10_o that_o be_v on_o that_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o there_o christ_n be_v honour_v and_o obey_v public_o as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.22_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o be_v his_o visible_a body_n five_o there_o among_o such_o a_o company_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n matth._n 16.19_o six_o there_o his_o voice_n be_v open_o hear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v therefore_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o that_o be_v his_o fold_n joh._n 10.27_o seven_o all_o other_o society_n and_o company_n consist_v of_o those_o that_o profess_v such_o a_o call_v or_o mystery_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o therefore_o they_o that_o public_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o they_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n eight_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o by_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n for_o other_o company_n of_o man_n either_o profess_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o whatsoever_o company_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n last_o the_o particular_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8.37_o 38._o he_o believe_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n if_o this_o profession_n in_o particular_a make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o more_o in_o general_n do_v it_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o lie_v
thereby_o to_o disgrace_v church-government_n and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o great_a trouble-state_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o disciple_n contend_v about_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n luk_n 22.24_o be_v it_o not_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o and_o so_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o rest_n by_o this_o occasion_n the_o devil_n make_v strife_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o breed_v those_o great_a broil_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n betwixt_o the_o eastern_a and_o the_o western_a bishop_n be_v it_o not_o church-government_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o high_a see_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o chi●●●t_a bishop_n to_o go_v further_o what_o bring_v forth_o antichrist_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o advance_v the_o pope_n to_o that_o high_a pitch_n which_o he_o come_v to_o be_v it_o not_o church-government_n the_o pope_n audacious_o engross_a all_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o and_o many_o good_a bishop_n and_o church_n in_o their_o weakness_n yield_v too_o much_o to_o he_o in_o that_o kind_n by_o the_o perverseness_n of_o the_o govern_v in_o a_o word_n what_o dishonour_n have_v hereby_o be_v do_v to_o god_n what_o disgrace_n to_o religion_n what_o hindrance_n to_o the_o prosperous_a success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n what_o furtherance_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n what_o heart-burn_n have_v it_o breed_v among_o some_o how_o have_v it_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o from_o we_o and_o that_o in_o many_o that_o otherwise_o be_v inclinable_a towards_o we_o what_o tumult_n have_v it_o breed_v at_o home_n what_o clamour_n abroad_o what_o grief_n have_v it_o bring_v to_o our_o friend_n and_o well_o affect_v what_o rejoice_v to_o our_o enemy_n and_o profane_a person_n what_o distraction_n and_o doubt_n have_v it_o breed_v in_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n what_o dishearten_v and_o discourage_v have_v it_o be_v how_o many_o excellent_a talent_n for_o god_n ministry_n have_v be_v hereby_o bury_v in_o the_o ground_n without_o profit_n and_o so_o consequent_o many_o congregation_n destitute_a of_o their_o faithful_a minister_n and_o of_o their_o heavenly_a food_n and_o leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o raven_a wolf_n by_o this_o mean_n have_v they_o not_o by_o the_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o governor_n be_v otherwise_o provide_v for_o i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v not_o the_o devil_n cast_v this_o bone_n among_o we_o and_o throw_v this_o business_n of_o church-government_n as_o a_o football_n before_o we_o for_o every_o one_o to_o run_v after_o and_o so_o to_o set_v we_o all_o together_o by_o the_o ear_n this_o church_n of_o england_n through_o god_n blessing_n have_v be_v this_o day_n the_o most_o famous_a and_o flourish_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o now_o this_o business_n this_o only_a business_n of_o church-government_n have_v occasional_o by_o the_o peevishness_n of_o some_o hatch_v nourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o ignorance_n prophannesse_n uncharitableness_n contempt_n of_o holiness_n neglect_v of_o god_n ordinance_n looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n i_o grieve_v to_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o i_o can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v be_v all_o ashamed_a of_o they_o before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v every_o one_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n by_o prayer_n that_o in_o his_o good_a time_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o redress_v these_o foul_a evil_n yet_o here_o i_o have_v mention_v they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v both_o whet_v on_o by_o these_o consideration_n to_o look_v the_o more_o careful_o into_o this_o business_n and_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v admonish_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o the_o more_o temperate_o and_o moderate_o towards_o it_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v happen_v occasional_o by_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o church-government_n though_o in_o itself_o holy_a and_o good_a it_o the_o second_o point_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n yea_o see_v here_o two_o word_n church_n and_o government_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v carry_v three_o sense_n first_o for_o the_o word_n church_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o that_o be_v disperse_v over_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n can_v well_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o law_n nor_o rule_v by_o the_o same_o earthly_a governor_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o reature_n to_o wield_v such_o a_o great_a charge_n the_o sole_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n thereof_o and_o the_o only_a law_n it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o be_v the_o presence_n power_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o here_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n whether_o it_o be_v parochial_a national_n or_o provincial_a for_o these_o be_v confine_v and_o bound_v within_o their_o several_a place_n may_v and_o must_v have_v their_o several_a law_n and_o governor_n every_o one_o for_o and_o within_o itself_o of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v that_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o whether_o it_o be_v great_a or_o less_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o word_n government_n which_o word_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n signify_v to_o maintain_v second_o in_o particular_a to_o govern_v first_o in_o general_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o be_v man_n so_o the_o lord_n govern_v that_o be_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v his_o church_n seat_v every_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v make_v a_o fence_n about_o it_o feed_v and_o clothe_v they_o supply_v their_o want_n afford_v they_o help_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o relief_n defend_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n deliver_v they_o from_o danger_n cause_v they_o to_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v in_o outward_a thing_n and_o cover_v they_o with_o his_o favour_n as_o with_o a_o shield_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o lord_n extend_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o faithful_a yet_o with_o this_o difference_n to_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o common_a favour_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o christ_n for_o even_o in_o the_o very_a temporal_a blessing_n that_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v they_o by_o grace_n and_o promise_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o wicked_a they_o perish_v in_o the_o enjoy_n of_o they_o they_o have_v no_o further_a benefit_n of_o they_o but_o outward_a and_o temporal_a to_o the_o faithful_a they_o be_v helpefull_a and_o serviceable_a in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o so_o god_n intend_v they_o and_o so_o the_o faithful_a accept_v and_o use_v they_o this_o be_v for_o the_o general_a government_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o be_v man_n second_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a government_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o be_v man_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o the_o government_n be_v twofold_a inward_a and_o outward_a first_o inward_a and_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n god_n only_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o choose_a as_o a_o king_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n convert_n they_o from_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o believe_v god_n promise_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o justify_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n crucify_a the_o old_a man_n and_o quicken_a the_o new_a acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o will_n and_o frame_v we_o to_o obedience_n put_v good_a motion_n from_o time_n to_o time_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o stir_v we_o up_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o entertain_v they_o gracious_o and_o to_o give_v place_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o sanctify_v we_o and_o further_o he_o assure_v we_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o our_o election_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o comfort_v we_o further_o he_o increase_v these_o and_o other_o grace_n in_o we_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v full_o perfect_v in_o we_o and_o we_o receive_v into_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o so_o he_o glorify_v us._n this_o this_o be_v the_o right_a kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n whereby_o god_n reign_v in_o we_o as_o
be_v amiss_o and_o that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n etc._n etc._n there_o by_o name_n be_v two_o principal_a part_n of_o outward_a government_n set_v down_o redress_v thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o these_o be_v impose_v upon_o titus_n be_v bishop_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n for_o he_o be_v leave_v there_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n and_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v direction_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o that_o for_o many_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v even_o the_o outward_a as_o well_o as_o the_o inward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o practice_n be_v answerable_a that_o still_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n our_o saviour_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n among_o his_o disciple_n how_o orderly_o do_v he_o govern_v they_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o among_o they_o how_o quiet_o do_v he_o order_v it_o how_o orderly_o do_v he_o send_v they_o out_o to_o preach_v how_o careful_o do_v he_o give_v they_o rule_n for_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o the_o church_n after_o christ_n ascension_n how_o well_o be_v it_o order_v and_o govern_v as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 1.13_o 14._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o brethren_n and_o act._n 2.42_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o act._n 6.2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n when_o that_o matter_n of_o difference_n arise_v concern_v the_o poor_a how_o wise_o do_v they_o order_v it_o and_o choose_v out_o man_n from_o among_o they_o fear_v god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o business_n so_o here_o we_o see_v how_o well_o the_o church_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n see_v it_o further_a act._n 15.2_o and_o forward_o when_o there_o arise_v dissension_n in_o the_o church_n about_o circumcision_n what_o do_v they_o do_v they_o call_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n together_o and_o so_o they_o order_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o that_o business_n so_o here_o we_o see_v be_v outward_a government_n still_o and_o so_o phil._n 1.1_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v require_v a_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o man_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n sort_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o of_o diverse_a sort_n some_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n some_o be_v draw_v by_o comparison_n from_o other_o assembly_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o the_o last_o sort_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o office_n that_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v and_o the_o business_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o reason_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v these_o first_o god_n be_v the_o author_n not_o of_o confusion_n reason_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n 1._o cor._n 14.33_o the_o apostle_n give_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o instance_n in_o this_o point_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o peace_n in_o all_o they_o as_o he_o command_v it_o and_o they_o obey_v now_o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v maintain_v but_o by_o government_n therefore_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n of_o saint_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v government_n again_o second_o holiness_n become_v god_n house_n for_o ever_o say_v the_o prophet_n psal_n 93.5_o but_o without_o government_n there_o can_v be_v no_o holiness_n at_o least_o in_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n outward_a government_n must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o reason_n be_v draw_v by_o comparison_n from_o other_o assembly_n reason_n what_o company_n be_v there_o without_o government_n in_o heaven_n there_o be_v order_n and_o government_n among_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n themselves_o some_o among_o the_o angel_n for_o order_n sake_n be_v above_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o throne_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v not_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o one_o angel_n be_v above_o another_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o order_n at_o least_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o personal_o so_o there_o be_v a_o government_n in_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n so_o it_o be_v in_o earth_n what_o company_n or_o corporation_n either_o in_o the_o city_n or_o kingdom_n be_v or_o can_v consist_v without_o government_n and_o be_v not_o the_o church_n the_o company_n of_o god_n saint_n so_o they_o be_v call_v ps_n 89.7_o and_o can_v that_o be_v without_o government_n so_o in_o a_o house_n there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n nor_o live_v together_o in_o it_o without_o government_n the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v of_o necessity_n a_o outward_a government_n in_o it_o exercise_v by_o man_n yea_o hell_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v the_o place_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n yet_o they_o have_v some_o government_n among_o themselves_o else_o their_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v reason_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o they_o be_v man_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o that_o by_o man_n some_o be_v tractable_a and_o these_o be_v gentle_o to_o be_v lead_v other_o be_v obstinate_a those_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v with_o strong_a hand_n some_o be_v novice_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n other_o be_v of_o strong_a growth_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o strong_a meat_n some_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o must_v be_v call_v in_o these_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v other_o be_v within_o the_o church_n misdemeaning_a themselves_o these_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o do_v of_o all_o this_o reason_n last_o there_o must_v be_v government_n in_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o office_n and_o business_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o it_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v outward_a thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v outward_o to_o be_v administer_v officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v law_n to_o be_v make_v controversy_n and_o contention_n be_v to_o be_v pacify_v the_o sick_a be_v to_o be_v visit_v the_o poor_a be_v to_o be_v relieve_v offence_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v which_o without_o outward_a government_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v well_o do_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v this_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o be_v against_o anarchy_n and_o for_o reproof_n of_o such_o as_o will_v have_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n their_o own_o neck_n will_v endure_v no_o yoke_n and_o therefore_o they_o blush_v not_o to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o yoke_n at_o all_o lay_v upon_o christian_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v go_v so_o far_o that_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v civil_a magistracy_n neither_o they_o hold_v it_o unfit_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v under_o government_n we_o be_v call_v to_o liberty_n say_v they_o jesus_n christ_n have_v set_v we_o free_a and_o therefore_o we_o need_v no_o governor_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v call_v to_o liberty_n but_o we_o must_v not_o use_v our_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n to_o our_o sin_n what_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v be_v it_o not_o from_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n for_o the_o best_a liberty_n the_o outward_a man_n can_v have_v be_v when_o it_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o such_o wholesome_a law_n
contain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a because_o about_o that_o very_a time_n that_o be_v somewhat_o before_o his_o ascension_n he_o speak_v unto_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act._n 1.3_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n which_o be_v inward_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n but_o of_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v than_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a apply_v than_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n for_o what_o do_v more_o near_o and_o proper_o appertain_v or_o be_v annex_v to_o that_o kingdom_n than_o this_o now_o the_o apostle_n must_v teach_v all_o that_o christ_n teach_v they_o but_o christ_n teach_v they_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v teach_v it_o too_o and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v only_o but_o by_o write_v too_o for_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o write_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o therefore_o there_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n to_o direct_v every_o church_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n let_v we_o come_v somewhat_o near_o to_o the_o point_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v therefore_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o those_o which_o christ_n so_o give_v to_o be_v apostle_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v sufficient_a direction_n leave_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n now_o government_n be_v one_o special_a mean_n for_o edification_n yea_o and_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v not_o untaught_a by_o they_o and_o so_o consequent_o not_o unwritten_a at_o least_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o ad_fw-la to_o this_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o 1_o cor._n 12.5_o 9_o especial_o in_o vers_fw-la 28._o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v clear_a enough_o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o administration_n and_o gift_n &_o so_o come_v to_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o gift_n and_o that_o be_v to_o exercise_v they_o whereof_o though_o some_o be_v temporal_a yet_o other_o be_v perpetual_a which_o if_o we_o add_v to_o that_o ephes_n 4.11_o then_o here_o be_v sufficient_a provision_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o for_o substance_n of_o governor_n and_o government_n and_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o corinth_n only_a but_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a god_n have_v ordain_v some_o in_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v appliable_a to_o every_o particular_a church_n the_o like_a place_n be_v in_o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o they_o that_o use_v they_o these_o place_n then_o lay_v together_o prove_v the_o point_n let_v we_o come_v to_o example_n of_o church_n in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n further_o we_o have_v example_n of_o this_o in_o two_o church_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v best_o provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o of_o ephesus_n take_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o a_o example_n and_o see_v how_o sufficient_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o in_o most_o particular_n for_o they_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n sect_n and_o offender_n be_v punish_v yea_o and_o general_o they_o have_v rule_n give_v they_o for_o the_o whole_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14._o consider_v what_o rule_v of_o edification_n and_o order_n he_o there_o prescribe_v and_o extend_v they_o to_o all_o church_n in_o their_o kind_n and_o say_v then_o whether_o all_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o general_a for_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n see_v this_o also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20_o 28_o consider_v the_o charge_n there_o give_v to_o all_o the_o overseer_n of_o that_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v govern_v they_o as_o well_o as_o teach_v they_o consider_v the_o manifold_a instruction_n he_o give_v they_o there_o how_o they_o shall_v carry_v themselves_o and_o withal_o consider_v the_o particular_n he_o charge_v timothy_n withal_o in_o both_o his_o epistle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v if_o this_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n if_o you_o yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o believe_v the_o apostle_n act._n 20.20_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o from_o they_o that_o be_v profitable_a so_o that_o if_o church-government_n be_v profitable_a for_o they_o as_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a then_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v and_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v be_v so_o too_o either_o more_o or_o less_o though_o happy_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o these_o be_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o substance_n reas_n 1_o both_o for_o duty_n of_o life_n and_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n may_v receive_v instruction_n thereby_o how_o to_o carry_v and_o how_o to_o govern_v himself_o if_o this_o be_v so_o for_o a_o particular_a christian_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n then_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n partly_o of_o faith_n but_o more_o of_o practice_n and_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n therefore_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n second_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o former_a reas_n 2_o testament_n god_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n very_o precise_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o most_o particular_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a testament_n for_o must_v not_o the_o church_n now_o be_v as_o well_o provide_v as_o then_o sure_o it_o must_v in_o matter_n of_o substance_n reas_n 3_o three_o christ_n care_n of_o his_o church_n prove_v it_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o he_o so_o tender_o love_v her_o welfare_n and_o so_o gracious_o provide_v every_o thing_n else_o for_o she_o that_o he_o will_v fail_v she_o in_o this_o leave_v she_o without_o government_n at_o least_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a but_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n will_v be_v more_o faithful_a in_o god_n house_n than_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o servant_n as_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o comparison_n heb._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o or_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o careful_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o paul_n be_v of_o ephesus_n but_o paul_n write_v sufficient_o to_o timothy_n how_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o that_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o therefore_o christ_n be_v more_o faithful_a than_o moses_n and_o more_o careful_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o paul_n be_v of_o ephesus_n must_v needs_o leave_v sufficient_a direction_n in_o scripture_n how_o every_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v at_o least_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o reas_n 4_o the_o four_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o church_n insufficiency_n if_o she_o be_v leave_v to_o herself_o alas_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n blind_a and_o ignorant_a not_o able_a to_o direct_v and_o govern_v themselves_o beside_o they_o be_v headstrong_a and_o wilful_a that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v or_o else_o they_o be_v peremptory_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n loath_a to_o part_v with_o their_o own_o invention_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o against_o the_o word_n therefore_o christ_n must_v leave_v direction_n and_o where_o but_o in_o his_o word_n reas_n 5_o the_o five_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o word_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n but_o how_o far_o forth_o be_v it_o thus_o
it_o be_v not_o in_o she_o to_o devise_v she_o own_o government_n if_o christ_n therefore_o have_v not_o provide_v for_o she_o in_o this_o case_n but_o have_v leave_v she_o to_o herself_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o she_o have_v never_o hit_v on_o the_o right_a way_n or_o if_o she_o have_v she_o can_v have_v have_v no_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n nor_o hope_v of_o blessing_n in_o the_o course_n because_o still_o she_o will_v have_v be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n so_o let_v we_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n our_o good_a god_n that_o have_v so_o merciful_o and_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o affirmative_a point_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v scripture_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n the_o negative_a position_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v unto_o to_o observe_v for_o order_v every_o particular_a this_o be_v a_o negative_a position_n as_o you_o see_v must_v be_v content_a with_o negative_a proof_n for_o see_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o government_n in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a or_o not_o and_o see_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n then_o though_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a place_n to_o confirm_v it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o many_o together_o will_n i_o say_v no_o many_o lay_v all_o together_o will_v not_o they_o that_o pretend_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n must_v instance_n in_o some_o such_o place_n in_o the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v prove_v else_o the_o contrary_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v true_a and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o refutation_n of_o such_o allegation_n be_v the_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o position_n therefore_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o negative_a position_n first_o i_o say_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v or_o prescribe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o part_n of_o discipline_n nay_o nor_o many_o place_n confer_v and_o lay_v all_o together_o do_v not_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o in_o general_a there_o be_v proof_n enough_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o in_o the_o former_a point_n but_o not_o for_o any_o particular_a form_n in_o every_o particular_a etc._n etc._n as_o there_o be_v no_o place_n that_o affirm_v or_o prescribe_v this_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o i_o say_v further_o there_o be_v no_o example_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v intend_v any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o every_o particular_a either_o they_o will_v have_v give_v it_o in_o express_a charge_n particular_o or_o at_o least_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o notorious_a pattern_n of_o it_o in_o some_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o in_o scripture_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o best_a church_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o best_a provide_v for_o in_o that_o case_n yet_o these_o have_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n whereunto_o they_o be_v precise_o bind_v first_o for_o corinth_n there_o be_v more_o write_v to_o that_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o outward_a government_n than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n yea_o almost_o as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a no_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o in_o many_o particular_n it_o be_v well_o provide_v for_o in_o all_o it_o be_v not_o by_o writing_n for_o some_o the_o apostle_n respite_v till_o his_o presence_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o other_o thing_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v so_o then_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a by_o writing_n for_o herself_o much_o less_o be_v it_o so_o provide_v for_o as_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v thereby_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church-order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o lord_n own_o commandment_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o yes_o they_o be_v to_o they_o of_o that_o church_n so_o far_o as_o be_v direct_o enjoin_v they_o but_o not_o to_o all_o church_n else_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o it_o be_v then_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o that_o way_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a for_o itself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o particular_n profitable_a if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v than_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o the_o overseer_n of_o that_o church_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o therefore_o not_o those_o particular_n i_o answer_v sure_o particular_n be_v profitable_a and_o therefore_o this_o church_n have_v enough_o in_o general_a whereby_o they_o may_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o all_o particular_n this_o place_n prove_v the_o former_a position_n well_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n whole_o in_o the_o general_a but_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a though_o they_o have_v some_o to_o measure_v the_o rest_n by_o yea_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a matter_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n than_o in_o any_o other_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n impose_v on_o timothy_n a_o charge_n of_o perpetuity_n as_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o spot_n until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o then_o that_o government_n which_o he_o charge_v he_o withal_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a i_o answer_v first_o that_o that_o commandment_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n second_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o government_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o personal_a to_o timothy_n that_o he_o shall_v keep_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v and_o also_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o those_o particular_a thing_n there_o command_v which_o come_v far_o short_a of_o every_o particular_a that_o they_o shall_v perpetual_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o charge_n he_o give_v timothy_n last_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o matter_n of_o substance_n which_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n for_o this_o nor_o no_o example_n in_o scripture_n nay_o there_o be_v example_n against_o it_o because_o we_o find_v not_o the_o same_o government_n in_o all_o church_n for_o some_o want_v that_o which_o other_o have_v and_o so_o by_o this_o rule_n one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v sin_v as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n there_o be_v only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n name_v so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o every_o church_n precise_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o still_o new_a occasion_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n daily_o which_o if_o they_o be_v foresee_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n as_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o civil_a law_n be_v there_o ever_o that_o the_o best_a head_n have_v be_v lay_v together_o to_o devise_v that_o be_v sufficient_a at_o the_o first_o for_o every_o particular_a but_o by_o new_a occasion_n still_o increase_v for_o particular_a cause_n yea_o but_o though_o man_n can_v not_o yet_o god_n can_v have_v provide_v for_o that_o but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yet_o it_o prescribe_v not_o for_o every_o particular_a what_o be_v to_o
to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o nor_o must_v they_o be_v pray_v for_o by_o the_o saint_n 1_o joh._n 5.16_o because_o now_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v he_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n our_o father_n nothing_o can_v match_v this_o state_n but_o hell_n this_o be_v the_o porch_n that_o the_o house_n this_o the_o mouth_n that_o the_o body_n this_o the_o very_a brink_n that_o the_o eternal_a pit_n of_o utter_a desolation_n i_o herefore_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v the_o misery_n of_o our_o time_n wherein_o so_o precious_a a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o this_o be_v be_v so_o abuse_v and_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o he_o may_v take_v effect_n among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o reclaim_v offender_n when_o neither_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o other_o mean_n can_v reclaim_v they_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o four_o duty_n the_o five_o duty_n be_v call_v of_o public_a assembly_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v call_v for_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o church_n by_o one_o man_n direction_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o consent_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o house_n to_o house_n of_o every_o man_n by_o himself_o for_o that_o course_n be_v subject_a to_o fraud_n but_o assistant_n be_v to_o be_v call_v party_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o be_v there_o and_o so_o public_o to_o testify_v their_o own_o consent_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n and_o assistance_n in_o such_o case_n matth._n 18.19_o 20._o now_o these_o assembly_n be_v sometime_o great_a as_o of_o a_o diocese_n or_o province_n sometime_o small_a as_o of_o a_o parish_n again_o some_o be_v ordinary_a upon_o ordinary_a occasion_n and_o as_o extraordinary_a occasion_n do_v oft_o fall_v out_o some_o be_v extraordinary_a a_o assemble_v together_o for_o ordinary_a occasion_n and_o duty_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n these_o first_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o according_a as_o every_o one_o of_o you_o have_v a_o psalm_n or_o a_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v public_a assembly_n for_o these_o duty_n second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o call_n of_o public_a assembly_n for_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o multitude_n be_v call_v together_o act._n 6.2_o three_o there_o must_v be_v a_o public_a meeting_n for_o alm_n for_o the_o collect_v and_o distribute_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o the_o apostle_n command_v 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 4._o last_o there_o must_v be_v ordinary_a public_a assembly_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o church_n censure_n as_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o my_o spirit_n with_o you_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o must_v be_v public_a meeting_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n sometime_o god_n testify_v extraordinary_a mercy_n and_o give_v extraordinary_a blessing_n to_o his_o church_n and_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v public_a thanks_o to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hester_n 9.22_o second_o some_o heavy_a judgement_n be_v either_o feel_v or_o fear_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o then_o the_o church_n must_v assemble_v together_o for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v command_v joel_n 2.15_o 16._o and_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ninivites_fw-la jonah_n 3.5_o where_o they_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a upon_o jonas_n preach_v of_o destruction_n to_o come_v upon_o they_o three_o law_n and_o decree_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o reviue_v for_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o such_o like_a and_o so_o in_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decree_a of_o matter_n concern_v ceremony_n and_o act._n 16.4_o they_o deliver_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v than_o there_o must_v be_v a_o assemble_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o last_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v public_a assembly_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o they_o so_o paul_n be_v send_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n act._n 15.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n about_o doubt_n that_o do_v arise_v and_o what_o do_v they_o there_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o look_v to_o this_o matter_n vers_fw-la 6._o so_o much_o of_o the_o five_o duty_n the_o six_o duty_n be_v oversight_n duty_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v due_o and_o right_o do_v this_o duty_n be_v as_o needful_a as_o the_o rest_n for_o we_o know_v that_o every_o thing_n grow_v out_o of_o frame_n in_o time_n except_o they_o be_v uphold_v and_o renew_v by_o continual_a oversight_n and_o look_v into_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 15.6_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o look_v into_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v one_o most_o necessary_a duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o keeper_n and_o maintainer_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v fail_v we_o know_v concern_v our_o own_o body_n that_o if_o we_o look_v not_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o diet_n all_o will_v be_v soon_o out_o of_o frame_n and_o much_o more_o in_o our_o soul_n for_o who_o find_v not_o by_o experience_n that_o though_o he_o labour_v to_o set_v himself_o never_o so_o well_o in_o frame_n in_o the_o morning_n yet_o before_o night_n for_o want_v of_o oversight_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v much_o out_o of_o order_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o careful_a oversight_n our_o soul_n will_v be_v grow_v over_o with_o sin_n as_o the_o field_n be_v with_o weed_n so_o will_v it_o be_v likewise_o with_o the_o church_n now_o for_o this_o matter_n of_o oversight_n first_o it_o must_v be_v order_v that_o thing_n once_o ordain_v be_v establish_v by_o authority_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n at_o least_o of_o the_o church_n thus_o josiah_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o make_v all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o it_o 1_o chron._n 34.32_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o establish_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o apostleship_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o be_v spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o thing_n be_v not_o thus_o establish_v civil_a man_n will_v not_o regard_v they_o second_o every_o man_n must_v be_v quicken_v up_o and_o encourage_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v over_o sight_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o josiah_n encourage_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 35.2_o and_o so_o paul_n quicken_v up_o timothy_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o duty_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n incourage_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n revel_v 2.10_o against_o her_o suffering_n fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n but_o be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n three_o there_o must_v be_v oversight_n that_o well-doer_n may_v be_v commend_v and_o approve_a so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n commend_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 2_o pet_n 1.19_o for_o do_v well_o in_o that_o they_o do_v take_v heed_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n that_o have_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o it_o but_o our_o saviour_n commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o great_a dismay_v to_o religious_a proceed_n among_o us._n four_o thing_n must_v be_v redress_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v oversight_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o creta_n to_o redress_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o titus_n 1_o 5._o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n in_o revel_v 2.5_o labour_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n and_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o sardi_n revel_v 3.2_o the_o last_o duty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o oversight_n be_v
though_o they_o live_v under_o the_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n we_o will_v take_v our_o pattern_n by_o that_o of_o constantinople_n where_o there_o be_v a_o patriarch_n at_o this_o day_n who_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n both_o of_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o their_o religion_n now_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n first_o because_o they_o affirm_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o second_o their_o error_n do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o for_o the_o first_o they_o hold_v so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a catholic_a faith_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o whole_a creed_n that_o we_o profess_v they_o retain_v also_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o point_n they_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o we_o but_o in_o the_o main_a substance_n they_o agree_v hold_v the_o foundation_n firm_a and_o sure_a christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n they_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o popish_a religion_n they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n though_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o they_o will_v fetch_v most_o willing_o from_o their_o predecessor_n the_o greek_a father_n of_o who_o some_o being_n more_o sound_a other_o less_a their_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o sincere_a as_o it_o shall_v therefore_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proof_n be_v whether_o their_o error_n be_v such_o as_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o error_n of_o free_a will_n intercession_n of_o saint_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o popish_a opinion_n which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o maintain_v altogether_o so_o obstinate_o as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v church_n but_o their_o main_a error_n be_v their_o deny_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o from_o the_o son_n this_o they_o express_o deny_v now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o person_n be_v a_o most_o profound_a and_o principal_a point_n in_o religion_n and_o very_o wary_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o error_n therein_o be_v dangerous_a and_o fearful_a and_o near_o to_o blasphemy_n and_o this_o very_a error_n haply_o if_o it_o be_v thorough_o sift_v will_v be_v prove_v to_o overthrow_v by_o consequence_n the_o foundation_n yet_o see_v first_o it_o do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o see_v second_o we_o hear_v they_o do_v not_o either_o absolute_o oppose_v herein_o to_o the_o know_a truth_n or_o omit_v the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o profess_v that_o upon_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v yield_v and_o three_o see_v they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o express_a word_n we_o dare_v hardly_o charge_v they_o for_o heretical_a church_n much_o less_o to_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n at_o all_o but_o that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o church_n believe_v otherwise_o aright_o in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o manifold_a error_n and_o ignorances_n may_v be_v all_o save_v undoubted_o use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o first_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o that_o in_o two_o point_n first_o in_o that_o they_o presume_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n affirm_v that_o no_o church_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o they_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n we_o see_v here_o that_o these_o be_v true_a church_n and_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a church_n popish-church_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o his_o jurisdiction_n yea_o they_o hate_v and_o defy_v it_o so_o that_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v false_a when_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v gather_v under_o the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n whereas_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o we_o see_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o gather_v under_o that_o head_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o former_a time_n a_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n do_v in_o ambition_n seek_v the_o title_n of_o head_n or_o universal_a bishop_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n withstand_v he_o say_v that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o title_n shall_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o antichrist_n and_o it_o prove_v true_a for_o not_o long_o after_o one_o that_o succeed_v that_o pope_n take_v this_o title_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v indeed_o antichrist_n i_o say_v that_o a_o patriarch_n in_o ambition_n seek_v it_o but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v low_o enough_o his_o head_n be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n who_o then_o think_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o church_n but_o though_o he_o miss_v of_o that_o the_o church_n still_o continue_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n &_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n second_o answer_v it_o meet_v with_o they_o for_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_v of_o these_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v both_o heretical_a &_o schismatical_a say_v they_o what_o if_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o still_o they_o may_v be_v true_a church_n as_o we_o show_v before_o for_o heresy_n as_o i_o will_v not_o precise_o condemn_v they_o so_o neither_o can_v i_o altogether_o acquitte_v they_o but_o as_o for_o schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o none_o rome_n but_o only_o they_o be_v rend_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o particular_a so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o quarrel_n because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v their_o neck_n under_o the_o pope_n yoke_n and_o see_v they_o and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o body_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o their_o estate_n shall_v be_v judge_v schismatical_a bishop_n except_o they_o have_v depart_v when_o they_o have_v be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o they_o be_v never_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v find_v in_o these_o greek_a church_n which_o the_o papist_n take_v in_o their_o state_n to_o be_v a_o chief_a note_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v succession_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v as_o currant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o alexandria_n as_o in_o rome_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n succession_n in_o rome_n be_v a_o certain_a note_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o good_a succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o at_o rome_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o either_o let_v they_o disclaim_v this_o in_o the_o one_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o the_o other_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v this_o succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n of_o purpose_n to_o abate_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n build_v so_o direct_o upon_o that_o allegation_n it_o will_v else_o have_v be_v a_o far_o more_o colourable_a plea_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o the_o use_v 2_o reason_n in_o other_o do_v plain_o answer_v themselves_o turk_n the_o second_o use_n teach_v we_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n he_o have_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n these_o greek_a church_n have_v live_v many_o a_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o government_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n that_o buy_v and_o sell_v they_o and_o their_o child_n and_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n the_o foul_a idol_n that_o the_o world_n afford_v in_o regard_n of_o government_n they_o live_v under_o what_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n be_v it_o what_o a_o bloody_a service_n how_o many_o persecution_n disgrace_n indignity_n tax_n and_o oppression_n horrible_a wrong_n and_o miserable_a slavery_n do_v they_o undergo_v they_o be_v buy_v sell_v imprison_a and_o put_v to_o death_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v what_o slavery_n they_o live_v in_o and_o yet_o behold_v god_n have_v uphold_v his_o church_n among_o they_o all_o to_o this_o day_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o israel_n preservation_n under_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v not_o more_o miraculous_a than_o this_o of_o these_o christian_n under_o the_o turk_n so_o likewise_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n christ_n
2.41_o in●ard_o the_o three_o division_n of_o calling_n there_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o a_o inward_a call_n a_o outward_a call_n be_v when_o the_o mean_n be_v outward_a as_o by_o the_o word_n sacrament_n correction_n blessing_n miracle_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n the_o edict_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o state_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n all_o which_o of_o themselves_o only_o go_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o procure_v a_o external_a obedience_n to_o god_n call_v example_n may_v be_v give_v of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o this_o be_v it_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o matth._n 22.24_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v a_o inward_a call_n be_v when_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o work_n of_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o inmost_a affection_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n when_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o outward_a mean_n in_o our_o call_n such_o a_o calling_n have_v lydia_n act._n 16.14_o while_o she_o hear_v paul_n preach_v the_o lord_n open_v her_o heart_n etc._n etc._n the_o outward_a call_n without_o this_o inward_a only_a leave_v we_o without_o excuse_n and_o aggravate_v our_o damnation_n ofttimes_o in_o the_o church_n visible_a the_o inward_a call_n without_o the_o outward_a be_v available_a to_o salvation_n as_o in_o the_o church_n invisible_a but_o both_o together_o be_v more_o comfortable_a and_o effectual_a as_o in_o the_o live_a member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a four_o there_o be_v a_o effectual_a effectual_a and_o a_o not_o effectual_a call_n a_o call_v effectual_a be_v when_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v both_o tender_v powerful_o unto_o we_o and_o when_o it_o be_v true_o receive_v and_o embrace_v and_o continue_v in_o unto_o the_o end_n math._n 9.9_o there_o be_v a_o effectual_a call_n when_o as_o our_o saviour_n call_v matthew_n and_o he_o arise_v present_o and_o follow_v he_o and_o this_o call_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o elect_a a_o not_o effectual_a call_n be_v when_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v we_o be_v offer_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n but_o we_o do_v not_o accept_v of_o they_o nor_o yield_v unto_o they_o way_n a_o calling_n may_v be_v not_o effectual_a divers_a way_n as_o first_o when_o it_o be_v utter_o refuse_v as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o gadaren_n that_o desire_v christ_n to_o depart_v from_o they_o mat._n 8.34_o or_o second_o when_o it_o be_v defer_v some_o will_v not_o utter_o refuse_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n but_o they_o will_v defer_v they_o as_o foelix_n that_o will_v hear_v paul_n another_o time_n act._n 24.26_o or_o three_o when_o it_o be_v accept_v to_o the_o half_n as_o it_o be_v with_o agrippa_n act._n 26.28_o thou_o have_v persuade_v i_o almost_o to_o become_v a_o christian_n say_v he_o to_o paul_n or_o four_a when_o it_o reduce_v we_o only_o to_o some_o outward_a formal_a obedience_n without_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n matth._n 25.3_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o simon_n the_o sorcerer_n act._n 8.13.21_o he_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n he_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v verse_n 13._o but_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 21._o last_o or_o when_o it_o be_v not_o continue_v in_o to_o the_o end_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o demas_n 2._o tim._n 4.10_o that_o forsake_v religion_n and_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n and_o these_o be_v in_o all_o the_o reprobate_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o elect_a for_o a_o time_n proof_n now_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o church_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o all_o sort_n good_a and_o bad_a it_o have_v all_o these_o calling_n in_o it_o but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n as_o it_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o elect_a than_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o not_o effectual_a call_n to_o come_v to_o the_o note_n all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o will_n here_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o they_o be_v call_v there_o be_v the_o work_n second_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n there_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o work_n and_o three_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o work_n first_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v call_v for_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 1.2_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n call_v they_o saint_n by_o calling_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_n call_v saint_n and_o rome_n 8_o 28._o call_v of_o his_o purpose_n act._n 2.39_o even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n god_n shall_v call_v that_o be_v his_o whole_a church_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestine_v they_o also_o he_o call_v so_o you_o see_v the_o church_n be_v a_o call_v company_n now_o whether_o god_n deal_v mild_o or_o rough_o draw_v we_o or_o lead_v we_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v a_o calling_n the_o work_n be_v the_o same_o second_o the_o author_n of_o this_o call_n that_o be_v god_n 1._o cor._n 1.9_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v call_v you_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o caller_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_n now_o whether_o god_n call_v immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o mean_n whether_o the_o calling_n be_v outward_a or_o inward_a all_o be_v do_v by_o god_n the_o author_n be_v the_o same_o still_o three_o the_o end_n of_o this_o call_n be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n will_n 1._o thess_n 4.7_o god_n have_v not_o call_v we_o to_o uncleanness_n but_o to_o ●sse_v now_o holiness_n consist_v in_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o further_a end_n of_o our_o call_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n but_o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o our_o call_n be_v to_o virtue_n &_o grace_n as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o the_o 2._o pet_n 1.3_o through_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o whole_a state_n and_o profession_n be_v call_v our_o call_n as_o in_o eph._n 4.1_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n whereunto_o you_o be_v call_v yea_o for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v call_v a_o holy_a call_n 2_o tim._n 1.9_o and_o it_o be_v so_o call_v first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o caller_n who_o be_v holy_a second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o work_n our_o calling_n which_o be_v holy_a three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v ho●y_o fourthly_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n we_o be_v call_v to_o which_o be_v holiness_n five_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v holy_a those_o that_o be_v true_o and_o effectual_o call_v be_v by_o that_o call_v change_v and_o make_v holy_a saint_n object_n but_o some_o may_v except_v and_o say_v be_v not_o some_o of_o the_o elect_a yet_o uncalled_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n too_o answ_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o god_n purpose_n and_o acceptance_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n no_o nor_o yet_o in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n till_o they_o have_v a_o calling_n which_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v one_o time_n or_o other_o first_o or_o last_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o p●int_n be_v these_o reason_n 1_o first_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o profess_v his_o service_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v another_o business_n not_o our_o own_o nay_o it_o be_v god_n business_n not_o man_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o thrust_v ourselves_o into_o it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v a_o vocation_n and_o call_n to_o it_o and_o that_o from_o god_n matth._n 20._o from_o 1._o to_o 7._o verse_n they_o that_o go_v into_o the_o vineyard_n must_v be_v hire_v and_o who_o shall_v hire_v and_o bid_v they_o go_v but_o the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n now_o god_n church_n be_v the_o vineyard_n and_o god_n be_v the_o master_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v call_v but_o he_o in_o matth._n 22.2.3_o etc._n etc._n the_o wedding_n be_v prepare_v the_o guest_n must_v come_v but_o first_o they_o must_v be_v bid_v and_o call_v and_o by_o who_o must_v they_o be_v call_v and_o bid_v but_o by_o the_o bridegroom_n father_n even_o god_n himself_o that_o make_v the_o feast_n for_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o parable_n god_n the_o father_n marry_v we_o to_o his_o son_n christ_n he_o provide_v joy_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n for_o we_o which_o be_v
mediator_n who_o we_o have_v there_o be_v the_o cherubin_n and_o have_v not_o we_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o our_o good_a there_o be_v god_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o mercy-seat_n and_o have_v not_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o instruct_v we_o 25._o there_o be_v a_o table_n and_o have_v not_o we_o a_o solemn_a invitation_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o the_o faithful_a pro._n 9.1.2_o there_o be_v the_o shewbread_n a●_n what_o figure_v that_o but_o god_n people_n because_o they_o always_o and_o before_o god_n last_o there_o be_v the_o golden_a candlestick_n with_o seven_o branch_n which_o signify_v the_o manifold_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o if_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o glorious_a be_v shadow_v under_o the_o law_n how_o much_o more_o glorious_a be_v it_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n make_v the_o comparison_n in_o hebr._n 12._o show_n plain_o that_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a then_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o 22_o 23_o and_o 24_o verse_n he_o say_v but_o you_o be_v come_v to_o mount_n sinai_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o celestial_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o company_n of_o innumerable_a angel_n and_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a and_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v better_a thing_n then_o that_o of_o abel_n see_v how_o glorious_a the_o church_n be_v here_o for_o here_o be_v whatsoever_o may_v make_v up_o a_o perfect_a glory_n and_o thus_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a be_v god_n church_n look_v upon_o she_o which_o way_n soever_o you_o will_v either_o within_o or_o without_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o she_o within_o why_o then_o it_o be_v say_v ps_n 45.13_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o if_o without_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o psalm_n her_o garment_n be_v all_o of_o broider_a gold_n you_o shall_v see_v her_o glory_n further_o in_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o in_o her_o profession_n second_o in_o her_o practice_n three_o practice_n in_o her_o order_n four_a in_o her_o unity_n first_o in_o her_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a profession_n for_o they_o renounce_v and_o disclaim_v all_o other_o religion_n and_o profess_v the_o only_a pure_a and_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v glorious_a and_o beautiful_a for_o they_o be_v religious_a to_o god_n wise_a to_o themselves_o charitable_a to_o their_o brethren_n merciful_a to_o all_o depend_v on_o god_n believe_v in_o christ_n obey_v his_o spirit_n pray_v blessing_n exhort_v instruct_v comfort_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o their_o way_n have_v and_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o filthiness_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o offer_v their_o soul_n and_o body_n a_o clean_a pure_a and_o glorious_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n order_n so_o their_o practice_n be_v glorious_a three_o for_o their_o order_n they_o be_v glorious_a and_o gracious_a psalm_n 68.24_o 25._o they_o have_v see_v o_o god_n thy_o go_n the_o go_n of_o my_o god_n and_o my_o king_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o singer_n go_v before_o the_o player_n of_o instrument_n after_o in_o the_o midst_n be_v the_o maid_n play_v with_o the_o timbrel_n this_o be_v but_o in_o a_o shadow_n much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o the_o true_a church_n cant_n 4.2_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n which_o go_v up_o in_o good_a order_n from_o the_o wash_n now_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o spiritual_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o orderly_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n but_o when_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o own_o rank_n not_o be_v rebellious_a nor_o meddle_v in_o other_o man_n business_n not_o loose_v nor_o negligent_a in_o their_o own_o place_n but_o every_o one_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n impose_v on_o he_o the_o superior_n they_o rule_v with_o modesty_n the_o underling_n they_o obey_v reverent_o and_o christ_n himself_o as_o their_o king_n keep_v they_o all_o within_o their_o compass_n the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 12._o in_o the_o whole_a chapter_n speak_v of_o this_o order_n show_v what_o a_o excellent_a thing_n it_o be_v even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v the_o foot_n say_v to_o the_o head_n i_o be_o above_o thou_o or_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o no_o but_o every_o member_n keep_v his_o rank_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v the_o office_n impose_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n rom._n 12.3_o 4._o unity_n etc._n etc._n four_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o unity_n psal_n 122.2_o 3._o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v or_o at_o unity_n together_o in_o itself_o meaning_n that_o god_n church_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n who_o member_n be_v all_o knit_v together_o by_o a_o near_a union_n be_v one_o body_n have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n ephes_n 4_o 5_o 6._o have_v a_o sweet_a and_o love_a communion_n all_o of_o they_o with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o each_o of_o they_o with_o another_o behold_v say_v the_o prophet_n what_o a_o goodly_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o 2_o 3._o so_o the_o church_n you_o see_v be_v bless_v and_o beautiful_a for_o the_o unity_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n for_o they_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n one_o for_o another_o they_o rejoice_v for_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o mourn_v for_o the_o hurt_n one_o of_o another_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n why_o they_o be_v so_o beautiful_a and_o reas_n 1_o glorious_a be_v many_o the_o first_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o because_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n psal_n 144.15_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n they_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n he_o promise_v and_o perform_v to_o they_o that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o give_v they_o many_o token_n of_o his_o love_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v his_o by_o covenant_n and_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bless_v and_o glorious_a because_o god_n be_v their_o lord_n second_o christ_n be_v they_o and_o they_o be_v he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reas_n 2_o cant._n 6.2_o i_o be_o my_o welbeloved_n and_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v i_o and_o together_o with_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v they_o all_o thing_n rome_n 8.32_o christ_n be_v they_o and_o whatsoever_o else_o may_v make_v for_o their_o blessedness_n or_o glory_n be_v confer_v with_o he_o jesus_n christ_n be_v present_a in_o his_o church_n and_o he_o enlighten_v they_o with_o his_o glory_n revel_v 21.9_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v glorious_a he_o wash_v they_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v gracious_a he_o clothe_v they_o with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v beautiful_a he_o cover_v and_o impute_v not_o their_o sin_n therefore_o they_o be_v bless_v psal_n 32.1_o 2._o yea_o they_o be_v his_o own_o body_n therefore_o as_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o man_n else_o so_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o three_o god_n spirit_n he_o teach_v they_o a_o gracious_a carriage_n reas_n 3_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n he_o bridle_v they_o from_o sin_n he_o quicken_v they_o to_o righteousness_n he_o supply_v and_o help_v their_o want_n and_o infirmity_n their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v cleanse_v sanctify_a and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a four_o they_o be_v most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a because_o reas_n 4_o all_o the_o live_a member_n of_o the_o
shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n second_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o good_a duty_n as_o thou_o ought_v yea_o but_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o glorious_a church_n whereof_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o thy_o want_n and_o infirmity_n be_v cover_v and_o supply_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n three_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o temptation_n and_o against_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o power_n for_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v like_a to_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n shall_v ever_o prevail_v against_o thou_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v set_v upon_o we_o will_v never_o see_v we_o overthrow_v last_o here_o be_v comfort_n for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n that_o howsoever_o we_o be_v as_o the_o offscowring_a of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o unjust_a censure_n yet_o in_o god_n sight_n who_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v beautiful_a and_o glorious_a and_o therefore_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o give_v we_o content_v against_o all_o the_o scoff_n and_o nickname_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v so_o bless_v and_o beautiful_a in_o god_n eye_n what_o need_v we_o care_v though_o we_o be_v contemn_v in_o the_o world_n the_o five_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n that_o persecute_v use_v 5_o and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n church_n they_o know_v not_o who_o it_o be_v they_o make_v their_o force_n against_o it_o be_v even_o against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v and_o against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o most_o glorious_a and_o bless_a company_n that_o be_v and_o therefore_o first_o they_o may_v be_v dismay_v for_o they_o rush_v against_o a_o rock_n and_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act._n 9_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v good_a success_n yea_o second_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o fierce_a and_o full_a vengeance_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n because_o they_o resist_v the_o lord_n and_o oppose_v his_o glorious_a and_o anoint_a one_o use_v 6_o the_o six_o and_o last_o use_n be_v to_o reprove_v the_o perverse_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o grace_n nor_o beauty_n in_o the_o church_n like_v unto_o the_o wicked_a jew_n that_o will_v not_o see_v any_o form_n or_o beauty_n in_o christ_n isai_n 53._o they_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v see_v but_o deformity_n and_o misery_n but_o if_o they_o can_v look_v within_o there_o be_v perfect_a glory_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v but_o your_o word_n we_o can_v see_v no_o such_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o can_v see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n among_o you_o why_o do_v you_o then_o face_n it_o out_o thus_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v understand_v it_o with_o these_o limitation_n first_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n can_v see_v it_o because_o they_o want_v this_o eye_n to_o discern_v it_o withal_o second_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o head_n christ_n and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o church_n thus_o they_o shall_v perceive_v perfect_a glory_n christ_n himself_o be_v perfect_o glorious_a and_o he_o cover_v and_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o deformity_n and_o present_v we_o as_o glorious_a to_o god_n his_o father_n three_o it_o be_v so_o rather_o in_o our_o desire_n and_o god_n account_v then_o in_o actual_a possession_n four_o we_o have_v not_o th●s_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n here_o but_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v some_o grace_n and_o some_o beauty_n and_o some_o glory_n here_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a jerusalem_n revel_v 21.2_o and_o then_o christ_n shall_v present_v we_o a_o glorious_a body_n unto_o god_n his_o father_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n ephes_n 5.27_o which_o because_o some_o have_v attain_v to_o already_o and_o the_o rest_n shall_v sure_o obtain_v hereafter_o and_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o it_o here_o already_o it_o may_v therefore_o be_v just_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o some_o of_o her_o part_n now_o and_o of_o all_o hereafter_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o beautiful_a the_o church_n be_v and_o bless_v and_o glorious_a though_o the_o world_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o she_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o second_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o the_o order_n of_o teach_v require_v that_o when_o once_o we_o do_v know_v the_o name_n of_o a_o thing_n what_o it_o be_v call_v and_o the_o title_n that_o it_o be_v grace_v withal_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v search_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o thus_o entitle_v for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o thing_n may_v and_o be_v ofttimes_o impart_v to_o other_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v proper_a to_o itself_o and_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o name_n and_o title_n set_v it_o forth_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o esteem_v of_o it_o yet_o the_o nature_n will_v more_o full_o express_v it_o and_o make_v we_o the_o highly_o to_o esteem_v of_o it_o the_o name_n bear_v diverse_a signification_n in_o ordinary_a method_n ought_v to_o be_v divide_v first_o and_o define_v after_o but_o because_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v apt_o enough_o comprehend_v in_o one_o general_a description_n and_o because_o the_o division_n have_v a_o more_o near_a dependence_n with_o that_o which_o follow_v make_v a_o ready_a step_n and_o passage_n thereunto_o we_o will_v first_o define_v therefore_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n according_a to_o our_o order_n set_v down_o to_o divide_v it_o into_o several_a kind_n and_o branch_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o describe_v thing_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a general_a nature_n thereof_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n where_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o three_o thing_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n god_n elect_v or_o choose_v they_o second_o by_o their_o number_n the_o whole_a company_n three_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n cause_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v because_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o it_o first_o to_o salvation_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o end_n second_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o the_o church_n ofttimes_o be_v call_v god_n choose_v psal_n 33.12_o even_o the_o people_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o in_o psal_n 132.13_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n that_o be_v his_o church_n and_o rom._n 8.33_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n call_v they_o by_o that_o express_a name_n god_n choose_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n choose_v titus_n 1.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v to_o be_v god_n choose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o call_v rather_o than_o by_o their_o choose_v as_o in_o the_o first_o lecture_n because_o they_o be_v a_o company_n call_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o right_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o choose_n rather_o than_o by_o their_o call_v and_o that_o
for_o these_o reason_n first_o many_o of_o the_o church_n be_v choose_v that_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v as_o paul_n a_o elect_a vessel_n before_o his_o conversion_n and_o yet_o not_o call_v and_o so_o all_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o conversion_n nay_o many_o be_v choose_v that_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v as_o the_o angel_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n too_o and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o choose_n and_o not_o by_o their_o call_v second_o many_o be_v call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v so_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v describe_v they_o by_o their_o call_v we_o shall_v make_v such_o to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v not_o choose_v and_o so_o be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n nor_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n three_o those_o which_o be_v choose_v be_v call_v too_o their_o election_n and_o choose_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o call_v and_o not_o their_o call_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o choose_n rome_n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinate_v they_o also_o he_o call_v therefore_o in_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v fit_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o election_n rather_o than_o by_o their_o call_v and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o description_n namely_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n they_o be_v describe_v by_o be_v their_o number_n the_o whole_a company_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o mus●_n understand_v thus_o number_n first_o that_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n choose_v and_o none_o else_o and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v choose_v be_v of_o the_o church_n none_o exclude_v as_o who_o shall_v say_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v all_o these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o here_o may_v be_v a_o exception_n make_v for_o you_o will_v say_v be_v the_o elect_a of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o be_v call_v yes_o sure_a in_o the_o purpose_n and_o account_v of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o in_o their_o own_o account_n nor_o in_o the_o account_n of_o th●_n world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o actual_o assemble_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o first_o or_o last_o they_o shall_v certain_o have_v a_o effectual_a call_v whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v actual_o of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o in_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o account_n and_o second_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o all_o those_o together_o make_v up_o one_o church_n the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n chosen'_n his_o church_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v all_o together_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n and_o incorporate_v into_o one_o society_n or_o company_n and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v member_n apart_o and_o also_o so_o ●ll_v together_o as_o that_o all_o the_o choose_v 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brain_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n eph._n 1.10_o that_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n and_o eph._n 3.15_o of_o who_o be_v name_v the_o whole_a family_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o col._n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v to_o himself_o through_o he_o i_o say_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n all_o which_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o saint_n depart_v that_o rest_n in_o heaven_n but_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o fall_v not_o who_o have_v a_o benefit_n by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v seat_v with_o we_o in_o the_o society_n and_o body_n of_o the_o church_n doctr._n now_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n more_o plain_a i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o 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father_n god_n and_o the_o same_o mother_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o church_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v communicate_v in_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n only_o as_o 1._o cor._n 12._o so_o we_o see_v by_o express_a scripture_n that_o they_o be_v member_n as_o well_o as_o we_o second_o by_o necessary_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n first_o the_o angel_n be_v elect_v 1._o tim._n 5.21_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n be_v their_o head_n col._n 2.10_o you_o be_v complete_a in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v part_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n three_o the_o angel_n peep_v and_o pry_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o pet._n 1.12_o therefore_o except_o we_o will_v make_v they_o busibody_n to_o pry_v and_o meddle_v with_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o which_o be_v utter_o against_o their_o wisdom_n and_o uprightness_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a reas_n 1_o and_o glorious_a and_o bless_a assembly_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o the_o angel_n therefore_o that_o excel_v in_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o absolute_a happiness_n must_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o it_o second_o the_o church_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o fill_v reas_n 2_o all_o thing_n eph._n 1.23_o if_o the_o angel_n be_v leave_v out_o where_o be_v that_o fullness_n three_o it_o be_v against_o the_o bountifulness_n of_o christ_n and_o reas_n 3_o the_o worthiness_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o any_o creature_n shall_v know_v and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o receive_v benefit_n thereby_o for_o themselves_o but_o the_o choose_a angel_n do_v know_v and_o embrace_v it_o worship_v he_o and_o do_v he_o all_o the_o service_n they_o can_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whilst_o he_o be_v work_v this_o mediation_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o consequent_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o they_o be_v all_o save_a benefit_n peculiar_a and_o proper_o belong_v four_o the_o evil_a angel_n that_o fall_v away_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reas_n 4_o malignant_a church_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v we_o
justice_n the_o same_o nature_n that_o sin_v may_v be_v punish_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n these_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o they_o also_o have_v their_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o mediation_n so_o far_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o estate_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o they_o in_o the_o thing_n do_v to_o we_o which_o redound_v to_o they_o second_o in_o the_o thing_n do_v more_o direct_o to_o themselves_o first_o the_o thing_n do_v to_o we_o that_o redound_v to_o they_o for_o first_o by_o this_o mediation_n do_v for_o we_o their_o knowledge_n be_v advance_v ephes_n 3.10_o to_o the_o intent_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o now_o unto_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o heavenly_a place_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o church_n the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a benefit_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n by_o this_o mean_n second_o their_o joy_n be_v increase_v by_o our_o conversion_n for_o if_o they_o rejoice_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o be_v save_v luk._n 15.10_o how_o much_o more_o than_o when_o a_o door_n be_v open_v for_o many_o sinner_n to_o come_v to_o salvation_n by_o three_o by_o this_o mean_v their_o service_n and_o office_n be_v enlarge_v for_o if_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o they_o either_o in_o regard_n as_o they_o be_v messenger_n see_v they_o bring_v their_o message_n only_o or_o chief_o to_o the_o faithful_a or_o of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v minister_n this_o be_v their_o task_n chief_o if_o not_o only_o to_o minister_v for_o their_o sake_n which_o through_o christ_n be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n four_o by_o our_o redemption_n through_o christ_n this_o benefit_n redound_v to_o they_o that_o their_o ruin_n be_v make_v up_o their_o number_n be_v fill_v up_o again_o by_o many_o man_n which_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n in_o stead_n of_o those_o angel_n that_o fall_v away_o second_o some_o thing_n be_v do_v more_o direct_o to_o themselves_o by_o christ_n mediation_n for_o first_o they_o be_v elect_v 1._o tim._n 5.21_o themselves_o they_o be_v call_v elect_a angel_n and_o that_o no_o doubt_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o we_o be_v elect_v ephes_n 1.4_o for_o the_o work_n be_v the_o same_o both_o to_o they_o and_o we_o therefore_o the_o ground_n must_v needs_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o who_o choose_v they_o but_o god_n and_o in_o who_o be_v they_o choose_v but_o in_o christ_n for_o all_o that_o be_v choose_v be_v choose_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n second_o their_o creation_n be_v by_o christ_n that_o excellent_a estate_n of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v by_o creation_n they_o do_v not_o deserve_v it_o no_o they_o have_v it_o bestow_v upon_o they_o respective_o to_o christ_n who_o be_v call_v the_o firstborn_a of_o every_o creature_n colos_n 1.15_o because_o every_o creature_n have_v their_o be_v by_o he_o three_o their_o preservation_n be_v by_o he_o that_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v when_o their_o fellow_n fall_v and_o their_o confirmation_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o neither_o shall_v nor_o can_v fall_v away_o be_v because_o they_o be_v uphold_v by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o mediation_n they_o have_v assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o fall_v else_o in_o reason_n these_o may_v have_v fall_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o the_o other_o be_v as_o excellent_a and_o have_v freewill_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o these_o have_v not_o be_v uphold_v by_o christ_n they_o have_v fall_v too_o last_o their_o glorification_n shall_v be_v full_o perfect_v by_o the_o finish_n of_o christ_n mediation_n at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o a●l_a thing_n shall_v be_v subdue_v unto_o he_o and_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a conqueror_n 1._o cor._n 15.24_o then_o shall_v the_o bless_a angel_n triumph_v over_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n for_o as_o the_o evil_a angel_n though_o they_o be_v damn_v already_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o full_o and_o perfect_o torment_v till_o after_o the_o judgement_n day_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o in_o full_a measure_n they_o shall_v be_v then_o stow_v under_o the_o hatch_n and_o as_o it_o be_v fetter_v in_o the_o dungeon_n so_o the_o good_a angel_n though_o they_o be_v already_o glorify_v yet_o their_o glory_n be_v not_o full_o perfect_v till_o the_o last_o day_n when_o our_o glory_n be_v perfect_v then_o shall_v they_o be_v perfect_v also_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n that_o angel_n be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n heaven_n now_o we_o come_v to_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n and_o choose_v which_o consist_v of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v among_o they_o for_o that_o do_v first_o more_o near_o and_o proper_o concern_v ourselves_o second_o it_o tend_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o open_n of_o the_o question_n propound_v and_o because_o these_o be_v partly_o in_o heaven_n and_o partly_o on_o earth_n we_o will_v god_n willing_a speak_v of_o both_o and_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n second_o of_o that_o part_n on_o earth_n and_o three_o of_o both_o together_o first_o of_o those_o in_o heaven_n that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a and_o perfect_a man_n that_o have_v finish_v their_o pilgrimage_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n doctr._n i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o heaven_n be_v the_o place_n of_o receipt_n for_o all_o god_n choose_v after_o they_o have_v depart_v this_o present_a life_n it_o be_v christ_n promise_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o joh._n 14.2_o 3._o he_o will_v go_v and_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o may_v be_v also_o but_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o there_o must_v we_o be_v too_o that_o be_v the_o place_n of_o receipt_n for_o the_o faithful_a after_o this_o life_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v his_o prayer_n joh._n 17.24_o father_n i_o will_v that_o those_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o even_o where_o i_o be_o that_o they_o may_v behold_v my_o glory_n you_o shall_v see_v this_o likewise_o by_o example_n whither_o go_v helias_n at_o his_o departure_n he_o be_v carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n 2._o king_n 2.11_o and_o whither_o go_v lazarus_n but_o into_o abraham_n bosom_n luk._n 16.22_o by_o which_o be_v mean_v heaven_n and_o whither_o go_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n after_o his_o departure_n but_o into_o paradise_n luk._n 23.43_o and_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o lure_n and_o bait_v which_o god_n hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o to_o provoke_v and_o draw_v we_o to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v his_o will_n matth._n 5.10_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o luk._n 18.22_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v and_o distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v true_a that_o heaven_n be_v the_o place_n of_o receipt_n for_o all_o the_o faithful_a after_o this_o life_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n too_o though_o in_o a_o diverse_a manner_n the_o soul_n never_o die_v present_o after_o it_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o lazarus_n luk._n 16.22_o the_o body_n die_v and_o turn_v to_o dust_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v raise_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o place_v in_o heaven_n job_n 19.26_o though_o after_o my_o skin_n worm_n devour_v this_o body_n yet_o shall_v i_o see_v god_n in_o my_o flesh_n and_o both_o these_o be_v verify_v in_o christ_n already_o his_o soul_n go_v present_o into_o heaven_n his_o body_n after_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o heaven_n be_v the_o place_n of_o receipt_n for_o all_o god_n choose_v of_o their_o soul_n present_o after_o their_o departure_n and_o of_o their_o body_n after_o the_o resurrection_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o heaven_n be_v god_n reason_n 1_o own_o seat_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v and_o place_n of_o special_a residency_n and_o in_o his_o presence_n be_v our_o fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n our_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 16.11_o there_o god_n have_v store_v up_o for_o we_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o
against_o his_o anoint_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o be_v all_o but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n psal_n 2.1_o yet_o i_o will_v tell_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v prevail_v in_o they_o shall_v prevail_v thus_o far_o to_o make_v the_o church_n more_o in_o number_n and_o more_o zealous_a for_o god_n and_o constant_a in_o his_o truth_n contrary_a to_o their_o end_n for_o behold_v when_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o the_o faithful_a when_o they_o have_v burn_v they_o to_o ash_n god_n will_v raise_v out_o of_o those_o very_a ash_n a_o new_a seed_n to_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n shed_v shall_v fatten_v the_o church_n and_o make_v it_o more_o fruitful_a and_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n therefore_o for_o they_o to_o threaten_v they_o and_o to_o say_v as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v that_o they_o will_v root_v out_o these_o professor_n it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v nay_o it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o devil_n their_o good_a master_n can_v do_v himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v they_o never_o think_v to_o do_v it_o five_o this_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o use_v 5_o sight_n or_o appearance_n it_o have_v a_o be_v even_o when_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v rest_v rhou_n upon_o this_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o sure_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v where_o or_o how_o etc._n etc._n leave_v that_o to_o god_n for_o it_o may_v be_v hide_v from_o our_o sight_n even_o as_o the_o corn_n be_v among_o the_o chaff_n so_o that_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o be_v and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o point_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o together_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o man_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n together_o i_o will_v describe_v it_o by_o certain_a quality_n and_o circumstance_n such_o as_o may_v present_v and_o make_v it_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n view_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o now_o that_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o it_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v concern_v this_o point_n church_n therefore_o we_o will_v fetch_v these_o quality_n from_o that_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o i_o will_v reduce_v all_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o that_o it_o be_v catholic_a four_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n five_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o sixth_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o all_o these_o be_v raise_v out_o of_o the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n that_o it_o be_v one_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n not_o church_n and_o the_o nicen_n creed_n which_o be_v pen_v after_o this_o say_v i_o believe_v one_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o catholic_a so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n among_o themselves_o both_o these_o be_v intend_v when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o how_o be_v this_o gather_v hence_o why_o thus_o because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v it_o now_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o see_v and_o therefore_o this_o article_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o doctr._n one_o now_o first_o of_o the_o first_o note_n it_o be_v but_o one_o for_o so_o the_o nicen_n creed_n for_o plainness_n sake_n add_v this_o particle_n one_o we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o only_a church_n it_o be_v prove_v thus_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o general_a true_a nature_n of_o it_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n eph._n 5.27_o 32._o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o a_o glorious_a church_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o concern_v his_o church_n and_o math._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v sometime_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o than_o it_o speak_v of_o particular_a visible_a congregation_n but_o of_o the_o general_a catholic_a church_n it_o speak_v always_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o be_v but_o one_o and_o so_o express_o ascribe_v oneness_n to_o it_o cant._n 6_o 8._o christ_n say_v to_o his_o church_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.4_o there_o be_v one_o body_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n have_v a_o threefold_a oneness_n it_o be_v one_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o it_o have_v a_o oneness_n among_o the_o member_n in_o this_o place_n we_o speak_v but_o of_o the_o oneness_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o of_o the_o other_o two_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o their_o due_a place_n oneness_n that_o it_o be_v one_o in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n not_o house_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n not_o temple_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v but_o one_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o but_o one_o temple_n whereto_o all_o the_o people_n come_v levitic_n 17.3_o 4._o deut._n 21_o 5._o and_o 16.2_o 2._o chron._n 2.4_o so_o now_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a church_n of_o the_o faithful_a reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v take_v out_o of_o ephes_n 4.4_o 5._o there_o be_v many_o reason_n heap_v together_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n therefore_o but_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o man_n there_o be_v but_o one_o hope_n at_o which_o all_o god_n people_n joint_o aim_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o corporation_n one_o lord_n and_o therefore_o one_o family_n one_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o life_n than_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o promise_n and_o covenant_n which_o all_o do_v make_v to_o god_n as_o one_o man_n second_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 5.23_o reas_n 2_o and_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o christ_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n else_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o monster_n of_o christ_n to_o say_v he_o have_v one_o head_n and_o many_o body_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v her_o husband_n as_o be_v employ_v verse_n 25._o now_o christ_n shall_v have_v many_o wife_n if_o there_o be_v many_o church_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o three_o they_o have_v all_o one_o shepherd_n and_o therefore_o they_o reas_n 3_o be_v all_o but_o one_o sheepfold_a joh._n 10.16_o four_o they_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 4_o but_o one_o body_n 1._o cor._n 10.17_o five_o all_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o be_v abolish_v reas_n 5_o by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v but_o one_o ephes_n 2.14_o gal._n 3.28_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v we_o the_o unchangeableness_n use_v 1_o of_o god_n heavenly_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o course_n of_o salvation_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o and_o therefore_o but_o one_o truth_n still_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n and_o course_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o dispensation_n or_o manner_n of_o carriage_n have_v be_v some_o what_o different_a sometime_o it_o have_v be_v carry_v dark_o sometime_o clear_o sometime_o in_o ceremony_n sometime_o without_o ceremony_n sometime_o by_o the_o law_n sometime_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o tradition_n as_o before_o the_o law_n by_o revelation_n and_o by_o scripture_n yet_o the_o substance_n be_v ever_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o course_n of_o salvation_n that_o adam_n be_v
it_o be_v holy_a three_o that_o it_o be_v catholic_a so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o express_a word_n four_o that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o fifthly_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n among_o themselves_o both_o these_o be_v intend_v where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n sixth_o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v intend_v when_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v it_o we_o have_v pass_v through_o two_o of_o these_o adjunct_n for_o so_o i_o call_v they_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a catholic_a now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o three_o adjunct_n catholic_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v catholic_a in_o handle_v of_o this_o point_n we_o will_v first_o show_v how_o this_o word_n catholic_a have_v be_v wrong_v second_o we_o will_v right_v it_o and_o three_o we_o will_v draw_v such_o observation_n from_o thence_o as_o it_o will_v fit_o minister_v wrong_v first_o it_o have_v be_v much_o wrong_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o by_o many_o first_o by_o those_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n second_o by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o church_n first_o way_n it_o have_v be_v wrong_v and_o corrupt_v exceed_o by_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n first_o in_o that_o they_o false_o challenge_v it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o themselves_o alone_o second_o in_o that_o they_o boast_v of_o it_o as_o their_o crown_n and_o glory_n three_o in_o that_o they_o put_v their_o confidence_n in_o it_o that_o because_o they_o have_v this_o name_n therefore_o they_o be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a church_n and_o in_o certain_a state_n of_o salvation_n first_o the_o word_n be_v wrong_v in_o that_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v false_o challenge_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o themselves_o as_o if_o their_o church_n be_v catholic_a and_o none_o else_o and_o as_o if_o their_o faith_n be_v catholic_a and_o none_o other_o and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a catholic_n and_o none_o but_o they_o if_o they_o be_v catholic_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o they_o may_v give_v other_o leave_v to_o be_v call_v so_o as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o only_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n be_v false_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o and_o flatter_o yield_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o friend_n and_o fellow_n but_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v no_o catholic_n at_o all_o second_o it_o be_v wrong_v by_o they_o in_o that_o they_o boast_v and_o vaunt_v themselves_o of_o it_o as_o their_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o they_o take_v it_o in_o great_a snuff_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o call_v yea_o if_o you_o call_v they_o papist_n or_o such_o other_o like_o name_n i_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o fly_v in_o your_o face_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v true_o affirm_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o that_o case_n to_o be_v boast_v of_o but_o quiet_o and_o sober_o to_o be_v enjoy_v god_n best_a grace_n in_o we_o be_v not_o vain_o to_o be_v boast_v of_o much_o less_o any_o outward_a name_n which_o be_v but_o cast_v upon_o we_o lest_o of_o all_o such_o as_o we_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o without_o desert_n three_o they_o wrong_v it_o 3.5_o in_o that_o they_o put_v much_o confidence_n in_o this_o name_n that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o call_v therefore_o say_v bristol_n and_o the_o rhemist_n we_o be_v the_o undoubted_o true_a church_n &_o in_o certain_a state_n of_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pillar_n of_o popery_n the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o catholic_a they_o be_v the_o two_o pillar_n that_o popery_n build_v upon_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o name_n make_v not_o the_o man_n to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v call_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a because_o a_o man_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o name_n import_v therefore_o he_o be_v so_o call_v as_o for_o example_n a_o father_n or_o a_o master_n be_v not_o such_o a_o one_o because_o he_o be_v so_o call_v but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o father_n or_o a_o master_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v so_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v such_o as_o the_o name_n import_v and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n in_o our_o state_n whether_o we_o be_v so_o name_v or_o not_o if_o the_o name_n be_v upon_o we_o without_o cause_n we_o be_v nothing_o the_o near_a to_o salvation_n if_o it_o be_v on_o we_o upon_o good_a cause_n than_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n in_o our_o state_n not_o for_o the_o name_n but_o because_o we_o be_v such_o as_o the_o name_n signify_v so_o that_o the_o name_n be_v no_o way_n any_o matter_n of_o confidence_n to_o build_v our_o salvation_n on_o way_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v somewhat_o wrong_v by_o some_o among_o we_o too_o not_o that_o we_o either_o mistake_v it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v nor_o malign_v it_o as_o they_o say_v we_o do_v but_o occasional_o by_o their_o error_n on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o run_v into_o another_o on_o the_o otherside_n because_o they_o advance_v it_o too_o high_a we_o debase_v it_o too_o low_a first_o some_o labour_v to_o suppress_v the_o name_n quite_o as_o certain_a lutheran_n that_o have_v change_v catholic_a in_o the_o creed_n into_o christian_n second_o other_o scoff_v at_o it_o as_o a_o toy_n and_o a_o jest_n three_o other_o that_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o pregnancy_n of_o their_o wit_n do_v deprave_v it_o and_o make_v a_o nickname_n of_o it_o cacolicke_v cartholike_a but_o these_o be_v distemper_v spirit_n not_o season_v with_o grace_n and_o modesty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v four_o and_o last_o general_o all_o of_o we_o little_o regard_v it_o nor_o have_v it_o in_o that_o good_a request_n as_o it_o well_o deserve_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a be_v far_o more_o ancient_a and_o proper_a and_o more_o warrantable_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o act._n 11.26_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n yet_o let_v not_o this_o name_n be_v suppress_v for_o to_o be_v call_v catholic_n have_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o long_a continuance_n and_o understand_v it_o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n it_o be_v a_o reverend_a and_o a_o honourable_a stile_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o this_o name_n have_v be_v wrong_v first_o by_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n second_o by_o some_o among_o us._n now_o second_o we_o be_v to_o right_v the_o word_n of_o and_o restore_v it_o to_o the_o original_a sense_n that_o so_o we_o may_v frame_v we_o to_o a_o reverend_a and_o sober_a estimation_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o esteem_n of_o it_o too_o much_o nor_o too_o little_a and_o to_o this_o end_n first_o therefore_o we_o will_v consider_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o word_n second_o we_o will_v show_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o three_o the_o common_a receive_a use_n of_o it_o first_o consider_v the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o it_o this_o word_n be_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n only_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o james_n peter_n john_n and_o jude_n ibidem_fw-la there_o they_o be_v call_v catholic_a epistle_n which_o be_v a_o greek_a word_n and_o signify_v general_a which_o preface_v whether_o they_o be_v scripture_n or_o not_o be_v uncertain_a they_o may_v be_v so_o and_o they_o may_v not_o yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o name_n be_v very_o ancient_a but_o come_v to_o the_o creed_n and_o there_o this_o word_n be_v plain_o find_v and_o that_o as_o a_o adjunct_n of_o the_o church_n i_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n own_o do_v but_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o near_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n and_o also_o in_o athanasius_n creed_n oecumenius_n and_o there_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o faith_n the_o faith_n profess_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_a faith_n so_o we_o see_v that_o the_o word_n be_v very_o ancient_a second_o to_o right_v it_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n catholic_a which_o be_v general_a or_o universal_a for_o so_o the_o ancient_n expound_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o general_a epistle_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o general_a epistle_n of_o james_n as_o direct_v not_o to_o any_o particular_a nation_n or_o city_n as_o paul_n do_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o general_o and_o universal_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a or_o to_o
the_o faithful_a general_o disperse_v which_o indeed_o be_v plain_a in_o those_o epistle_n of_o james_n peter_n and_o jude_n and_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n but_o not_o in_o the_o two_o last_o epistle_n of_o john_n they_o be_v direct_v to_o one_o single_a person_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n catholic_a church_n be_v general_a or_o universal_a disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n severinum_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o use_v the_o name_n catholic_a to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o name_n christian_a so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a speech_n among_o they_o christian_n be_v my_o name_n and_o catholic_a be_v my_o surname_n so_o that_o the_o word_n be_v ancient_a and_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v gather_v hence_o it_o that_o whereas_o before_o christ_n come_v the_o church_n be_v national_a contain_v only_o in_o jury_n now_o after_o christ_n come_v and_o ascension_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o nation_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o become_v one_o general_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v catholic_a that_o be_v general_o or_o universal_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n three_o to_o right_v the_o word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o common_a receive_a use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v such_o as_o degenerate_v from_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o first_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o with_o construction_n it_o be_v allowable_a enough_o the_o ancient_n use_v this_o word_n catholic_a for_o true_a believe_v as_o distinguish_v from_o heretic_n and_o false_a believe_v so_o that_o catholic_a church_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o true_a believe_a church_n and_o so_o from_o the_o church_n to_o a_o particular_a member_n a_o catholic_a that_o be_v no_o heretic_n but_o a_o right_a believer_n and_o that_o speech_n which_o be_v so_o common_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n christian_n be_v my_o name_n and_o catholic_a be_v my_o surname_n show_v that_o none_o all_o that_o while_o be_v call_v true_a catholic_n but_o true_a christian_n austin_n have_v this_o say_n the_o very_a name_n of_o catholic_a say_v he_o contain_v i_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a contain_v i_o within_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v it_o be_v one_o motive_n among_o some_o other_o to_o keep_v i_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o the_o name_n be_v sufficient_a only_a but_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n one_o motive_n among_o other_o that_o contain_v i_o in_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o christian_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v augustine_n meaning_n so_o you_o have_v see_v how_o this_o word_n have_v be_v wrong_v and_o how_o it_o be_v right_v now_o we_o will_v here_o take_v it_o in_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o first_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o draw_v such_o observation_n as_o shall_v fit_o follow_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o three_o general_a point_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v the_o catholic_a church_n it_o intend_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v general_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n second_o that_o every_o true_a believer_n wheresoever_o or_o whatsoever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o doctr._n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v catholic_a or_o general_a extend_v itself_o to_o all_o believe_a person_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o all_o time_n we_o have_v show_v before_o here_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v only_o to_o this_o point_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o all_o person_n and_o place_n this_o be_v so_o prophesy_v ps_n 72.8_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o land_n this_o indeed_o be_v typical_o speak_v of_o david_n and_o his_o kingdom_n but_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o so_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o his_o father_n psal_n 2.8_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n what_o be_v christ_n heritage_n and_o possession_n but_o the_o church_n but_o his_o possession_n shall_v reach_v to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o his_o church_n must_v reach_v as_o far_o to_o all_o place_n and_o people_n that_o believe_v even_o to_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n himself_o foreshow_v it_o matth._n 8.11_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n many_o shall_v come_v that_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a confluence_n from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n that_o be_v from_o all_o place_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v they_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v they_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n as_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n do_v and_o so_o become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v so_o you_o see_v how_o far_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n enlarge_v itself_o and_o joh._n 10.16_o other_o sheep_n i_o have_v also_o say_v our_o saviour_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o must_v i_o bring_v and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o word_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o sheepfold_a and_o one_o shepherd_n other_o sheep_n i_o have_v let_v they_o wander_v where_o they_o will_v in_o desert_n or_o unknown_a mountain_n faith_n they_o have_v and_o therefore_o sheep_n sheep_n they_o be_v and_o therefore_o have_v christ_n for_o their_o shepherd_n and_o his_o church_n the_o sheepfould_a that_o they_o belong_v to_o and_o as_o he_o promise_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o sheepefould_a so_o he_o effect_n first_o by_o himself_o ephes_n 2.14_o he_o be_v our_o peace_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o have_v make_v of_o both_o one_o and_o have_v break_v the_o stop_n of_o the_o partition_n wall_n the_o partition_n wall_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o now_o gentile_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o ●e_v effect_n it_o by_o his_o minister_n mark_n 16.15_o 16._o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v shall_v be_v damn_v where_o he_o both_o offer_v mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o his_o minister_n to_o all_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o bless_v the_o mean_n some_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v and_o also_o associate_n they_o all_o that_o ever_o shall_v believe_v what_o or_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o save_v that_o be_v to_o his_o church_n unto_o who_o only_a salvation_n belong_v psal_n 3._o last_o verse_n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o particular_a instance_n to_o the_o point_n that_o the_o church_n be_v general_a of_o all_o believe_a person_n and_o of_o all_o place_n in_o the_o case_n of_o cornelius_n act._n 10.1_o 12_o 34_o 35._o he_o be_v a_o gentile_a and_o a_o heathen_a and_o account_v unclean_a yet_o his_o prayer_n and_o his_o alm_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v unless_o he_o have_v believe_v and_o peter_n in_o a_o vision_n see_v a_o great_a sheet_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o four_o corner_n which_o signify_v the_o four_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o it_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o creep_a beast_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o vision_n be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v extend_v his_o church_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v some_o of_o all_o nation_n into_o it_o so_o that_o the_o vision_n be_v not_o only_o for_o cornelius_n but_o general_o to_o signify_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o so_o peter_n confess_v in_o these_o 34._o and_o 35._o verse_n of_o a_o truth_n say_v he_o i_o do_v now_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o accepter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o the_o rule_n be_v pregnant_a and_o precise_o to_o the_o point_n gal._n 3.28_o there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o grecian_a bond_n nor_o free_a male_a nor_o female_a but_o you_o be_v all_o one_o
in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v raise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n matth._n 24.31_o the_o angel_n shall_v gather_v the_o body_n of_o the_o elect_a from_o all_o quarter_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n then_o there_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o heaven_n after_o the_o resurrection_n revel_v 7.9_o for_o there_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v i_o behold_v and_o lo_o a_o great_a multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o people_n &_o tongue_n stand_v before_o the_o throne_n and_o before_o the_o lamb_n praise_v god_n and_o revel_v 21.13_o so_o the_o church_n be_v catholic_a general_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o every_o believe_a man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o ruler_n reas_n 1_o of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o his_o son_n who_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v as_o large_a too_o at_o least_o for_o some_o of_o all_o part_n for_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n power_n reach_v every_o where_o and_o not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o grace_n proportionable_o in_o some_o measure_n though_o not_o in_o that_o generality_n altogether_o it_o be_v to_o reach_v as_o far_o too_o second_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n require_v it_o reas_n 2_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v general_o disperse_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n god_n mercy_n require_v it_o who_o will_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v 1._o tim._n 2.4_o that_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o all_o place_n so_o likewise_o christ_n merit_n require_v it_o for_o that_o be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o joh._n 2.2_o that_o be_v for_o some_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n three_o god_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n only_o in_o reas_n 3_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v glorify_v much_o in_o the_o reprobate_n that_o be_v damn_v but_o he_o be_v glorify_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n only_o in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v and_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o place_n or_o nation_n or_o tongue_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v glorify_v in_o some_o portion_n of_o it_o even_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o can_v be_v believe_v therefore_o the_o church_n be_v general_a etc._n etc._n four_o satan_n kingdom_n be_v general_a and_o every_o wicked_a reas_n 4_o person_n be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o curse_a synagogue_n therefore_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v general_a too_o and_o every_o believer_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v of_o his_o church_n five_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o general_a to_o leave_v the_o wicked_a reas_n 5_o without_o excuse_n so_o that_o no_o nation_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o pretend_v just_o that_o they_o be_v utter_o debar_v from_o salvation_n now_o no_o man_n able_a to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n never_o be_v among_o their_o nation_n nor_o that_o none_o among_o they_o be_v save_v no_o god_n shall_v stop_v their_o mouth_n with_o many_o instance_n of_o every_o man_n own_o nation_n when_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o here_o be_v a_o member_n of_o my_o church_n even_o of_o thy_o own_o nation_n and_o why_o may_v not_o thou_o have_v be_v so_o too_o reas_n 6_o last_o without_o the_o church_n be_v no_o salvation_n therefore_o every_o believer_n whosoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o first_o against_o the_o jew_n that_o will_v have_v the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o save_a faith_n confine_v to_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n and_o none_o but_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o so_o it_o be_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n the_o lord_n choose_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o his_o only_a peculiar_a people_n to_o be_v glorify_v by_o they_o alone_o in_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v glorify_v alone_o as_o it_o be_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n yea_o but_o the_o great_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v to_o they_o the_o great_a be_v their_o unthankfulness_n to_o he_o in_o that_o they_o shake_v of_o his_o yoke_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n though_o he_o be_v send_v special_o to_o they_o but_o reject_v he_o and_o crucify_v he_o and_o to_o this_o day_n for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v abandon_v he_o as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o far_o now_o from_o be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o god_n love_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o he_o hate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v fortolde_v of_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n hos_n 1.9_o they_o be_v loammi_n not_o god_n people_n now_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o be_v except_v against_o as_o not_o be_v of_o god_n church_n and_o whereas_o they_o envy_v the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o part_n in_o god_n because_o they_o be_v once_o bar_v from_o the_o church_n and_o hate_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o but_o alas_o now_o they_o must_v know_v that_o now_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v break_v down_o and_o that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v all_o one_o and_o that_o every_o people_n be_v judah_n and_o every_o faithful_a man_n be_v a_o priest_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o every_o place_n be_v the_o temple_n and_o have_v spiritual_a altar_n for_o a_o clean_a sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v on_o and_o that_o now_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v mal._n 1.10_o 11._o that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v matth._n 18.20_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 4.24_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o now_o be_v fullfil_v the_o say_n of_o isaiah_n isai_n 54.1_o which_o he_o foretell_v that_o the_o barren_a have_v more_o child_n than_o the_o fruitful_a woman_n that_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o gentile_n of_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o there_o be_v jew_n and_o as_o it_o reprove_v they_o so_o it_o reprove_v the_o donatist_n that_o will_v have_v no_o church_n but_o in_o africa_n no_o church_n but_o they_o somewhat_o like_a unto_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o separatist_n at_o this_o day_n that_o will_v have_v no_o church_n but_o they_o principal_o it_o reprove_v the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v no_o church_n but_o that_o of_o rome_n affirm_v that_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o that_o church_n be_v in_o the_o certain_a estate_n of_o damnation_n but_o this_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n to_o be_v restrain_v within_o they_o and_o let_v not_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o restrain_v that_o which_o god_n have_v enlarge_v but_o as_o they_o brag_v of_o peter_n so_o let_v they_o learn_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o god_n as_o peter_n be_v act._n 10.15_o not_o to_o account_v those_o unclean_a who_o god_n account_v and_o call_v clean_o and_o therefore_o see_v god_n have_v so_o far_o enlarge_v his_o bounty_n that_o he_o have_v purify_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o some_o of_o all_o part_n and_o place_n shall_v be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n for_o shame_n let_v they_o not_o scantle_v his_o goodness_n and_o pollute_v all_o other_o church_n as_o unclean_a except_o their_o church_n but_o let_v they_o leave_v all_o other_o to_o god_n and_o let_v they_o labour_n to_o see_v that_o themselves_o be_v purify_v lest_o as_o i_o say_v before_o of_o the_o jew_n they_o prove_v themselves_o of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o be_v none_o of_o god_n church_n the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n teach_v we_o what_o use_v 2_o church_n it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v esteem_v and_o repute_v catholic_a sure_o not_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o pure_a and_o sound_a but_o that_o which_o be_v general_a that_o which_o be_v scatter_v over_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v call_v catholic_a that_o be_v a_o right_a believe_a church_n or_o catholic_a that_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o
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be_v the_o husband_n the_o faithful_a be_v his_o wife_n ephes_n 5.23_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o marriage_n the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n be_v one_o flesh_n so_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n christ_n and_o the_o faithful_a be_v one_o ephes_n 5.30_o and_o 1._o cor._n 6.17_o election_n three_o there_o be_v particular_a reason_n for_o this_o first_o on_o god_n part_n second_o on_o christ_n part_n three_o on_o our_o part_n first_o on_o god_n part_n his_o election_n aim_v at_o this_o communion_n he_o choose_v we_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n rom._n 8.29_o and_o 1._o pet._n 1.2_o elect_a according_o to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n unto_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n love._n second_o his_o covenant_n be_v so_o deut._n 23.13_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o us._n three_o he_o have_v confirm_v this_o by_o his_o free_a gift_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o christ_n as_o i_o show_v before_o four_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o be_v his_o love_n to_o we_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n etc._n etc._n part_n four_o the_o particular_a reason_n on_o christ_n part_n be_v his_o exceed_a great_a love_n towards_o we_o gal._n 2.20_o who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o faith_n five_o there_o be_v particular_a reason_n on_o our_o part_n first_o be_v our_o faith_n for_o by_o faith_n we_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v ingraft_v into_o he_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o he_o heb._n 3.14_o covenant_n second_o we_o do_v covenant_n it_o in_o baptism_n and_o we_o do_v daily_o renew_v it_o that_o we_o will_v be_v one_o with_o he_o deut._n 26.17_o 18._o three_o it_o be_v confirm_v on_o our_o part_n by_o gift_n gift_n we_o consecrate_v ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v or_o be_v into_o his_o power_n and_o 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communion_n with_o the_o pope_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o at_o the_o second_o hand_n we_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o mediate_o by_o the_o pope_n he_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ministerial_a head_n but_o the_o scripture_n you_o see_v be_v clear_a that_o the_o true_a communion_n the_o faithful_a have_v be_v in_o and_o with_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 12.5_o and_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n when_o there_o be_v no_o pope_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o christ_n be_v not_o present_a with_o we_o now_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o pope_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o except_o we_o have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o we_o can_v have_v none_o with_o our_o head_n in_o heaven_n i_o answer_v though_o christ_n be_v absent_a in_o body_n yet_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o his_o substitute_n that_o be_v his_o spirit_n which_o be_v his_o true_a deputy_n of_o his_o own_o appoint_v and_o not_o the_o pope_n as_o joh._n 14.16_o 17._o and_o joh._n 16.7_o and_o he_o alone_o it_o be_v that_o work_v this_o union_n make_v we_o one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n one_o with_o us._n 1._o cor._n 6.17_o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o a_o bless_a estate_n use_v 2_o god_n child_n be_v advance_v to_o they_o have_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v fellow_n yea_o fellow-heire_n with_o he_o in_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o here_o be_v our_o patent_n royal_a under_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o our_o interest_n that_o we_o have_v in_o god_n us._n because_o we_o partake_v with_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o partake_v with_o god_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o too_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n by_o this_o i_o know_v i_o have_v right_a and_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v his_o and_o he_o be_v 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so_o likewise_o we_o see_v here_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o a_o miserable_a and_o fearful_a case_n all_o other_o be_v in_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o true_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o no_o church_n or_o a_o false_a church_n whether_o not_o yet_o assemble_v or_o cut_v off_o and_o that_o either_o by_o withdraw_v themselves_o or_o else_o cast_v just_o out_o for_o be_v without_o the_o church_n they_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o be_v without_o christ_n they_o be_v without_o god_n and_o so_o without_o life_n and_o without_o hope_n and_o without_o comfort_n and_o without_o grace_n and_o salvation_n yea_o they_o be_v the_o very_a prey_n and_o slave_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n as_o have_v no_o privilege_n nor_o bar_n against_o they_o special_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o persecute_v the_o church_n use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n be_v for_o examination_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o hereby_o whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n or_o no._n do_v christ_n jesus_n live_v in_o thou_o by_o his_o spirit_n be_v thou_o join_v to_o he_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o he_o obey_v he_o submit_v thyself_o to_o his_o ordinance_n and_o direction_n do_v thy_o heart_n tell_v thou_o upon_o good_a ground_n that_o thou_o be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o thou_o then_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o the_o church_n then_o thou_o be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n else_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o reprobate_n 2._o cor._n 13.5_o prove_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o say_v say_v the_o apostle_n examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n the_o papist_n not_o feel_n this_o communion_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v in_o they_o as_o none_o can_v feel_v it_o by_o their_o doctrine_n can_v be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n for_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v sure_o it_o may_v be_v feel_v by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n four_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v fellowship_n use_v 4_o with_o christ_n than_o we_o must_v look_v for_o affliction_n while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o must_v be_v like_o our_o head_n if_o we_o look_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o glo●y_n we_o must_v also_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o affliction_n phil._n 3.10_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v communicate_v with_o he_o in_o the_o sweet_a but_o that_o we_o must_v taste_v of_o the_o sour_a also_o though_o indeed_o affliction_n be_v not_o sour_a but_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n they_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o spiritual_a man_n rejoice_v in_o affliction_n because_o they_o b●ing_v forth_o the_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n heb._n
