without_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n or_o alderman_n or_o common-counsel_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n among_o their_o several_a company_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o one_o be_v never_o so_o much_o injure_v and_o damnify_v by_o any_o unjust_a act_n and_o whether_o these_o several_a company_n and_o several_a assembly_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o make_v but_o one_o corporation_n under_o one_o civil_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-counsel_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propound_v that_o every_o one_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o question_n now_o as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n have_v its_o several_a corporation_n through_o all_o county_n and_o the_o which_o corporation_n although_o they_o have_v their_o several_a company_n in_o they_o yet_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o a_o civil_a presbytery_n and_o common-counsel_n and_o every_o company_n in_o they_o make_v not_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o a_o several_a city_n but_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o common-counsel_n or_o presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o common_a affair_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o take_v away_o and_o remove_v of_o common_a grievance_n and_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n to_o the_o common-counsel_n the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n and_o if_o they_o find_v no_o justice_n there_o nor_o satisfaction_n have_v their_o redress_n and_o appeal_v to_o some_o general_a court_n or_o some_o supreme_a judicature_n as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o redress_n and_o determine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o these_o several_a church_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o several_a corporation_n and_o association_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o affembly_n as_o so_o many_o several_a company_n in_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o presbytery_n or_o common-counsel_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o several_a precinct_n though_o they_o be_v consistent_a of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o according_a to_o the_o several_a hundred_o or_o division_n assign_v to_o each_o presbytery_n and_o all_o these_o and_o several_a association_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o abuse_n or_o enormity_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytrie_n or_o counsel_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n and_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o several_a corporation_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o regulate_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n according_a only_o to_o who_o law_n they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n divide_v into_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n corporation_n or_o precinct_n in_o imitation_n as_o near_o now_o as_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o law_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o their_o government_n doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o the_o several_a church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o particular_a corporation_n or_o association_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o those_o several_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o which_o likewise_o they_o have_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n within_o their_o precinct_n than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assemâ—â—â—â—â—_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-followship_a especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o satrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o â—_o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n
of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 1_o â—â—_o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20.17_o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 13.7_o remember_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o vers_fw-la 17._o obey_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o vers_n 24._o salute_v all_o they_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n here_o again_o he_o enjoin_v all_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o presbytery_n show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o their_o minister_n to_o rule_v and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o out_o of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n for_o they_o watch_v say_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n and_o in_o 1_o peter_z 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o say_v saint_n peter_n i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o saint_n james_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 14._o be_v any_o among_o you_o sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v in_o every_o church_n and_o every_o church_n be_v to_o submit_v itself_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o act_n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o brethren_n and_o act_v 21.17_o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n say_v saint_n luke_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o city_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n namely_o of_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o in_o convent_v man_n before_o they_o upon_o occasion_n in_o admonish_v if_o any_o offend_v in_o suspend_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o repentance_n in_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o again_o and_o in_o ordain_v of_o
officer_n and_o in_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n where_o and_o within_o these_o limit_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v all_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n terminate_v and_o this_o they_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n joint_o and_o by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v the_o order_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o establish_v and_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o people_n or_o the_o congregation_n be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o commission_n or_o have_v any_o power_n give_v they_o of_o rule_v for_o saint_n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n now_o paul_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o city_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o command_v timothy_n again_o and_o again_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o v._n 12_o 13._o i_o give_v thou_o charge_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v this_o command_n without_o spot_n unblameable_a till_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o timothy_n and_o all_o minister_n in_o he_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n bind_v to_o maintain_v that_o government_n unblameable_a that