of_o god_n that_o one_o may_v be_v whet_v on_o and_o provoke_v by_o another_o four_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o love_n among_o the_o faithful_a which_o can_v no_o way_n so_o well_o be_v maintain_v as_o when_o we_o all_o see_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o one_o another_o last_o it_o be_v needful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o the_o declaration_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o our_o faith_n may_v have_v some_o fruit_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o philem_n verse_n 5._o adversary_n five_o and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o communion_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o first_o for_o defend_v ourselves_o for_o be_v strong_o unite_v together_o as_o one_o man_n they_o can_v overcome_v we_o whereas_o if_o we_o be_v separate_v and_o disjoin_v they_o will_v easy_o overcome_v us._n second_o for_o the_o offend_a and_o oppugn_v the_o enemy_n who_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o set_v themselves_o all_o together_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n against_o their_o adversary_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o overcome_v they_o as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v overcome_v of_o they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a communion_n among_o the_o faithful_a the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v every_o use_n 1_o one_o of_o we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o member_n of_o god_n church_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v have_v thy_o part_n in_o this_o communion_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v thereby_o a_o right_a to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o faith_n &_o to_o justification_n and_o to_o salvation_n and_o to_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o these_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v have_v but_o here_o therefore_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o one_o of_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n thou_o have_v no_o right_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o here_o they_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v have_v and_o enjoy_v therefore_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o labour_n to_o be_v living-member_n of_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o rich_a and_o a_o gracious_a portion_n with_o the_o faithful_a we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n with_o they_o here_o and_o of_o the_o same_o glory_n hereafter_o marvel_v not_o then_o that_o david_n and_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v so_o much_o grieve_v when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o bless_a communion_n though_o they_o be_v never_o deprive_v of_o this_o inward_a communion_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o grief_n and_o the_o very_a break_n of_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o outward_a fellowship_n and_o no_o marvel_n also_o though_o they_o do_v so_o rejoice_v when_o they_o can_v come_v to_o god_n house_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o fellowship_n for_o than_o they_o can_v reach_v out_o their_o hand_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o pledge_n of_o god_n love_v sensible_o second_o as_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v one_o of_o this_o use_v 2_o society_n and_o communion_n so_o it_o teach_v we_o also_o to_o labour_n to_o maintain_v this_o communion_n that_o as_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o it_o so_o we_o must_v bend_v all_o our_o force_n to_o contribute_v to_o it_o and_o to_o uphold_v it_o and_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a title_n only_o but_o to_o be_v as_o we_o be_v call_v and_o to_o practice_v as_o we_o profess_v that_o as_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v a_o communion_n of_o state_n so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o communion_n of_o practice_n also_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes_n 4.3_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v as_o thou_o have_v find_v that_o favour_n with_o god_n that_o thou_o be_v associate_v by_o a_o call_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o communion_n thereof_o so_o let_v it_o be_v thy_o chief_a and_o principal_a endeavour_n to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v that_o unity_n and_o communion_n phil._n 1.27_o continue_v in_o one_o spirit_n and_o in_o one_o mind_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v flinch_v not_o from_o it_o but_o as_o you_o have_v this_o communion_n so_o stand_v in_o it_o and_o maintain_v it_o communion_n and_o that_o we_o may_v so_o do_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n first_o that_o we_o separate_v nor_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o communion_n this_o be_v forbid_v heb._n 10.25_o 39_o not_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n we_o have_v among_o ourselves_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n but_o we_o be_v not_o they_o which_o withdraw_v ourselves_o unto_o perdition_n if_o we_o separate_v we_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o body_n and_o so_o from_o the_o head_n too_o and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v a_o head_n to_o none_o but_o his_o own_o body_n nor_o in_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o spirit_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n and_o grace_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o society_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o special_a matter_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o namely_o that_o we_o entertain_v not_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v well_o advise_v before_o we_o leave_v it_o second_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o the_o faithful_a to_o cause_v they_o to_o alienate_v themselves_o from_o we_o by_o walk_v inordinate_o 2._o thes_n 3.6_o the_o faithful_a be_v command_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v inordinate_o or_o by_o contention_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o such_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 11.16_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o misdemeanour_n three_o as_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o be_v not_o too_o apprehensive_a of_o offence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o break_v out_o upon_o every_o little_a quarrel_n and_o discontent_n but_o we_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v any_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o against_o conscience_n rather_o then_o to_o trouble_v that_o communion_n or_o to_o interrupt_v that_o fellowship_n last_o and_o principal_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o repair_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o that_o we_o gather_v together_o with_o these_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v and_o to_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n approve_v 1._o cor._n 5.4_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.42_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n matth._n 18.22_o where_o two_o or_o three_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o promise_v his_o special_a presence_n to_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o join_v with_o such_o assembly_n for_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o continue_v this_o communion_n than_o this_o and_o as_o we_o must_v come_v to_o these_o place_n ourselves_o so_o we_o must_v call_v upon_o one_o another_o to_o do_v so_o too_o for_o so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o faithful_a shall_v do_v in_o the_o last_o day_n isai_n 2.3_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o must_v also_o rejoice_v at_o such_o occasion_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o man_n come_v willing_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n do_v psal_n 122.1_o three_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o examination_n whereby_o we_o use_v 3_o may_v try_v whether_o we_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o not_o do_v thou_o practice_v this_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n then_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a member_n else_o thou_o can_v never_o true_o persuade_v thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a member_n unless_o thou_o practise_v this_o communion_n prove_v and_o try_v and_o examine_v yourselves_o therefore_o and_o that_o by_o these_o particular_n first_o communion_n let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o point_n do_v we_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o
the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o gal._n 6.10_o do_v good_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o all_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n 2._o cor._n 6.17_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o separate_v yourselves_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v none_o unclean_a thing_n etc._n etc._n last_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o control_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o romish_a use_v 6_o antichrist_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o saint_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o as_o fellow_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v antichrist_n he_o will_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o none_o must_v bless_v he_o this_o be_v abominable_a pride_n and_o insolency_n not_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o seven_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o argument_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v the_o church_n we_o turn_v aside_o to_o expound_v the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o there_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v we_o find_v six_o adjunct_n or_o epithet_n that_o the_o church_n be_v qualify_v withal_o first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o catholic_a four_a that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n fifthly_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o six_o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o the_o five_o former_a be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o article_n of_o which_o you_o have_v also_o heatd_v the_o six_o and_o last_o whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v be_v not_o plain_o lay_v down_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v direct_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o this_o clause_n grow_v from_o the_o article_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o know_v manifest_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o to_o the_o outward_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o doctr._n we_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a the_o true_a church_n be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n &_o themselves_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o their_o person_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n and_o likewise_o their_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v see_v as_o well_o as_o the_o the_o profession_n of_o other_o man_n yea_o but_o their_o save_a grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v but_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o you_o see_v how_o the_o note_n stand_v first_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o three_o they_o be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o prove_v first_o god_n know_v they_o mala._n 3.16_o god_n have_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v before_o he_o of_o those_o that_o be_v he_o john_n 10.14_o i_o know_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o in_o joh._n 13.18_o he_o say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v choose_v 2._o tim._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o god_n own_o secret_a counsel_n to_o know_v who_o be_v his_o revel_v 3.1_o 4._o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o verse_n 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardy_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n by_o name_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a etc._n etc._n themselves_o second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o 1._o joh._n 3.14.19_o we_o know_v we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v before_o he_o assure_v our_o heart_n and_o 1._o joh._n 4.13_o 16._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v in_o us._n here_o you_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v certain_o know_v each_o other_o to_o be_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v know_v you_o or_o you_o i_o certain_o to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n but_o that_o all_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o state_n and_o particular_o every_o one_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v of_o it_o it_o three_o none_o but_o god_n and_o they_o know_v it_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o revel_v 2.17_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_a neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o within_o and_o the_o circumcision_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a exception_n against_o all_o outward_a show_n and_o testification_n whatsoever_o as_o altogether_o insufficient_a to_o make_v any_o certain_a proof_n to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o jew_n indeed_o that_o be_v who_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o right_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o heart_n which_o god_n alone_o and_o themselves_o know_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v express_o say_v they_o be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o 1._o king_n 19.10_o 18._o compare_v with_o rom._n 11.3_o 4._o the_o prophet_n heliah_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v leave_v alone_o he_o see_v no_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n if_o any_o can_v have_v discern_v they_o than_o the_o prophet_n may_v that_o be_v their_o teacher_n but_o he_o know_v no_o such_o no_o nor_o scarce_o any_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o therefore_o only_o god_n and_o themselves_o know_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o whereby_o they_o be_v reas_n 1_o know_v to_o man_n that_o be_v their_o profession_n be_v common_a to_o hyprocrite_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o for_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v as_o far_o in_o show_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o best_a therefore_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o second_o that_o whereby_o true_a believer_n be_v distinguish_v reas_n 2_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o inward_a affection_n can_v be_v see_v by_o man_n for_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v as_o low_a in_o sin_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o wicked_a and_o yet_o have_v truth_n in_o their_o heart_n still_o but_o none_o know_v the_o heart_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o therefore_o none_o know_v this_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o three_o sin_n be_v a_o secret_a thing_n in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o he_o may_v bear_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o harbour_v secret_o some_o sin_n that_o may_v utter_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n therefore_o none_o can_v know_v who_o be_v god_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o four_o there_o be_v certain_a inward_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n reas_n 4_o which_o can_v outward_o be_v discern_v as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n especial_o god_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o close_a secret_n not_o to_o be_v discern_v outwad_o only_o these_o be_v know_v to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v they_o reu._n 2.17_o the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o that_o hold_v this_o opinion_n that_o we_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n may_v know_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o affirm_v that_o such_o and_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o may_v bold_o affirm_v it_o too_o as_o of_o david_n abraham_n peter_n paul_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o must_v meddle_v no_o further_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o god_n we_o may_v say_v of_o other_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v god_n but_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o joh._n 21.21_o 22._o when_o peter_n will_v inquire_v of_o another_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v our_o
ephes_n 1.22_o 23._o compare_v with_o 1._o cor._n 12.27_o saint_n holy_a catholic_a the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v principal_o affirm_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a but_o proportional_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a 51._o the_o whole_a receive_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n doctr._n these_o thing_n premise_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o such_o strait_n that_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o it_o do_v either_o not_o appear_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o do_v very_o hardly_o appear_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o it_o do_v hardly_o appear_v for_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o it_o be_v never_o see_v as_o faith_n and_o election_n for_o the_o heart_n wherein_o these_o be_v can_v be_v discover_v as_o these_o be_v always_o invisible_a so_o likewise_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o hide_a again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o but_o sometime_o for_o sometime_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o apparent_a and_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o here_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o prove_v peremptory_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o visible_a and_o apparent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v large_a and_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v and_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o point_n must_v stand_v thus_o that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n and_o in_o such_o time_n where_o the_o church_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v as_o where_o the_o true_a church_n have_v late_o be_v and_o where_o it_o have_v flourish_v or_o where_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o ministry_n or_o where_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n yet_o even_o then_o and_o there_o the_o true_a church_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o not_o be_v outward_o discern_v and_o so_o consequent_o if_o it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n in_o such_o place_n and_o at_o such_o time_n much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o at_o other_o place_n and_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o probability_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o strike_v home_n at_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o true_a church_n so_o notorious_o apparent_a and_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o such_o place_n and_o at_o such_o time_n where_o it_o have_v be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v be_v even_o then_o and_o there_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v hide_v and_o not_o apparent_a to_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v prove_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o elias_n time_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o such_o a_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o his_o day_n as_o that_o he_o say_v be_v himself_o be_v leave_v alone_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n any_o where_o in_o those_o time_n sure_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v in_o israel_n where_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v but_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o church_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v than_o it_o be_v any_o where_o else_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 15.3_o israel_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n without_o a_o true_a god_n without_o a_o priest_n to_o teach_v without_o law_n then_o they_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n where_o shall_v it_o be_v find_v the_o papist_n will_v reply_v in_o judah_n if_o not_o with_o israel_n judah_n prevail_v against_o israel_n because_o they_o stay_v upon_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 13.18_o well_o yet_o they_o be_v bad_a enough_o too_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 14.3_o 5._o they_o have_v their_o strange_a god_n and_o their_o image_n and_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n in_o all_o their_o city_n which_o asa_n take_v away_o but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o israel_n that_o they_o have_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o with_o judah_n too_o and_o so_o in_o other_o church_n yea_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o judah_n afterward_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 28.23_o 24.25_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o ahaz_n that_o he_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o damascus_n and_o to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o king_n of_o aram_n he_o break_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v he_o altar_n in_o every_o corner_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o every_o city_n of_o judah_n he_o make_v high_a place_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o other_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o judah_n be_v worse_o than_o israel_n nay_o than_o the_o very_a heathen_a that_o be_v before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o chron._n 33.9_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o manasseh_n make_v israel_n to_o err_v and_o to_o do_v worse_o than_o the_o heathen_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o so_o you_o see_v here_o be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o judah_n nor_o in_o israel_n if_o not_o in_o they_o where_o can_v there_o be_v any_o who_o can_v now_o point_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o say_v i_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n whereunto_o i_o may_v and_o must_v join_v myself_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o that_o be_v the_o natural_a branch_n than_o there_o be_v no_o privilege_n for_o any_o other_o church_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o with_o they_o too_o but_o the_o papist_n will_v object_v that_o this_o be_v so_o under_o the_o law_n only_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sometime_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o often_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o also_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o not_o sometime_o only_o but_o often_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n revel_v 12.6_o 14._o the_o woman_n be_v say_v there_o to_o be_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o church_n that_o at_o several_a time_n to_o the_o world_n end_n shall_v be_v drive_v to_o live_v in_o desert_n and_o forlorn_a place_n how_o then_o shall_v man_n see_v it_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o secret_a place_n so_o in_o the_o revel_v 13.7_o 8._o the_o beast_n make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o overcome_v they_o and_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o over_o every_o kindred_n and_o nation_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n worship_v he_o who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o the_o lamb_n where_o be_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n in_o these_o time_n and_o in_o the_o 2._o thes_n 2.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v and_o sit_v in_o god_n temple_n as_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v so_o cunning_a that_o he_o shall_v set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o god_n temple_n that_o be_v in_o god_n church_n where_o there_o have_v be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n continue_v for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v but_o to_o be_v god_n but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritually-minded_n for_o he_o shall_v sit_v as_o god_n so_o that_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o so_o likewise_o that_o in_o luk._n 18.8_o prove_v this_o point_n where_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n if_o faith_n be_v so_o scarce_o to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n where_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v find_v but_o where_o shall_v he_o not_o find_v faith_n in_o india_n or_o in_o rome_n only_a no_o not_o only_o in_o one_o or_o two_o place_n but_o not_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o who_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o the_o son_n of_o man._n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o palpable_a as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v
outward_o discern_v to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o austen_n and_o the_o father_n mean_v lucif_n when_o they_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o the_o moon_n that_o be_v sometime_o in_o a_o eclipse_n so_o darken_v that_o it_o can_v be_v see_v so_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n too_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o they_o all_o strengthen_v one_o another_o especial_o the_o first_o three_o must_v be_v lay_v together_o else_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a apart_o to_o prove_v the_o point_n reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o very_a few_o they_o be_v always_o few_o in_o comparison_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o sometime_o they_o be_v few_o simple_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o noah_n family_n now_o that_o which_o few_o do_v except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a thing_n or_o person_n be_v little_a observable_a to_o the_o world_n reas_n 2_o second_o as_o they_o be_v few_o so_o withal_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v but_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n now_o that_o which_o poor_a and_o mean_a one_o do_v be_v general_o neglect_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a exploit_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o three_o that_o which_o they_o do_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o such_o notorious_a thing_n that_o the_o world_n regard_v it_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o seek_v after_o except_o it_o be_v either_o by_o the_o true_a member_n that_o seek_v to_o join_v with_o it_o and_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o or_o else_o by_o persecutor_n and_o such_o seek_v after_o it_o only_o to_o destroy_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v after_o christ_n matth._n 2.13_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o discern_v four_o their_o persecutor_n many_o time_n bring_v they_o to_o reas_n 4_o this_o low_a scantling_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eliah_n the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o dioclesian_n time_n all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v find_v be_v put_v to_o death_n their_o body_n be_v burn_v and_o their_o temple_n be_v overthrow_v where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n persecution_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o this_o low_a scantling_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v and_o this_o be_v shadow_v to_o we_o in_o matth._n 8.24_o by_o the_o ship_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v in_o that_o be_v cover_v with_o wave_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v yet_o it_o sink_v not_o so_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o wave_n and_o rage_n of_o persecutor_n like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o yet_o it_o live_v five_o sometime_o heresy_n and_o schism_n arise_v in_o the_o reas_n 5_o church_n and_o they_o sway_v the_o world_n after_o they_o overcome_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n when_o arius_n with_o his_o heresy_n overspread_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o world_n do_v wonder_n at_o itself_o to_o see_v itself_o become_v a_o arian_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n set_v it_o down_o where_o can_v a_o man_n say_v now_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n whereunto_o i_o must_v join_v six_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n to_o be_v and_o indeed_o reas_n 6_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o fearful_a and_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o their_o profession_n but_o fly_v away_o as_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v matth._n 26.56_o they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v like_o fearful_a man_n where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n then_o seven_o counterfeit_v and_o deceiver_n be_v very_o cunning_a reas_n 7_o and_o will_v set_v as_o good_a a_o face_n on_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n on_o hypocrisy_n and_o on_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v do_v on_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o religion_n the_o false_a apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 11.13_o 14._o and_o mat._n 24.24_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o discern_v because_o of_o these_o deceiver_n reas_n 8_o eight_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o suffer_v itself_o easy_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n be_v go_v as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o estate_n sometime_o reas_n 9_o nine_o it_o be_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n &_o his_o instrument_n for_o they_o can_v abide_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v flourish_v so_o much_o as_o outward_o reu._n 12.4_o to_o 14._o who_o drive_v the_o woman_n into_o the_o wilderness_n but_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n the_o devil_n reas_n 10_o the_o ten_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n merciful_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o hide_v his_o people_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o have_v they_o in_o a_o corner_n and_o yet_o be_v content_v to_o let_v they_o lie_v hide_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o breathe_a time_n from_o persecution_n and_o that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o bend_v their_o force_n against_o they_o therefore_o ofttimes_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o god_n hide_v the_o faithful_a secret_o in_o his_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o persecute_v they_o as_o also_o thereby_o he_o try_v the_o faithful_a whether_o they_o will_v walk_v by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o by_o appearance_n for_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n many_o will_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o there_o be_v none_o than_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n whether_o man_n will_v walk_v faithful_o or_o no._n likewise_o god_n do_v it_o for_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n he_o leave_v they_o just_o without_o any_o apparent_a teach_n or_o profession_n of_o better_a religion_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o he_o can_v see_v no_o better_o any_o where_o else_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o no_o better_a religion_n than_o their_o own_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o so_o just_o perish_v last_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o promise_n only_o for_o the_o perpetuity_n reas_n 11_o of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o be_v of_o it_o not_o for_o any_o flourish_a outward_a estate_n matth._n 16.18_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n to_o overcome_v it_o and_o to_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o it_o but_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o may_v do_v to_o it_o they_o may_v deface_v it_o suppress_v it_o banish_v it_o drive_v it_o into_o a_o narrow_a corner_n but_o they_o shall_v never_o overcome_v it_o they_o may_v and_o do_v destroy_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o visiblenesse_n of_o it_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v never_o destroy_v thus_o far_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o tie_v himself_o and_o so_o far_o we_o may_v expect_v and_o look_v for_o it_o and_o no_o further_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o papist_n use_v 1_v that_o hold_v a_o perpetual_a notorious_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n some_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o therefore_o it_o refute_v those_o that_o do_v their_o speech_n be_v large_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v as_o notorious_o visible_a as_o any_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o their_o note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o multitude_n succession_n pomp_n visibility_n headship_n and_o that_o at_o rome_n
intendment_n diverse_a as_o the_o thing_n itself_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o hurt_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o god_n so_o overrule_v they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o first_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n or_o some_o other_o good_a book_n with_o intent_n to_o deride_v or_o scoff_n or_o cavil_v at_o they_o as_o we_o read_v of_o one_o virginius_n a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v set_v to_o write_v against_o calvin_n and_o ●eading_v over_o calvin_n book_n for_o that_o end_n he_o see_v the_o light_n so_o clear_a against_o he_o that_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o will_v write_v no_o more_o against_o he_o so_o that_o whereas_o he_o read_v over_o his_o book_n with_o intent_n to_o cavil_n at_o they_o god_n so_o overruled_n it_o that_o against_o his_o own_o intendment_n he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n thereby_o second_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n choose_v why_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v tend_v direct_o to_o the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o god_n do_v so_o over-rule_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a as_o that_o he_o make_v they_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n thus_o god_n overruled_n the_o sin_n of_o saul_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n act._n 9.4.5_o three_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o other_o from_o the_o faith_n be_v sometime_o overruled_n by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o raise_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o we_o all_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jew_n they_o fall_v away_o and_o through_o their_o fall_n salvation_n be_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 11.11_o four_o persecution_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v so_o overrule_v by_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v make_v helpefull_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n why_o what_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o than_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v sometime_o so_o overruled_n by_o god_n as_o against_o its_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecutor_n make_v those_o that_o be_v of_o any_o humanity_n to_o detest_v they_o and_o their_o course_n as_o also_o the_o constancy_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o be_v persecute_v win_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o even_o of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o their_o adversary_n many_o time_n to_o the_o truth_n example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v have_v at_o home_n in_o our_o own_o land_n when_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o fruitful_a time_n of_o the_o church_n increase_n in_o this_o land_n than_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n at_o least_o ever_o since_o by_o occasion_n of_o those_o persecution_n last_o sometime_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v occasional_o by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o mean_n of_o scatter_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o many_o place_n and_o so_o of_o cause_v many_o church_n as_o in_o act._n 8.4_o there_o be_v great_a persecution_n and_o the_o word_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o what_o can_v hurt_v the_o church_n more_o than_o this_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o overruled_n by_o god_n as_o that_o he_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o many_o place_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v in_o judea_n only_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v come_v into_o samaria_n too_o but_o all_o these_o be_v by-cause_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v only_o point_v at_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v they_o by_o yet_o this_o be_v worthy_a herein_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a power_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o make_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o even_o beside_o and_o against_o its_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n serviceable_a mean_n for_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n sense_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o cause_n which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v such_o as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o these_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o material_a than_o the_o other_o first_o then_o take_v the_o church_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o building_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v apprehend_v thus_o as_o a_o build_n have_v four_o principal_a cause_n so_o have_v the_o church_n first_o in_o a_o build_n there_o be_v the_o foundation_n second_o the_o builder_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o build_n four_a the_o form_n so_o in_o god_n church_n there_o be_v these_o four_o cause_n of_o it_o first_o the_o foundation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o metaphorical_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o they_o teach_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o as_o a_o skilful_a master-builder_n i_o 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lay_v down_o together_o god_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n then_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o next_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o first_o baptism_n rom._n 6.4_o know_v you_o not_o that_o all_o we_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o
christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o be_v nourish_v in_o this_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n now_o all_o these_o three_o outward_a mean_n be_v lay_v down_o together_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n go_v that_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n teach_v there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o baptise_v there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n one_o express_v the_o other_o employ_v these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n without_o us._n inward_a now_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n within_o we_o be_v first_o repentance_n act._n 11.18_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o gentile_n repentance_n to_o life_n second_o faith_n act._n 15.9_o and_o he_o put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o after_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o have_v purify_v their_o heart_n and_o last_o and_o principal_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o six_o instrumental_a mean_n inward_a and_o outward_a be_v lay_v down_o together_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n from_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n to_o the_o six_o and_o thirty_o there_o be_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o word_n his_o sermon_n then_o peter_n life_n up_o his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n then_o there_o be_v their_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n in_o the_o 38._o and_o 41._o verse_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o 42._o and_o 46._o verse_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o outward_a cause_n so_o likewise_o the_o inward_a as_o first_o there_o be_v repentance_n vers_fw-la 37._o and_o 38._o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n then_o second_o there_o be_v faith_n too_o as_o in_o the_o 41._o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o of_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o they_o repent_v and_o believe_v do_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o cause_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n saint_n by_o call_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.19_o as_o member_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n and_o citizens_z the_o matter_n of_o a_o city_n so_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v inward_a and_o outward_a that_o which_o be_v inward_a be_v the_o effectual_a call_n and_o gather_v of_o god_n people_n to_o christ_n when_o the_o faithful_a be_v persuade_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o outward_a communion_n that_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n both_o for_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n each_o to_o other_o you_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 2._o first_o their_o effectual_a call_n which_o be_v their_o inward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o 37_o 38_o 41_o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n repent_v baptize_v add_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o effectual_a call_n their_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 41_o 42_o 44_o 45_o 46._o verse_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o their_o outward_a communion_n these_o be_v the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n glory_n that_o some_o of_o adam_n seed_n may_v glorify_v the_o lord_n god_n here_o in_o his_o church_n by_o believe_v obey_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n sing_v everlasting_a praise_n to_o his_o glory_n rom._n 9.23_o that_o he_o may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v to_o glory_n second_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o glory_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v all_o mankind_n cast_v away_o as_o they_o well_o deserve_v but_o some_o he_o will_v have_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 2.14_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o three_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v embrace_v and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a on_o earth_n that_o some_o man_n may_v not_o only_o know_v the_o truth_n but_o believe_v it_o and_o live_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o the_o scripture_n the_o record_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v safe_o preserve_v first_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v mangle_v or_o tear_v by_o heretic_n second_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v deprave_a by_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o last_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o seal_a book_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v open_o teach_v and_o practise_v on_o earth_n this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o god_n church_n four_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n when_o as_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o his_o church_n and_o when_o as_o they_o deny_v it_o as_o false_a or_o contemn_v it_o or_o at_o least_o careless_o neglect_v it_o as_o a_o vile_a thing_n not_o worth_a harken_v to_o that_o then_o they_o may_v just_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n both_o of_o those_o that_o cause_n it_o direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o also_o such_o as_o cause_v it_o not_o of_o themselves_o direct_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n we_o hear_v first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o his_o church_n and_o all_o other_o cause_n be_v from_o he_o he_o note_v then_o be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o concur_v and_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o cause_v and_o constitute_v of_o a_o church_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o it_o this_o be_v so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o they_o special_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o be_v more_o special_o respect_v of_o god_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o second_o as_o the_o church_n depend_v more_o near_o upon_o he_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n ephes_n 4.6_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o church_n say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o
all_o which_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.6_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n use_v the_o very_a word_n in_o the_o note_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n say_v he_o but_o god_n be_v the_o same_o which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n church_n psal_n 95_o 6_o 7_o 8._o come_v say_v they_o let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v our_o lord_n our_o maker_n our_o god_n and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n of_o his_o pasture_n his_o sheep_n of_o his_o hand_n why_o but_o all_o other_o be_v his_o people_n yea_o but_o we_o be_v his_o people_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n ephes_n 2.10_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n but_o you_o will_v say_v so_o be_v all_o thing_n else_o yea_o but_o we_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o workmanship_n we_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o have_v not_o only_o our_o be_v but_o our_o well-being_n from_o he_o he_o have_v not_o only_o create_v we_o as_o man_n but_o re-created_n we_o or_o regenerate_v we_o as_o new_a man_n wherein_o howsoever_o many_o thing_n concur_v as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o be_v his_o do_v he_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o it_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o let_v we_o enlarge_v our_o thought_n in_o this_o point_n church_n that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o cause_v of_o his_o church_n and_o let_v we_o consider_v first_o how_o every_o one_o of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n have_v a_o special_a and_o a_o effectual_a hand_n herein_o first_o god_n the_o father_n the_o first_o person_n he_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n in_o it_o joh._n 6.44_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o draw_v he_o so_o likewise_o the_o second_o person_n jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n in_o it_o joh._n 14.6_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o so_o likewise_o the_o three_o person_n the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n in_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o be_v by_o a_o true_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n the_o father_n he_o love_v the_o world_n and_o in_o that_o love_n of_o his_o he_o decree_v that_o such_o and_o such_o shall_v be_v gather_v to_o his_o church_n and_o so_o be_v save_v and_o also_o in_o that_o love_n send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o to_o pay_v our_o ransom_n and_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o sanctify_v and_o to_o comfort_v we_o that_o be_v his_o church_n so_o likewise_o christ_n jesus_n he_o love_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o love_n of_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o take_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o punishment_n upon_o he_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v purchase_v the_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v act._n 20.28_o and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o himself_o and_o make_v we_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n ephes_n 5.30_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o his_o father_n joh._n 14.6_o so_o likewise_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o love_v they_o and_o in_o that_o love_n which_o he_o carry_v to_o they_o he_o come_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o enlighten_v they_o govern_v they_o and_o frame_v they_o to_o obedience_n sanctify_v they_o and_o apply_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o particular_a conscience_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o he_o make_v they_o apprehensive_a of_o that_o course_n whereby_o they_o be_v save_v and_o apply_v it_o unto_o they_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o 12._o second_o every_o part_n and_o several_a work_n that_o tend_v to_o our_o salvation_n be_v of_o god_n as_o first_o election_n that_o be_v from_o god_n ephes_n 1.4_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o etc._n etc._n so_o our_o call_v be_v from_o he_o rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinate_v they_o also_o he_o call_v likewise_o our_o regeneration_n be_v from_o he_o joh._n 1.13_o which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n so_o also_o our_o teach_n be_v of_o god_n joh._n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n our_o justification_n be_v also_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.33_o it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v last_o our_o sanctification_n be_v from_o he_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o now_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o throughout_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o every_o several_a work_n that_o tend_v to_o our_o salvation_n be_v of_o god_n last_o every_o several_a mean_n both_o within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o be_v god_n do_v but_o of_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o they_o reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v these_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o his_o church_n first_o because_o the_o church_n be_v god_n house_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o now_o who_o shall_v build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n but_o god_n himself_o reas_n 2_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o deut._n 12.11_o where_o god_n put_v his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v now_o who_o shall_v or_o can_v prescribe_v god_n worship_n but_o himself_o therefore_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o his_o church_n reas_n 3_o three_o the_o live_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n adopt_a son_n member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o which_o the_o like_a cause_n god_n be_v most_o sensible_o all_o in_o all_o in_o his_o church_n for_o he_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n etc._n etc._n revel_v 1.6_o four_o to_o be_v make_v a_o church_n or_o a_o true_a member_n thereof_o reas_n 4_o be_v altogether_o a_o work_n wrought_v upon_o the_o heart_n now_o god_n only_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n all_o other_o mean_n and_o instrument_n be_v exclude_v but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o he_o last_o consider_v the_o efficient_a cause_n in_o comparison_n to_o all_o reas_n 5_o other_o cause_n and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v plain_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o first_o the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v god_n himself_o yea_o and_o he_o alone_a which_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o second_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n they_o be_v whole_o and_o only_o of_o he_o first_o for_o the_o outward_a cause_n as_o the_o word_n sacrament_n minister_n and_o gift_n first_o god_n ordain_v they_o and_o give_v they_o their_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v god_n word_n and_o god_n sacrament_n and_o god_n minister_n and_o god_n gift_n eph._n 4.11_o 12._o he_o have_v give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n &_o some_o to_o be_v prophet_n and_o some_o to_o be_v evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n second_o he_o vouchsafe_v the_o presence_n and_o tender_a of_o they_o to_o such_o person_n and_o place_n where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 16.6_o paul_n &_o silas_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o asia_n and_o verse_n 7._o the_o spirit_n suffer_v they_o not_o to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v into_o macedonia_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o sometime_o god_n restrayn_v the_o mean_n from_o some_o and_o enlarge_v they_o to_o other_o as_o matth._n 10.5_o go_v not_o into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n compare_v with_o act._n 13.46_o 47._o it_o be_v necessary_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v first_o have_v be_v preach_v unto_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o and_o judge_v yourselves_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v we_o etc._n etc._n last_o god_n give_v the_o success_n and_o blessing_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o make_v they_o effectual_a 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 6._o paul_n plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o act._n 11.21_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o so_o that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 30._o from_o the_o six_o to_o the_o twelve_o verse_n
hezekiah_n send_v forth_o messenger_n throughout_o all_o israel_n and_o judah_n with_o godly_a letter_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o passeover_n and_o the_o wicked_a laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v but_o the_o text_n note_v in_o the_o twelve_o verse_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o judah_n so_o that_o he_o give_v they_o one_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n the_o king_n may_v have_v command_v long_o enough_o yet_o if_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o people_n a_o heart_n they_o will_v never_o have_v obey_v he_o so_o that_o all_o other_o mean_n be_v utter_o void_a yea_o nothing_o without_o god_n 1_o co._n 3.7_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n nor_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n now_o if_o god_n give_v we_o these_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n he_o give_v we_o the_o inward_a much_o more_o as_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o principal_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o god_n spirit_n be_v give_v we_o mere_o and_o free_o of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a be_v of_o god_n so_o also_o the_o material_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n too_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o you_o be_v god_n building_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o formal_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n also_o the_o outward_a formal_a cause_n which_o be_v our_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n special_o the_o inward_a formal_a cause_n be_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.9_o we_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n last_o the_o final_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n too_o god_n word_n labour_n husbandry_n ordinance_n church_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o only_o of_o and_o from_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o but_o also_o for_o he_o and_o his_o glory_n as_o he_o be_v the_o final_a cause_n of_o they_o so_o likewise_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o by-cause_n of_o the_o church_n god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o even_o in_o they_o too_o yea_o extraordinary_o in_o these_o so_o that_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o these_o than_o in_o the_o rest_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v persecution_n which_o tend_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n this_o than_o show_v that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o cause_v his_o church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o use_v be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o use_v 1_o that_o see_v the_o lord_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o cause_v his_o church_n then_o let_v he_o be_v reverent_o and_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v and_o 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sanctify_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v powerful_o and_o effectual_o to_o they_o and_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v teachable_a heart_n ready_a and_o willing_a to_o hear_v and_o to_o obey_v and_o that_o god_n will_v water_v their_o heart_n with_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fruitful_a three_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n profitable_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o not_o be_v unprofitable_a towards_o we_o much_o less_o let_v they_o be_v contemn_v of_o we_o but_o let_v we_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o as_o of_o god_n special_a ordinance_n which_o he_o will_v sure_o revenge_v if_o we_o contemn_v they_o do_v the_o lord_n bend_v himself_o whole_o and_o all_o his_o force_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o understanding_n wise_a and_o obedient_a and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o shall_v we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o be_v bring_v unto_o god_n do_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o precious_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a but_o embrace_v it_o take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n now_o god_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v now_o the_o table_n be_v prepare_v the_o victual_n be_v ready_a and_o the_o guest_n be_v call_v therefore_o let_v we_o now_o quicken_v up_o ourselves_o let_v we_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o let_v we_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n powerful_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o or_o else_o if_o we_o refuse_v and_o contemn_v it_o powerful_a to_o condemn_v we_o and_o to_o cast_v we_o headlong_o into_o hell_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o see_v god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o constitute_v his_o church_n than_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o the_o church_n although_o satan_n bend_v all_o his_o force_n against_o it_o though_o the_o wicked_a malign_a and_o persecute_v it_o god_n be_v for_o it_o who_o can_v be_v against_o it_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o despite_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o force_n it_o be_v god_n that_o plant_v his_o vine_n who_o can_v root_v it_o out_o he_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o it_o who_o can_v break_v it_o down_o yea_o god_n be_v a_o wall_n of_o fire_n about_o his_o church_n therefore_o whosoever_o come_v near_o to_o hurt_v it_o shall_v be_v consume_v
and_o burn_v up_o god_n water_v it_o and_o make_v it_o fruitful_a who_o shall_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n thereof_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o own_o work_n to_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o power_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v dismay_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n and_o even_o daunt_v satan_n himself_o for_o they_o know_v beforehand_o that_o they_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n yea_o against_o his_o special_a hand_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v the_o wicked_a after_o the_o flood_n when_o they_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n they_o fight_v against_o god_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o confusion_n but_o these_o fight_n against_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v though_o they_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o church_n yet_o all_o they_o do_v be_v but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v against_o god_n and_o against_o his_o people_n this_o shall_v comfort_v the_o faithful_a in_o all_o their_o persecution_n temptation_n and_o distress_n whatsoever_o because_o that_o they_o be_v build_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o like_o mount_n zion_n they_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o never_o be_v remove_v and_o likewise_o they_o be_v continual_o assist_v by_o god_n hand_n so_o that_o their_o enemy_n can_v hurt_v they_o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o his_o people_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o psal_n 125.1_o 2._o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o observation_n arise_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o point_n arise_v hence_o be_v this_o that_o wheresoever_o doct._n 2_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v effectual_a and_o that_o by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v their_o due_a success_n there_o certain_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n first_o i_o say_v where_o they_o be_v effectual_a for_o sometime_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v present_a yet_o not_o effectual_a or_o at_o least_o very_a little_a effectual_a but_o where_o they_o be_v effectual_a only_o there_o they_o cause_v a_o church_n second_o i_o say_v by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a blessing_n and_o success_n do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o point_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o church_n be_v there_o as_o we_o show_v before_o and_o they_o be_v effectual_a verse_n 41._o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a verse_n 47._o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n from_o day_n to_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v in_o that_o verse_n 47._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 11._o from_o 20._o to_o 26._o verse_n there_o be_v the_o mean_n the_o word_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a for_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o be_v also_o so_o call_v vers_fw-la 26._o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n saint_n by_o calling_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v a_o call_v then_o and_o this_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o case_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n revel_v 1.16_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v seven_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v christ_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v the_o star_n that_o be_v his_o minister_n uphold_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n heb_n 4.12_o and_o these_o be_v effectual_a too_o the_o star_n be_v uphold_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n so_o where_o these_o be_v thus_o effectual_a there_o be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o cause_n do_v always_o prove_v the_o effect_n necessary_o where_o it_o have_v her_o work_n and_o be_v not_o resist_v now_o here_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o work_n be_v not_o resist_v therefore_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n too_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o these_o cause_n be_v there_o be_v the_o definition_n reas_n 2_o of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v joint_o the_o save_a truth_n now_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n three_o whosoever_o live_v in_o such_o a_o church_n where_o these_o reas_n 3_o cause_n be_v walk_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o be_v careful_a and_o conscionable_a to_o obey_v these_o mean_n he_o be_v certain_o save_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a whosoever_o live_v out_o of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o do_v not_o obey_v these_o mean_n ordinary_o he_o can_v be_v save_v then_o where_o these_o be_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o without_o the_o church_n ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o our_o adversary_n that_o we_o have_v principal_o to_o deal_v against_o in_o this_o case_n confess_v it_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o conserve_n it_o therefore_o we_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o on_o the_o proof_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o justify_v our_o church_n use_v 1_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n separation_n against_o the_o separation_n that_o deny_v it_o for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n because_o that_o we_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o because_o they_o be_v effectual_a yea_o and_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n if_o they_o except_v against_o we_o they_o must_v deny_v and_o say_v either_o that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n among_o we_o or_o that_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o effectual_a or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n some_o deny_v some_o of_o these_o and_o some_o deny_v all_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v we_o be_v no_o true_a church_n if_o they_o say_v we_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n discipline_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v through_o god_n mercy_n the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o minister_n and_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o church_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n among_o you_o you_o want_v discipline_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o only_o wait_v to_o see_v they_o prove_v by_o the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o they_o so_o much_o require_v answ_n and_o then_o we_o will_v receive_v they_o with_o both_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v do_v great_a thing_n second_o i_o answer_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o happy_o not_o so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a a_o church_n for_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o substance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o though_o you_o have_v the_o word_n among_o you_o call_v yet_o you_o have_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o lord_n mouth_n for_o your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_n they_o be_v not_o call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o extraordinary_a call_n we_o neither_o have_v answ_n nor_o look_v for_o but_o such_o ordinary_a call_n as_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v have_v in_o any_o church_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o same_o let_v they_o show_v we_o any_o since_o that_o time_n and_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v answerable_a to_o it_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o there_o be_v never_o any_o since_o the_o apostle_n death_n yea_o object_n but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v your_o call_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rome_n i_o
answer_v we_o have_v not_o our_o call_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o from_o other_o minister_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o we_o as_o they_o have_v answ_n this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n against_o luther_n and_o other_o minister_n that_o have_v their_o call_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n object_n it_o can_v be_v none_o against_o us._n yea_o but_o say_v they_o answ_n it_o come_v through_o their_o hand_n at_o first_o i_o answer_v that_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o many_o good_a thing_n may_v come_v through_o thief_n hand_n when_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n many_o minister_n come_v through_o their_o hand_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v we_o be_v not_o a_o true_a church_n than_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o if_o we_o have_v have_v our_o call_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v warrantable_a and_o lawful_a but_o i_o be_o sure_o we_o now_o be_v lawful_a if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o since_o the_o apostle_n death_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v no_o covenant_n make_v betwixt_o you_o and_o god_n object_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o do_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n god_n yea_o but_o you_o be_v not_o gather_v by_o the_o word_n but_o compel_v by_o a_o proclamation_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o be_v gather_v before_o in_o king_n henery_n the_o eight_o answ_n and_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o day_n so_o that_o this_o proclamation_n be_v but_o a_o restore_n of_o we_o to_o our_o former_a estate_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 30.5_o where_o the_o people_n be_v restore_v to_o religion_n by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n and_o this_o compulsion_n by_o the_o proclamation_n be_v but_o to_o the_o outward_a mean_n but_o now_o 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church_n yea_o many_o of_o themselves_o be_v convert_v here_o among_o we_o which_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o our_o warrantable_a call_n in_o that_o we_o have_v experience_n of_o christ_n that_o speak_v in_o our_o minister_n not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a in_o we_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o or_o three_o effectual_a they_o say_v it_o may_v be_v effectual_o sometime_o but_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o effectual_a i_o answer_v what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a for_o first_o we_o have_v many_o convert_v among_o we_o and_o second_o this_o be_v daily_o do_v and_o three_o by_o these_o mean_n that_o we_o have_v among_o we_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o four_a this_o be_v as_o usual_a here_o as_o in_o any_o visible_a church_n yea_o i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o our_o church_n be_v as_o fruitful_a in_o gather_v people_n and_o beget_v child_n unto_o god_n as_o ever_o any_o church_n be_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n they_o indeed_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a call_v and_o so_o a_o 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presence_n from_o among_o us._n the_o eleven_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v acquaint_v you_o already_o with_o the_o definition_n as_o also_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v as_o we_o propound_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o body_n and_o every_o body_n consist_v of_o diverse_a part_n and_o member_n frame_v and_o join_v proportionable_o together_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v exact_o know_v the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v be_v well_o instruct_v touch_v the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o member_n prove_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o body_n look_v where_o the_o member_n be_v there_o likewise_o be_v the_o body_n also_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o member_n well_o consider_v instruct_v we_o right_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o body_n be_v to_o be_v account_v sound_n or_o unsound_a according_o as_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v affect_v now_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v as_o well_o understand_v the_o head_n as_o the_o other_o part_n for_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n the_o head_n be_v as_o well_o a_o member_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n or_o else_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n beside_o the_o head_n for_o so_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a sense_n the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n be_v oppose_v against_o each_o other_o as_o they_o be_v diverse_a from_o the_o head_n and_o the_o head_n from_o they_o now_o because_o we_o desire_v to_o carry_v the_o matter_n full_o before_o we_o as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v therefore_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o this_o body_n in_o the_o general_a sense_n as_o include_v both_o head_n and_o member_n too_o first_o of_o the_o head_n head_n for_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a member_n be_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o special_o in_o this_o case_n the_o head_n be_v here_o infinite_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a than_o all_o the_o body_n beside_o and_o therefore_o first_o of_o that_o that_o which_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o point_n thing_n we_o will_v contrive_v into_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v have_v a_o head_n second_o that_o it_o must_v have_v one_o head_n three_o that_o this_o head_n be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o alone_a first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n must_v have_v a_o head_n for_o so_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n require_v it_o for_o in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n a_o headless_a body_n be_v a_o monstrous_a body_n imperfect_a without_o form_n fashion_n life_n or_o government_n second_o as_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n require_v it_o so_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o for_o the_o church_n must_v be_v endue_v with_o spiritual_a life_n therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o head_n to_o convey_v life_n into_o it_o three_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n require_v it_o for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n not_o of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n in_o all_o his_o work_n special_o in_o his_o special_a workmanship_n that_o be_v his_o church_n what_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o stone_n will_v a_o church_n be_v if_o it_o have_v not_o a_o head_n corner_n stone_n to_o hold_v all_o the_o other_o stone_n together_o every_o one_o in_o his_o due_a place_n and_o what_o a_o disorder_a assembly_n will_v the_o church_n be_v if_o the_o member_n be_v without_o a_o head_n to_o order_v it_o and_o to_o relieve_v it_o second_o as_o
the_o church_n have_v a_o head_n so_o it_o have_v but_o one_o head_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n so_o likewise_o if_o there_o be_v two_o or_o many_o head_n to_o one_o body_n it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o excess_n now_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v but_o one_o head_n three_o this_o our_o head_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o alone_a for_o see_v the_o church_n be_v his_o own_o body_n therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o head_n if_o we_o shall_v assign_v any_o other_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n body_n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o set_v upon_o it_o the_o head_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v a_o body_n against_o nature_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n and_o as_o a_o body_n with_o two_o or_o many_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n 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we_o have_v hear_v before_o first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n affirm_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v principal_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a the_o whole_a take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o so_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v here_o for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v simple_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v mean_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o some_o of_o those_o member_n that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o observation_n that_o christ_n be_v simple_o the_o head_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o because_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o second_o point_n that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a the_o universal_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n through_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o those_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o save_a truth_n in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o time_n etc._n etc._n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o mean_v chief_o and_o most_o proper_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v also_o of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n yea_o and_o of_o every_o member_n too_o that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o as_o the_o head_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o right_a side_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o left_a and_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n yet_o not_o simple_o and_o by_o way_n of_o appropriation_n but_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n and_o communication_n that_o be_v as_o be_v a_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o such_o a_o body_n so_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v indeed_o but_o one_o body_n though_o diverse_a in_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n they_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o general_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a universal_a visible_a church_n and_o also_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o that_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o communication_n as_o that_o particular_a church_n concurre_v and_o participate_v with_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n simple_o in_o itself_o christ_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o one_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v make_v many_o head_n and_o many_o body_n as_o the_o head_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o hand_n simple_o by_o itself_o but_o by_o way_n of_o concurrence_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n therefore_o when_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v understand_v it_o in_o common_a as_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o plain_a in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n for_o your_o part_n they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n and_o yet_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o be_v but_o member_n and_o in_o both_o these_o sense_n they_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n consider_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o body_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o general_a with_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n i_o note_v this_o the_o rather_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n ready_a to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o england_n and_o france_n etc._n etc._n then_o either_o there_o be_v many_o christ_n because_o there_o be_v many_o body_n or_o else_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n to_o many_o body_n both_o which_o be_v absurd_a but_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n proportionable_o that_o be_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o explication_n adaequatum_fw-la now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o only_a head_n proportionable_o of_o a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n in_o ephes_n 1.22_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n have_v appoint_v he_o over_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n i_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v principal_o and_o proper_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a body_n that_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v fit_v and_o equal_v to_o the_o head_n and_o the_o head_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o hold_v consequent_o and_o by_o proportion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o faithful_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n among_o they_o yea_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o speak_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o he_o call_v saint_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o comfort_n to_o they_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v intend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o so_o likewise_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n now_o what_o body_n be_v that_o but_o only_o that_o body_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 11._o and_o 12._o verse_n where_o his_o ministry_n be_v public_o exercise_v and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o in_o ephes_n 5.23_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n that_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a for_o the_o
apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o church_n wherein_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 26._o verse_n which_o be_v only_o in_o use_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o colos_n 1.18_o there_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n as_o we_o may_v see_v vers_fw-la 25._o which_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o these_o collection_n be_v not_o strain_v against_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o speak_v to_o the_o visible_a particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n say_v plain_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o intend_v necessary_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o it_o be_v too_o with_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n else_o revel_v 1.13_o there_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n be_v describe_v together_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v also_o the_o son_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o they_o and_o no_o question_n but_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v her_o husband_n and_o consequent_o her_o head_n for_o how_o often_o do_v god_n threaten_v to_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n show_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n even_o of_o their_o visible_a church_n then_o much_o more_o of_o our_o particular_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o christ_n proportionable_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v these_o first_o christ_n reas_n 1_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o as_o a_o inferior_a or_o a_o member_n for_o then_o some_o other_o visible_a member_n must_v be_v his_o head_n which_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n now_o what_o he_o be_v he_o be_v he_o be_v so_o then_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v so_o now_o second_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n both_o in_o heaven_n reas_n 2_o and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n colos_n 2.10_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n be_v he_o the_o head_n of_o all_o but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o very_a reason_n be_v employ_v ephes_n 1.22_o and_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n subject_a under_o his_o foot_n and_o have_v appoint_v he_o over_o all_o thing_n why_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o mean_v in_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o rule_v over_o all_o thing_n special_o over_o his_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o to_o convey_v all_o good_a thing_n to_o it_o as_o the_o head_n to_o the_o body_n reas_n 3_o three_o he_o give_v life_n to_o the_o member_n and_o hold_v all_o the_o body_n together_o col._n 2.19_o and_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n reas_n 4_o four_o the_o church_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n reas_n 5_o five_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 5.23_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o head_n to_o defend_v and_o to_o see_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a he_o be_v the_o only_a vanquisher_n of_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o he_o do_v so_o vanquish_v they_o as_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v free_v from_o satan_n and_o all_o other_o enemy_n harm_n joh._n 14.30_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o have_v naught_o in_o i_o yea_o he_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3.15_o and_o in_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v michael_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v with_o the_o dragon_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o overcome_v they_o now_o christ_n be_v this_o michael_n that_o overcom_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n reas_n 7_o seventhly_a he_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o his_o church_n therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n as_o john_n 20.22_o where_o he_o breathe_v on_o the_o apostle_n and_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 42._o but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o sanctification_n and_o inward_a grace_n as_o act._n 2.4_o &_o this_o he_o do_v for_o ever_o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o now_o it_o be_v the_o head_n that_o convey_v spirit_n and_o motion_n to_o the_o body_n therefore_o see_v every_o visible_a church_n receive_v the_o spirit_n from_o christ_n than_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o they_o reas_n 8_o eighthly_a and_o last_o he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n 5._o the_o elder_a brother_n or_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o refutation_n against_o the_o popish_a church_n for_o this_o be_v a_o main_a point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o say_v and_o have_v prove_v it_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o as_o they_o mean_v it_o it_o be_v worse_a than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o therein_o they_o affirm_v a_o double_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n church_n and_o give_v two_o main_a blow_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o be_v head_n to_o his_o church_n at_o least_o they_o take_v his_o crown_n from_o his_o head_n and_o this_o they_o do_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o for_o that_o be_v tolerable_a if_o he_o will_v content_v and_o contain_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o diocese_n neither_o will_v we_o much_o contend_v with_o he_o about_o his_o bishopric_n but_o he_o look_v high_a and_o gape_v wide_a and_o say_v like_o his_o lie_a father_n the_o devil_n all_o be_v i_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n through_o the_o world_n a_o proud_a challenge_n easy_a to_o be_v make_v but_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v maintain_v you_o see_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v christ_n due_a only_a by_o right_a to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o then_o the_o pope_n will_v be_v head_n either_o he_o must_v take_v it_o from_o christ_n against_o his_o will_n antichrist_n and_o so_o he_o be_v plain_a antichrist_n as_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v or_o else_o he_o must_v have_v it_o by_o christ_n grant_n and_o this_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o title_n but_o first_o he_o have_v it_o not_o by_o christ_n grant_n for_o christ_n never_o give_v he_o any_o such_o matter_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n this_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o he_o give_v it_o to_o peter_n 17._o and_o so_o to_o the_o pope_n i_o answer_v no_o christ_n give_v it_o not_o to_o peter_n nor_o yet_o ever_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o he_o much_o less_o to_o the_o pope_n first_o he_o give_v it_o not_o to_o peter_n for_o the_o place_n which_o they_o allege_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n serve_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o matth._n 16.19_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v speak_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o peter_n joh._n 20.23_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n where_o now_o be_v the_o headship_n of_o peter_n over_o the_o whole_a
church_n so_o that_o in_o joh._n 21._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v three_o time_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o slight_a ground_n be_v this_o to_o build_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o and_o if_o they_o ask_v then_o why_o christ_n shall_v thus_o press_v it_o upon_o peter_n so_o often_o the_o father_n answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o special_a charge_n bind_v to_o duty_n not_o any_o universal_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n press_v thrice_o upon_o he_o for_o his_o former_a threefold_a denial_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v else_o the_o charge_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o peter_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n 16.18_o matth._n 16.18_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o peter_n than_o it_o be_v either_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n or_o upon_o his_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n for_o then_o when_o he_o die_v the_o church_n must_v have_v fail_v too_o therefore_o the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o peter_n confession_n or_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o of_o that_o christ_n which_o he_o confess_v christ_n build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o confession_n etc._n etc._n peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o rock_n in_o make_v know_v the_o church_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o rock_n as_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o his_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o peter_n person_n and_o if_o it_o have_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o pope_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n as_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o leave_v his_o headship_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o none_o other_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o then_o christ_n never_o give_v peter_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n this_o headship_n second_o it_o as_o christ_n never_o do_v give_v it_o so_o he_o say_v express_o he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o to_o reign_v one_o over_o another_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v he_o so_o that_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o have_v but_o a_o conceit_n of_o superiority_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v it_o to_o any_o of_o they_o further_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o isai_n 48.11_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o and_o as_o christ_n never_o give_v this_o nor_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o so_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o wield_v or_o sway_v it_o it_o no_o more_o than_o any_o one_o temporal_a governor_n can_v rule_v all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n no_o this_o power_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o overreach_v in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n second_o christ_n they_o overreach_v as_o far_o in_o say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o head_n they_o mean_v they_o will_v say_v only_o a_o ministerial_a head_n under_o christ_n here_o be_v some_o show_n of_o modesty_n but_o ask_v they_o further_o what_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o head_n and_o then_o they_o bewray_v themselves_o for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n through_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o rule_v counsel_n to_o order_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o inflict_v other_o penalty_n upon_o offender_n yea_o whatsoever_o concern_v either_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o all_o such_o cause_n they_o say_v lie_v in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a supreme_a head_n if_o by_o head_n they_o mean_v only_o some_o chief_a governor_n the_o name_n head_n in_o that_o sense_n may_v agree_v to_o some_o one_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n in_o other_o case_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n etc._n etc._n but_o never_o in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v this_o transcendent_a power_n by_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o power_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 23.8_o 10._o how_o then_o can_v the_o pope_n determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n no_o say_v they_o for_o he_o do_v it_o but_o under_o christ_n but_o he_o do_v it_o of_o himself_o if_o the_o pope_n in_o controversy_n will_v take_v christ_n book_n and_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n therein_o and_o in_o humility_n and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v examine_v every_o cause_n and_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v do_v many_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v right_o as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o so_o honour_v his_o master_n and_o do_v good_a service_n to_o the_o church_n but_o first_o he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n but_o mingle_v with_o the_o word_n and_o use_v his_o own_o canon_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n as_o that_o he_o presume_v the_o truth_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o chair_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o any_o of_o his_o sentence_n likewise_o he_o be_v sinister_o affect_v to_o the_o truth_n frame_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o according_o he_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v second_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o former_a course_n yet_o his_o reach_n be_v not_o infinite_a he_o can_v judge_v right_o in_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o no_o one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o every_o pope_n in_o particular_a must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o he_o must_v be_v as_o christ_n be_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v do_v it_o yet_o they_o have_v fellow_n paul_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n can_v do_v this_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n be_v without_o any_o fellow_n yea_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o apostle_n own_o doctrine_n and_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v peter_n successor_n only_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n he_o take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n even_o to_o be_v christ_n &_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v very_a antichrist_n yea_o and_o he_o not_o only_o take_v upon_o he_o christ_n office_n but_o he_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o he_o also_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o except_v against_o we_o and_o say_v do_v you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o for_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o you_o yourselves_o make_v the_o king_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v how_o do_v we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v no_o but_o we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o see_v god_n religion_n maintain_v answ_n and_o to_o see_v the_o
full_a of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n may_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v carnal_a people_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o there_o be_v fornicator_n and_o one_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 1._o so_o there_o be_v depravers_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n how_o horrible_o do_v they_o abuse_v it_o 1_o cor._n 11.21_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o though_o there_o be_v such_o notorious_a offender_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o if_o you_o will_v find_v out_o false_a brethren_n you_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o the_o church_n gal._n ●_o 4_o so_o for_o heretic_n you_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o the_o church_n too_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o revel_v 2.6_o 14_o 15_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v the_o nicholaitan_o and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n there_o be_v they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o so_o for_o schismatic_n they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n too_o before_o they_o be_v separate_v 1_o cor._n 11.18_o there_o be_v dissension_n among_o they_o nay_o i_o will_v say_v further_o that_o antichrist_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o text_n intend_v he_o must_v be_v so_o 2_o thes_n 2.4_o he_o must_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n diverse_a divine_n tire_v themselves_o with_o opinion_n upon_o this_o place_n some_o say_v he_o must_v sit_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o that_o answer_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o he_o must_v sit_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o say_v other_o he_o may_v sit_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n because_o some_o faithful_a lie_n hide_v within_o it_o but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n till_o he_o be_v utter_o corrupt_a and_o full_o discover_v and_o no_o question_n but_o that_o many_o year_n after_o antichrist_n fate_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o hypocrite_n and_o castaway_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v &_o may_v be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o that_o some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v reprobate_n and_o castaway_n for_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n to_o some_o and_o to_o other_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n to_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n draw_v they_o on_o to_o profess_v and_o to_o embrace_v it_o for_o a_o while_n but_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o make_v they_o to_o give_v over_o and_o to_o fall_v away_o at_o last_o and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o they_o reas_n 2_o second_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o a_o christian_a profession_n be_v such_o that_o general_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o even_o the_o wicked_a will_v seem_v to_o be_v such_o and_o so_o they_o join_v to_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v but_o reprobate_n and_o castaway_n three_o it_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o to_o rest_v in_o shadow_n but_o leave_v the_o substance_n so_o reas_n 3_o that_o if_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n they_o rest_v in_o that_o and_o go_v no_o further_o foolish_o flatter_a themselves_o that_o all_o be_v well_o when_o as_o yet_o they_o want_v the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n and_o so_o whereas_o they_o think_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n they_o be_v in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o hell_n four_o it_o be_v from_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n reas_n 4_o he_o it_o be_v that_o sow_n the_o tare_n among_o the_o good_a corn_n matth._n 13.28_o he_o seek_v above_o all_o the_o disgrace_n and_o spoil_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o he_o know_v he_o can_v do_v more_o than_o by_o draw_v the_o member_n and_o professor_n thereof_o into_o hypocrisy_n and_o wickedness_n five_o else_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n at_o all_o unless_o reas_n 5_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n for_o he_o can_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n unless_o he_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n six_o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v only_o of_o man_n now_o reas_n 6_o man_n can_v see_v the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o if_o hypocrite_n join_v to_o the_o church_n she_o can_v disburden_v herself_o till_o she_o know_v they_o by_o their_o outward_a course_n and_o therefore_o till_o then_o she_o be_v constrain_v to_o nourish_v they_o as_o her_o own_o member_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o reprobate_n and_o castaway_n be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n seven_o it_o be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o reas_n 7_o hypocrite_n heretic_n and_o false_a brethren_n be_v among_o they_o to_o prove_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 11.19_o god_n will_v try_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o in_o his_o word_n or_o they_o in_o their_o heresy_n and_o fancy_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v among_o we_o even_o as_o the_o canaanite_n be_v leave_v among_o the_o israelite_n to_o prove_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o not_o judg._n 2.22_o and_o chap._n 3.1.12_o reas_n 8_o eighthly_a god_n goodness_n and_o readiness_n to_o all_o intendr_v to_o all_o sort_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v another_o reason_n of_o it_o matth._n 22.10_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a be_v bring_v into_o the_o wedding_n feast_n he_o will_v have_v the_o bad_a to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o tender_a of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o reprobate_n and_o castawaye_n be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n reas_n 9_o nine_o it_o be_v so_o because_o god_n will_v have_v the_o argument_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o hypocrite_n within_o his_o church_n that_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o practise_v upon_o they_o it_o may_v strike_v a_o great_a reverence_n of_o god_n into_o their_o heart_n matth._n 22.13_o 1_o cor._n 11.30_o 32._o that_o when_o the_o wicked_a be_v punish_v the_o righteous_a may_v take_v warning_n therefore_o there_o be_v reprobate_n in_o the_o church_n reas_n 10_o last_o such_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o cut_v they_o off_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 7._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o such_o must_v be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v be_v win_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v admonish_v by_o their_o example_n and_o may_v take_v heed_n by_o their_o reproach_n and_o censure_n for_o when_o the_o wicked_a be_v punish_v the_o righteous_a will_v beware_v use_v 1_o the_o first_o use_n teach_v we_o that_o if_o hypocrite_n and_o castawaye_n may_v be_v and_o oftentimes_o be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o such_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n in_o this_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v without_o hypocrite_n and_o ungodly_a man_n in_o it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v here_o in_o this_o world_n good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o tare_n be_v promiscuous_o and_o confuse_o scatter_a and_o mingle_v together_o the_o utter_a and_o thorough_a separation_n of_o they_o be_v respite_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o pass_v the_o skill_n and_o power_n of_o man_n to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o angel_n at_o christ_n direction_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n matth._n 13.39_o 40._o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o bad_a must_v be_v endeavour_v by_o we_o here_o in_o this_o life_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o separate_v but_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v all_o that_o be_v wicked_a second_o for_o those_o we_o do_v know_v it_o be_v impossible_a also_o to_o be_v quite_o separate_v from_o
they_o for_o than_o we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.10_o howsoever_o some_o heretic_n as_o the_o donatist_n have_v maintain_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v only_o of_o the_o elect_a and_o choose_v and_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v use_v the_o same_o word_n but_o the_o heretic_n mean_v it_o in_o one_o sense_n and_o our_o divine_n in_o another_o the_o heretic_n intend_v it_o as_o they_o speak_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o our_o divine_n mean_v it_o principal_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a that_o none_o but_o god_n choose_v be_v member_n thereof_o and_o when_o they_o do_v apply_v it_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o live_n abide_v and_o fruitful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o none_o be_v live_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o choose_a but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v rot_v and_o dead_a member_n too_o second_o this_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o esteem_v of_o such_o as_o use_v 2_o make_v profession_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n shall_v we_o say_v present_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o they_o as_o member_n at_o least_o by_o possession_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v be_v member_n by_o right_a too_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o who_o not_o because_o that_o though_o hypocrite_n may_v discern_v themselves_o by_o notorious_a fall_n yet_o the_o faithful_a sometime_o fall_v as_o dangerous_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v leave_v that_o to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o they_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v by_o right_a too_o this_o be_v harsh_a in_o many_o man_n ear_n but_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a and_o the_o exception_n against_o it_o be_v easy_o answer_v the_o first_o exception_n be_v this_o how_o can_v these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n i_o answer_v yes_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n to_o we_o both_o because_o they_o seem_v so_o and_o in_o charity_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v they_o so_o till_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_n yea_o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o joh._n 2.19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o us._n i_o answer_v this_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o after_o their_o fall_v away_o but_o yet_o while_o they_o abide_v with_o they_o they_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n 574._o though_o not_o by_o right_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v of_o the_o apostle_n that_o judas_n have_v obtain_v fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o be_v number_v among_o they_o beside_o diminuens_fw-la visible_a be_v additum_fw-la diminuens_fw-la that_o be_v it_o add_v not_o to_o the_o thing_n but_o diminish_v from_o the_o strict_a acceptation_n so_o that_o the_o wicked_a reprobate_n and_o castawaye_n may_v be_v of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n simple_o the_o second_o exception_n be_v this_o how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o have_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o no_o reprobate_n i_o answer_v yes_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n though_o simple_o he_o be_v neither_o head_n to_o they_o nor_o they_o member_n to_o he_o but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n proper_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o body_n and_o therefore_o proportionable_o he_o be_v reckon_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a beside_o the_o wicked_a pretend_v and_o counterfeit_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o christ_n never_o pretend_v and_o counterfeit_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o head_n and_o therefore_o though_o head_n and_o member_n be_v relative_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v member_n of_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o yet_o he_o no_o way_n pretend_v to_o be_v their_o head_n last_o he_o be_v their_o head_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v his_o member_n that_o be_v in_o the_o show_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n though_o not_o in_o he_o the_o three_o exception_n but_o how_o then_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o so_o it_o be_v call_v many_o time_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v say_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v in_o it_o second_o it_o be_v say_v so_o because_o there_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v all_o even_o the_o wicked_a to_o heaven_n three_o they_o do_v all_o outward_o profess_v to_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v repute_v till_o there_o be_v evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o four_o exception_n but_o what_o if_o all_o be_v hypocrite_n be_v that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o where_o the_o word_n be_v true_o preach_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v sincere_o profess_v second_o i_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o till_o it_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o five_o exception_n yea_o but_o you_o confess_v yourself_o that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o live_v but_o dead_a member_n and_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o a_o dead_a member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o live_a body_n i_o answer_v yes_o even_o as_o a_o rot_a branch_n of_o a_o tree_n till_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o tree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sound_a in_o revel_v 3.1_o the_o case_n be_v avouch_v in_o this_o very_a kind_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n because_o it_o have_v dead_a member_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v member_n by_o possession_n and_o by_o show_n though_o they_o be_v dead_a member_n and_o so_o by_o right_n be_v not_o member_n for_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o faithful_a three_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v rash_a to_o use_v 3_o condemn_v a_o church_n for_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n or_o no_o church_n because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o many_o hypocrite_n and_o wicked_a member_n for_o you_o see_v that_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v always_o hypocrite_n in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o church_n full_a of_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v call_v and_o do_v well_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v a_o corrupt_a and_o a_o unsound_a church_n yea_o way_n but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v some_o it_o and_o of_o it_o that_o do_v open_o 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among_o we_o we_o be_v still_o a_o true_a church_n though_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o miserable_a and_o fearful_a estate_n because_o the_o wicked_a if_o they_o be_v not_o root_v out_o will_v be_v likely_a at_o length_n to_o overthrow_v the_o church_n but_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o first_o for_o admission_n we_o receive_v none_o into_o our_o church_n that_o be_v profess_o wicked_v for_o our_o baptism_n be_v administer_v to_o none_o but_o upon_o solemn_a protestation_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o now_o because_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o our_o church_n be_v young_a therefore_o this_o promise_n
be_v not_o make_v by_o themselves_o but_o by_o surety_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n such_o surety_n as_o be_v conscionable_a and_o likewise_o the_o minister_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o consider_v and_o perform_v their_o promise_n make_v in_o baptism_n so_o than_o first_o our_o church_n admit_v none_o but_o such_o as_o make_v solemn_a protestation_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n separation_n and_o second_o whereas_o they_o allege_v that_o we_o let_v the_o wicked_a continue_v in_o our_o church_n without_o separation_n whereas_o we_o shall_v cut_v they_o off_o when_o we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n i_o answer_v we_o do_v separate_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v for_o we_o labour_v to_o have_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o also_o answ_n 1_o we_o labour_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o first_o we_o labour_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o desire_v their_o removal_n bewail_v their_o wickedness_n and_o our_o condition_n that_o live_v in_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v complain_v against_o they_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v be_v excommunicate_a and_o withal_o we_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n to_o execute_v his_o ordinance_n upon_o they_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o separate_v they_o from_o we_o and_o it_o come_v sometime_o to_o pass_v that_o many_o be_v so_o separate_v from_o we_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o church_n sin_n and_o a_o foul_a sin_n too_o yet_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o true_a be_v of_o our_o church_n second_o answ_n 2_o if_o we_o can_v get_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o yet_o we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o etc._n and_o that_o be_v the_o separation_n that_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o beat_v upon_o in_o private_a person_n as_o we_o be_v more_o conscionable_a so_o we_o do_v more_o separate_v from_o they_o from_o their_o will_n affection_n and_o course_n yea_o we_o must_v separate_v as_o much_o as_o convenient_o we_o may_v from_o their_o person_n at_o least_o from_o their_o sin_n which_o for_o our_o part_n we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a separation_n that_o the_o scripture_n intend_v yea_o but_o this_o be_v a_o secret_a separation_n say_v they_o under_o hand_n not_o open_o know_v nay_o this_o be_v a_o notorious_a and_o know_a separation_n for_o first_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o profess_v on_o our_o part_n to_o the_o move_n of_o their_o after-hatred_n and_o despite_n against_o we_o we_o disclaim_v they_o that_o be_v lewd_a swear_v and_o profane_a wretch_n and_o that_o open_o not_o care_v who_o know_v it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v know_v on_o their_o part_n they_o upbraid_v we_o therefore_o very_o reproachful_o with_o the_o name_n of_o puritan_n precision_n holy_a brethren_n and_o such_o like_a because_o we_o will_v not_o accompany_v with_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o plain_a separation_n what_o be_v i_o marvel_v then_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o wicked_a this_o therefore_o be_v a_o horrible_a slander_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o shall_v separate_v from_o they_o in_o the_o assembly_n from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n i_o answer_v rather_o the_o wicked_a shall_v separate_v from_o we_o in_o these_o thing_n where_o the_o assembly_n and_o business_n be_v naught_o in_o themselves_o separate_v as_o at_o playhouse_n and_o such_o like_a there_o the_o good_a must_v separate_v but_o where_o the_o assembly_n and_o business_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o there_o the_o bad_a must_v separate_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v good_a for_o it_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o the_o good_a must_v tarry_v and_o be_v present_a for_o it_o be_v their_o own_o right_n and_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o refuse_v god_n ordinance_n for_o the_o pollution_n of_o other_o 1_o sam._n 2.17.24_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o can_v your_o holiness_n sanctify_v they_o if_o not_o than_o your_o congregation_n be_v profane_a i_o answer_v no_o our_o holiness_n sanctify_v not_o they_o yet_o our_o holiness_n be_v true_a in_o we_o and_o open_o profess_v and_o practise_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n yea_o and_o a_o holy_a congregation_n in_o god_n acceptation_n and_o in_o the_o charitable_a estimation_n of_o our_o brethren_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o their_o filthiness_n defile_v you_o and_o your_o holy_a thing_n either_o real_o or_o at_o least_o by_o imputation_n i_o answer_v they_o defile_v these_o holy_a thing_n to_o themselves_o indeed_o numb_a 19.22_o compare_v with_o hag._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o titus_n 1.15_o but_o not_o to_o we_o so_o long_o as_o by_o faith_n we_o receive_v they_o neither_o can_v they_o defile_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o communicate_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o imputation_n galath_n 6.3.15_o the_o four_o use_n see_v wicked_a man_n and_o reprobate_n use_v 4_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n this_o may_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n to_o try_v before_o we_o trust_v be_v not_o too_o credulous_a to_o believe_v every_o show_n of_o profession_n our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n that_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o they_o be_v raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o bid_v we_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no._n and_o for_o this_o end_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o labour_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o kind_n use_v 5_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o see_v hypocrite_n and_o castaway_n may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o this_o common_a error_n that_o because_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v therefore_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v but_o take_v heed_n five_o and_o examine_v and_o be_v always_o dig_v into_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o fear_n of_o hypocrisy_n for_o though_o thou_o make_v a_o good_a profession_n as_o thou_o think_v yet_o there_o be_v that_o corruption_n in_o thy_o heart_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o rip_v up_o before_o god_n daily_o it_o will_v betray_v thou_o and_o prevail_v against_o thou_o to_o fall_v away_o as_o many_o do_v in_o these_o day_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v admonish_v we_o heb._n 3.12_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o any_o of_o we_o at_o any_o time_n a_o evil_a heart_n and_o a_o unfaithful_a to_o depart_v away_o from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o great_a and_o as_o bright_a star_n as_o thou_o be_v have_v fall_v from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v every_o one_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v not_o that_o he_o which_o do_v stand_v can_v fall_v but_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v try_v therefore_o and_o examine_v thyself_o daily_o five_o hypocrisy_n out_o of_o thy_o heart_n that_o so_o as_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o possession_n so_o by_o thy_o stand_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o sincere_a profession_n thereof_o thou_o may_v show_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n by_o right_a too_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n that_o reprobate_n and_o castaway_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v member_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o likewise_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thirteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n after_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o we_o come_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o handle_v such_o point_n as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o afford_v unto_o us._n it_o now_o we_o come_v in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v discern_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n we_o know_v that_o all_o soldier_n have_v their_o banner_n and_o colour_n under_o which_o they_o fight_v and_o so_o have_v the_o militant_a church_n the_o soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n her_o colour_n and_o banner_n to_o fight_v under_o so_o likewise_o every_o corporation_n and_o company_n have_v
of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o require_v of_o they_o both_o that_o be_v to_o that_o which_o they_o both_o require_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n 2.42_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n for_o many_o other_o be_v assign_v and_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o not_o upon_o these_o property_n afore_o mention_v for_o they_o be_v not_o essential_a nor_o better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o these_o be_v therefore_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o infallible_a mark_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n look_v into_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o business_n our_o saviour_n send_v his_o apostle_n about_o it_o be_v to_o plant_v and_o erect_v visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v do_v go_v say_v he_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n first_o they_o must_v teach_v the_o word_n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v second_o go_v and_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o though_o but_o one_o be_v name_v as_o that_o be_v of_o most_o special_a use_n for_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o plant_v church_n yet_o figurative_o the_o other_o be_v intend_v for_o so_o you_o shall_v find_v be_v their_o practice_n act._n 2.41_o 42._o where_o it_o be_v say_v not_o only_o that_o they_o do_v baptize_v but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n also_o there_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n too_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n in_o this_o for_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n part_v to_o deliver_v it_o and_o the_o people_n to_o receive_v it_o so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o what_o else_o be_v they_o to_o do_v vers_fw-la 20._o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v at_o least_o profession_n of_o obedience_n as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v let_v they_o profess_v at_o least_o that_o they_o will_v obey_v you_o else_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o and_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o your_o foot_n as_o a_o witness_n against_o they_o the_o word_n be_v so_o precise_a for_o every_o particular_a in_o the_o observation_n and_o that_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o contain_v such_o a_o absolute_a description_n of_o the_o office_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o the_o intendment_n be_v the_o erect_n and_o settle_v of_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v wheresoever_o these_o three_o be_v perform_v there_o let_v the_o world_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o from_o time_n to_o time_n wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v affirm_v in_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n to_o that_o which_o they_o do_v both_o require_v be_v the_o most_o infallible_a and_o chief_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n another_o evangelist_n report_v the_o same_o commission_n speak_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n though_o not_o in_o such_o precise_a term_n mark_n 16.15_o 16._o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n as_o before_o and_o there_o be_v profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o for_o if_o they_o believe_v they_o must_v obey_v this_o point_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o also_o betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separation_n and_o likewise_o among_o divine_n therefore_o we_o will_v see_v further_a proof_n of_o it_o there_o be_v other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o avouch_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n yet_o not_o so_o pregnant_o as_o these_o do_v joh._n 10.4_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o go_v before_o his_o sheep_n that_o be_v before_o his_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o do_v christ_n go_v before_o his_o people_n he_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o the_o word_n be_v there_o express_o name_v my_o voice_n and_o under_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v figurative_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o they_o hear_v it_o and_o follow_v he_o there_o be_v obedience_n our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o shepherd_n in_o that_o country_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o tune_v a_o voice_n to_o their_o sheep_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o know_v do_v all_o follow_n now_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o word_n and_o his_o sacrament_n be_v part_n thereof_o therefore_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n the_o answer_n be_v ready_a they_o that_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n and_o follow_v he_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o answer_n be_v where_o the_o word_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o at_o least_o profess_a to_o be_v obey_v the_o like_a speech_n be_v in_o the_o 27._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n so_o likewise_o in_o ephes_n 5.26_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n through_o the_o word_n apply_v these_o word_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o water_n that_o be_v baptism_n and_o under_o that_o sacrament_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v imply_v and_o there_o be_v profession_n of_o obedience_n for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n answerable_a unto_o these_o assertion_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n look_v into_o paradise_n gen._n 2.16_o 17._o there_o be_v the_o word_n god_n commandment_n give_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o eat_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n verse_n 9_o purposely_o to_o signify_v and_o to_o seal_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n if_o they_o do_v obey_v and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o obedience_n acknowledge_v in_o that_o they_o accept_v of_o their_o estate_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o condition_n if_o any_o doubt_n of_o this_o it_o be_v plain_o lay_v down_o gen._n ●_o 4_o where_o the_o woman_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n so_o there_o be_v their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n so_o you_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o paradise_n before_o the_o fall_n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n out_o of_o paradise_n after_o the_o fall_n gen._n 3.15_o there_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o gen._n 4.3_o 4._o there_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v cain_n and_o abel_n offer_v sacrifice_n which_o be_v representation_n of_o christ_n own_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n in_o that_o they_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n their_o father_n teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o that_o he_o teach_v both_o cain_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n for_o than_o they_o be_v both_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o here_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n profess_v to_o they_o both_o and_o so_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n likewise_o that_o in_o gen._n 9_o from_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n in_o noah_n time_n after_o the_o flood_n there_o be_v god_n covenant_n make_v with_o noah_n so_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o there_o be_v the_o bow_n set_v in_o the_o cloud_n there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o three_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n too_o for_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n which_o intend_v obedience_n on_o noah_n part_n for_o else_o how_o be_v it_o a_o covenant_n if_o it_o be_v not_o condescend_v to_o on_o both_o part_n and_o so_o also_o in_o abraham_n time_n gen._n 17_o 4_o 7.10.23_o in_o the_o 4._o and_o 7._o verse_n
god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o vers_fw-la there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n circumcision_n and_o in_o the_o 23._o verse_n there_o be_v abraham_n obedience_n he_o circumcise_a ishmael_n and_o all_o the_o male_n in_o his_o house_n so_o likewise_o when_o god_n send_v to_o gather_v his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n first_o he_o deliver_v they_o his_o word_n by_o moses_n exo._n 3.15_o and_o 6.6_o and_o he_o give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o passeover_n exo._n 12.3_o and_o in_o the_o eight_o and_o twenty_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n there_o be_v the_o people_n obedience_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v and_o do_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v moses_n and_o aaron_n even_o so_o do_v they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o law_n and_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n but_o even_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n require_v and_o receive_v of_o the_o people_n a_o precise_a promise_n of_o obedience_n even_o before_o he_o prescribe_v they_o either_o law_n or_o sacrifice_n this_o we_o may_v see_v he_o do_v exod._n 19.5.8_o god_n send_v moses_n to_o the_o people_n there_o before_o he_o deliver_v they_o his_o law_n and_o before_o he_o prescribe_v their_o sacrifice_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v or_o not_o and_o they_o say_v they_o will_v so_o that_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o people_n and_o so_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o joshua_n renew_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n jos_n 1.16.18_o redress_v the_o thing_n amiss_o and_o bring_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o passove_a and_o the_o people_n they_o promise_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n even_o as_o they_o obey_v moses_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o king_n 23.2_o 3_o 21_o 22_o 23._o when_o josiah_n restore_v the_o church_n of_o god_n first_o he_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o second_o verse_n so_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o 21._o verse_n there_o the_o king_n restore_v the_o passeover_n so_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n there_o be_v their_o obedience_n for_o the_o king_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o likewise_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n as_o you_o may_v read_v chap._n 7.8_o and_o also_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8._o &_o 9_o they_o restore_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n wherein_o they_o profess_v their_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v restore_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o then_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n and_o note_n whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o institute_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o also_o in_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o with_o a_o camp_n in_o the_o field_n who_o as_o they_o be_v gather_v at_o the_o first_o to_o their_o colour_n and_o banner_n 27._o so_o likewise_o if_o the_o camp_n be_v put_v to_o flight_n by_o the_o enemy_n the_o general_n hang_v out_o and_o display_v his_o colour_n and_o ensign_n that_o so_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v may_v gather_v to_o they_o again_o and_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o camp_n as_o before_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n church_n when_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o worst_a when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o pollute_v he_o display_v the_o ensign_n and_o banner_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o so_o whosoever_o be_v fall_v away_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n again_o and_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o fight_v under_o god_n banner_n as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v before_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a testament_n that_o these_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o pattern_n or_o example_n only_o in_o two_o church_n and_o by_o they_o you_o may_v esteem_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.14_o 41_o 42._o in_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v peter_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o in_o verse_n 41._o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o in_o verse_n 42._o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n under_o the_o name_n of_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n for_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o second_o pattern_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o corinth_n 1.13_o there_o be_v baptism_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o corinth_n 11.23_o there_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o chap._n 15.1_o there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o also_o their_o obedience_n for_o the_o apostle_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o receive_v and_o continue_v in_o so_o that_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o principal_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o where_o these_o be_v the_o word_n true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o they_o do_v both_o require_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n the_o ancient_a father_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o in_o effect_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n 29_o but_o there_o must_v be_v obedience_n to_o they_o both_o for_o that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o and_o indeed_o even_o the_o papist_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n do_v grant_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o clear_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v these_o first_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n of_o it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o can_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n and_o also_o the_o sign_n and_o mark_n too_o yes_o very_o well_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o sunshine_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n as_o also_o the_o infallible_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o day_n and_o so_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n must_v needs_o also_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o infallible_a sign_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o reas_n 2_o second_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o be_v always_o find_v wheresoever_o a_o church_n be_v plant_v or_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v continue_v or_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v restore_v but_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v find_v in_o all_o these_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o first_o plant_n math._n 28.19_o and_o in_o the_o continue_n act._n 2.41_o 42._o and_o in_o the_o restore_n as_o ioshua_n and_o iosiah_n time_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o reas_n 3_o three_o wheresoever_o moses_n be_v teach_v and_o obey_v with_o his_o ceremony_n there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n where_o the_o alcoran_n be_v teach_v and_o mahomet_n observe_v there_o be_v a_o church_n of_o mahometan_n so_o likewise_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v teach_v and_o his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o obedience_n yield_v to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n four_o where_o there_o be_v good_a wheat_n sow_v and_o thrive_v and_o come_v up_o in_o the_o blade_n be_v not_o that_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n so_o likewise_o where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v not_o this_o a_o true_a church_n not_o that_o profession_n only_o make_v a_o true_a church_n but_o because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o can_v be_v but_o whereas_o these_o be_v there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v sincere_o profess_v five_o be_v not_o she_o a_o right_n
the_o true_a church_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v be_v heretic_n last_o for_o unity_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v no_o note_n unless_o it_o be_v unity_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o still_o all_o their_o note_n run_v upon_o this_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v our_o note_n for_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n sure_o by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o so_o that_o their_o note_n of_o antiquity_n succession_n multitude_n and_o unity_n or_o consent_n come_v in_o but_o to_o second_v that_o prove_v by_o these_o that_o therefore_o she_o be_v so_o still_o because_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o that_o she_o can_v err_v do_v they_o not_o labour_v by_o all_o might_n and_o main_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o word_n that_o so_o their_o church_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v catholic_a so_o that_o still_o they_o justify_v their_o church_n by_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v as_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a witness_n to_o justify_v any_o church_n by_o also_o if_o a_o heresy_n arise_v how_o do_v they_o disprove_v it_o but_o by_o the_o word_n principal_o so_o that_o still_o the_o word_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o shift_n and_o for_o contention-sake_n they_o profess_v be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a of_o a_o catholic_a or_o heretical_a church_n yea_o they_o themselves_o put_v these_o very_a thing_n into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v 188._o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n and_o that_o chief_o as_o bellarmine_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n we_o that_o have_v these_o mark_n be_v more_o certain_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o they_o that_o have_v any_o other_o mark_n whatsoever_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o these_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confirmation_n to_o we_o that_o our_o stand_n be_v good_a in_o this_o church_n because_o we_o have_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n we_o must_v pray_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o have_v the_o word_n as_o true_o and_o sincere_o preach_v in_o our_o church_n as_o in_o any_o church_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v miscarry_v by_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o garment_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o it_o hurt_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o so_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o do_v not_o profess_v obedience_n but_o rather_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v profess_v true_o and_o sincere_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o stand_n but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o let_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o these_o good_a mean_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o they_o lest_o god_n take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o give_v they_o to_o other_o that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_v whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v the_o fourteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a first_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o memher_n of_o it_o four_a of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o five_o place_n according_a to_o the_o order_n set_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o it_o follow_v orderly_o government_n for_o when_o we_o have_v see_v what_o this_o church_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v and_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o it_o be_v discern_v from_o all_o other_o company_n than_o it_o follow_v orderly_o to_o know_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o government_n this_o church_n have_v first_o whether_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o and_o second_o if_o it_o have_v any_o to_o know_v what_o government_n this_o be_v that_o be_v the_o point_n than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o 459._o church_n government_n a_o point_n in_o my_o judgement_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o exact_o look_v into_o and_o precise_o stand_v upon_o now_o as_o heretofore_o but_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o many_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v rise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o that_o be_v clamorous_a humourous_a and_o perverse_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o state_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o howsoever_o they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n as_o some_o have_v many_o fayling_n and_o sore_a blemish_n in_o their_o government_n yet_o all_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v in_o these_o respect_v i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o point_n of_o religion_n not_o fundamental_a so_o necessary_a to_o be_v thorough_o seek_v into_o and_o advise_o and_o due_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o handle_v that_o which_o i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v concern_v this_o point_n i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n first_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v and_o that_o have_v happen_v by_o this_o question_n of_o church-government_n second_o i_o will_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n three_o i_o will_v show_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o precise_a rule_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o government_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o resolve_v i_o in_o these_o point_n resolve_v i_o of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v speak_v concern_v church-government_n church-government_n we_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o god_n church_n hereby_o infinite_a be_v the_o evil_n which_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n have_v occasional_o breed_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v occasional_o not_o of_o itself_o for_o the_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o natural_o can_v yield_v no_o such_o bad_a fruit_n but_o occasional_o as_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o bring_v forth_o such_o bad_a effect_n the_o fault_n be_v partly_o in_o the_o governor_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o govern_v first_o the_o governor_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a contemn_v their_o inferior_n strive_v with_o equal_n aspire_v to_o the_o high_a place_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o papal_a government_n and_o some_o token_n of_o bad_a governor_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o as_o covetous_a give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n abuse_v their_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o own_o private_a gain_n negligent_a and_o careless_a like_a gallio_n in_o the_o act_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n second_o there_o be_v fault_n in_o those_o 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as_o by_o his_o direction_n be_v establish_v we_o be_v free_a indeed_o from_o sin_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o we_o be_v free_a from_o satan_n that_o he_o can_v condemn_v we_o and_o we_o have_v a_o freedom_n from_o the_o law_n that_o we_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v still_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o law_n command_v and_o so_o to_o obey_v our_o governor_n and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o outward_a government_n only_o we_o be_v free_a from_o they_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v lord_n over_o that_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o we_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o ourselves_o we_o need_v not_o any_o ruler_n a_o proud_a allegation_n from_o a_o presumptuous_a spirit_n who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o have_v make_v any_o trial_n of_o his_o heart_n for_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o be_v guilty_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v dull_a and_o backward_a and_o needs_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n and_o censure_n and_o all_o too_o little_a to_o keep_v he_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o obedience_n the_o humble_a soul_n feel_v such_o a_o rebelliousnesse_n within_o itself_o that_o it_o cry_v out_o not_o to_o god_n only_o but_o to_o man_n too_o o_o i_o be_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n i_o pray_v you_o look_v to_o i_o watch_v over_o i_o reprove_v i_o exhort_v i_o censure_v i_o terrify_v i_o with_o shame_n and_o punishment_n for_o my_o sin_n for_o my_o rebellious_a heart_n must_v be_v so_o bridle_v or_o else_o it_o will_v break_v forth_o outrageous_o into_o sin_n we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o rom._n 7._o that_o he_o be_v sell_v under_o sin_n therefore_o this_o come_v from_o a_o proud_a spirit_n in_o they_o to_o say_v they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o government_n because_o they_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o we_o see_v the_o inconvenience_n that_o it_o breed_v in_o particular_a man_n what_o will_v the_o inconvenience_n be_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n if_o it_o be_v suffer_v in_o general_n sure_o much_o more_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n so_o will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a government_n every_o man_n will_v do_v what_o he_o lift_v second_o it_o reprove_v those_o that_o hold_v church-government_n use_v 2_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o think_v it_o no_o great_a matter_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o or_o not_o it_o may_v be_v or_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v they_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n may_v do_v well_o enough_o but_o these_o be_v sufficient_o disprove_v by_o the_o former_a inconvenience_n that_o follow_v where_o no_o government_n be_v and_o have_v this_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o will_v never_o have_v take_v such_o precise_a order_n for_o it_o in_o every_o church_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n that_o maintain_v this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o in_o 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for_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v true_a without_o the_o outward_a and_o so_o discipline_n be_v rather_o a_o appurtenance_n to_o god_n kingdom_n than_o the_o kingdom_n itself_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o god_n church_n may_v be_v without_o discipline_n though_o it_o can_v be_v well_o nor_o long_a without_o it_o where_o outward_a government_n be_v want_v the_o church_n may_v be_v defective_a and_o maim_a yea_o half_a dead_a in_o outward_a show_n at_o least_o and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n still_o ye●_n but_o be_v not_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n part_n of_o the_o outward_a government_n and_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ●herefore_o some_o part_n of_o the_o outward_a government_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o themselves_o but_o by_o accident_n because_o they_o 〈…〉_z to_o the_o inward_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o this_o and_o beside_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o themselves_o but_o rather_o the_o carriage_n and_o manner_n of_o use_v of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o outward_a government_n last_o i_o answer_v they_o be_v simple_o necessary_a as_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o gather_v of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o outward_a government_n as_o moses_n his_o message_n and_o gather_v of_o the_o israelite_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o thing_n his_o govern_n of_o they_o another_o so_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o both_o these_o respect_n and_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o gather_v the_o church_n they_o be_v simple_o necessary_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o govern_v of_o it_o so_o
that_o outward_a government_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o use_v 4_o four_o see_v there_o be_v a_o outward_a government_n necessary_a in_o god_n church_n for_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o then_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v content_a with_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v for_o though_o it_o concern_v not_o our_o life_n yet_o it_o concern_v our_o health_n though_o it_o concern_v not_o the_o be_v yet_o it_o concern_v the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o his_o place_n both_o those_o that_o govern_v that_o they_o govern_v according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o those_o that_o obey_v that_o they_o obey_v according_a to_o god_n word_n 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sober_o understand_v it_o may_v agree_v to_o a_o particular_a but_o never_o to_o the_o general_a church_n over_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_v it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o fifteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v already_o enter_v into_o the_o business_n concern_v church_n government_n in_o handle_v whereof_o we_o propound_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o discourse_v upon_o first_o of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasional_o bring_v forth_o in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o three_o former_a we_o have_v already_o hear_v now_o we_o be_v as_o god_n shall_v enable_v we_o word_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-governement_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o every_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o such_o a_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v behooveful_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o use_n to_o have_v a_o long_a desire_n after_o it_o he_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v where_o it_o be_v be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o he_o may_v come_v by_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v your_o pure_a mind_n in_o this_o case_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church-government_n you_o have_v see_v also_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o you_o will_v cast_v about_o to_o see_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o your_o desire_n i_o will_v propound_v it_o here_o by_o way_n of_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n in_o every_o particular_a to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o it_o be_v find_v any_o where_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o must_v have_v god_n own_o warrant_n and_o ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n but_o in_o his_o word_n second_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o church_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n it_o must_v be_v fashion_v to_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o who_o be_v to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o house_n but_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n and_o who_o shall_v prescribe_v order_n for_o this_o house_n the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o this_o house_n and_o we_o can_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o god_n spirit_n reveal_v god_n mind_n only_o by_o god_n word_n therefore_o we_o must_v do_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o all_o other_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n in_o religion_n fly_v to_o the_o golden_a rule_n isai_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o god_n word_n must_v be_v consult_v withal_o and_o what_o that_o faith_n must_v be_v embrace_v if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n in_o it_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a and_o no_o light_n be_v in_o we_o at_o all_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v second_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n they_o testify_v of_o i_o not_o only_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n who_o or_o what_o he_o be_v but_o of_o his_o mind_n what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o all_o our_o course_n position_n now_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o what_o order_n it_o take_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v true_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o these_o two_o position_n first_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n as_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n how_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o second_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o set_v particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n thereby_o how_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o every_o particular_a ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o two_o position_n be_v well_o understand_v do_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o point_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o contradiction_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n the_o other_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v only_o in_o show_v a_o contradiction_n and_o be_v easy_o reconcile_v by_o this_o distinction_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o general_a another_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a the_o affirmative_a position_n say_v that_o it_o be_v whole_o set_v down_o there_o in_o the_o general_a and_o partly_o in_o the_o particular_a the_o negative_a say_v it_o be_v not_o there_o whole_o in_o every_o particular_a these_o position_n i_o purpose_v to_o deliver_v by_o way_n of_o observation_n that_o so_o i_o may_v speak_v the_o more_o plentiful_o upon_o they_o observation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o your_o understanding_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v this_o namely_o doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-goverment_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v this_o doctrine_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o god_n matth._n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o first_o we_o must_v here_o presuppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o have_v teach_v before_o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o have_v also_o before_o show_v and_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o christ_n give_v it_o in_o charge_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o they_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v only_o but_o by_o write_v too_o for_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o write_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o even_o in_o their_o write_n at_o least_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v
be_v do_v but_o there_o be_v general_n from_o which_o and_o some_o particular_n by_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v and_o measure_v that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o reas_n 2_o second_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o unfit_a fit_a for_o every_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n have_v their_o several_a state_n and_o custom_n and_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o be_v not_o decent_a in_o another_o that_o which_o will_v stand_v with_o some_o civil_a government_n may_v not_o stand_v with_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unfit_a to_o impose_v the_o same_o particular_n on_o the_o church_n in_o every_o several_a government_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o decent_a thing_n in_o some_o church_n to_o wear_v long_a hair_n in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o in_o some_o church_n it_o be_v decent_a to_o have_v the_o head_n cover_v when_o they_o prophesy_v in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o where_o its_o decent_a it_o may_v be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a it_o may_v not_o be_v do_v so_o that_o decency_n be_v hold_v still_o in_o the_o general_a though_o that_o the_o particular_n fail_v and_o differ_v as_o far_o as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n reas_n 3_o three_o some_o thing_n we_o have_v &_o must_v have_v in_o our_o church_n government_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o church_n government_n &_o that_o by_o right_a from_o god_n who_o dare_v deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v that_o the_o same_o particular_n shall_v be_v in_o all_o church_n and_o so_o no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o word_n in_o every_o particular_a whereunto_o all_o church_n be_v to_o conform_v reas_n 4_o last_o some_o thing_n they_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o practice_n act._n 6.1_o and_o there_o be_v commandment_n about_o it_o too_o as_o well_o as_o about_o other_o office_n as_o widow_n 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n require_v in_o any_o reform_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v and_o stay_v ourselves_o and_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n at_o rest_n from_o seek_v after_o such_o a_o particular_a precise_a and_o necessary_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o case_n in_o god_n word_n it_o be_v but_o vain_a labour_n let_v we_o never_o think_v to_o find_v it_o for_o the_o general_a we_o may_v and_o for_o many_o particular_n but_o for_o every_o particular_a we_o may_v not_o how_o many_o excellent_a wit_n have_v even_o tire_v themselves_o out_o in_o this_o business_n how_o long_o and_o how_o grievous_o have_v many_o learned_a and_o holy_a man_n vex_v themselves_o about_o this_o question_n and_o yet_o can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o some_o press_v more_o particular_n than_o other_o as_o that_o the_o chief_a governor_n be_v but_o for_o a_o year_n or_o by_o turn_n etc._n etc._n yea_o how_o have_v some_o and_o how_o do_v some_o to_o this_o day_n wrest_v scripture_n lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o god_n own_o holy_a book_n sometime_o put_v out_o somewhat_o as_o timothy_n bishopric_n in_o the_o postscript_n to_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n so_o sometime_o they_o put_v in_o though_o not_o into_o the_o text_n yet_o cunning_o they_o add_v it_o as_o in_o eph._n 4.11_o where_o it_o be_v say_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n they_o say_v and_o some_o pastor_n and_o some_o teacher_n to_o make_v they_o a_o diverse_a office_n so_o likewise_o they_o misinterpret_v as_o in_o phil._n 1.1_o where_o they_o will_v have_v bishop_n to_o signify_v lay-elder_n a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o that_o they_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o so_o they_o be_v exceed_o unconscionable_a in_o handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o business_n object_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o conceit_n of_o government_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o we_o as_o well_o provide_v for_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v first_o answ_n that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o particular_a national_n church_n and_o so_o may_v the_o better_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o particular_a second_o i_o answer_v that_o some_o particular_n be_v not_o prescribe_v by_o they_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n among_o they_o in_o every_o respect_n be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n know_v by_o any_o and_o yet_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n where_o this_o be_v record_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o profess_v i_o can_v by_o all_o my_o poor_a endeavour_n and_o small_a read_n come_v to_o any_o full_a understanding_n in_o every_o particular_a of_o that_o government_n neither_o can_v i_o ever_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o that_o can_v and_o so_o likewise_o i_o profess_v for_o matter_n of_o church-government_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o all_o my_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n i_o can_v never_o see_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o the_o general_a substance_n it_o be_v and_o for_o some_o particular_n enough_o to_o receive_v some_o good_a direction_n for_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a i_o can_v never_o see_v it_o use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n and_o reproof_n of_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v their_o particular_a government_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o condemn_v all_o other_o as_o first_o the_o papist_n they_o allege_v this_o that_o their_o government_n be_v god_n ordinance_n for_o christ_n say_v they_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n mind_v to_o erect_v one_o universal_a head_n over_o all_o as_o his_o substitute_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o his_o beck_n and_o government_n first_o he_o erect_v it_o in_o peter_n and_o from_o he_o it_o come_v to_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o contiene_fw-fr for_fw-mi ever_o and_o therefore_o say_v they_o whosoever_o be_v not_o under_o this_o head_n be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n church_n but_o of_o all_o opposition_n to_o this_o observation_n this_o have_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o opposite_n have_v least_o colour_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o of_o all_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v both_o most_o direct_o against_o it_o first_o for_o precept_n look_v in_o luk._n 22.25.26_o the_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n reign_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v our_o saviour_n precept_n direct_o against_o it_o and_o so_o for_o example_n look_v in_o act._n 15.13_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o james_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n moderate_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o give_v sentence_n in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o which_o peter_n shall_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n beside_o what_o mean_v paul_n to_o write_v to_o rome_n and_o to_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n and_o other_o church_n and_o to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o they_o if_o peter_n have_v be_v head_n it_o have_v be_v his_o office_n and_o he_o must_v have_v perform_v it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v dead_a why_o do_v not_o his_o successor_n do_v it_o likewise_o when_o commandment_n come_v from_o heaven_n for_o reformation_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n why_o be_v they_o not_o reveal_v to_o peter_n or_o he_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o pope_n his_o successor_n but_o that_o they_o must_v be_v reveal_v to_o john_n in_o pathmos_n if_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o epistle_n shall_v have_v be_v send_v by_o he_o or_o at_o least_o by_o john_n from_o he_o so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n for_o their_o government_n last_o this_o reprove_v those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o say_v that_o their_o government_n and_o their_o ruler_n which_o they_o require_v be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o endure_v for_o ever_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o furnish_v in_o every_o particular_a for_o first_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v diverse_a or_o if_o they_o be_v so_o than_o second_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n three_o whether_o of_o necessity_n all_o these_o must_v be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n so_o
that_o it_o do_v not_o suffice_v that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n where_o most_o need_n be_v and_o last_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o government_n they_o speak_v nothing_o of_o he_o neither_o do_v they_o interpret_v any_o of_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o ruler_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n though_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o err_v in_o these_o particular_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n which_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v to_o observe_v as_o prescribe_v to_o it_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n the_o sixteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v propound_v five_o principal_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v upon_o touch_v church-government_n as_o namely_o first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasion_v in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n rule_n in_o god_n word_n for_o it_o and_o last_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n i_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o four_o former_a as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o church-government_n now_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o five_o namely_o that_o if_o god_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o prescript_n form_n in_o his_o word_n for_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o resolution_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v former_o speak_v for_o whereas_o every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v her_o particular_a government_n and_o the_o word_n have_v not_o prescribe_v any_o one_o set_a form_n for_o all_o church_n to_o observe_v in_o every_o particular_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o observation_n of_o the_o former_a lecture_n therefore_o every_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o general_a form_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o oft_o as_o necessity_n require_v must_v make_v the_o best_a supply_n and_o provision_n for_o themselves_o herein_o that_o they_o can_v howbeit_o because_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o first_o observation_n of_o the_o former_a lecture_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o licentious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o as_o if_o they_o may_v ordain_v and_o do_v what_o they_o list_v but_o they_o must_v careful_o see_v that_o whatsoever_o provision_n they_o make_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o those_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n which_o the_o word_n afford_v i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o here_o to_o define_v what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n what_o not_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n too_o curious_a for_o i_o and_o too_o tedious_a for_o you_o that_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o enquiry_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n every_o one_o for_o itself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v the_o church_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o special_a use_n for_o this_o purpose_n both_o to_o instruct_v the_o church_n what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o what_o be_v not_o as_o also_o to_o help_v and_o direct_v they_o what_o to_o take_v and_o what_o to_o leave_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o case_n of_o government_n wherein_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o particular_a warrant_n for_o each_o particular_a case_n from_o the_o word_n yet_o because_o i_o will_v fain_o inform_v you_o thorough_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a to_o know_v i_o will_v god_n will_v enlarge_v my_o discourse_n far_o than_o i_o think_v to_o have_v do_v and_o labour_n to_o rip_v it_o up_o from_o the_o very_a bottom_n principal_n the_o whole_a form_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o conceive_v consist_v of_o three_o principal_n or_o pillar_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o first_o of_o some_o action_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n second_o of_o some_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o three_o of_o some_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o these_o person_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o action_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o once_o you_o can_v tell_v these_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n second_o by_o who_o it_o must_v be_v do_v and_o three_o how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n and_o with_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v you_o may_v sit_v down_o well_o satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o this_o point_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o all_o these_o point_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n either_o to_o be_v too_o intricate_a or_o too_o tedious_a too_o intricate_a if_o i_o shall_v handle_v they_o joint_o all_o together_o or_o too_o tedious_a if_o i_o shall_v frame_v a_o several_a discourse_n for_o each_o particular_a by_o itself_o to_o prevent_v both_o i_o will_v first_o propound_v they_o all_o in_o a_o general_a view_n by_o themselves_o and_o then_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_a duty_n fit_v they_o with_o their_o officer_n and_o law_n that_o so_o any_o man_n of_o understanding_n may_v learn_v thereby_o to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n first_o principal_a we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o duty_n or_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n haply_o i_o shall_v not_o touch_v they_o all_o but_o i_o will_v labour_v to_o touch_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a and_o those_o to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v refer_v the_o principal_a duty_n be_v these_o first_o order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n second_o there_o must_v be_v election_n of_o officer_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v three_o duty_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v careful_o and_o religious_o practise_v four_o censure_n and_o proceed_n against_o offender_n must_v be_v execute_v five_o order_n must_v be_v take_v for_o call_v public_a assembly_n last_o order_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o oversight_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o order_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n i_o join_v and_o couch_v all_o these_o together_o because_o there_o be_v a_o most_o near_o and_o necessary_a league_n and_o affinity_n betwixt_o they_o 137._o for_o as_o the_o word_n be_v to_o beget_v faith_n so_o the_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n and_o pledge_n accompany_v it_o for_o the_o more_o palpable_a assurance_n of_o ou●_n increase_v in_o it_o and_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o they_o both_o that_o they_o may_v be_v effectual_a and_o powerful_a for_o edification_n first_o for_o the_o word_n order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o it_o may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n first_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v extant_a and_o how_o must_v they_o be_v extant_a sure_o in_o their_o own_o original_a language_n because_o if_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o the_o translation_n we_o may_v run_v to_o the_o original_a so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o original_a language_n and_o in_o what_o copy_n sure_o the_o best_a that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o what_o then_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v these_o language_n they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o nation_n who_o language_n be_v not_o the_o mother-tongue_n what_o must_v be_v do_v then_o sure_o we_o must_v get_v the_o most_o faithful_a and_o best_a translation_n that_o be_v and_o when_o they_o be_v get_v what_o must_v the_o church_n see_v to_o be_v do_v with_o they_o first_o some_o of_o these_o copy_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o a_o safe_a and_o secret_a place_n that_o if_o desolation_n shall_v come_v yet_o the_o write_a word_n may_v be_v preserve_v so_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n 2_o chron._n 34.14_o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n own_o hand_n be_v find_v in_o a_o secret_a place_n where_o no_o doubt_n it_o have_v be_v lay_v up_o by_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o be_v preserve_v from_o that_o common_a havoc_n which_o be_v in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o some_o copy_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o safe_a and_o secret_a place_n yea_o but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o extant_a
in_o place_n of_o public_a and_o religious_a assembly_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n luk._n 4.16_o 17._o where_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o temple_n there_o be_v a_o book_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n deliver_v to_o he_o so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v extant_a in_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o how_o must_v they_o be_v extant_a there_o not_o as_o dumb_a show_n but_o as_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v read_v open_o so_o be_v the_o case_n act._n 13.27_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o must_v be_v preach_v too_o that_o be_v conscionable_o expound_v and_o apply_v so_o you_o may_v read_v act._n 13.15_o that_o there_o be_v lecture_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n say_v that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n they_o shall_v say_v on_o and_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n charge_n mark_n 16.15_o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v believe_v without_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n rom._n 10.14_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n they_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o as_o the_o word_n must_v be_v teach_v so_o it_o must_v be_v hear_v understand_v and_o obey_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v luk._n 11.28_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n colos_n 3.16_o say_v let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o plenteous_o he_o use_v a_o very_a elegant_a speech_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v let_v it_o not_o come_v as_o a_o stranger_n to_o tarry_v with_o you_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o let_v it_o dwell_v with_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o must_v be_v hear_v and_o obey_v so_o it_o must_v be_v diligent_o confer_v upon_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n act._n 17.11_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o paul_n teach_v they_o so_o there_o must_v be_v care_v have_v for_o the_o word_n we_o see_v second_o there_o must_v be_v care_n have_v for_o the_o sacrament_n first_o that_o they_o be_v use_v and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n institute_v and_o second_o that_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v administer_v they_o so_o it_o be_v command_v matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n enjoin_v and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o there_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o appear_v in_o both_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o by_o name_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o that_o first_o epistle_n i_o 11._o v._n 25._o where_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v not_o only_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o but_o in_o some_o measure_n the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o also_o last_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n that_o must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n that_o prayer_n must_v be_v public_o make_v in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o i_o exhort_v that_o first_o of_o all_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o intend_v it_o of_o public_a prayer_n and_o exhort_v to_o it_o as_o to_o a_o chief_a duty_n i_o exhort_v that_o first_o of_o all_o prayer_n be_v make_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.16_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v answerable_a to_o this_o act._n 1.14_o after_o christ_n assension_n they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n so_o you_o see_v how_o that_o in_o well-governed_n church_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o use_v we_o have_v a_o example_n for_o all_o these_o together_o act._n 2_o 41_o 42._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o which_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n here_o many_o good_a and_o profitable_a observation_n may_v be_v have_v but_o they_o be_v here_o only_o handle_v as_o by_o the_o way_n and_o we_o have_v handle_v some_o of_o they_o before_o in_o the_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o they_o rest_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o instance_n when_o we_o come_v to_o they_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n that_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n 120._o the_o second_o point_n be_v election_n of_o officer_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o occasion_n require_v this_o must_v be_v have_v too_o for_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v necessary_o require_v a_o officer_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o the_o duty_n be_v of_o sundry_a kind_n so_o must_v the_o officer_n be_v too_o that_o manage_v they_o else_o there_o will_v be_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o none_o must_v intrude_v or_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o such_o place_n of_o their_o own_o head_n for_o that_o be_v intolerable_a presumption_n heb._n 5.4_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o unless_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n as_o aaron_n be_v there_o be_v no_o warrant_n of_o conscience_n either_o in_o they_o that_o thus_o intrude_v to_o execute_v such_o office_n nor_o in_o other_o to_o obey_v nor_o no_o hope_n of_o blessing_n by_o either_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v election_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v a_o lawful_a assignment_n of_o such_o man_n to_o such_o office_n when_o a_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o first_o duty_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n as_o act._n 14.23_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o election_n and_o so_o in_o titus_n 1.5_o titus_n be_v leave_v in_o crete_n when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n again_o as_o there_o must_v be_v election_n of_o officer_n when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v so_o there_o must_v be_v election_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o officer_n when_o any_o be_v displace_v either_o by_o death_n or_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n other_o must_v be_v place_v in_o their_o room_n by_o election_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n when_o judas_n be_v fall_v away_o they_o fall_v to_o election_n by_o lot_n for_o another_o to_o supply_v his_o room_n act._n 1.21_o again_o when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v increase_v and_o when_o by_o multitude_n of_o business_n those_o that_o be_v officer_n have_v as_o much_o already_o to_o do_v as_o they_o can_v turn_v their_o hand_n to_o other_z officer_n be_v to_o be_v add_v by_o election_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n act._n 6.2_o 3._o when_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n grow_v there_o be_v a_o murmur_a because_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n now_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_a matter_n in_o hand_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unmeet_a for_o they_o to_o tend_v to_o it_o therefore_o say_v they_o choose_v you_o out_o seven_o man_n from_o among_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v increase_v and_o that_o moses_n know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v exod._n 18.21_o 22._o jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n give_v he_o counsel_n to_o choose_v other_o officer_n to_o assist_v he_o and_o so_o he_o do_v so_o that_o election_n of_o officer_n be_v a_o needful_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o must_v be_v do_v in_o regard_n of_o all_o officer_n so_o especial_o there_o must_v be_v election_n of_o minister_n such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o they_o have_v the_o chief_a business_n to_o deal_v in_o and_o their_o election_n consist_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n ordination_n and_o assignation_n to_o some_o particular_a place_n first_o ordination_n that_o be_v a_o action_n whereby_o man_n be_v separate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o
whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v before_o as_o in_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o some_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v do_v lawful_o now_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v before_o but_o not_o lawful_o as_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n these_o depend_v upon_o lawful_a ordination_n such_o a_o ordination_n we_o find_v act._n 13.2_o 3._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v separate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o not_o assign_v to_o any_o one_o particular_a place_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 4.4_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o timothy_n despise_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o company_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o ordination_n before_o he_o come_v to_o be_v assign_v to_o a_o particular_a place_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o certain_a charge_n till_o he_o come_v to_o ephesus_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v as_o of_o a_o thing_n do_v before_o that_o be_v for_o ordination_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o they_o to_o some_o particular_a place_n where_o they_o may_v exercise_v their_o gift_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n whereby_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a reference_n betwixt_o the_o minister_n and_o those_o who_o he_o be_v set_v over_o he_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o they_o be_v his_o flock_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n that_o he_o may_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v ordain_v they_o and_o appoint_v they_o in_o every_o city_n for_o both_o these_o usual_o do_v and_o shall_v go_v together_o that_o be_v ordination_n and_o appointment_n to_o some_o particular_a place_n special_o among_o we_o though_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v minister_n at_o large_a but_o this_o be_v not_o good_a among_o we_o we_o have_v no_o such_o large_a commission_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o we_o must_v have_v reference_n to_o a_o certain_a people_n and_o to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o so_o act._n 14.23_o they_o ordain_v elder_n by_o election_n in_o every_o church_n there_o they_o do_v ordain_v minister_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o sure_o whatsoever_o be_v right_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n the_o lord_n himself_o acknowledge_v for_o his_o own_o handy_a work_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n i_o speak_v all_o this_o while_n of_o the_o outward_a call_n only_o for_o that_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o inward_a be_v mere_o and_o immediate_o from_o god_n the_o church_n be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o inward_a too_o by_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o by_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n herein_o whether_o they_o find_v that_o god_n spirit_n have_v make_v they_o willing_a and_o able_a for_o the_o ministry_n but_o to_o confer_v it_o on_o they_o they_o can_v so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n election_n of_o officer_n do_v the_o three_o point_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n next_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n the_o duty_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v perform_v and_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o speak_v not_o so_o much_o of_o spiritual_a duty_n of_o charity_n concern_v spiritual_a distress_n as_o to_o comfort_v the_o wound_a conscience_n to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a to_o have_v compassion_n on_o our_o brethren_n infirmity_n but_o chief_o of_o outward_a bodily_a charity_n which_o concern_v the_o outward_a state_n of_o our_o brethren_n as_o first_o the_o sick_a must_v be_v visit_v second_o the_o dead_a must_v be_v bu●ied_v three_o the_o needy_a must_v be_v relieve_v four_a the_o minister_n must_v be_v maintain_v in_o these_o four_o consist_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n first_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o be_v visit_v the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o this_o in_o jam._n 5.14_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a let_v they_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o must_v not_o be_v do_v for_o fashion_n sake_n after_o a_o civil_a manner_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n after_o a_o religious_a and_o christian_a manner_n we_o must_v pray_v with_o they_o and_o for_o they_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o for_o a_o speedy_a and_o comfortable_a end_n we_o must_v offer_v our_o service_n to_o they_o for_o any_o good_a office_n in_o that_o necessity_n we_o must_v comfort_v and_o encourage_v they_o against_o the_o terror_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n we_o must_v stir_v they_o up_o to_o put_v their_o house_n especial_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n thus_o we_o must_v labour_v every_o way_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o dissolution_n thus_o we_o must_v visit_v the_o sick_a second_o the_o dead_a be_v to_o be_v bury_v this_o be_v commend_v for_o a_o good_a work_n of_o mercy_n by_o christ_n own_a word_n mark_n 14.6_o 8._o when_o the_o woman_n pour_v the_o box_n of_o ointment_n on_o his_o head_n some_o murmur_v at_o it_o but_o our_o saviour_n say_v she_o have_v wrought_v a_o good_a work_n on_o i_o for_o she_o be_v come_v aforehand_o to_o anoint_v my_o body_n to_o the_o burial_n so_o he_o approve_v burial_n for_o a_o good_a work_n and_o see_v that_o sepulcher_n and_o burial_n be_v monument_n of_o our_o resurrection_n for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o true_a use_n of_o they_o among_o the_o faithful_a where_o shall_v this_o be_v practise_v more_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o the_o resurrection_n be_v most_o and_o best_o teach_v and_o believe_v three_o the_o needy_a be_v to_o be_v relieve_v the_o naked_a must_v be_v clothe_v the_o hungry_a must_v be_v feed_v etc._n etc._n and_o this_o duty_n consist_v of_o two_o branch_n collection_n and_o distribution_n first_o there_o must_v be_v collection_n so_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o that_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n every_o man_n must_v put_v aside_o something_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o saint_n than_o it_o must_v be_v collect_v and_o gather_v and_o so_o much_o put_v into_o the_o treasury_n and_o that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o treasury_n in_o mark_n 12.45_o to_o put_v in_o that_o which_o be_v collect_v second_o there_o must_v be_v distribution_n as_o rom._n 12.8_o he_o that_o distribute_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n and_o vers_fw-la 13._o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n heb._n 13.16_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o distribute_v forget_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v either_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o other_o and_o that_o not_o to_o their_o own_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o other_o too_o if_o they_o want_v and_o these_o abound_v rom._n 12.26_o so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v collect_v must_v not_o be_v keep_v but_o after_o collection_n there_o must_v be_v distribution_n and_o in_o these_o two_o office_n consist_v the_o relieve_n of_o the_o needy_a the_o four_o duty_n of_o mercy_n be_v this_o the_o minister_n must_v be_v manifest_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o he_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n where_o at_o least_o double_a honour_n be_v take_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o by_o that_o which_o follow_v where_o he_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o mussel_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v forth_o the_o corn_n and_o this_o must_v not_o be_v do_v with_o a_o spare_a hand_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n command_v it_o in_o galat._n 6.6_o let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n make_v he_o that_o have_v teach_v he_o partaker_n of_o all_o his_o good_n let_v he_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o love_n only_o but_o even_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n too_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 9.11_o sheweth_z that_o in_o reason_n if_o they_o minister_v to_o we_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n if_o they_o reap_v our_o carnal_a thing_n it_o be_v true_a that_o rather_o than_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v burdensome_a to_o
the_o church_n he_o be_v to_o labour_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o satisfy_v his_o necessity_n but_o yet_o when_o there_o be_v a_o competent_a state_n in_o the_o people_n they_o be_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o labour_n and_o of_o their_o estate_n to_o relieve_v his_o want_n as_o the_o philippian_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n phil._n 4.10_o 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v for_o the_o care_n which_o they_o have_v in_o minister_a to_o he_o and_o sure_o the_o people_n lose_v nothing_o by_o this_o for_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v thus_o provide_v for_o they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o their_o calling_n without_o let_v to_o study_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n whereas_o else_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o it_o will_v be_v with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o cruel_a taskmaster_n in_o egypt_n they_o must_v be_v seek_v straw_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v brick_n to_o build_v withal_o they_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o the_o pelf_n of_o this_o world_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v building_n god_n house_n and_o they_o that_o neglect_v this_o duty_n be_v empty_a of_o all_o religion_n both_o for_o piety_n to_o god_n who_o minister_n they_o be_v and_o for_o charity_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o brethren_n because_o they_o do_v not_o strain_v themselves_o to_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o such_o as_o by_o god_n ordinance_n they_o be_v most_o bind_v unto_o and_o which_o do_v spend_v themselves_o and_o their_o time_n for_o other_o good_a and_o salvation_n so_o much_o of_o the_o three_o point_n for_o duty_n and_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n the_o four_o point_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n the_o proceed_n against_o offender_n for_o see_v in_o all_o church_n there_o be_v still_o some_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o some_o course_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v take_v against_o they_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v disburden_v either_o of_o their_o person_n or_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v precise_a order_n for_o this_o matter_n matth._n 18.15_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n charge_v this_o duty_n on_o the_o thessalonian_n with_o great_a authority_n 2_o thess_n 3.6_o we_o warn_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o he_o be_v grievous_o offend_v with_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v according_o with_o all_o severity_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 55._o and_o the_o reason_n for_o such_o proceed_n be_v very_o weighty_a this_o first_o no_o government_n i_o say_v not_o only_o can_v be_v good_a but_o can_v stand_v where_o malefactor_n be_v not_o punish_v much_o less_o can_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n where_o sin_n be_v special_o to_o be_v hate_v prevent_v and_o suppress_v second_o where_o know_a sin_n be_v not_o punish_v there_o the_o state_n and_o government_n be_v repute_v accessary_a to_o that_o sin_n now_o what_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o to_o god_n religion_n and_o church_n to_o be_v account_v favourer_n or_o sparer_n of_o any_o sin_n which_o they_o must_v be_v if_o offender_n be_v not_o punish_v three_o offender_n must_v be_v punish_v else_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o infect_v the_o whole_a congregation_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a l●mpe_n therefore_o the_o old_a and_o sour_a leaven_n be_v to_o be_v purge_v forth_o four_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o offendor_n himself_o censure_n must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v thereby_o destroy_v and_o his_o soul_n save_v and_o so_o god_n mercy_n glorify_v in_o the_o convert_n a_o penitent_a sinner_n by_o his_o save_a ordinance_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o but_o if_o he_o continue_v obstinate_a his_o punishment_n here_o be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o torment_a state_n in_o hell_n and_o the_o decreee_v of_o god_n reprobation_n be_v begin_v to_o be_v execute_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v in_o judgement_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o his_o enemy_n now_o these_o proceed_n consist_v in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o church_n be_v merciful_a even_o as_o their_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a they_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v and_o therefore_o they_o attempt_v all_o mean_n of_o cure_n first_o before_o they_o proceed_v in_o cut_v off_o this_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v just_a too_o as_o god_n their_o father_n be_v just_a and_o therefore_o when_o gracious_a and_o mild_a mean_n do_v not_o prevail_v they_o proceed_v to_o rough_a course_n first_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v private_a admonition_n betwixt_o he_o and_o thou_o or_o two_o or_o three_o more_o so_o our_o saviour_n command_v matth._n 18.15_o 16._o second_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v complaint_n must_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n as_o in_o vers_n 17._o which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o note_v out_o by_o letter_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o in_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o three_o consequent_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n separate_v from_o he_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o that_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o and_o this_o be_v it_o also_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.9_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o company_n with_o fornicator_n this_o be_v a_o suspending_a of_o they_o for_o a_o time_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o from_o communion_n in_o holy_a thing_n till_o the_o church_n have_v trial_n whether_o thereby_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n four_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v what_o must_v be_v do_v then_o why_o if_o they_o can_v cure_v they_o must_v cut_v off_o he_o must_v be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n indeed_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n ratify_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o whosoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n yet_o so_o too_o that_o upon_o his_o repentance_n they_o can_v and_o must_v and_o do_v most_o willing_o loose_v they_o from_o those_o band_n of_o satan_n wherein_o they_o wrap_v he_o before_o this_o be_v a_o most_o serious_a and_o weighty_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o how_o grievous_o it_o be_v both_o neglect_v and_o abuse_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o any_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o execute_v these_o censure_n shall_v yet_o neglect_v they_o these_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v or_o cast_v off_o the_o obstinate_a when_o imprisonment_n and_o all_o other_o way_n will_v not_o serve_v so_o also_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v inflict_v they_o deride_v it_o and_o make_v but_o a_o jest_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o the_o further_o from_o heaven_n for_o all_o that_o and_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v never_o near_o it_o well_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o abuse_n it_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o precious_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v dally_v in_o nor_o base_o esteem_v yea_o it_o be_v god_n own_o work_n and_o do_v where_o it_o be_v lawful_o proceed_v in_o and_o it_o be_v ratify_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o where_o it_o be_v abuse_v god_n will_v be_v avenge_v on_o the_o abuser_n to_o the_o full_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o curse_v causeless_a as_o solomon_n speak_v be_v like_o the_o fly_n of_o a_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n it_o leave_v no_o impression_n behind_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n god_n deride_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v their_o fearful_a sin_n that_o inflict_v it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v just_o suffer_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a stroke_n that_o can_v light_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o life_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o that_o only_o deprive_v we_o of_o temporal_a life_n this_o of_o eternal_a life_n a_o wound_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o they_o that_o have_v ●el●_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o this_o for_o a_o man_n sometime_o in_o that_o case_n can_v pray_v for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o can_v pray_v for_o himself_o yet_o he_o may_v and_o must_v and_o be_v pray_v for_o by_o the_o congregation_n these_o be_v neither_o in_o case_n
this_o that_o if_o we_o can_v reform_v and_o redress_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o than_o we_o must_v make_v open_a protestation_n against_o their_o fail_n ●s_v the_o apostle_n do_v 1_o cor._n 5.6_o with_o sharp_a denuntiation_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o they_o if_o they_o reform_v not_o so_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v 2_o 5._o that_o if_o she_o will_v not_o repent_v he_o will_v come_v against_o she_o short_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n in_o the_o sixteen_o verse_n repent_v thyself_o or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n so_o if_o i_o live_v in_o a_o church_n that_o will_v not_o reform_v the_o thing_n amiss_o if_o my_o place_n afford_v it_o i_o i_o will_v make_v open_a protestation_n against_o they_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o prevail_v i_o will_v sharp_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o and_o so_o i_o shall_v have_v peace_n in_o discharge_v my_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o last_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n namely_o oversight_n the_o seventeen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o show_v you_o in_o the_o last_o exercise_n that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o three_o principle_n first_o of_o some_o action_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n second_o of_o some_o officer_n or_o person_n that_o must_v do_v they_o three_o of_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n whereby_o those_o person_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o do_v those_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o namely_o duty_n of_o the_o action_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o in_o the_o last_o exercise_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o point_n as_o god_n shall_v assist_v we_o namely_o of_o the_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n for_o every_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n do_v of_o necessity_n require_v some_o person_n or_o officer_n for_o to_o perform_v it_o now_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o present_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o first_o a_o man_n must_v be_v a_o member_n and_o afterward_o as_o his_o fitness_n be_v he_o be_v to_o be_v make_v a_o officer_n neither_o yet_o be_v every_o officer_n to_o manage_v every_o duty_n but_o several_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v match_v with_o several_a officer_n and_o every_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o particular_a duty_n which_o he_o be_v appoint_v unto_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o quest_n who_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n or_o officer_n these_o be_v my_o answer_n be_v twofold_a answ_n 1_o general_o first_o i_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o these_o officer_n must_v have_v two_o thing_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n fit_a for_o such_o office_n gift_n second_o they_o must_v be_v appoint_v to_o such_o office_n by_o the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n fit_a for_o such_o office_n for_o such_o be_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v diverse_a administration_n that_o be_v to_o say_v duty_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n so_o proportionable_o he_o have_v give_v diverse_a gift_n that_o be_v enablement_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o such_o duty_n and_o these_o gift_n he_o have_v not_o heap_v up_o all_o together_o upon_o one_o man_n for_o one_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o receive_v they_o all_o at_o least_o not_o to_o use_v and_o wield_v they_o all_o but_o have_v distribute_v some_o to_o one_o man_n and_o some_o unto_o another_o to_o every_o one_o several_o as_o himself_o please_v so_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o matter_n very_o plain_o and_o pithy_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o to_o the_o eleven_o verse_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o administration_n gift_n and_o office_n and_o say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n distribute_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_n and_o these_o three_o have_v both_o a_o mutual_a correspondency_n too_o and_o a_o dependency_n in_o nature_n with_o each_o other_o and_o be_v inseparable_o join_v together_o administration_n require_v gift_n gift_n require_v officer_n and_o officer_n require_v administration_n yea_o administration_n require_v not_o gift_n only_o wherewith_o but_o officer_n also_o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v and_o gift_n require_v not_o officer_n alone_o by_o who_o but_o administration_n also_o whereupon_o they_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o officer_n require_v not_o only_a administration_n which_o they_o be_v to_o execute_v but_o gift_n also_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o execute_v they_o administration_n without_o answerable_a gift_n and_o officer_n be_v but_o dead_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o life_n in_o they_o gift_n without_o officer_n and_o administration_n answerable_a be_v idle_a thing_n there_o be_v no_o profit_n in_o they_o and_o so_o officer_n without_o administration_n and_o gift_n be_v mere_a shadow_n and_o show_v no_o truth_n nor_o substance_n be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o these_o three_o be_v inseparable_o join_v together_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o whatsoever_o duty_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v to_o succeed_v happy_o still_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o match_v that_o duty_n with_o gift_n and_o officer_n according_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o twenty_o five_o and_o twenty_o six_o and_o so_o to_o the_o thirty_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la there_o be_v a_o tabernacle_n to_o be_v build_v and_o a_o altar_n and_o a_o ark_n to_o be_v make_v here_o be_v the_o administration_n then_o look_v in_o the_o 31._o chapter_n second_o and_o three_o verse_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o there_o be_v present_o gift_n and_o officer_n fit_v thereto_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n there_o be_v bezaleel_n who_o god_n have_v call_v by_o name_n for_o that_o work_n and_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n there_o be_v gift_n too_o who_o i_o have_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o in_o matth._n 9.37_o and_o chap._n 10.1_o 2._o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 37._o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o harvest_n be_v great_a etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o administration_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n the_o first_o and_o second_o verse_n there_o be_v gift_n and_o office_n suit_v thereto_o for_o christ_n call_v his_o disciple_n and_o give_v they_o gift_n for_o this_o purpose_n that_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o point_n second_o office_n they_o must_v lawful_o be_v appoint_v to_o such_o office_n by_o the_o authority_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v tit._n 1.5_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o titus_n that_o he_o leave_v he_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o say_v he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n of_o himself_o but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o paul_n in_o that_o place_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o wheresoever_o a_o officer_n be_v thrust_v on_o a_o people_n against_o or_o beside_o their_o order_n or_o custom_n it_o breed_v in_o the_o people_n discontent_n against_o he_o and_o make_v that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o service_n be_v well_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o what_o if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o the_o government_n and_o order_n be_v corrupt_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v for_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o in_o all_o place_n officer_n may_v be_v make_v after_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a manner_n but_o when_o we_o live_v in_o place_n where_o we_o can_v be_v serve_v with_o the_o best_a and_o fine_a we_o must_v be_v serve_v with_o courser_n we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o than_o the_o place_n will_v yield_v therefore_o if_o a_o officer_n be_v appoint_v after_o the_o usual_a order_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n though_o somewhat_o corrupt_a if_o withal_o he_o be_v qualify_v with_o some_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n this_o suffice_v to_o make_v he_o a_o lawful_a officer_n to_o they_o and_o so_o he_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v and_o esteem_v and_o that_o these_o two_o be_v most_o necessary_a as_o none_o be_v a_o lawful_a officer_n ordinary_o that_o have_v not_o both_o and_o most_o sufficient_a as_o that_o whosoever_o have_v these_o be_v a_o lawful_a officer_n appear_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o that_o which_o a_o man_n be_v lawful_o seize_v on_o he_o must_v have_v both_o
peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o other_o minister_n to_o administer_v it_o which_o we_o bless_v etc._n etc._n the_o three_o duty_n be_v prayer_n act._n 6.4_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.16_o there_o the_o manner_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n accompany_v he_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o say_v amen_n the_o four_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v that_o they_o be_v a_o example_n to_o their_o flock_n of_o holiness_n in_o life_n so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o elder_n to_o who_o he_o write_v 1_o pet._n 5.3_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o tim_n 4.12_o the_o five_o duty_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a so_o it_o be_v intend_v james_n 5.14_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n their_o six_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n both_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v for_o that_o also_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o joh._n 20.23_o be_v say_v also_o to_o all_o true_a minister_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o all_o in_o the_o ministry_n and_o none_o else_o the_o seven_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v care_n over_o the_o poor_a i_o urge_v it_o not_o so_o much_o that_o they_o shall_v distribute_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o that_o be_v needful_a too_o where_o great_a occasion_n be_v not_o hinder_v by_o it_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n all_o be_v bring_v and_o lay_v at_o their_o foot_n and_o they_o do_v distribute_v it_o till_o they_o have_v great_a business_n in_o hand_n but_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o see_v it_o perform_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n both_o collection_n and_o distribution_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o eight_o and_o last_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v continual_o resident_a and_o attendant_n over_o their_o charge_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n the_o very_a name_n overseer_n intend_v so_o much_o that_o they_o must_v be_v continual_o resident_a over_o the_o flock_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o they_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o visit_v and_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v act._n 15.36_o and_o they_o do_v long_o to_o be_v with_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 1.11_o and_o when_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o it_o they_o bewail_v it_o as_o satan_n work_n therein_o so_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o thes_n 2.8_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o come_v themselves_o they_o supply_v their_o bodily_a absence_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o deputy_n as_o also_o by_o letter_n but_o no_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v thus_o excuse_v himself_o but_o they_o be_v continual_o bind_v to_o be_v resident_a and_o the_o danger_n be_v exceed_o great_a when_o the_o pastor_n be_v absent_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 15.12_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v absent_a some_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n that_o teach_v error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o among_o we_o be_v too_o apparent_a and_o lamentable_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o those_o in_o authority_n may_v force_v they_o that_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o charge_n to_o be_v resident_a upon_o it_o so_o much_o for_o presbyter_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o come_v to_o doctor_n doctor_n i_o find_v the_o word_n use_v in_o ephes_n 4.11_o and_o we_o expound_v it_o teacher_n which_o have_v two_o signification_n first_o i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o teach_v the_o word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n second_o sometime_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o instruct_v scholar_n special_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o after_o in_o other_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o some_o ancient_a writer_n the_o question_n concern_v doctor_n be_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n this_o whether_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n as_o a_o several_a officer_n from_o the_o pastor_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o i_o say_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o doctor_n be_v necessary_a in_o both_o sense_n general_o in_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n as_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n he_o be_v necessary_a in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n yea_o and_o further_o i_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o congregation_n a_o doctor_n in_o who_o be_v the_o word_n o●_n knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o pastor_n in_o who_o be_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mislike_v but_o that_o this_o must_v be_v so_o of_o necessity_n that_o we_o deny_v for_o howsoever_o the_o gift_n be_v diverse_a the_o doctor_n to_o teach_v and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n the_o pastor_n to_o apply_v it_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v and_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o scripture_n that_o teach_v and_o preach_v concur_v together_o in_o the_o same_o officer_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o matth._n 9.35_o that_o he_o go_v about_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 15.35_o that_o they_o continue_v preach_v and_o teach_v at_o antioch_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6.2_o require_v this_o in_o timothy_n that_o he_o teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o this_o be_v general_o require_v of_o all_o preach_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o that_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o teach_v and_o apply_v and_o every_o minister_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o a_o doctor_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n howsoever_o than_o they_o be_v diverse_a gift_n yet_o common_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o that_o which_o they_o allege_v eph._n 4.11_o make_v direct_o against_o they_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n there_o have_v mean_v to_o have_v make_v they_o diverse_a office_n he●_n will_v have_v disjoin_v they_o with_o the_o same_o note_n of_o difference_n as_o he_o do_v the_o other_o and_o have_v say_v and_o some_o pastor_n and_o some_o teacher_n but_o in_o that_o he_o conjoin_v they_o together_o and_o say_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n he_o make_v they_o to_o be_v as_o one_o now_o we_o come_v in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o govern_v elder_n elder_n i_o find_v governor_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o also_o ruler_n rom._n 12.8_o and_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o be_v of_o necessary_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o minister_n must_v be_v endue_v with_o it_o they_o must_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n too_o for_o the_o church_n even_o in_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ministry_n as_o in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o that_o this_o must_v be_v mean_v direct_o of_o some_o that_o must_v of_o necessity_n rule_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n beside_o the_o minister_n i_o can_v see_v special_o see_v they_o ascribe_v to_o these_o ruler_n a_o hand_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o therefore_o appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o limit_v by_o christ_n only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v impart_v to_o other_o without_o their_o open_a wrong_n i_o will_v deliver_v my_o judgement_n brief_o and_o free_o in_o this_o case_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o at_o all_o or_o if_o there_o be_v such_o they_o be_v only_o by_o practice_n not_o by_o institution_n or_o if_o they_o be_v by_o institution_n yet_o they_o be_v for_o that_o present_a dispensation_n and_o not_o perpetual_a or_o last_o if_o they_o be_v perpetual_a yet_o our_o church_n be_v not_o destitute_a in_o that_o case_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o at_o all_o for_o first_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v their_o elder_n
may_v live_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o under_o they_o in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n not_o only_o in_o civil_a honesty_n as_o they_o be_v magistrate_n but_o in_o all_o goodness_n too_o as_o they_o be_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o be_v countenance_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o where_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o though_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o sure_o these_o officer_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v speak_v of_o ro._n 12.8_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o in_o all_o good_a consideration_n be_v to_o reach_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o second_o question_n concern_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v consist_v wherein_o his_o office_n consist_v i_o answer_v it_o consist_v chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oversight_n the_o last_o duty_n we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a exercise_n general_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o scarce_o of_o proof_n for_o this_o point_n because_o there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o it_o be_v abundant_o supply_v in_o the_o old_a and_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o you_o shall_v find_v then_o that_o his_o office_n consist_v special_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o oversight_n but_o the_o particular_n wherein_o his_o office_n consist_v be_v these_o first_o in_o call_v assembly_n second_o in_o abolish_n false_a worship_n thing_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o in_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o their_o maintenance_n four_a in_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n last_o in_o appoint_v consistory_n you_o shall_v find_v these_o thing_n perform_v by_o asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 15._o and_o in_o the_o 29._o and_o 30._o and_o 34._o and_o 35._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n first_o for_o call_v of_o assembly_n that_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o king_n as_o in_o jonah_n 3.7_o and_o second_o for_o abolish_n of_o false_a worship_n we_o see_v it_o be_v perform_v by_o moses_n the_o chief_a magistrate_n exod._n 32.20_o as_o also_o by_o king_n asa_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n 15.12_o 13_o and_o 14._o verse_n and_o for_o establish_v god_n true_a worship_n it_o be_v do_v by_o josiah_n in_o the_o 2_o king_n 23.2_o 3._o and_o by_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.3_o 4_o 5._o and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o judge_n 6._o from_o the_o 23._o to_o the_o 26._o verse_n we_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o perform_v by_o gedeon_n and_o three_o for_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o their_o maintenance_n we_o may_v read_v how_o it_o be_v do_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o 2_o chro._n 8.14_o 15._o and_o by_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o and_o chap._n 31.4_o and_o 16._o and_o 17._o verse_n and_o by_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 35.2_o and_o by_o nehemiah_n chap._n 13.11_o 12._o verse_n and_o four_a for_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v do_v by_o hezekiah_n in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 30._o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o six_o verse_n and_o josiah_n compel_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 34.33_o and_o so_o asa_n do_v the_o like_a 2_o chron._n 15.13_o and_o last_o for_o the_o appoint_v and_o last_o for_o the_o appoint_v consistory_n you_o shall_v read_v in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19.8_o how_o it_o be_v do_v by_o jehosaphat_n and_o command_v by_o god_n deut._n 17.8_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o show_v how_o god_n do_v grace_v his_o church_n in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o sword_n to_o maintain_v the_o word_n and_o prince_n that_o be_v the_o shield_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o shield_n of_o his_o church_n and_o king_n and_o great_a potentate_n to_o be_v her_o servant_n use_v 2_o second_o this_o serve_v for_o the_o reproof_n first_o of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o under_o the_o minister_n these_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o they_o rob_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o their_o chief_a grace_n and_o great_a part_n of_o authority_n and_o also_o they_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o her_o best_a defence_n under_o god_n on_o earth_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o any_o church_n in_o these_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v add_v somewhat_o express_o and_o particular_o touch_v the_o magistrate_n too_o use_v 3_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n towards_o we_o that_o we_o live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sword_n go_v together_o that_o the_o church_n flourish_v and_o her_o enemy_n go_v to_o wrack_n that_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v might_o advance_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_a and_o full_a passage_n this_o we_o be_v to_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o care_n and_o continual_a supply_n of_o such_o magistrate_n and_o also_o we_o be_v to_o mourn_v and_o bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o such_o hopeful_a successor_n and_o heir_n when_o we_o see_v the_o breath_n take_v out_o of_o their_o nostril_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o breath_n of_o our_o nostril_n this_o we_o be_v every_o one_o to_o mourn_v and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o by_o fast_v and_o by_o prayer_n if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o public_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v it_o private_o for_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a judgement_n and_o a_o fearful_a token_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v not_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o fear_v some_o more_o heavy_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n to_o befall_v us._n the_o eighteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n after_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n touch_v the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church-government_n we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n where_o we_o show_v first_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o second_o what_o they_o be_v by_o name_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n that_o these_o person_n and_o officer_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o point_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o action_n and_o duty_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o first_o point_n that_o be_v the_o point_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o business_n to_o be_v do_v do_v necessary_o require_v certain_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o and_o sure_o direct_v god_n business_n require_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v do_v but_o as_o they_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o so_o the_o carriage_n must_v be_v good_a too_o they_o must_v be_v well_o do_v the_o lord_n be_v very_o precise_a and_o jealous_a over_o his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v give_v express_a commandment_n that_o they_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o so_o also_o he_o have_v prescribe_v certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v proceed_v in_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n command_v neglect_v the_o direction_n prescribe_v for_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o be_v like_o saul_n obedience_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v disobedience_n at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v but_o half_a obedience_n the_o lord_n accept_v it_o not_o for_o our_o sound_n and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o when_o we_o do_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o when_o we_o do_v it_o as_o he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o that_o in_o exod._n 39.42_o 43._o where_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v commend_v because_o they_o do_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n command_v they_o and_o in_o every_o point_n as_o he_o command_v they_o head_n now_o the_o rule_n here_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v well_o do_v be_v many_o for_o order_n and_o plainness_n sake_n we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o warrant_n must_v be_v good_a by_o which_o they_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o second_o the_o manner_n must_v be_v good_a whereby_o they_o be_v carry_v three_o the_o end_n must_v be_v good_a which_o we_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o these_o person_n and_o
officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n must_v have_v a_o good_a warrant_n the_o best_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a true_a and_o sound_a warrant_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o word_n for_o see_v he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v instrument_n and_o servant_n under_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o their_o place_n first_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v into_o careful_o and_o diligent_o second_o we_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n both_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o also_o for_o willing_a conformablenesse_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v right_o consult_v and_o walk_v with_o god_n when_o we_o have_v take_v advice_n from_o his_o word_n for_o every_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v a_o comfortable_a answer_n from_o he_o in_o prayer_n for_o encouragement_n therein_o and_o do_v so_o proceed_v in_o it_o because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o as_o every_o creature_n so_o every_o business_n we_o go_v about_o be_v true_o sanctify_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o be_v when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o a_o warrant_n for_o it_o and_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o it_o warrant_v here_o therefore_o in_o god_n word_n first_o we_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n for_o the_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o at_o least_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o doer_n that_o he_o or_o they_o be_v authorise_v at_o least_o allow_v by_o god_n to_o deal_v in_o it_o three_o a_o warrant_n must_v be_v have_v hence_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n that_o it_o be_v command_v or_o at_o least_o permit_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n the_o matter_n we_o be_v now_o to_o insist_v on_o be_v the_o warrant_n for_o the_o caution_n condition_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o principal_a either_o a_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n or_o second_o a_o inferior_a warrant_n of_o a_o low_a degree_n derive_v from_o it_o the_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o either_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n or_o example_n by_o way_n of_o precept_n and_o that_o be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_a each_o precise_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o bind_v law_n example_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o as_o the_o word_n commend_v they_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a extraordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o certain_a time_n place_n and_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n of_o mathias_n by_o lot_n act._n 1._o and_o these_o end_v where_o they_o begin_v and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v propound_v as_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n ordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v common_o practise_v as_o gather_v for_o the_o saint_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 16.1_o that_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n so_o he_o ordain_v among_o they_o also_o etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o where_o there_o be_v like_o occasion_n second_o the_o warrant_n from_o a_o inferior_a or_o low_a degree_n warrant_n as_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o principal_a these_o be_v young_a in_o year_n as_o not_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o some_o near_a age_n after_o and_o mean_a in_o authority_n as_o be_v ratify_v by_o man_n not_o so_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o these_o also_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n first_o precept_n and_o they_o be_v common_o call_v tradition_n or_o constitution_n i_o mean_v not_o tradition_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a but_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a church_n government_n and_o these_o may_v more_o safe_o be_v deal_v withal_o second_o example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v either_o general_o ratify_v by_o all_o or_o the_o most_o church_n or_o else_o but_o by_o some_o one_o or_o few_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a or_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a now_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n must_v have_v ground_n from_o one_o or_o both_o these_o warrant_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o must_v have_v warrant_n from_o the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a warrant_n therefore_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n look_v special_o into_o the_o principal_a warrant_n which_o be_v the_o word_n if_o so_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a precept_n for_o it_o then_o that_o must_v be_v do_v as_o the_o lord_n commandment_n without_o any_o further_o communicate_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o but_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v general_a as_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n etc._n etc._n make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o such_o particular_n only_o as_o natural_o proceed_v from_o thence_o be_v inform_v by_o sound_a consequence_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o scripture_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o example_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o precept_n be_v of_o because_o those_o be_v absolute_o to_o be_v embrace_v yet_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o fashion_v ourselves_o unto_o always_o observe_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o time_n place_n person_n occasion_n and_o such_o other_o necessary_a circumstance_n for_o to_o apply_v that_o to_o one_o church_n in_o one_o state_n and_o at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v in_o another_o church_n in_o another_o state_n and_o at_o another_o time_n be_v absurd_a well_o then_o if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o principal_a warrant_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o god_n word_n then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o inferior_a warrant_n we_o must_v see_v what_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o writer_n that_o have_v speak_v of_o church-government_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o of_o these_o we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a if_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n by_o constitution_n or_o practice_n but_o in_o the_o late_a and_o corrupt_a time_n i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n now_o be_v may_v as_o well_o devise_v particular_n of_o their_o own_o as_o follow_v they_o yea_o and_o better_o so_o long_o as_o they_o measure_v their_o particular_n fit_o and_o wise_o by_o those_o in_o the_o word_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o precedent_n in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v safe_a enough_o to_o build_v on_o they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o misapplyed_n nor_o mistake_v i_o speak_v still_o of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n not_o of_o faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v many_o constitution_n and_o example_n in_o those_o church_n and_o some_o differ_v from_o other_o take_v the_o best_a that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v near_a to_o the_o word_n and_o have_v best_a precedent_n of_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o such_o as_o that_o their_o condition_n &_o state_n may_v best_o agree_v with_o we_o this_o point_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n some_o have_v go_v too_o far_o in_o esteem_v too_o high_o of_o it_o some_o have_v come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o it_o first_o some_o esteem_n too_o high_o of_o these_o impious_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o word_n whereas_o there_o be_v two_o main_a difference_n first_o because_o those_o in_o the_o word_n be_v certain_o true_a we_o know_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n second_o as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o so_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n first_o haply_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v at_o least_o in_o those_o time_n and_o by_o those_o person_n for_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o thing_n not_o true_a or_o second_o yet_o they_o may_v err_v for_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n other_o come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a they_o esteem_v
no_o more_o of_o a_o ancient_a church_n than_o of_o one_o that_o have_v be_v within_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n let_v we_o take_v the_o mean_a betwixt_o both_o these_o embrace_v they_o reverent_o where_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n in_o those_o case_n if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o better_a and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o warrant_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o general_a head_n rule_n the_o manner_n whereby_o they_o must_v be_v carry_v that_o must_v be_v good_a too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o warrant_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v for_o many_o time_n good_a thing_n be_v mar_v by_o ill_a handle_n therefore_o that_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v not_o be_v mar_v with_o ill_a handle_n observe_v touch_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o they_o these_o rule_n first_o that_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o material_a duty_n be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o second_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n three_o that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o trouble_v four_a that_o whosoever_o have_v any_o right_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v not_o contemn_v or_o restrain_v of_o their_o right_n last_o these_o duty_n must_v be_v so_o carry_v so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v as_o best_o fit_v the_o civil_a government_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o be_v that_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o material_a duty_n must_v be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o and_o they_o be_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n these_o must_v be_v first_o look_v to_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v this_o course_n he_o first_o provide_v for_o these_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o act._n 2.37_o 38_o etc._n etc._n first_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 15.3_o first_o of_o all_o say_v he_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o that_o which_o i_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n first_o he_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o for_o these_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n therefore_o these_o must_v be_v first_o lay_v else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o build_n second_o these_o be_v the_o gatherer_n of_o god_n choose_v if_o they_o have_v not_o these_o none_o can_v be_v convert_v at_o all_o three_o these_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o where_o these_o be_v find_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o it_o be_v careful_o look_v into_o will_v prevent_v much_o ignorance_n and_o dissension_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n many_o there_o be_v that_o nuzzle_v the_o people_n up_o in_o ceremony_n only_o and_o go_v no_o further_o as_o the_o popish_a church_n this_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o horrible_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n rest_v there_o and_o think_v they_o have_v religion_n enough_o if_o they_o observe_v such_o and_o such_o ceremony_n and_o so_o be_v careless_a of_o true_a growth_n in_o christianity_n by_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n these_o be_v pharisaical_a course_n to_o tithe_v mint_n and_o annise_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23.23_o other_o beat_v first_o and_o chief_o on_o discipline_n and_o will_v have_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o teach_v a_o preposterous_a zeal_n which_o wrought_v much_o dissension_n as_o by_o lamentable_a experience_n we_o may_v see_v in_o our_o church_n for_o this_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n that_o many_o have_v separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o that_o many_o live_v discontent_n in_o it_o not_o be_v first_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o principal_a first_o faith_n and_o repentance_n must_v be_v teach_v and_o afterward_o church-government_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v rule_n all_o must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n for_o so_o be_v the_o express_a rule_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o first_o then_o decency_n be_v require_v in_o church-government_n this_o be_v require_v in_o civil_a and_o natural_a duty_n and_o therefore_o in_o christian_a and_o religious_a duty_n it_o be_v require_v much_o more_o now_o this_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o for_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o place_n may_v be_v uncomely_a in_o another_o that_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v decent_a in_o any_o place_n decent_a which_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n civility_n and_o god_n word_n have_v make_v decent_a as_o for_o example_n prophesy_v with_o the_o hat_n on_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n undecent_a 1_o cor._n 11.4_o but_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n make_v decent_a by_o custom_n they_o be_v in_o god_n stead_n to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n they_o think_v they_o may_v be_v cover_v therefore_o still_o such_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o according_o decency_n to_o be_v esteem_v second_o order_n be_v require_v in_o churchgovernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n special_o it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o god_n church_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n this_o be_v it_o that_o commend_a and_o grace_v salomon_n house_n exceed_o so_o that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n be_v ravish_v to_o see_v it_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 10.5_o and_o shall_v he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o solomon_n the_o lord_n jesus_n want_v it_o in_o his_o house_n the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o special_a grace_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o cant._n 4.2_o solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n church_n show_v how_o comely_a it_o be_v thy_o tooth_n be_v like_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o good_a order_n which_o go_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n etc._n etc._n david_n be_v enamour_v with_o it_o psa_n 68.25_o speak_v as_o under_o a_o veil_n of_o the_o godly_a order_n which_o be_v in_o god_n church_n faith_n the_o singer_n go_v before_o the_o player_n of_o instrument_n come_v after_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n be_v the_o maid_n play_v with_o timbrel_n do_v now_o this_o order_n extend_v itself_o to_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o first_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v there_o must_v be_v order_n as_o in_o prophesy_v that_o one_o speak_v after_o another_o 1_o cor._n 14.31_o and_o so_o in_o order_n the_o word_n must_v be_v preach_v before_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v prayer_n must_v be_v before_o preach_v baptism_n before_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o also_o small_a matter_n must_v be_v lay_v by_o while_o great_a be_v in_o handle_v act._n 6_o 2._o sometime_o extraordinary_a case_n of_o necessity_n may_v overbeare_v this_o rule_n but_o general_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o so_o there_o must_v be_v order_n in_o person_n the_o superior_n must_v be_v first_o respect_v person_n whether_o he_o be_v superior_a in_o year_n or_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n the_o pastor_n must_v rule_v the_o flock_n and_o not_o the_o flock_n the_o pastor_n final_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v with_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n every_o man_n be_v place_v by_o the_o captain_n and_o must_v keep_v his_o rank_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v with_o we_o we_o must_v keep_v our_o rank_n that_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o break_v out_o for_o that_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n i_o will_v this_o be_v well_o look_v into_o in_o our_o church_n that_o man_n will_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o rank_n for_o this_o breed_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n rule_n the_o three_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o trouble_v the_o apostle_n in_o ephes_n 4.3_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v to_o keep_v peace_n and_o he_o use_v a_o special_a phrase_n there_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o you_o keep_v not_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n your_o spiritual_a communion_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v soon_o dissolve_v and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o contentiousnes_n be_v not_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o envious_a serpent_n and_o
his_o instrument_n have_v a_o special_a delight_n in_o disturb_v this_o peace_n and_o spare_v no_o mean_n but_o seek_v all_o advantage_n for_o the_o sow_v of_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v too_o apprehensive_a of_o it_o else_o he_o can_v not_o do_v we_o that_o harm_n he_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v so_o apprehensive_a of_o dissension_n among_o ourselves_o now_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v endanger_v in_o many_o case_n endanger_v so_o especial_o in_o these_o first_o when_o man_n be_v addict_v to_o one_o minister_n before_o another_o one_o to_o paul_n another_o to_o cephas_n etc._n etc._n this_o come_v of_o a_o carnal_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o thus_o they_o wrong_v themselves_o and_o the_o minister_n too_o themselves_o in_o that_o they_o be_v hinder_v hereby_o from_o the_o good_a they_o may_v have_v and_o their_o minister_n because_o that_o they_o make_v contention_n betwixt_o they_o where_o otherwise_o none_o will_v be_v second_o this_o peace_n be_v endanger_v in_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n some_o breed_n and_o make_v faction_n for_o one_o against_o another_o as_o their_o affection_n lead_v they_o three_o it_o be_v endanger_v in_o decide_v controversy_n either_o of_o religion_n or_o state_n one_o will_v be_v cross_v and_o thwart_v another_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n and_o strife_n yea_o happy_o rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n if_o it_o may_v not_o go_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o let_v god_n child_n be_v admonish_v to_o have_v no_o part_n in_o such_o contention_n but_o let_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o will_v have_v peace_n in_o themselves_o for_o we_o be_v call_v to_o peace_n to_o mind_n and_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n if_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o seek_v for_o may_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o be_v obtain_v it_o be_v well_o let_v god_n have_v the_o glory_n and_o ourselves_o may_v comfortable_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v have_v without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v they_o may_v have_v comfort_n for_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o conscience_n in_o seek_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o let_v they_o bewaille_fw-fr the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n and_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o those_o corruption_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o redress_n thus_o be_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o dissension_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v break_v the_o four_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n business_n be_v rule_n that_o whosoever_o have_v any_o right_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o such_o duty_n be_v not_o contemn_v nor_o rsterain_v of_o their_o right_n but_o that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o business_n and_o permit_v to_o speak_v and_o do_v free_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o then_o the_o lord_n be_v best_a please_v with_o a_o business_n when_o it_o be_v joint_o perform_v by_o everyone_n that_o be_v authorise_v by_o himself_o thereto_o the_o magistrate_n must_v not_o neglect_v the_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n must_v neglect_v the_o magistrate_n the_o pastor_n must_v not_o neglect_v the_o flock_n nor_o must_v the_o flock_n neglect_v the_o pastor_n but_o every_o man_n must_v have_v his_o due_a and_o do_v his_o duty_n look_v into_o act._n 15.23_o and_o see_v how_o the_o business_n be_v carry_v there_o the_o apostle_n break_v and_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o that_o business_n every_o man_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v he_o ofttime_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o diotrephes_n find_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o three_o epistle_n of_o john_n that_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o to_o sway_v all_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n there_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v sometime_o in_o a_o church_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wring_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o pass_v by_o another_o authority_n only_o he_o may_v complain_v and_o publish_v what_o other_o have_v do_v himself_o can_v have_v no_o further_o hold_v in_o they_o here_o likewise_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v last_o many_o abuse_n their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o so_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v for_o the_o weak_a brother_n have_v his_o interest_n in_o my_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o rule_n the_o five_o and_o last_o rule_n be_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v so_o carry_v as_o best_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o may_v be_v fit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n wherein_o we_o live_v i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o think_v that_o we_o will_v draw_v religion_n to_o the_o bent_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o say_v must_v not_o cross_v the_o well_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o cause_v innovation_n and_o change_n and_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n special_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n it_o be_v never_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n that_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o religion_n shall_v overthrow_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o temporal_a state_n but_o that_o caesar_n shall_v have_v as_o well_o that_o which_o be_v caesar_n as_o god_n that_o which_o be_v go_n i_o speak_v of_o a_o politic_a state_n already_o establish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o confirm_v by_o wholesome_a law_n and_o maintain_v by_o the_o ancient_a use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n there_o religion_n come_v in_o afterward_o it_o must_v be_v frame_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n except_o wherein_o religion_n be_v plain_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n no_o doubt_n be_v as_o careful_a of_o civil_a christian_a state_n as_o moses_n be_v of_o the_o jewish_a policy_n but_o there_o church-government_n be_v fit_v to_o their_o civil_a state_n and_o so_o must_v we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o both_o civil_a state_n and_o their_o church-government_n be_v each_o of_o they_o direct_o and_o equal_o from_o god_n true_a and_o be_v not_o all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 13.1_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o government_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v not_o now_o so_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v from_o god_n too_o and_o therefore_o by_o proportion_n where_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v ratify_v by_o use_n religion_n come_v in_o afterward_o in_o all_o equity_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v to_o be_v carry_v according_o for_o the_o outward_a passage_n of_o it_o when_o the_o apostle_n peter_n persuade_v the_o scatter_a jew_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2.3_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a warning_n to_o they_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a carriage_n much_o less_o in_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n they_o must_v not_o cross_v that_o unless_o that_o cross_a religion_n as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v make_v many_o become_v anabaptist_n and_o despiser_n of_o government_n and_o in_o many_o place_n it_o have_v make_v religion_n fare_v the_o worse_o and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o to_o be_v traduce_v for_o rebellious_a troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a people_n enemy_n to_o the_o state_n so_o much_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n business_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o general_a head_n they_o namely_o the_o end_n that_o must_v be_v aim_v at_o in_o do_v these_o duty_n that_o must_v be_v good_a too_o it_o must_v be_v do_v with_o a_o single_a end_n and_o a_o sincere_a affection_n and_o intention_n free_a from_o all_o sinister_a respect_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o there_o be_v two_o good_a end_n which_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o action_n concern_v church-government_n the_o first_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o second_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o our_o brethren_n first_o we_o must_v aim_v whole_o and_o only_o at_o god_n glory_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v let_v all_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v god_n business_n his_o gift_n and_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n of_o purpose_n appoint_v for_o his_o glory_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o require_v a_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o
host_n for_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o magnify_v of_o his_o name_n as_o also_o it_o require_v uprightness_n of_o heart_n that_o lay_v aside_o all_o guile_n covetousness_n ambition_n please_v of_o man_n they_o may_v mere_o intend_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o second_o end_n be_v that_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o brethren_n so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o will_v have_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n do_v for_o edification_n and_o so_o he_o carry_v himself_o 2_o cor._n 12.19_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n &_o give_v they_o gift_n for_o that_o end_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ephes_n 4.12_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n that_o all_o must_v direct_v themselves_o unto_o now_o this_o matter_n of_o edification_n require_v two_o grace_n wisdom_n first_o wisdom_n second_o love_n if_o we_o have_v not_o these_o grace_n we_o shall_v never_o take_v this_o course_n first_o it_o require_v wisdom_n to_o observe_v &_o discern_v what_o course_n be_v most_o profitable_a for_o edification_n and_o that_o to_o follow_v as_o the_o minister_n be_v wise_o to_o observe_v the_o time_n and_o season_n he_o live_v in_o and_o the_o person_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o and_o so_o to_o insist_v chief_o on_o such_o point_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o season_n and_o person_n to_o give_v milk_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o meat_n to_o the_o strong_a he_o must_v be_v a_o wise_a steward_n give_v to_o every_o one_o in_o god_n house_n his_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n where_o this_o rule_n be_v observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a furtherance_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n as_o wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o this_o duty_n so_o also_o in_o the_o second_o place_n love_n be_v require_v in_o commiserate_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a love_n and_o in_o have_v compassion_n of_o the_o damnable_a estate_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a and_o unbelieve_a soul_n unfeigned_o desire_v and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n frame_v themselves_o and_o their_o course_n so_o as_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n they_o must_v with_o the_o apostle_n become_v all_o to_o all_o that_o they_o may_v win_v some_o love_n be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o church_n than_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o love_n edifi_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o knowledge_n without_o love_n make_v man_n proud_a it_o tend_v to_o ostentation_n but_o love_v always_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o those_o thing_n only_o that_o may_v edify_v then_o do_v man_n swerve_v from_o this_o golden_a rule_n of_o edification_n when_o they_o enact_v law_n ordain_v ceremony_n use_v preach_v general_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o state_n more_o than_o for_o edification_n yea_o from_o than_o they_o commit_v high_a impiety_n in_o this_o kind_n when_o they_o use_v course_n and_o passage_n in_o church-government_n to_o destruction_n not_o to_o edification_n yea_o as_o snare_n to_o entrap_v tender_a conscience_n at_o least_o to_o provoke_v and_o offend_v they_o this_o be_v against_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 2_o cor._n 1_o 3._o our_o power_n say_v he_o be_v give_v for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n put_v the_o case_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v impose_v be_v lawful_a must_v we_o do_v they_o present_o no_o not_o unless_o they_o edify_v our_o brother_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 15.1_o 2._o we_o must_v bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o every_o man_n must_v please_v his_o neighbour_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o edification_n and_o rom._n 14.19_o let_v we_o follow_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v peace_n and_o wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o 1_o cor._n 10.23_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v we_o must_v not_o do_v all_o lawful_a thing_n unless_o they_o edify_v so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v be_v do_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v touch_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o the_o officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o perform_v their_o action_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n now_o it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o instance_n as_o i_o promise_v in_o two_o or_o three_o duty_n fit_v they_o to_o the_o person_n and_o rule_n duty_n and_o first_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o first_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n now_o as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n so_o they_o must_v be_v administer_v first_o by_o such_o person_n and_o second_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v ordain_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o person_n then_o of_o the_o duty_n first_o the_o person_n to_o deal_v in_o every_o of_o these_o duty_n in_o the_o public_a use_n be_v the_o minister_n be_v they_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o presbyter_n they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v in_o they_o their_o very_a name_n import_v so_o much_o they_o be_v call_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o so_o prayer_n it_o hold_v by_o proportion_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o law_n for_o they_o and_o none_o else_o be_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n i_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a case_n but_o necessity_n sometime_o enforce_v otherwise_o yet_o some_o be_v express_o except_v against_o in_o this_o case_n as_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o and_o therefore_o whereas_o sometime_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o baptize_v this_o be_v a_o horrible_a presumption_n in_o they_o and_o a_o profanation_n of_o god_n mystery_n second_o the_o rule_n whereby_o they_o must_v be_v direct_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n be_v these_o first_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v god_n word_n alone_o and_o that_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o manner_n it_o must_v be_v sincere_o preach_v not_o make_v merchandise_n thereon_o and_o true_o and_o right_o agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o instant_o and_o continual_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reverent_o and_o conscionable_o and_o powerful_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n second_o the_o sacrament_n those_o and_o none_o other_o must_v be_v administer_v which_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o that_o right_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n institute_v they_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o every_o circumstance_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v of_o year_n so_o must_v not_o we_o be_v three_o prayer_n that_o must_v be_v fit_v for_o every_o occasion_n sin_n must_v be_v confess_v judgement_n must_v be_v pray_v against_o blessing_n must_v be_v thankful_o remember_v and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o all_o fervent_o and_o in_o the_o spirit_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o second_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o second_o duty_n election_n of_o officer_n and_o here_o also_o consider_v first_o the_o person_n that_o must_v perform_v this_o duty_n second_o the_o rule_n they_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o first_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o deal_v in_o it_o for_o minister_n it_o must_v be_v those_o that_o be_v in_o superior_a place_n and_o degree_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o with_o approbation_n of_o fellow_n minister_n so_o for_o deacon_n or_o churchwarden_n and_o other_o inferior_a officer_n they_o must_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n together_o we_o see_v a_o precedent_n for_o this_o in_o act._n 6._o where_o the_o apostle_n refer_v this_o partly_o to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v choose_v out_o certain_a from_o among_o themselves_o for_o this_o office_n and_o yet_o still_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o it_o and_o a_o hand_n in_o it_o too_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o that_o place_n second_o the_o rule_n they_o must_v proceed_v by_o in_o this_o duty_n and_o special_o in_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v these_o first_o be_v examination_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o gift_n so_o it_o be_v imply_v of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o 22._o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v in_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o let_v they_o first_o be_v prove_v then_o let_v they_o minister_v if_o
when_o as_o the_o party_n know_v the_o right_a and_o yet_o willing_o decline_v from_o it_o and_o these_o that_o thus_o err_v be_v so_o far_o from_o strive_v against_o their_o error_n that_o they_o rather_o strive_v against_o a_o manifest_a truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o error_n such_o a_o error_n the_o jew_n be_v tax_v for_o by_o stephen_n act_v 7.51_o and_o by_o paul_n himself_o act_v 28.26_o where_o he_o apply_v a_o place_n out_o of_o isaiah_n to_o they_o show_v their_o obstinacy_n that_o in_o see_v they_o do_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o error_n of_o obstinacy_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o willing_o to_o decline_v from_o it_o three_o some_o be_v finite_a and_o for_o a_o time_n only_o some_o final_a and_o for_o ever_o for_o a_o time_n only_o and_o upon_o better_a advice_n they_o change_v their_o mind_n such_o be_v peter_n denial_n of_o christ_n matth._n 26.75_o for_o which_o he_o present_o repent_v and_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o again_o some_o be_v final_a and_o for_o ever_o as_o when_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o sin_n without_o any_o repentance_n at_o all_o at_o least_o without_o any_o true_a and_o sound_a repentance_n such_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o judas_n in_o betray_v christ_n he_o die_v desperate_o in_o it_o without_o any_o true_a repentance_n mat._n 27.3_o 5._o last_o some_o error_n be_v particular_a some_o be_v general_a and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n that_o err_v second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o err_v in_o for_o when_o as_o one_o or_o two_o or_o some_o few_o man_n in_o a_o congregation_n be_v taint_v with_o error_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a error_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o as_o but_o some_o of_o they_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o not_o all_o 1_o cor._n 15.12_o but_o when_o as_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n in_o a_o church_n err_v this_o be_v a_o general_a error_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o jew_n when_o as_o they_o do_v all_o cry_n out_o against_o our_o saviour_n christ_n crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o so_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n err_v in_o as_o when_o a_o man_n or_o a_o church_n err_v only_o in_o one_o or_o in_o few_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o particular_a error_n in_o that_o respect_n so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n revel_v 2.14_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o but_o when_o a_o man_n or_o a_o church_n err_v in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o thing_n this_o be_v general_a also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o err_v in_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n err_v in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o thing_n and_o so_o their_o error_n be_v general_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o person_n now_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o all_o or_o in_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o no_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n live_v on_o earth_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v first_o in_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n not_o in_o the_o foundation_n second_o of_o infirmity_n not_o of_o obstinacy_n three_o at_o least_o only_o for_o a_o time_n not_o for_o ever_o four_o particular_o not_o universal_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o all_o these_o which_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o without_o confusion_n deliver_v and_o you_o apprehend_v receive_v it_o plain_o in_o these_o observation_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n militant_a the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n on_o earth_n howsoever_o it_o have_v many_o excellent_a privildge_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exempt_v from_o error_n but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v oftentimes_o err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o handle_v error_n in_o manner_n by_o themselves_o and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n by_o themselves_o for_o each_o of_o these_o be_v transgression_n against_o the_o word_n &_o will_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v both_o damnable_a and_o each_o alike_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 13.12_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o be_v then_o a_o sound_n yea_o a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n acknowledge_v ingenuous_o much_o ignorance_n that_o he_o know_v little_a to_o that_o he_o shall_v know_v he_o know_v but_o in_o part_n now_o ignorance_n be_v a_o error_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n willing_o undergo_v the_o imputation_n of_o error_n and_o if_o he_o be_v in_o error_n who_o can_v look_v to_o escape_v and_o thereupon_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o he_o err_v in_o manner_n too_o for_o we_o can_v be_v obedient_a in_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v so_o that_o as_o his_o knowledge_n be_v imperfect_a so_o be_v his_o love_n and_o obedience_n too_o but_o for_o error_n in_o manner_n it_o be_v far_o plain_a in_o rom._n 7.22_o 23._o where_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n &c_n &c_n and_o this_o be_v not_o his_o infirmity_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a the_o spirit_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o do_v good_a yea_o but_o say_v the_o apostle_n galat._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n you_o will_v and_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o inkling_n of_o this_o to_o his_o disciple_n in_o a_o kind_n of_o parable_n joh._n 13.10_o where_o he_o faith_n he_o that_o wash_v be_v need_v no_o ●●ue_n to_o wash_v his_o foot_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o a_o negative_a sense_n as_o show_v that_o nothing_o needs_o wash_v in_o they_o but_o their_o foot_n yet_o it_o be_v affirmative_a in_o force_n show_v that_o none_o be_v so_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v but_o that_o still_o he_o have_v foul_a foot_n that_o be_v he_o have_v still_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o he_o and_o these_o must_v be_v cleanse_v and_o wash_v away_o or_o else_o he_o can_v have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o in_o verse_n 8_o so_o likewise_o for_o error_n in_o manner_n the_o apostle_n james_n 3.2_o say_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o there_o all_o be_v include_v and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o kind_n only_o as_o n●_n a_o divide_a sense_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v offend_v in_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o in_o another_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o compound_a sense_n not_o one_o or_o many_o but_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o or_o few_o thing_n but_o in_o many_o and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o negative_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 8.46_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o now_o lay_v these_o two_o together_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o none_o be_v exempt_v from_o error_n in_o manner_n so_o for_o error_n in_o doctrine_n rom._n 3.4_o where_o it_o be_v not_o only_o affirm_v in_o general_a of_o all_o and_o of_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a that_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n that_o be_v that_o he_o err_v in_o some_o of_o his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v likewise_o so_o derogate_v the_o hold_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n entire_o and_o incorrupt_o from_o man_n that_o he_o appropriate_v it_o to_o god_n alone_o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v god_n as_o not_o to_o be_v deceive_v so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v clear_a that_o the_o church_n militant_a that_o be_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n live_v on_o earth_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n out_o of_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o man_n frailty_n the_o member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n true_a believer_n they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o therefore_o natural_o love_v darkness_n
more_o than_o light_n and_o evil_o more_o than_o goodness_n and_o howsoever_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v they_o to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o to_o relieve_v they_o against_o each_o infirmity_n yet_o their_o weakness_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o far_o capable_a of_o the_o spirit_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o understand_v and_o know_v all_o truth_n and_o practice_v all_o goodness_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o in_o itself_o be_v all_o sufficient_a but_o in_o they_o not_o so_o sufficient_a nothing_o can_v be_v receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o be_v the_o master_n never_o so_o good_a to_o teach_v yet_o if_o the_o scholar_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o be_v he_o teach_v he_o shall_v never_o bring_v he_o to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v they_o all_o truth_n but_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a in_o they_o for_o salvation_n but_o not_o for_o perfect_a knowledge_n or_o obedience_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o frailty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o far_o capable_a of_o the_o spirit_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v satan_n malice_n and_o subtlety_n who_o reas_n 2_o as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n himself_o and_o the_o auhor_n of_o all_o error_n and_o sin_n so_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o tempt_v both_o to_o error_n and_o wickedness_n and_o his_o labour_n be_v not_o altogether_o lose_v but_o that_o he_o fasten_v some_o of_o his_o infection_n in_o both_o kind_n on_o the_o best_a man_n live_v or_o at_o the_o least_o as_o a_o hinderer_n he_o hinder_v that_o truth_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o embrace_v at_o least_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n that_o it_o shall_v yea_o and_o he_o sow_v error_n and_o sin_n like_o tare_n upon_o that_o good_a seed_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n which_o god_n spirit_n have_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n three_o while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o have_v many_o occasion_n reas_n 3_o of_o error_n many_o deceiver_n false_a apostle_n heretic_n schismatic_n many_o ill_a example_n &_o persuasion_n and_o sundry_a provocation_n and_o these_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o to_o withstand_v they_o all_o and_o that_o at_o all_o time_n at_o least_o not_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o all_o infection_n by_o they_o four_o our_o perfection_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o reas_n 4_o obedience_n be_v respite_v to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v &_o not_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o perfect_a phil._n 3.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o perfection_n though_o he_o be_v inferior_a to_o no_o man_n no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o life_n it_o be_v respite_v to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v then_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n eph._n 5.27_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o imputation_n as_o we_o be_v here_o but_o by_o actual_a possession_n then_o shall_v that_o be_v verify_v cant._n 4.7_o where_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v all_o fair_a and_o no_o spot_n in_o she_o but_o that_o be_v for_o the_o church_n glorious_a and_o triumphant_a it_o can_v be_v so_o with_o the_o church_n militant_a but_o they_o must_v sit_v down_o under_o that_o ignorance_n and_o error_n which_o they_o can_v prevail_v against_o and_o pray_v daily_a lord_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n so_o you_o see_v the_o point_n make_v plain_a by_o reason_n too_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o instruction_n teach_v we_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o our_o soul_n in_o that_o we_o be_v such_o vile_a and_o corrupt_a wretch_n brutish_a in_o ourselves_o both_o for_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n set_v we_o forth_o that_o we_o be_v even_o beast_n in_o both_o first_o for_o knowledge_n the_o prophet_n say_v jeremy_n 10.14_o every_o man_n be_v a_o beast_n by_o his_o own_o knowledge_n and_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v say_v job_n 15.16_o that_o man_n drink_v up_o iniquity_n as_o water_n etc._n etc._n concern_v knowledge_n first_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o we_o love_v error_n and_o falsehood_n and_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o accept_v lie_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n and_o other_o deceiver_n we_o embrace_v they_o with_o both_o hand_n and_o make_v much_o of_o they_o and_o hardly_o can_v abide_v to_o be_v win_v from_o they_o we_o be_v soon_o and_o easy_o persuade_v from_o a_o hundred_o truth_n then_o from_o one_o error_n second_o for_o truth_n we_o know_v that_o natural_o we_o hate_v and_o abhor_v it_o we_o can_v learn_v or_o find_v it_o ourselves_o nor_o yet_o be_v we_o willing_a to_o receive_v it_o from_o other_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o no_o not_o when_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o word_n &_o his_o own_o bless_a spirit_n tender_v it_o unto_o we_o or_o if_o we_o do_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n to_o the_o half_n deadly_a and_o cold_o and_o fearful_o and_o we_o be_v easy_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o evil_a one_o catch_v it_o out_o of_o our_o heart_n our_o mind_n waver_v carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n or_o blast_v of_o vain_a doctrine_n or_o if_o we_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o stick_v to_o it_o it_o be_v with_o much_o infirmity_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o defile_v it_o with_o our_o own_o invention_n device_n gloss_n addition_n detraction_n mistake_n doubt_n distruste_n idle_a and_o evil_a apprehension_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o vain_a so_o concern_v obedience_n we_o find_v that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o all_o sin_n and_o averse_a from_o all_o righteousness_n and_o in_o this_o we_o do_v much_o more_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n then_o they_o former_a the_o reason_n be_v this_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v of_o the_o understanding_n reason_n and_o judgement_n the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o can_v more_o easy_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v of_o the_o will_n and_o heart_n and_o affection_n the_o more_o base_a and_o more_o carnal_a part_n in_o we_o and_o the_o do_v of_o good_a and_o the_o forbear_n of_o evil_a be_v the_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o bridle_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o forsake_v of_o all_o our_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o indeed_o the_o break_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v death_n to_o we_o to_o be_v thus_o master_v and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o be_v much_o more_o unwilling_a to_o reform_v in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n then_o in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o reformation_n which_o we_o do_v attain_v to_o in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n be_v much_o more_o imperfect_a then_o in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n let_v we_o consider_v right_o of_o this_o and_o see_v the_o case_n stand_v thus_o with_o we_o let_v we_o be_v ashamed_a &_o confound_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o hate_n and_o abhor_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n what_o be_v we_o ignorant_a of_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o learn_v naught_o and_o sinful_a and_o can_v be_v reform_v how_o do_v this_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n against_o we_o what_o a_o deform_a be_v this_o to_o his_o image_n in_o we_o what_o dishonour_n to_o his_o name_n what_o grief_n be_v this_o to_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o perverse_a and_o froward_a scholar_n that_o will_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o either_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o good_a motion_n at_o all_o or_o else_o not_o as_o we_o shall_v what_o rejoice_v be_v this_o to_o satan_n that_o can_v insult_v and_o say_v i_o can_v persuade_v man_n to_o error_n and_o sin_n when_o as_o god_n spirit_n and_o his_o motion_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n be_v reject_v this_o be_v a_o great_a gratify_n of_o satan_n and_o a_o great_a rejoice_v to_o he_o beside_o what_o hurt_n do_v we_o to_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v but_o special_o what_o wrong_n do_v we_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v to_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o herein_o ourselves_o be_v the_o chief_a enemy_n to_o our_o own_o salvation_n let_v we_o confess_v this_o to_o god_n and_o bewail_v it_o and_o instant_o beg_v pardon_n of_o he_o for_o it_o and_o strive_v the_o best_a we_o can_v against_o ●●_o and_o let_v we_o be_v humble_v all_o our_o day_n that_o we_o can_v strive_v no_o better_o against_o this_o brutish_a nature_n of_o we_o use_v 1_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n of_o the_o puritan_n those_o ancient_a heretic_n that_o hold_v a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n and_o so_o the_o papist_n
fall_v away_o final_o after_o true_a conversion_n what_o peace_n or_o quietness_n can_v they_o have_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o still_o they_o will_v be_v fear_v and_o suspect_v and_o distaste_v their_o estate_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o note_n the_o three_o note_n of_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o no_o particular_a doct._n 3_o visible_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o and_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o take_v my_o scantling_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n because_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v member_n of_o they_o who_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n can_v not_o possible_o so_o err_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n can_v not_o final_o nor_o general_o err_v but_o the_o point_n be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o obstinate_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n example_n will_v clear_v it_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o have_v err_v in_o some_o kind_n both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o in_o paradise_n as_o also_o in_o christ_n time_n yea_o even_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v member_n have_v their_o error_n but_o some_o church_n may_v err_v and_o other_o have_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o take_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o a_o example_n that_o once_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o call_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o yet_o it_o err_v in_o the_o apostle_n johns_n time_n yea_o it_o be_v now_o utter_o and_o fina_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n to_o mahomet_n and_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n the_o foundation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n may_v recover_v again_o and_o so_o her_o fall_n be_v not_o final_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v recover_v through_o god_n providence_n at_o the_o last_o yea_o but_o that_o be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v her_o fall_n be_v as_o well_o final_a as_o fundamental_a and_o that_o which_o be_v her_o case_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o sure_o shall_v be_v if_o they_o walk_v in_o her_o step_n revelat._n 2.5_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o many_o other_o primitive_a church_n how_o many_o famous_a church_n be_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n some_o to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n some_o to_o the_o donatist_n some_o to_o the_o novatian_n etc._n etc._n the_o lamentable_a estate_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n prove_v this_o point_n without_o exception_n they_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o foundation_n christ_n error_n like_o a_o gangrene_n sometime_o overgrow_a all_o but_o some_o may_v say_v when_o may_v a_o church_n be_v say_v to_o err_v thus_o see_v though_o some_o may_v err_v yet_o happy_o not_o the_o rest_n i_o answer_v than_o a_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v either_o when_o a_o error_n be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o general_a or_o special_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n and_o carry_v the_o chief_a face_n and_o port_n of_o the_o church_n with_o they_o which_o error_n if_o it_o be_v general_a in_o all_o or_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o after_o admonition_n they_o persist_v in_o it_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n that_o hold_v otherwise_o then_o be_v that_o church_n degenerate_a into_o a_o faction_n against_o the_o church_n and_o except_v some_o among_o they_o impugn_v their_o untruth_n and_o these_o in_o some_o answerable_a number_n or_o of_o some_o good_a place_n and_o quality_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o some_o know_a manner_n that_o notice_n may_v be_v public_o take_v of_o it_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o opposer_n in_o these_o untruth_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o hold_v with_o the_o faction_n in_o opinion_n in_o some_o other_o truth_n fundamental_a the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n may_v be_v false_o repute_v by_o all_o that_o know_v that_o opposition_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o prove_v that_o the_o militant_a church_n may_v err_v hold_v direct_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v and_o often_o do_v err_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o choose_v much_o more_o in_o these_o be_v all_o call_v but_o few_o choose_v which_o also_o well_o consider_v will_v prove_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o be_v they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o for_o in_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v some_o few_o of_o god_n choose_v else_o it_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n now_o these_o few_o die_a still_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n where_o god_n in_o his_o judgement_n forsake_v decay_v more_o and_o more_o lose_v one_o truth_n after_o another_o and_o one_o faithful_a person_n after_o another_o till_o at_o last_o few_o or_o none_o be_v leave_v not_o enough_o in_o number_n at_o least_o in_o port_n and_o place_n to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a church_n second_o god_n tie_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o no_o one_o particular_a place_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v take_v it_o from_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o may_v bring_v forth_o better_a ffruit_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o walk_v wary_o and_o careful_o examine_v themselves_o by_o the_o word_n whether_o their_o course_n be_v agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n if_o any_o error_n arise_v present_o let_v they_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o any_o doubt_n let_v they_o go_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n let_v we_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o best_a expounder_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o though_o we_o may_v err_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o err_v final_o and_o general_o let_v not_o any_o church_n presume_v of_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o pure_a for_o as_o good_a church_n as_o they_o have_v fall_v and_o they_o may_v yea_o and_o without_o great_a heed_n they_o be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o proceed_v of_o a_o final_a fall_n and_o desolation_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n do_v at_o on_o the_o church_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n rather_o search_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o they_o embrace_v it_o and_o build_v on_o it_o not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v err_v and_o haply_o will_v deny_v that_o afterward_o which_o it_o once_o affirm_v but_o because_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o constant_a to_o itself_o and_o unchangeable_a if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n teach_v out_o of_o moses_n chair_n that_o which_o be_v moses_n doctrine_n believe_v they_o else_o believe_v they_o not_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confutation_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v their_o church_n can_v err_v for_o howsoever_o they_o propound_v it_o as_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o that_o can_v err_v yet_o indeed_o they_o plead_v only_o for_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o say_v that_o other_o church_n may_v err_v but_o we_o say_v that_o their_o church_n may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o yea_o the_o papist_n themselves_o in_o this_o confute_v themselves_o for_o first_o they_o confess_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v err_v for_o so_o say_v some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o err_v by_o excommunication_n when_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a cause_n other_o of_o themselves_o say_v that_o they_o err_v in_o canonise_a of_o saint_n when_o they_o canonize_v some_o for_o saint_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v devil_n in_o hell_n second_o they_o confess_v that_o counsel_n may_v err_v too_o and_o three_o that_o their_o pope_n may_v err_v too_o and_o last_o that_o their_o people_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n
fruit_n that_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o he_o never_o give_v over_o not_o though_o himself_o be_v foil_v and_o cast_v unto_o the_o earth_n for_o there_o he_o persecute_v the_o woman_n vers_n 13._o nor_o yet_o though_o the_o woman_n be_v carry_v away_o from_o he_o into_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o there_o he_o persecute_v she_o vers_fw-la 14._o and_o 15._o not_o yet_o though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o attempt_n yet_o he_o give_v not_o over_o but_o make_v war_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n vers_fw-la 16.17_o so_o that_o this_o place_n teach_v every_o particular_a the_o point_n observe_v see_v it_o yet_o more_o plain_o affirm_v by_o the_o lord_n own_o mouth_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n and_o set_v down_o as_o a_o ordinance_n and_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o gen._n 3.15_o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n he_o shall_v break_v thy_o head_n thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a opposition_n betwixt_o satan_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o church_n and_o her_o seed_n and_o this_o be_v continual_a for_o when_o his_o head_n be_v break_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 4._o in_o overcome_v he_o in_o his_o temptation_n but_o special_o at_o his_o death_n yet_o still_o he_o seek_v to_o assault_v the_o church_n and_o to_o bruise_v her_o heel_n and_o the_o same_o in_o effect_n be_v justify_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n john_n 16.33_o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v affliction_n but_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n &c_n &c_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o long_o as_o you_o be_v in_o the_o world_n look_v for_o affliction_n it_o be_v your_o portion_n here_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o assault_v with_o many_o adversary_n yet_o last_o of_o all_o see_v it_o most_o plain_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o nehemiah_n vers_fw-la 7.8_o when_o sanballat_n and_o tobiah_n and_o the_o arabian_n and_o the_o ammonite_n and_o the_o ashdodim_v hear_v that_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v repair_v they_o conspire_v altogether_o to_o come_v and_o to_o fight_v against_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o hinder_v they_o so_o in_o heb._n 11.35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v this_o that_o many_o be_v stone_v many_o rack_v other_o hew_v asunder_o and_o other_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o expect_v in_o this_o life_n so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 49._o to_o the_o 13._o speak_v of_o the_o like_a opposition_n that_o the_o church_n meet_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v as_o man_n appoint_v to_o death_n a_o gaze_a stock_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n &c_n &c_n make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o off_o scour_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o thes_n 2.18_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o will_v have_v come_v unto_o they_o but_o satan_n hinder_v he_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n assault_v the_o church_n continual_o and_o hinder_v their_o good_a proceed_n so_o in_o psal_n 2.1.2_o etc._n etc._n the_o heathen_a rage_n and_o the_o people_n murmur_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n band_n themselves_o and_o the_o prince_n be_v assemble_v together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o in_o act._n 4.27_o in_o both_o these_o place_n christ_n himself_o be_v propound_v for_o a_o example_n in_o this_o case_n that_o so_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o profess_v he_o may_v know_v what_o to_o trust_v to_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n all_o be_v gather_v together_o against_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o with_o all_o his_o member_n if_o they_o hate_v and_o oppose_v he_o they_o will_v hate_v and_o oppose_v they_o for_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n what_o church_n ever_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n yea_o or_o what_o one_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o can_v no_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n either_o in_o captivity_n or_o out_o of_o it_o either_o under_o the_o law_n or_o before_o the_o law_n or_o after_o the_o law_n either_o apostle_n prophet_n or_o patriarch_n all_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o yea_o adam_n himself_o in_o paradise_n see_v how_o he_o be_v encounter_v and_o overcome_v and_o so_o cast_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o all_o mankind_n rue_v to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o place_n not_o state_n but_o heaven_n free_a there_o and_o no_o where_o but_o there_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v triumphant_a there_o she_o be_v always_o militant_a assault_v and_o fight_v against_o by_o many_o adversary_n that_o seek_v to_o disquiet_v her_o peace_n and_o hinder_v her_o good_a proceed_n so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n now_o let_v we_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a reason_n be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n reas_n 1_o upon_o the_o serpent_n for_o when_o god_n ordain_v that_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o seed_n gen._n 3.15_o he_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o justice_n as_o a_o judge_n inflict_v this_o be_v a_o punishment_n upon_o the_o serpent_n because_o he_o seduce_v our_o first_o parent_n so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o opposition_n light_v heavy_o and_o just_o on_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o hit_v they_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o byblow_n for_o their_o chastisement_n the_o main_a stroke_n be_v inflict_v on_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o their_o deserve_a punishment_n reas_n 2_o second_o satan_n spite_n and_o envy_n against_o good_a man_n and_o good_a thing_n be_v another_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v he_o that_o stir_v up_o and_o blow_v all_o these_o coal_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v it_o be_v gall_n and_o death_n to_o he_o to_o see_v either_o good_a man_n or_o good_a thing_n prosper_v and_o therefore_o he_o bend_v himself_o against_o they_o with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o might_n reas_n 3_o three_o the_o church_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v contrary_a mover_n the_o world_n have_v flesh_n and_o nature_n to_o be_v their_o mover_n the_o church_n have_v grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v their_o mover_n and_o so_o they_o have_v contrary_a will_n the_o one_o set_v upon_o good_a the_o other_o whole_o upon_o evil_n and_o so_o also_o they_o have_v contrary_a end_n the_o church_n aim_v at_o god_n glory_n and_o at_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o wicked_a at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o they_o tend_v to_o hell_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o perfect_a opposition_n of_o the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o in_o all_o their_o course_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a reas_n 4_o four_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o good_a to_o be_v cross_v and_o oppose_v and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o trouble_v and_o vex_v and_o hurt_v and_o fight_v against_o he_o that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o himself_o reas_n 5_o five_o christ_n be_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v speak_v against_o luk._n 2.34_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o can_v but_o be_v mighty_o oppose_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o militan●_n head_n but_o also_o for_o that_o very_a cause_n because_o they_o profess_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o reas_n 6_o six_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o of_o their_o faith_n first_o of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11.19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n even_o among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v among_o you_o may_v be_v know_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 4.12_o think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v among_o you_o to_o prove_v you_o so_o likewise_o these_o opposition_n be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o of_o our_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o we_o love_v he_o unfaigned_o and_o mere_o for_o himself_o or_o for_o our_o own_o ease_n and_o good_a and_o safety_n for_o if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o these_o then_o when_o these_o fail_n
moses_n hold_v up_o his_o hand_n israel_n prevail_v and_o when_o he_o let_v his_o hand_n down_o amaleck_n prevail_v so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o when_o we_o hold_v up_o our_o hand_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n we_o shall_v prevail_v against_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o if_o we_o let_v down_o our_o hand_n neglect_v this_o duty_n this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n they_o will_v prevail_v against_o us._n the_o last_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v hence_o teach_v to_o practice_v be_v patience_n we_o must_v possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o fight_n and_o be_v well_o content_a with_o our_o present_a portion_n sigh_v for_o deliverance_n and_o yet_o wait_v the_o lord_n good_a leisure_n with_o a_o expectation_n of_o help_n and_o comfort_n to_o all_o our_o cross_n and_o a_o seasonable_a and_o joyful_a deliverance_n from_o all_o our_o cross_n and_o a_o recompense_n in_o heaven_n with_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n for_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o do_v here_o endure_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v many_o adversary_n etc._n etc._n many_o the_o second_o point_n be_v who_o and_o what_o these_o adversary_n be_v sure_o they_o be_v very_o many_o in_o number_n in_o general_n they_o be_v all_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o be_v our_o saviour_n rule_n luke_n 11.23_o he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o i_o be_v against_o i_o the_o particular_n be_v many_o and_o therefore_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v comprehend_v within_o one_o artificial_a division_n therefore_o take_v every_o one_o by_o themselves_o the_o first_o adversary_n or_o opposite_a be_v a_o false_a church_n that_o be_v such_o as_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o but_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o which_o give_v the_o true_a be_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n jesus_n want_v of_o discipline_n and_o such_o like_a material_a point_n may_v make_v a_o unwholesome_a and_o a_o unsound_a church_n but_o so_o long_o as_o christ_n jesus_n be_v true_o profess_v they_o be_v true_a church_n the_o turk_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v false_a church_n have_v a_o false_a be_v because_o christ_n be_v not_o profess_v by_o they_o sort_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o only_a infidel_n and_o reprobate_n which_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o god_n choose_v child_n before_o their_o call_n be_v bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n he_o be_v as_o great_a a_o adversary_n against_o the_o church_n till_o he_o be_v call_v as_o the_o world_n can_v yield_v sort_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o opposite_n to_o the_o church_n be_v heretic_n they_o be_v such_o as_o stiff_o maintain_v any_o gross_a opinion_n against_o the_o faith_n profess_v in_o the_o church_n some_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.19_o and_o these_o opposite_n be_v of_o all_o sort_n some_o be_v great_a heretic_n other_o less_a and_o according_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o opposite_a yet_o they_o be_v all_o adversary_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n even_o to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n at_o least_o in_o such_o particular_n as_o they_o oppose_v all_o the_o embracer_n of_o heresy_n be_v enemy_n but_o the_o broacher_n of_o they_o most_o of_o all_o the_o 4_o sort_n of_o opposite_n be_v schismatic_n sort_n those_o that_o make_v a_o division_n or_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 10.34_o that_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o to_o perdition_n these_o be_v dangerous_a adversary_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o divide_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 1.13_o of_o both_o these_o opposite_n the_o heretic_n and_o the_o schismatic_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 2.19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o now_o as_o heretic_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v schismtike_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o schismatic_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o special_o they_o be_v opposite_a to_o that_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v the_o five_o sort_n of_o adversary_n be_v apostate_n sort_n that_o revolt_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o fall_v to_o their_o old_a estate_n of_o nature_n and_o sin_n such_o be_v demas_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o who_o forsake_v the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o embrace_v this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fearful_a estate_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o if_o they_o so_o persist_v as_o they_o hardly_o ever_o recover_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v of_o such_o the_o apostle_n speak_v hebr._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o which_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o fall_v away_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v renew_a again_o by_o repentance_n and_o heb._n 10.26_o if_o we_o sin_v willing_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n the_o six_o sort_n of_o opposite_n be_v persecutor_n sort_n that_o do_v not_o only_o not_o regard_v the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n but_o they_o hate_v and_o persecute_v it_o and_o those_o that_o love_v it_o and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o mean_a degree_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v bloodsucker_n and_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o but_o either_o the_o soul_n of_o professor_n if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n or_o their_o body_n and_o life_n if_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o truth_n the_o 7_o sort_n of_o opposite_n be_v hypocrite_n sort_n or_o counterfeit_v such_o as_o pretend_v religion_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o affect_v it_o not_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n they_o go_v to_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o with_o a_o single_a and_o sincere_a affection_n if_o these_o be_v minister_n than_o they_o be_v false_a apostle_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o that_o be_v deceitful_a worker_n and_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o people_n they_o be_v false_a brethren_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o galat._n 2.4_o that_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n to_o spy_v out_o our_o liberty_n these_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a enemy_n because_o they_o be_v so_o near_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v most_o danger_n by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o household_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o thief_n he_o may_v set_v the_o door_n open_a to_o let_v other_o in_o they_o be_v most_o dangerous_a as_o first_o be_v least_o suspect_v for_o if_o we_o do_v suspect_v they_o we_o will_v beware_v of_o they_o second_o as_o have_v fit_a opportunity_n to_o do_v we_o mischief_n because_o they_o know_v our_o course_n and_o so_o can_v the_o more_o easy_o betray_v we_o as_o judas_n know_v our_o saviour_n walk_n be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n to_o betray_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n john_n 18.2_o sort_n eight_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v adversary_n to_o the_o church_n who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o voluntary_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n as_o schismatic_n do_v yet_o be_v they_o worthy_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n such_o be_v the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o these_o be_v in_o a_o fearful_a estate_n for_o they_o have_v no_o comfort_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n they_o can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o as_o opposite_n as_o heathen_n and_o as_o publican_n sort_n nine_o we_o come_v to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o people_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n they_o hate_v we_o because_o we_o be_v none_o of_o their_o society_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 15.19_o and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o yield_v unto_o in_o any_o hand_n fashion_v not_o yourselves_o according_o to_o the_o world_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 12.2_o these_o be_v
dangerous_a enemy_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o prevail_v against_o the_o whole_a world_n ten_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v sort_n the_o unregenerate_a part_n in_o ourselves_o this_o always_o fight_v against_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.17_o and_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o peter_n 2.11_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o fight_v against_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v a_o pestilent_a adversary_n which_o we_o carry_v always_o in_o our_o bosom_n and_o can_v possible_o either_o fly_v from_o it_o or_o cause_v it_o to_o fly_v from_o we_o which_o be_v the_o singular_a mischief_n of_o this_o enemy_n above_o and_o beyond_o all_o other_o the_o devil_n himself_o if_o we_o resist_v he_o will_v fly_v from_o we_o but_o this_o we_o carry_v always_o about_o with_o us._n the_o eleven_o adversary_n be_v sin_n sort_n this_o be_v a_o deadly_a enemy_n to_o the_o soul_n too_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 7.11.13_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o commandment_n and_o thereby_o slay_v i_o and_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v sin_n wrought_v death_n in_o i_o the_o last_o adversary_n be_v the_o devil_n sort_n he_o be_v the_o adversary_n of_o all_o adversary_n and_o the_o commander_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a opposition_n of_o all_o we_o will_v speak_v god_n willing_a the_o more_o large_o and_o particular_o of_o it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n that_o satan_n be_v the_o grand-aduersary_n and_o the_o capital_a and_o chief_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o general_n of_o the_o field_n fight_v against_o the_o faithful_a all_o other_o adversary_n be_v his_o soldier_n and_o his_o force_n and_o instrument_n gen._n 3.15_o the_o main_a enmity_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v from_o the_o serpent_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n all_o other_o be_v but_o his_o seed_n revel_v 12.37_o the_o red_a dragon_n the_o devil_n he_o fight_v and_o his_o angel_n he_o be_v the_o arch_a enemy_n the_o other_o be_v but_o his_o angel_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v there_o not_o many_o adversary_n beside_o he_o ye●_n but_o he_o be_v a_o adversary_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n the_o adversary_n of_o adversary_n he_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n eph._n 6.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n do_v we_o not_o wrestle_v against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yes_o that_o we_o do_v but_o they_o be_v but_o instrument_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v principality_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n matth._n 13.28_o who_o sow_v the_o tare_n among_o the_o good_a corn_n the_o envious_a man_n do_v it_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v whatsoever_o the_o mean_n be_v yet_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a agent_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v his_o seed_n vers_fw-la 38._o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o deceive_v the_o whole_a world_n revel_v 12.9_o because_o he_o lead_v the_o world_n after_o he_o to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o it_o be_v that_o work_n in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o as_o he_o be_v the_o mover_n and_o they_o his_o engine_n he_o their_o father_n they_o his_o child_n so_o that_o satan_n be_v the_o grand-aduersary_n of_o god_n church_n all_o other_o adversary_n be_v but_o his_o instrument_n etc._n etc._n see_v this_o prove_v further_o in_o every_o particular_a enemy_n before_o name_v first_o all_o false_a church_n who_o be_v they_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n revel_v 2.9_o second_o they_o which_o be_v without_o not_o yet_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v his_o too_o they_o be_v under_o his_o power_n act_v 26.18_o three_o heretic_n they_o be_v his_o revel_v 2.24_o four_a schismatic_n be_v he_o james_n 3.14.15_o satan_n himself_o be_v the_o first_o schismatic_n and_o that_o in_o heaven_n five_o apostate_n be_v he_o and_o apostasy_n be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n 2_o thes_n 2.3.9_o six_o persecutor_n be_v he_o reu._n 2.10_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o cast_v some_o of_o they_o into_o prison_n when_o as_o persecutor_n do_v it_o and_o 1_o john_n 3.12_o cain_n that_o slay_v his_o brother_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n seventhly_a hypocrite_n be_v he_o false_a apostle_n be_v satan_n minister_n 2_o cor._n 11.15_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o judas_n heart_n john_n 13.15_o and_o the_o wicked_a jew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n john_n 8.44_o eight_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v his_o vassal_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n ninthly_a the_o world_n be_v he_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 14.30_o yea_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n 4.4_o tenth_o the_o flesh_n be_v his_o messenger_n 2_o tim._n 12.7_o last_o sin_n be_v his_o snare_n 2_o tim._n 2.26_o so_o that_o the_o devil_n erect_v false_a church_n possess_v they_o that_o be_v without_o inspire_v heretic_n incense_v schismatic_n seduce_v apostate_n incourage_v persecutor_n beget_v hypocrite_n triumph_n in_o the_o excommunicate_a command_v the_o world_n and_o have_v they_o in_o a_o string_n provoke_v the_o flesh_n entice_v to_o sin_n he_o employ_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o busy_o and_o eager_o in_o the_o disturbance_n of_o god_n people_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o general_a reas_n 1_o of_o the_o church_n therefore_o satan_n be_v the_o general_a and_o commander_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n second_o satan_n outrageous_a and_o incessant_a malice_n against_o reas_n 2_o god_n and_o his_o faithful_a to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v his_o strength_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n three_o if_o there_o be_v any_o loss_n to_o the_o adversary_n it_o reas_n 3_o be_v his_o loss_n if_o there_o be_v any_o gain_n to_o they_o it_o be_v he_o if_o they_o prevail_v against_o we_o there_o be_v so_o much_o add_v to_o his_o kingdom_n if_o we_o prevail_v against_o they_o there_o be_v so_o much_o detract_v from_o his_o kingdom_n therefore_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o he_o shall_v bestir_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o instrument_n against_o the_o church_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o see_v use_v 1_o satan_n be_v the_o conductor_n of_o all_o these_o force_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o be_v the_o more_o vigilant_a and_o prepare_v and_o arm_v to_o resist_v he_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n own_o inference_n ephes_n 6.13_o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o take_v unto_o you_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n for_o what_o cause_n why_o because_o we_o wrestle_v not_o only_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n and_o power_n &c_n &c_n vers_fw-la 12._o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.8_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_n say_v the_o apostle_n so_o that_o if_o he_o bend_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o force_n against_o we_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o bend_v all_o our_o force_n against_o he_o to_o resist_v he_o second_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v what_o to_o esteem_v of_o all_o use_n 2_o wicked_a people_n that_o oppose_v the_o church_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o trouble_v the_o church_n thou_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o devil_n soldier_n and_o slave_n he_o be_v thy_o master_n and_o captain_n and_o so_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o devil_n dart_n the_o evil_a example_n of_o the_o world_n his_o broker_n he_o set_v they_o all_o to_o work_v and_o he_o shall_v pay_v they_o their_o wage_n no_o marvel_v therefore_o though_o god_n child_n be_v carry_v with_o such_o a_o zeal_n against_o the_o wicked_a for_o they_o be_v but_o devil_n as_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n matth._n 25.41_o 3_o three_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n here_o be_v the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o love_n of_o god_n that_o keep_v we_o so_o long_o and_o so_o safe_a from_o so_o many_o devil_n as_o i_o may_v say_v that_o be_v continual_o beleaguer_a use_v 4_o us._n and_o therefore_o last_o this_o shall_v encourage_v god_n child_n in_o the_o fight_n because_o so_o oft_o as_o we_o resist_v i_o say_v not_o only_o so_o often_o as_o we_o overcome_v they_o but_o so_o oft_o as_o we_o resist_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o prevail_a over_o we_o so_o many_o victory_n we_o get_v over_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o so_o many_o wound_n we_o give_v to_o the_o serpent_n head_n but_o on_o the_o
the_o 40._o vers_fw-la they_o beat_v they_o and_o command_v they_o again_o not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n what_o can_v the_o devil_n have_v do_v more_o against_o the_o gospel_n as_o thing_n than_o stand_v all_o these_o place_n both_o the_o former_a and_o these_o latter_a prove_v that_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o their_o person_n and_o their_o profession_n both_o but_o the_o former_a be_v more_o direct_o against_o their_o person_n the_o latter_a more_o direct_o against_o their_o profession_n so_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o adversary_n against_o our_o person_n and_o against_o our_o profession_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n that_o they_o oppose_v against_o religion_n for_o itself_o but_o they_o oppose_v against_o our_o person_n for_o our_o religion_n second_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o opposition_n opposition_n they_o do_v it_o sometime_o open_o sometime_o secret_o open_o so_o do_v saul_n act_n 9.1_o 2._o when_o he_o go_v with_o open_a mouth_n to_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o secret_o secret_o that_o be_v when_o either_o they_o can_v do_v it_o open_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v do_v it_o open_o with_o such_o safety_n to_o themselves_o and_o such_o hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o their_o enemy_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o galat._n 2.4_o the_o false_a brethren_n creep_v in_o crafty_o into_o the_o church_n to_o spy_v out_o their_o liberty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n we_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o kind_n of_o opposition_n act._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o where_o certain_a of_o the_o synagogue_n dispute_v with_o stephen_n and_o think_v to_o have_v bear_v he_o down_o open_o but_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v than_o they_o secret_o suborn_v witness_n to_o accuse_v he_o false_o second_o again_o open_v sometime_o they_o oppose_v by_o strong_a hand_n as_o herod_n act_v 12.1.2_o he_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o vex_v certain_a of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o kill_v james_n the_o brother_n of_o john_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o when_o satan_n do_v thus_o oppose_v he_o be_v a_o lion_n sometime_o by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n he_o oppose_v the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o in_o act_n 7.19_o stephen_n say_v the_o egyptian_n deal_v subtle_o with_o the_o israelite_n therein_o the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o opposition_n be_v the_o mean_n or_o weapon_n whereby_o they_o fight_v against_o god_n church_n and_o they_o be_v infinite_a i_o shall_v touch_v those_o only_a that_o be_v most_o material_a and_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v carnal_a reason_n and_o these_o be_v the_o fit_a weapon_n for_o carnal_a man_n to_o fight_v withal_o and_o ready_a against_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n see_v how_o they_o 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simplicity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a note_n of_o christ_n sheep_n they_o will_v so_o cunning_o pretend_v it_o that_o you_o will_v take_v they_o for_o sheep_n of_o christ_n own_o fold_n and_o they_o can_v be_v discern_v to_o be_v raven_a wolf_n till_o they_o bewray_v it_o in_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v deal_n matth._n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o fail_v this_o way_n than_o they_o will_v fall_v to_o more_o gross_a deal_n flatter_a we_o with_o fair_a promise_n as_o the_o devil_n deal_v with_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 4.9_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v you_o if_o you_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v they_o will_v labour_v to_o seduce_v we_o with_o lie_n and_o error_n as_o the_o serpent_n do_v eve_n gens_n 3.4_o 5._o or_o else_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o corrupt_v our_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v mat._n 15.3_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v none_o of_o these_o way_n than_o they_o will_v raise_v up_o flander_n and_o false_a report_n against_o our_o person_n howsoever_o we_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o they_o do_v against_o christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n mat._n 11.18_o our_o saviour_n ●ame_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o drunkard_n and_o a_o glutton_n john_n baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n so_o they_o raise_v up_o false_a report_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n rom._n 3.8_o some_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o they_o will_v breathe_v out_o threaten_n against_o we_o as_o saul_n do_v against_o the_o church_n act_v 9.1_o if_o that_o serve_v not_o their_o turn_n they_o will_v procure_v law_n and_o decree_n against_o we_o as_o they_o do_v against_o daniel_n dan._n 6.7_o 8._o and_o letter_n of_o state_n as_o saul_n do_v act_v 2.9_o and_o their_o last_o and_o sore_a and_o common_a weapon_n of_o all_o be_v blow_n persecution_n banishment_n imprisonment_n and_o all_o the_o punishment_n they_o can_v devise_v as_o their_o hatred_n be_v deadly_a against_o we_o so_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o pursue_v we_o to_o the_o very_a death_n cruel_a bloodsucker_n they_o be_v for_o when_o they_o can_v suck_v religion_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n yet_o they_o will_v suck_v our_o life_n and_o our_o blood_n out_o of_o our_o body_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n catch_v at_o it_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o as_o a_o weapon_n in_o their_o fury_n to_o hurt_v and_o strike_v at_o god_n child_n withal_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o silliness_n reas_n 1_o and_o nakedness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o condition_n in_o this_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v every_o way_n expose_v and_o of_o themselves_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o enemy_n something_n they_o can_v do_v to_o defend_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n as_o god_n know_v they_o be_v very_o simple_a and_o weak_a and_o other_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o do_v for_o want_v of_o warrant_n from_o god_n without_o which_o their_o tender_a conscience_n dare_v do_v nothing_o whereas_o if_o they_o can_v and_o may_v shift_v for_o themselves_o by_o hook_n or_o by_o crook_n as_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a safeguard_n to_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o enemy_n assault_v we_o every_o way_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o
mean_n that_o he_o tender_v to_o we_o for_o our_o relief_n either_o by_o resistance_n or_o by_o escape_n if_o he_o afford_v we_o mean_n to_o fight_v and_o resist_v than_o we_o must_v withstand_v our_o enemy_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n james_n 4.7_o resist_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n if_o god_n tender_a opportunity_n by_o flight_n take_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o mean_n so_o christ_n teach_v we_o matth._n 10.23_o if_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n fly_v into_o another_o and_o this_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n practice_n act_v 9.25_o he_o be_v let_v down_o in_o a_o basket_n through_o the_o wall_n and_o so_o escape_v form_v his_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v we_o of_o flight_n we_o must_v take_v it_o always_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a course_n for_o we_o to_o take_v which_o god_n offer_v we_o opportunity_n of_o and_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o wait_v for_o a_o blessing_n on_o it_o four_a we_o must_v cleave_v to_o god_n by_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n make_v and_o keep_v thy_o peace_n always_o with_o god_n whatsoever_o thou_o do_v keep_v he_o thy_o friend_n whosoever_o be_v thy_o enemy_n and_o this_o thou_o must_v do_v by_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o then_o he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o carry_v thou_o in_o their_o hand_n that_o nothing_o may_v hurt_v thou_o psalm_n 91.11_o 12._o and_o psalm_n 34.7_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v their_o tent_n round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o deliver_v they_o if_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o labour_n to_o please_v he_o than_o thy_o enemy_n may_v go_v about_o thou_o again_o and_o again_o seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o but_o still_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o tent_n of_o god_n angel_n every_o where_o round_a about_o thou_o to_o deliver_v thou_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v thou_o the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o to_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n even_o to_o every_o thing_n use_v 3_o we_o hear_v and_o see_v sure_o very_o wary_o and_o suspicious_o for_o fear_v leave_v the_o enemy_n have_v lay_v a_o snare_n in_o they_o to_o entrap_v thou_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o use_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v we_o sanctify_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o this_o we_o must_v do_v if_o not_o for_o any_o good_a and_o blessing_n that_o we_o expect_v by_o they_o yet_o at_o least_o for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o the_o enemy_n intend_v against_o we_o in_o they_o special_o we_o be_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o very_o wary_o to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n even_o to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o enemy_n most_o dangerous_a such_o enemy_n as_o be_v ever_o seek_v or_o ready_a to_o seek_v thy_o destruction_n have_v little_a to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o even_o as_o thou_o needs_o must_v and_o so_o thou_o shall_v be_v safe_a from_o their_o danger_n learn_v christ_n lesson_n matth._n 10.17_o beware_v of_o man_n for_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o follow_v his_o example_n joh._n 2.24_o when_o many_o believe_v in_o he_o because_o of_o his_o miracle_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o to_o they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o all_o there_o be_v many_o more_o particular_a duty_n to_o be_v learn_v hence_o but_o because_o they_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o next_o point_n we_o will_v refer_v they_o thither_o adversary_n now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o four_o point_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o carry_v and_o behave_v herself_o to_o her_o adversary_n they_o must_v not_o cowardly_o lie_v down_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o trample_v on_o they_o but_o they_o must_v oppose_v against_o they_o and_o that_o not_o rash_o and_o desperate_o and_o presumptuous_o hand_n overhead_n but_o as_o their_o warfare_n be_v spiritual_a and_o religious_a so_o must_v they_o carry_v themselves_o according_o in_o it_o i_o will_v deliver_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n doctr._n take_v it_o thus_o god_n church_n and_o choose_a must_v so_o carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o course_n against_o their_o adversary_n that_o they_o may_v manage_v a_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n against_o they_o such_o as_o may_v well_o beseem_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o the_o soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o the_o apostle_n bid_v timothy_n fight_v out_o the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fight_n that_o we_o be_v put_v to_o and_o we_o must_v fight_v it_o out_o and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o fight_n of_o faith_n first_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v it_o that_o be_v special_o strike_v at_o by_o our_o enemy_n and_o maintain_v by_o we_o and_o also_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a weapon_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o fight_v so_o likewise_o the_o fight_n we_o make_v must_v be_v a_o good_a fight_n well_o manage_v in_o every_o respect_n and_o that_o timothy_n may_v see_v that_o paul_n charge_v no_o more_o on_o he_o than_o he_o practise_v in_o himself_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n have_v do_v so_o and_o take_v his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d it_o as_o it_o be_v 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v etc._n etc._n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n except_o we_o will_v be_v devour_v by_o satan_n and_o carry_v quick_a to_o hell_n we_o be_v to_o resist_v and_o that_o in_o faith_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o steadfast_a resistance_n in_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n and_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 6.10_o have_v exhort_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o strong_a if_o he_o be_v not_o well_o appoin_v with_o armour_n and_o weapon_n may_v be_v overthrow_v therefore_o in_o the_o 11._o verse_n he_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o fight_v furnish_v we_o with_o armour_n and_o weapon_n and_o discretion_n how_o to_o use_v they_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n fight_n &c_n &c_n now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n against_o our_o adversary_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o fight_n second_o bow_v we_o be_v to_o do_v it_o first_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v two_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o double_a work_n to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o fight_n defensive_a and_o offensive_a we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o to_o oppose_v our_o adversary_n thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 6._o make_v mention_n of_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n reckon_v up_o not_o only_o a_o shield_n and_o a_o helmet_n but_o a_o sword_n too_o the_o first_o work_n then_o to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o fight_n be_v defensive_a we_o be_v to_o save_v ourselves_o harmless_a for_o we_o be_v dear_a and_o tender_a to_o god_n in_o christ_n even_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v defend_v and_o keep_v ourselves_o the_o best_a we_o can_v this_o counsel_n the_o apostle_n john_n give_v we_o in_o his_o 2._o epistle_n verse_n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o lose_v not_o the_o thing_n you_o have_v do_v so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o counsel_v for_o our_o bodily_a preservation_n matth._n 10.23_o if_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n fly_v unto_o another_o and_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o not_o one_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n shall_v perish_v we_o be_v to_o use_v all_o the_o good_a mean_n we_o can_v that_o it_o may_v be_v accomplish_v it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v otherwise_o matth._n 26.53_o he_o will_v not_o defend_v himself_o though_o he_o may_v have_v have_v legion_n of_o angel_n to_o defend_v he_o i_o answer_v the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o for_o he_o know_v it_o be_v his_o father_n will_n that_o he_o shall_v thus_o yield_v as_o you_o may_v see_v vers_n 54._o he_o do_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v but_o we_o do_v not_o know_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o if_o lawful_o we_o can_v but_o yet_o if_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o god_n will_v have_v our_o life_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fin_n in_o that_o case_n to_o seek_v to_o save_v they_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n to_o loose_v they_o as_o we_o see_v matth._n 10.39_o and_o howsoever_o we_o ourselves_o speed_v though_o we_o do_v loose_v our_o life_n
in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o if_o man_n be_v never_o before_o baptize_v then_o though_o they_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v baptism_n but_o whether_o have_v the_o church_n power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o be_v member_n no_o sure_o compel_v faith_n can_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o yet_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n he_o by_o his_o authority_n may_v and_o must_v compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o outward_a mean_n else_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o of_o our_o subjection_n so_o do_v josiah_n cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 34.32_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o they_o have_v power_n to_o repel_v and_o keep_v out_o and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v plain_a act_v 8.36.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n say_v the_o eunuch_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v etc._n etc._n as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o faith_n be_v want_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v to_o keep_v from_o baptism_n and_o so_o from_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o what_o shall_v child_n do_v then_o i_o answer_v they_o if_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v pre-supposed_n to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v as_o gen._n 17.7_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o there_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o act_n 3.29_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a husband_n etc._n etc._n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a and_o therefore_o where_o child_n be_v tender_v by_o faithful_a parent_n to_o the_o church_n they_o must_v admit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v power_n and_o that_o be_v to_o baptism_n mark_v 10.13.14_o as_o it_o be_v with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o that_o be_v male_n be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o so_o you_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o person_n that_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o either_o to_o admit_v or_o repel_v they_o second_o out_o they_o have_v power_n over_o person_n as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o and_o that_o either_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o as_o in_o reu._n 3.11_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o angel_n crown_n but_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v the_o thesalonian_o his_v crown_n and_o how_o must_v he_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o by_o confirm_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o bear_v with_o their_o weakness_n admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n lose_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n so_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o bind_v they_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n it_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a each_o way_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n unto_o some_o to_o other_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n so_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wonderful_a powerful_a john_n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o so_o we_o see_v how_o the_o church_n do_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a man_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o how_o they_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o displace_v the_o next_o point_n be_v the_o power_n that_o the_o church_n have_v over_o member_n as_o officer_n and_o herein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v to_o place_n or_o displace_v to_o choose_v and_o place_n act_v 6.5_o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n to_o refuse_v and_o displace_v as_o in_o act_n 8.21_o peter_n refuse_v simon_n magus_n when_o he_o will_v have_v buy_v gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o money_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.11_o refuse_v young_a widow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 2.27_o to_o the_o 35._o we_o may_v read_v how_o solomon_n displace_v and_o cast_v out_o abiather_n from_o the_o priest_n office_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o before_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o promise_v i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n scripture_n the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o thing_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n some_o be_v matter_n of_o substance_n some_o of_o circumstance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o stubstance_n be_v either_o touch_v the_o scripture_n it_o sefe_n or_o in_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v either_o touch_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o first_o of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o much_o disparage_v not_o only_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v within_o and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v most_o ligh_o esteem_v it_o some_o of_o of_o her_o champion_n as_o they_o pretend_v challenge_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a yea_o indeed_o a_o superior_a authority_n to_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n spripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o point_n to_o be_v discuse_v here_o be_v whether_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v some_o authority_n concern_v scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o but_o that_o it_o have_v authority_n equal_a with_o or_o above_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v i_o will_v draw_v this_o point_n into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n which_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o above_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a and_o high_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n first_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o of_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o place_n that_o prove_v one_o prove_v both_o joh._n 4.39_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n have_v have_v conference_n with_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n she_o go_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 39_o verse_n that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 41._o verse_n that_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o christ_n own_o word_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o woman_n what_o be_v it_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n she_o believe_v in_o christ_n herself_o propound_v he_o unto_o other_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n well_o the_o people_n believe_v for_o her_o say_n but_o do_v they_o rest_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a authority_n of_o their_o faith_n no_o for_o verse_n 41._o many_o more_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o word_n and_o verse_n 42._o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n acknowledge_v a_o great_a and_o sure_a cause_n of_o their_o faith_n disclaim_v the_o former_a as_o insufficient_a now_o say_v they_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o christ_n voice_n to_o
we_o now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o either_o they_o much_o wrong_v the_o woman_n voice_n in_o prefer_v christ_n before_n it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.33_o to_o the_o 39_o john_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o voice_n therein_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v our_o saviour_n rest_n there_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v thereby_o sufficent_o confirm_v no_o he_o disclaim_v it_o in_o that_o respect_n verse_n 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a and_o great_a witness_n even_o to_o his_o father_n who_o do_v speak_v more_o sufficient_o for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n great_a than_o of_o john_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o appeal_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n by_o name_n to_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o they_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o the_o witness_n of_o john_n so_o in_o luke_n 16._o from_o verse_n 27._o to_o 31._o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o hell_n in_o torment_n entreat_v father_n abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o forewarn_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v into_o those_o torment_n no_o say_v abraham_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o their_o brother_n course_n for_o he_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o torment_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o have_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o do_v the_o church_n but_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o forewarn_v man_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o yet_o abraham_n refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v by_o miracle_n too_o which_o will_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n from_o hell_n then_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o persuade_v they_o the_o last_o place_n that_o i_o will_v add_v for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v in_o john_n 10.3.4_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o faithful_a they_o believe_v in_o he_o why_o because_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a skill_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o whereby_o they_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o any_o other_o and_o that_o voice_n of_o he_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o why_o because_o the_o church_n tell_v they_o so_o no_o that_o be_v not_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n 246._o not_o only_o against_o the_o papist_n but_o even_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v many_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 2.20_o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n that_o be_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o church_n the_o build_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o foundation_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n do_v stand_v fast_o without_o the_o building_n but_o the_o building_n can_v stand_v at_o all_o without_o the_o foundation_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o far_o sure_a stay_n than_o the_o building_n and_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o church_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v beget_v 1_o pet._n 1.23_o now_o which_o be_v great_a the_o seed_n that_o beget_v or_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v thereof_o beget_v reas_n 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o beget_v faith_n than_o christ_n own_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.36_o to_o the_o 39_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o yet_o he_o appeal_v from_o his_o miracle_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o they_o both_o and_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o miracle_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o far_a greate●_n authority_n than_o miracle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o more_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o simile_n in_o a_o family_n the_o wife_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o child_n her_o word_n shall_v stand_v when_o the_o child_n shall_v not_o stand_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o wife_n for_o his_o shall_v stand_v when_o she_o shall_v not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o husband_n word_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o child_n four_o that_o which_o speak_v true_a always_o must_v needs_o reas_n 4_o be_v of_o great_a credit_n then_o that_o which_o do_v speak_v true_a but_o sometime_o but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v always_o true_a in_o every_o tittle_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v speak_v in_o every_o sentence_n of_o it_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o timoth._n 3.16_o but_o the_o church_n speak_v sometime_o false_a for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o thus_o more_o plain_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o man_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n five_o our_o assurance_n of_o any_o truth_n stand_v more_o on_o reas_n 5_o that_o into_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o mean_n thereto_o be_v itself_o prove_v by_o it_o as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o be_v sure_a the_o king_n will_v give_v i_o a_o hundred_o pound_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o past_o his_o word_n for_o it_o this_o promise_n be_v but_o the_o mean_a of_o this_o assurance_n that_o which_o my_o assurance_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o be_v the_o honesty_n of_o the_o king_n for_o if_o i_o be_v not_o principal_o resolve_v on_o that_o his_o promise_n 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high_a their_o reach_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v exalt_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v repute_v the_o only_a true_a save_a faith_n because_o their_o church_n teach_v it_o so_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v go_v down_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lift_v up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yet_o except_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v it_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n church_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o position_n many_o of_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o esop_n fable_n oh_o horrible_a blasphemy_n there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o a_o better_a kind_n that_o be_v more_o modest_a that_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v as_o the_o time_n alter_v other_o there_o be_v that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o true_a without_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o reject_v or_o allow_v scripture_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o romish_a church_n and_o by_o that_o the_o pope_n harken_v how_o blasphemous_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v against_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o canon_n babylon_n and_o against_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n a_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a strumpet_n that_o set_v such_o a_o brazen_a face_n and_o belch_v out_o such_o whorish_a filthy_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n the_o very_a name_n of_o these_o position_n be_v refutation_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o any_o christian_n judgement_n answer_v to_o come_v to_o their_o best_a position_n in_o this_o controversy_n position_n 1_o first_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o you_o see_v by_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n be_v high_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o high_a judge_n speak_v open_o and_o plain_o in_o in_o the_o word_n and_o secret_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n 1._o joh._n 2_o 20_o 27._o you_o have_v anoyntment_n from_o that_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o again_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o be_v not_o man_n send_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o inquire_v at_o their_o mouhe_n mal._n 2.7_o and_o be_v not_o the_o priest_n the_o high_a judge_n then_o answ_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o for_o the_o law_n not_o for_o their_o own_o judgement_n whereto_o if_o they_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o say_n but_o god_n law_n but_o haply_o they_o can_v deliver_v no_o other_o but_o god_n law_n that_o be_v flat_o contradict_v verse_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o fall_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v the_o judge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 17.8_o 12._o but_o he_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o verse_n 11._o so_o that_o except_o they_o will_v arrogate_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_n nor_o judge_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o position_n of_o they_o be_v this_o position_n 2_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o law_n and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v according_a the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v it_o not_o otherwise_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n that_o be_v as_o they_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 23_o 2_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n
as_o sometime_o they_o do_v then_o be_v their_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v mark_v 7_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o when_o they_o swerve_v from_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o dark_a and_o blind_a guide_n no_o light_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 18.17_o be_v direct_o understand_v of_o church_n censure_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o simple_o authentical_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v proceed_v in_o christ_n name_n ver._n 20._o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o order_n else_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o john_n 9.34_o their_o last_o position_n be_v this_o position_n 3_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o this_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v in_o which_o gross_a assertion_n they_o first_o it_o dishonour_n god_n exceed_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o god_n at_o least_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o because_o of_o man_n beside_o whence_o have_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o from_o god_n or_o man_n sure_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o author_n himself_o of_o scripture_n 2._o timothy_n 3.16_o every_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n than_o it_o must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o again_o who_o give_v we_o faith_n the_o church_n no_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6.29_o therefore_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o any_o book_n of_o it_o to_o be_v scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o god_n himself_o who_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o well_o ob_fw-la say_v they_o it_o be_v of_o god_n indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o authority_n but_o yet_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o propound_v witness_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o indue_a it_o with_o authority_n for_o that_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o second_o as_o it_o dishonour_v god_n so_o it_o disgrace_v the_o scripture_n make_v they_o inferior_a to_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subiect_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whereas_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o discern_a and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o direction_n from_o scripture_n ob._n but_o 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insufficient_a whereas_o religion_n must_v stand_v upon_o divine_a authority_n else_o it_o be_v not_o sound_a four_o it_o spoil_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o sure_a comfort_n which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n five_o it_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o her_o main_a hold_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o adversary_n for_o while_o she_o say_v the_o religion_n which_o she_o profess_v be_v true_a because_o she_o say_v so_o herself_o she_o lay_v herself_o open_a to_o the_o scoff_n &_o insultation_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n every_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o professor_n thereof_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a as_o well_o and_o as_o confident_o as_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o she_o say_v her_o religion_n be_v true_a because_o god_n say_v so_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o prove_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v both_o ourselves_o towards_o the_o church_n and_o towards_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v with_o a_o even_a hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o tribute_n money_n give_v unto_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n scripture_n so_o must_v we_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o esteem_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o god_n own_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o 22._o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17_o second_o church_n esteem_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pillar_n that_o be_v as_o the_o keeper_n and_o uphoulder_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.16_o not_o that_o light_n but_o a_o witness_n of_o that_o light_n john_n 1.8_o she_o be_v to_o inquire_v search_n 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book_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o make_v any_o so_o of_o herself_o for_o this_o she_o can_v do_v worship_n the_o three_o position_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n outward_a passage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o in_o her_o power_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o but_o that_o she_o may_v ordain_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n beside_o scripture_n or_o affix_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o the_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n which_o she_o devise_v all_o this_o be_v but_o will-worship_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o express_o forbid_v col._n 2.23_o thing_n intolerable_a have_v be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o both_o these_o for_o first_o they_o have_v ordain_v beside_o scripture_n image_n satisfacton_n new_a 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have_v not_o these_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n for_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 10.14_o and_o second_o for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o what_o place_n in_o the_o word_n say_v that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a i_o answer_v every_o book_n bear_v witness_n of_o itself_o and_o this_o place_n of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v canonical_a three_o for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n we_o have_v reu._n 1.10_o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n so_o that_o we_o have_v scripture_n enough_o for_o these_o thing_n to_o satisfy_v a_o humble_a mind_a man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a second_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o they_o be_v needless_a for_o suppose_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o what_o need_v unwritten_a tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 2._o indeed_o before_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o man_n to_o man_n but_o the_o word_n be_v now_o write_v and_o have_v be_v now_o write_v these_o 1610._o year_n and_o as_o much_o write_v as_o ever_o shall_v be_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 3._o three_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a for_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v aught_o by_o tradition_n or_o that_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v they_o either_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la answe_n for_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 2.15_o keep_v the_o instruction_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n whereupon_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n leave_v tradition_n and_o epistle_n i_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o diversity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o teach_v but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n 4._o look_v what_o he_o preach_v he_o write_v and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o history_n and_o what_o certainty_n be_v there_o in_o that_o to_o repose_v my_o salvation_n upon_o last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v but_o certain_a the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v the_o damnable_a presumption_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o by_o name_n call_v they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a &_o equal_v they_o both_o in_o authority_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n &_o in_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v with_o the_o write_a word_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o religion_n will_v easy_o decide_v this_o controversy_n if_o we_o add_v here_o to_o determination_n of_o counsel_n consent_n of_o father_n decree_n of_o pope_n and_o other_o patch_n and_o feigning_n of_o popish_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v this_o that_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o or_o if_o there_o be_v they_o be_v not_o beside_o scripture_n but_o according_a to_o it_o or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v beside_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o substance_n nor_o salvation_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o use_v 2_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v frame_v by_o and_o what_o every_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o and_o that_o be_v
the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o general_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n what_o it_o teach_v must_v only_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o it_o command_v must_v only_o be_v obey_v and_o nothing_o else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o general_o all_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o canon_n yea_o the_o popish_a church_n to_o his_o day_n retain_v the_o name_n though_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backgate_n yet_o at_o the_o foregate_n they_o take_v it_o in_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o rule_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o rule_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o to_o any_o thing_n carpenter_n and_o mason_n they_o fit_v their_o timber_n and_o stone_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o not_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o timber_n or_o stone_n so_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o obey_v must_v be_v square_v by_o it_o and_o look_v how_o much_o it_o come_v short_a or_o go_v beyond_o or_o miss_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o it_o come_v short_a of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o much_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o other_o measure_n as_o crooked_a tradition_n custom_n etc._n etc._n and_o stick_v fast_o only_o to_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a square_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o must_v put_v nothing_o to_o god_n word_n nor_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v deut._n 4.2_o and_o 5.32.35_o second_o as_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o every_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a touch_n stone_n of_o truth_n if_o paul_n teach_v the_o truth_n truth_n it_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.11_o let_v heathen_a man_n bring_v their_o paganism_n the_o turck_n their_o alcoran_n the_o jew_n their_o talmud_n the_o papist_n their_o catechism_n counsel_n custom_n and_o tradition_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o this_o this_o will_v show_v they_o all_o to_o be_v stark_o counterfeit_v very_a dross_n and_o filth_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v once_o look_v after_o much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o precious_a golden_a truth_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o last_o yet_o mistake_v not_o as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o salvation_n be_v express_o in_o the_o word_n same_o that_o be_v by_o name_n and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n as_o we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o to_o be_v deduct_v by_o sound_n and_o sanctify_a reason_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v those_o thing_n that_o concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o miracle_n or_o discipline_n either_o miracle_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n as_o it_o contain_v altogether_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o down_o to_o our_o time_n for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o do_v miracle_n matth._n 10.1_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o &c_n &c_n and_o mark_v 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.9.10_o to_o another_o be_v give_v the_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a to_o another_o the_o operation_n of_o great_a work_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n that_o plant_v it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n their_o doctrine_n and_o write_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o power_n be_v restrain_v and_o what_o church_n soever_o challenge_v this_o power_n therein_o may_v just_o be_v censure_v for_o anti-christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o second_o or_o discipline_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o second_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n by_o ceremony_n we_o understand_v the_o time_n place_n and_o gesture_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n we_o will_v contrive_v the_o whole_a business_n into_o this_o observation_n every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n within_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o note_n doct._n first_o i_o say_v every_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o invisible_a not_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o one_o settle_v outward_a state_n can_v have_v no_o such_o order_n second_o i_o say_v particular_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o general_a visible_a church_n can_v so_o be_v proper_o assign_v to_o a_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o common_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o outward_a rite_n three_o i_o say_v have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v ceretaine_n rite_n four_o i_o say_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o church_n business_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n five_o i_o say_v they_o must_v be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o one_o church_n be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v another_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v except_o their_o case_n be_v very_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o note_n be_v clear_a we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n act_n 15.1_o 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o matter_n in_o question_n as_o touch_v circumcision_n a_o outward_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n be_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n consult_v withal_o about_o it_o and_o according_o they_o deliver_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o 23._o verse_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o show_v their_o power_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n be_v perpetual_a the_o course_n must_v be_v perpetual_a too_o and_o they_o show_v their_o power_n both_o in_o disannul_v some_o ceremony_n as_o circumcision_n vers_fw-la 10._o as_o abstaming_a from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o blood_n verse_n 20._o which_o be_v certain_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o the_o apostle_n show_v of_o meat_n 1_o corinth_n 8.8_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o they_o do_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o only_a in_o thing_n needful_a as_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.2_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o already_o which_o be_v general_o understand_v of_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o circumstance_n make_v it_o plain_a enough_o for_o after_o verse_n 3_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v they_o other_o ordinance_n keep_v which_o he_o have_v not_o deliver_v they_o before_o concern_v the_o uncover_v of_o the_o man_n head_n and_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o woman_n head_n which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o comeliness_n sake_n he_o do_v there_o enjoin_v they_o and_o verse_n 20_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v certain_a other_o ordinance_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o their_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o eat_v before_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 33.34_o and_o whereas_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n with_o they_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o end_n of_o 34._o verse_n to_o order_v the_o rest_n at_o his_o come_n to_o they_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o still_o the_o rule_n hold_v that_o the_o disease_n continue_v always_o require_v a_o continual_a reamedy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o in_o the_o 1._o cor_n 14.26_o 40._o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n he_o give_v they_o this_o general_a rule_n for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o they_o must_v draw_v particular_n according_o
a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o grant_v that_o they_o come_v very_o near_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n almost_o to_o the_o very_a ground_n mercy_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n which_o error_n if_o they_o will_v reclaim_v few_o or_o none_o of_o we_o will_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o this_o overthrow_v christ_n not_o direct_o but_o by_o consequence_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v because_o if_o man_n merit_n justify_v than_o christ_n merit_n alone_o do_v not_o justify_v we_o but_o direct_o they_o do_v not_o for_o still_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o only_a saviour_n and_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n merit_n that_o make_v they_o merit_v they_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a in_o this_o point_n as_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o they_o be_v gross_a enough_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n by_o consequence_n yet_o still_o by_o consequence_n only_o not_o direct_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o may_v be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v it_o not_o as_o dangerous_a against_o a_o man_n salvation_n to_o deny_v christ_n by_o consequence_n as_o to_o deny_v he_o direct_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n as_o at_o the_o foredoor_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n yet_o i_o say_v he_o that_o do_v this_o deserve_v in_o god_n justice_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n mercy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o especial_o if_o he_o see_v the_o consequent_a but_o if_o he_o see_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o so_o foul_a a_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v christ_n direct_o he_o that_o direct_o deny_v the_o foundation_n whether_o he_o see_v it_o or_o not_o be_v in_o certain_a state_n of_o damnation_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v it_o by_o consequence_n and_o see_v it_o not_o but_o yet_o do_v firm_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v and_o be_v willing_a in_o reverence_n and_o humility_n to_o learn_v more_o and_o to_o obey_v better_a and_o do_v daily_o repent_v and_o beg_v mercy_n of_o god_n for_o his_o fail_n the_o lord_n do_v ordinary_o either_o enlighten_v such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o bring_v he_o to_o repent_v or_o else_o do_v forgive_v he_o his_o ignorances_n and_o so_o save_v he_o so_o that_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n direct_o be_v in_o certain_a state_n of_o damnation_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n by_o consequence_n if_o he_o confess_v his_o ignorances_n and_o weakness_n to_o god_n and_o crave_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o labour_n for_o more_o knowledge_n may_v be_v save_v though_o they_o have_v not_o this_o particular_a repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a simple_a soul_n that_o heretofore_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n of_o any_o bowel_n of_o charity_n can_v suspect_v so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o reas_n 2_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n israel_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o state_n compare_v she_o to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o exod._n 32.6_o there_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n worship_v the_o calf_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o and_o in_o numb_a 25.3_o 9_o compare_v with_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.8_o we_o see_v that_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o baalpeor_n and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o the_o moabite_n thus_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n still_o look_v further_o into_o the_o time_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la that_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n and_o make_v all_o israel_n to_o sin_n so_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o give_v they_o up_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la 1_o king_n 14.16_o and_o so_o in_o ahab_n time_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n 16.30_o ahab_n the_o son_n of_o omri_n do_v worse_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o so_o a_o time_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o passove_a in_o israel_n for_o many_o year_n time_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n still_o so_o likewise_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n retain_v some_o notable_a truth_n be_v still_o to_o be_v hear_v matth._n 23.3_o and_o yet_o their_o leven_n to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o matthew_n 16.6_o so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v many_o corrruption_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n retain_v circumcision_n whereby_o all_o profit_n and_o benefit_n by_o christ_n be_v utter_o m_o the_o void_a that_o be_v by_o consequence_n the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 5.2_o that_o if_o we_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v we_o nothing_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o work_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o circumcision_n do_v as_o near_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v both_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a revel_v 3.1_o be_v yet_o a_o true_a church_n now_o if_o all_o these_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v thus_o corrupe_v why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o have_v many_o other_o foul_a corruption_n sardis_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n repute_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 3_o church_n the_o three_o reasen_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o many_o even_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o luther_n calvin_n zanchey_n morney_n and_o other_o that_o be_v most_o fiery_a and_o fierce_a against_o the_o romish_a church_n hate_v their_o abomination_n with_o as_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n as_o any_o and_o yet_o they_o confess_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o a_o corrupt_a church_n though_o a_o die_a church_n though_o her_o life_n hang_v but_o by_o a_o thread_n this_o they_o have_v confess_v of_o she_o i_o allege_v this_o not_o so_o much_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v but_o rather_o as_o a_o qualification_n to_o mitigate_v the_o odiousness_n of_o this_o speech_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o which_o do_v great_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o father_n and_o yet_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v afford_v to_o rome_n reas_n 4_o last_o their_o baptism_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a though_o a_o unsound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o trueness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christ_n sacrament_n by_o they_o administer_v do_v necessary_o infer_v each_o other_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o true_a sacrament_n right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o error_n of_o rebaptisation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o very_a like_o point_n in_o those_o thing_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o than_o this_o teach_v we_o answ_n that_o those_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v that_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o baptism_n we_o receive_v from_o they_o be_v lawful_a baptism_n but_o some_o except_a and_o say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v baptize_v into_o their_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v they_o sound_v in_o that_o that_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v general_o corrupt_a but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o into_o their_o faith_n answ_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o their_o intent_n be_v so_o as_o be_v persuade_v their_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o second_o i_o answer_v the_o minister_n intent_n make_v not_o the_o sacrament_n answerable_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v god_n work_n and_o he_o make_v it_o to_o a_o faithful_a receiver_n effectual_a to_o the_o use_n 2_o right_a use_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o unto_o ordination_n second_o it_o justify_v our_o ministry_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o papist_n
therefore_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o which_o be_v of_o some_o among_o we_o true_o believe_v and_o obey_v therefore_o our_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o reas_n 3_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v thus_o frame_v that_o church_n who_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n by_o god_n blessing_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o ordinary_o it_o work_v save_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o god_n blessing_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o ordinary_o it_o work_v save_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o proposition_n be_v prove_v rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o ordinary_o the_o word_n be_v powerful_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o ●earers_n be_v preach_v by_o such_o as_o be_v send_v of_o god_n verse_n 15._o and_o therefore_o our_o ministry_n do_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n send_v of_o god_n and_o so_o our_o church_n a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a church_n of_o god_n but_o our_o adversary_n except_v against_o we_o that_o our_o minister_n be_v not_o send_v answ_n nor_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n from_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o place_n prove_v that_o such_o who_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n do_v ordinary_o work_v faith_n be_v send_v of_o god_n but_o such_o be_v we_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n 2._o and_o that_o our_o minister_n have_v a_o lawful_a send_n shall_v god_n willing_a be_v show_v hereafter_o they_o except_v again_o and_o say_v that_o in_o their_o assembly_n there_o be_v many_o more_o convert_v then_o in_o our_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v be_v there_o any_o of_o these_o assembly_n such_o that_o in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o ordinary_o there_o be_v such_o effect_n if_o there_o be_v than_o that_o assembly_n be_v a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a than_o the_o exception_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n 3._o but_o they_o except_v again_o that_o other_o convert_v also_o by_o conference_n and_o disputation_n and_o that_o out_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n answ_n i_o answer_v do_v not_o that_o argue_v that_o such_o man_n embrace_v the_o save_a faith_n at_o least_o in_o profession_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n do_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o assembly_n dot_v at_o least_o in_o profession_n hold_v the_o save_a faith_n &_o be_v so_o a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n work_v such_o effect_n and_o that_o ordinary_o as_o by_o daily_a experience_n appear_v and_o therefore_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o say_v they_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a in_o our_o church_n but_o only_o extraordinary_a as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v ordinary_a that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o be_v usual_o do_v and_o that_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v ordain_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n which_o be_v the_o mean_v ordain_v to_o beget_v faith_n and_o be_v ordinary_o and_o usual_o do_v not_o now_o and_o then_o in_o one_o or_o two_o but_o it_o be_v do_v daily_o and_o many_o experiment_n confirm_v it_o as_o any_o may_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o it_o that_o live_v among_o we_o beside_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v to_o god_n out_o of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o by_o conference_n disputation_n &c_n &c_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v ordinary_a else_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_n not_o oppose_v our_o proposition_n but_o where_o one_o be_v so_o win_v many_o be_v win_v by_o our_o ministery_n and_o therefore_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v ordinary_a among_o we_o which_o oftentimes_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o yet_o to_o allege_v the_o other_o as_o a_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o seldom_o so_o effectual_a be_v not_o ingenious_o nor_o sensible_o much_o less_o charitable_o do_v sure_o i_o be_o if_o that_o be_v ordinary_a then_o we_o be_v much_o more_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a promise_n to_o our_o public_a labour_n herein_o and_o therefore_o these_o reason_n consider_v it_o follow_v that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o for_o instruction_n second_o diverse_o for_o reproof_n the_o use_n for_o instruction_n be_v these_o first_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n then_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o lawful_o &_o safe_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v withal_o england_n without_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a or_o danger_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o this_o we_o must_v not_o only_o know_v but_o we_o must_v practice_v it_o all_o those_o that_o live_v within_o this_o land_n and_o so_o have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v member_n of_o our_o church_n they_o may_v and_o must_v come_v and_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o repair_v to_o our_o assembly_n and_o hear_v our_o minister_n and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o our_o faith_n god_n require_v this_o deut._n 12.5_o you_o shall_v seek_v the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v out_o of_o all_o your_o tribe_n to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o and_o there_o to_o dwell_v and_o thither_o thou_o shall_v come_v and_o as_o god_n command_v it_o so_o his_o child_n have_v practise_v it_o as_o david_n psal_n 26_o 5_o 6_o 8_o i_o have_v hate_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o wicked_a i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n oh_o lord_n &_o compass_v thy_o altar_n oh_o lord_n i_o have_v love_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o the_o place_n where_o thy_o honour_n dwell_v and_o so_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v new_o convert_v act._n 2.42_o continue_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o 47._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n from_o day_n to_o day_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v not_o join_v to_o our_o church_n must_v resolve_v to_o join_v and_o those_o that_o be_v already_o join_v must_v continue_v their_o communion_n with_o she_o and_o there_o be_v also_o many_o particular_a motive_n to_o induce_v to_o it_o which_o i_o allege_v not_o as_o reason_n to_o prove_v direct_o that_o necessary_o we_o must_v join_v but_o they_o may_v serve_v only_o as_o persuasion_n to_o a_o man_n well_o affect_v and_o not_o carry_v away_o with_o prejudice_n church_n that_o he_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n first_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o this_o it_o be_v sufficient_a we_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o second_o motive_n be_v this_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o save_v faith_n teach_v among_o we_o and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n true_o profess_v if_o any_o church_n can_v teach_v any_o one_o substantial_a article_n of_o sound_a religion_n that_o we_o profess_v not_o than_o we_o may_v more_o colourable_o be_v forsake_v but_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n or_o pretence_n but_o that_o they_o may_v communicate_v with_o we_o whither_o will_v they_o go_v we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o peter_n say_v to_o our_o saviour_n john_n 6.68_o three_o we_o have_v a_o powerful_a ministry_n to_o exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n etc._n etc._n to_o beget_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v want_v to_o increase_v and_o confirm_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o holy_a obedience_n and_o to_o renounce_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v restitution_n of_o wrong_n and_o to_o be_v sound_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o rightousnes_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o all_o good_a duty_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ●o_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n where_o the_o ministry_n be_v thus_o powerful_a and_o if_o we_o forsake_v she_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o our_o former_a error_n
either_o more_o or_o less_o pure_a four_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a exception_n 1._o exception_n 2._o exception_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n eleven_o consideration_n to_o move_v we_o in_o england_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n among_o we_o and_o they_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o blessing_n the_o second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o cause_n have_v first_o speak_v of_o and_o they_o of_o two_o sort_n of_o this_o diverse_a of_o this_o diverse_a the_o first_o sort_n of_o cause_n handle_v such_o as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o these_o be_v four_o take_v the_o church_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n take_v the_o church_n absolute_o there_o be_v sieve_n the_o efficient_a cause_n the_o instrumental_a cause_n first_o outward_a second_o inward_a how_o all_o the_o three_o person_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o cause_v the_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n justify_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n against_o the_o separation_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o a_o church_n object_n you_o want_v discipline_n your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_v you_o have_v your_o call_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n you_o have_v no_o covenant_n betwixt_o you_o and_o god_n object_n you_o want_v the_o success_n of_o the_o mean_n it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a the_o first_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o it_o first_o of_o the_o head_n and_o in_o it_o three_o thing_n corpus_fw-la adaequatum_fw-la sit_fw-la christus_fw-la christiani_n caput_fw-la aug._n lib._n 3._o cont_n petil._n c._n 42._o reinolds_n confer_v 5._o the_o blasphemy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v run_v into_o in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o blow_n they_o give_v to_o christ_n therein_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n christ_n never_o give_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n to_o peter_n papist_n plea_n for_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n answer_v place_n allege_v by_o they_o for_o this_o answer_v as_o mat._n 16.19_o and_o joh._n 21.16_o 17._o and_o mat._n 16.18_o christ_n say_v he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o none_o be_v able_a to_o wield_v and_o sway_v it_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pope_n prove_v that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o rather_o a_o supreme_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v make_v the_o doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n do_v what_o he_o do_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o as_o under_o christ_n for_o he_o take_v not_o the_o course_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o do_v the_o pope_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o so_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n and_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v antichrist_n the_o pope_n take_v christ_n name_n upon_o he_o viz._n chief_a shepherd_n object_n you_o make_v the_o king_n head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o word_n head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v wary_o use_v because_o not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v visible_a matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n many_o way_n the_o second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o three_o thing_n touch_v a_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o member_n thereof_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n and_o they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n the_o first_o sort_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n the_o second_o sort_n and_o of_o this_o two_o sort_n the_o three_o sort_n hyper._n method_n 574._o additum_fw-la diminuens_fw-la a_o church_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o hypocrite_n in_o it_o to_o one_o believer_n the_o brownist_n objection_n of_o our_o church_n be_v a_o profane_a multitude_n answer_v diverse_a way_n object_n you_o let_v wicked_a one_o continue_v in_o your_o church_n without_o separation_n hyp._n 577._o 580._o etc._n etc._n bernard_n against_o brownist_n 1034._o where_o the_o assembly_n be_v bad_a there_o the_o good_a must_v separate_v but_o where_o the_o assembly_n be_v good_a there_o the_o bad_a must_v separate_v the_o four_o general_a thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o mark_v of_o it_o reason_n why_o there_o shall_v be_v mark_n of_o the_o church_n two_o quality_n of_o these_o mark_v to_o make_v they_o legitimate_a the_o first_o quality_n and_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o three_o other_o tha●_n 〈◊〉_d subordinate_a to_o they_o the_o second_o qual●●●●_n of_o these_o mark_n vrsin_n 582._o vogel_n 727._o calvin_n inst_n lib._n 4_o cap._n 1_o sect_n 10._o in_o act_n 2.42_o non_fw-la secùs_fw-la ac_fw-la belli_fw-la deuce_n ut_fw-la dissipatum_fw-la call_v aliqua_fw-la exercitum_fw-la recolligant_fw-la signa_fw-la militaria_fw-la vel_fw-la accensos_fw-la ignes_fw-la ex_fw-la edito_fw-la loce_fw-la conspiciendos_fw-la proponunt_fw-la quo_fw-la pedem_fw-la referant_fw-la quotquot_fw-la ex_fw-la call_v dispersis_fw-la &_o palantes_fw-la vagantur_fw-la morn_n de_fw-fr eccles_n p._n 27._o morney_n ●6_n 29_o one_o sort_n of_o excepter_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o their_o exception_n two_o consideration_n necessary_a bernard_n against_o separate_a 122._o 123._o ●●second_o sort_n of_o excepter_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o their_o exception_n three_o sort_n of_o adversary_n to_o this_o doctrine_n viz._n the_o papist_n and_o the_o mark_v they_o allege_v and_o answer_n to_o they_o bellar._n de_fw-fr eccles_n mili_fw-la p._n 184._o 188._o the_o five_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n viz_o government_n vid._n pol●●_n 426_o 459._o and_o in_o it_o five_o thing_n handle_v first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n occasional_o by_o church-government_n second_o thing_n in_o church_n government_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n viz_o how_o needful_a it_o be_v reason_n and_o that_o of_o some_o sort_n first_o sort_n of_o reason_n second_o sort_n of_o reason_n three_o sort_n of_o reason_n four_o sort_n of_o reason_n five_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n 〈…〉_z the_o four_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n what_o the_o scripture_n say_v herein_o deliver_v in_o two_o position_n the_o first_o draw_v into_o a_o observation_n two_o extreme_n to_o be_v avoid_v second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o four_o point_n of_o church-government_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o scripture_n the_o five_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n the_o whole_a form_n of_o church-government_n consist_v of_o three_o principal_n first_o the_o duty_n or_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n and_o they_o be_v six_o principal_a vid._n separate_a s●bis●_n 137._o the_o second_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v vid._n zegred_a 120._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o work_n to_o be_v do_v church_n censure_n reason_n of_o this_o how_o to_o proceed_v ●●_o this_o the_o 〈◊〉_d duty_n the_o six_o duty_n the_o second_o principle_n whereupon_o church-government_n consist_v viz._n the_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n general_o church-officer_n must_v have_v two_o thing_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n second_o they_o must_v be_v lawful_o appoint_v to_o such_o office_n particular_o what_o these_o officer_n be_v first_o bishop_n first_o their_o name_n second_o their_o office_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o ordain_v minister_n the_o objection_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v ordain_v as_o apostle_n not_o as_o bishop_n and_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o evangelist_n not_o as_o bishop_n answer_v second_o in_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o second_o presbyter_n their_o office_n first_o general_o second_o more_o particular_o three_o doctor_n four_o govern_v elder_n five_o deacons_n philip_n preach_v and_o baptize_v rather_o as_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n than_o a_o deacon_n six_o widow_n eight_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n wherein_o first_o that_o he_o be_v a_o church_n officer_n second_o wherein_o this_o office_n consist_v first_o general_o second_o particular_o in_o five_o thing_n the_o three_o pillar_n whereupon_o the_o church-government_n consist_v viz._n the_o rule_n and_o law_n by_o which_o the_o governor_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n
to_o be_v divorce_v and_o cut_v off_o as_o a_o filthy_a strumpet_n the_o popish_a plea_n for_o image_n that_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n but_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o image_n answdr_v the_o heathen_a make_v image_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o resemble_v of_o the_o invisible_a god_n in_o any_o make_a image_n be_v flat_a idolatry_n the_o papist_n do_v worship_n the_o image_n the_o popish_a distinction_n give_v the_o lesser_a honour_n to_o the_o image_n the_o great_a to_o god_n answer_v papist_n give_v the_o great_a worship_n to_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o wooden_a cross_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n the_o four_o head_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o doctrine_n viz._n concern_v justification_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o papist_n saying_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o grace_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v so_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n err_v viz._n in_o ma●ter_n of_o practice_n and_o this_o be_v twofold_a first_o in_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o this_o be_v show_v first_o in_o the_o general_a god_n worship_n as_o it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n be_v fit_a for_o man_n yea_o for_o a_o idol_n then_o for_o the_o true_a and_o everliving_a god_n first_o it_o be_v a_o ca●●all_a service_n ●ull_a of_o ●ites_n and_o ceremony_n and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o papist_n give_v but_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o soul_n natural_a man_n have_v rather_o be_v scourge_v then_o undertake_v the_o spiritual_a combat_n second_o they_o have_v a_o will-worship_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v three_o they_o have_v policy_n in_o their_o religion_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o outward_a state_n second_o in_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o word_n first_o it_o be_v obscure_v second_o little_a or_o seldom_o preach_v among_o the_o papist_n the_o people_n keep_v from_o the_o word_n among_o the_o papist_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o and_o so_o those_o that_o christ_n never_o ordain_v second_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o which_o christ_n do_v ordain_v they_o be_v full_a of_o abomination_n as_o first_o baptism_n second_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o very_a so●_n and_o hea●●_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o discipline_n the_o papist_n have_v scarce_o any_o thing_n sound_a in_o their_o discipline_n four_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v corrupt_v first_o in_o that_o they_o be_v make_v to_o saint_n and_o not_o to_o god_n alone_o second_o in_o that_o they_o be_v make_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n thing_n be_v far_o worse_o now_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n in_o diverse_a respect_n the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n err_v in_o matter_n of_o practice_n viz._n in_o matter_n of_o manner_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o matter_n of_o manner_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n heathenish_a and_o such_o as_o they_o maintain_v to_o be_v lawful_a particular_a error_n of_o the_o papist_n maintain_v 1._o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n 2_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n 3._o treason_n and_o murder_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n no_o people_n or_o state_n in_o the_o world_n match_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o the_o defence_n and_o practice_n of_o so_o many_o villainy_n as_o she_o do_v defend_v and_o practice_v cruelty_n exercise_v by_o the_o jesuit_n upon_o the_o indian_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o doctrine_n no_o communion_n to_o be_v have_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o certain_a danger_n of_o our_o soul_n use_v of_o both_o branch_n together_o no_o reconciliation_n to_o be_v dream_v on_o betwixt_o papist_n and_o us._n they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o we_o we_o must_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n justify_v no_o schism_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n except_o 1._o answ_n 1_o except_o 2._o answ_n what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o such_o a●_n continule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o western_a church_n viz_o the_o reform_a church_n 1_o why_o they_o be_v call_v reform_a churchche_n first_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n second_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o reformation_n and_o herein_o 5._o thing_n the_o reason_n why_o these_o church_n be_v call_v protestant_n church_n these_o reform_a church_n be_v more_o or_o less_o reform_v church_n account_v more_o reform_v church_n account_v less_o reform_v and_o therrein_a first_o of_o the_o lutheran_n church_n and_o herein_o of_o 3._o thing_n concern_v they_o first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n the_o second_o thing_n concern_v the_o lutheran_n church_n viz._n the_o tumul●s_n and_o unnatural_a contention_n raise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o the_o lutheran_n more_o bitter_a against_o we_o then_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o herein_o first_o what_o exception_n the_o papist_n take_v against_o we_o for_o they_o answer_v diverse_o second_o what_o use_v we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o these_o difference_n the_o three_o thing_n concern_v the_o lutheran_n church_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o they_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o church_n account_v reform_v viz._n our_o own_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n too_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o whole_a company_n of_o professor_n in_o england_n make_v one_o national_a church_n and_o this_o speech_n justify_v by_o 3_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n reason_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sound_a visible_a church_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o separatist_n exception_n except_o 1●_n answ_n except_o 2._o answ_n aynsw_n 11._o aynsw_n 25.26_o except_o 1_o answ_n except_o 2._o except_o 3._o ob_fw-la answ_n use_v 1._o for_o instruction_n diverse_o we_o may_v safe_o communicate_v &_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n motive_n to_o move_v to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n 2_o thing_n teach_v in_o this_o use_n viz._n thankfulness_n in_o two_o respect_n three_o thing_n in_o this_o use_n second_o use_n of_o reproof_n wherein_o two_o sort_n of_o adversary_n be_v reprove_v 3._o the_o papist_n our_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v warrant_v against_o the_o papist_n by_o prove_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v better_a than_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o call_n out_o of_o six_o or_o seven_o of_o the_o principal_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o us._n weigh_v by_o four_o balance_n the_o point_n which_o be_v weigh_v and_o whereby_o the_o trial_n be_v make_v be_v 1._o weigh_v in_o the_o first_o balance_n viz._n god_n glory_n the_o second_o instance_n weigh_v by_o the_o first_o balance_n the_o three_o instance_n weigh_v by_o the_o first_o balance_n the_o four_o instance_n weigh_v by_o the_o same_o balance_n the_o five_o instance_n balance_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o six_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o last_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o same_o thing_n try_v in_o the_o second_o balance_n viz._n god_n word_n the_o first_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o second_o rule_n the_o second_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o second_o rule_n the_o three_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o second_o rule_n the_o four_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o second_o ●ule_n the_o five_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o second_o rule_n the_o six_o instance_n try_v by_o second_o ●rule_v the_o seven_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o second_o rule_n the_o same_o thing_n try_v in_o the_o three_o bal●_n the_o five_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o three_o rule_n the_o six_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o three_o rule_n the_o 7._o instance_n try_v by_o the_o three_o rule_n the_o same_o thing_n try_v by_o the_o four_o rule_n viz._n comfort_n of_o conscience_n the_o first_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o four_o rule_n the_o second_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o four_o rule_n the_o three_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o four_o rule_n the_o four_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o four_o rule_n the_o five_o instance_n try_v in_o the_o four_o rule_n the_o six_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o four_o rule_n the_o seven_o instance_n try_v by_o the_o four_o rule_n second_o this_o use_n be_v for_o reproof_n of_o separatist_n their_o exception_n brief_o answer_v 1._o except_o your_o church_n have_v a_o false_a constitution_n answ_n both_o consequence_n and_o antecedent_n be_v false_a what_o constitution_n signify_v the_o second_o exception_n that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a government_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n answ_n both_o consequence_n and_o antecedent_n be_v false_a the_o three_o exception_n against_o our_o service_n that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a service_n answ_n four_o against_o our_o stint_a prayer_n answer_v the_o five_o exception_n against_o our_o ministry_n that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a ministry_n answer_v the_o six_o exception_n that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a people_n answer_v
and_o this_o rule_n hold_v as_o well_o for_o the_o church_n now_o as_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n there_o must_v also_o be_v the_o same_o power_n so_o the_o point_n be_v plain_a that_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v certain_a outward_a rite_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o some_o reas_n 1_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o church_n no_o religion_n can_v possible_o be_v carry_v without_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n now_o who_o shall_v ordain_v these_o but_o themselves_o as_o best_o know_v their_o own_o state_n as_o in_o a_o private_a family_n who_o shall_v ordain_v order_n for_o it_o but_o those_o of_o the_o family_n second_o no_o right_n be_v universal_a to_o hold_v every_o reas_n 2_o where_o in_o all_o church_n no_o that_o be_v impossible_a because_o diverse_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a state_n and_o therefore_o every_o church_n must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v ceremony_n for_o themselves_o three_o no_o ceremony_n be_v perpetual_a in_o one_o and_o the_o reas_n 3_o same_o church_n every_o church_n in_o time_n differ_v from_o itself_o by_o the_o change_n of_o occasion_n and_o state_n and_o then_o the_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v before_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o now_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v as_o their_o state_n shall_v require_v last_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o ordain_v reas_n 4_o certain_a rite_n the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o under_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o particular_a but_o the_o church_n now_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o of_o he_o if_o any_o say_v it_o be_v let_v they_o show_v where_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o give_v the_o church_n now_o power_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o this_o kind_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o use_v 1_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o take_v their_o liberty_n herein_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v bound_v and_o bridle_v that_o they_o go_v not_o too_o far_o either_o for_o multitude_n unprofitablenesse_n superstiton_n or_o the_o like_a the_o limit_n and_o bound_n therefore_o that_o every_o church_n be_v to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o in_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o be_v these_o first_o they_o must_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o god_n word_n second_o they_o must_v have_v no_o opinion_n of_o god_n worship_n place_v in_o they_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o the_o cross_n if_o the_o church_n so_o enjoin_v they_o it_o make_v they_o unlawful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v so_o heretofore_o by_o the_o papist_n that_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n now_o take_v away_o the_o abuse_n and_o the_o thing_n may_v still_o be_v impose_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o do_v all_o to_o god_n glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o four_o they_o must_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o offence_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v the_o church_n must_v be_v wary_a herein_o for_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a yet_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23_o 32._o five_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 26._o last_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o as_o in_o exod._n 28.40_o aaron_n son_n must_v have_v coat_n and_o girdle_n and_o bonnet_n make_v they_o for_o glory_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n do_v aim_v at_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o end_n also_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o the_o last_o use_n 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much_o shall_v serve_v for_o this_o point_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v the_o eyghth_n point_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o six_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n you_o may_v remember_v that_o 9_o point_n be_v propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o whereof_o we_o have_v already_o handle_v 8._o of_o they_o and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nine_o and_o that_o be_v the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o knnow_v of_o those_o congreagtion_n that_o profess_v not_o christianity_n we_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o pagan_n that_o profess_v heathenish_a religion_n no_o christian_n the_o jew_n that_o profess_v the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o gospel_n the_o turk_n that_o profess_v that_o abominable_a idol_n mahomet_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n these_o we_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o 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&_o hearer_n be_v this_o to_o see_v how_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o stand_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o for_o your_o better_a direction_n both_o to_o help_v your_o judgement_n concern_v other_o church_n and_o to_o settle_v your_o resolution_n church_n touch_v the_o goodness_n and_o soundness_n of_o this_o church_n that_o we_o live_v in_o i_o will_v endeavour_v god_n will_v to_o make_v application_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o to_o all_o church_n in_o general_a so_o more_o particular_o to_o this_o church_n of_o we_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o either_o be_v or_o have_v be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v twofold_a first_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n and_o so_o some_o be_v eastern_a and_o the_o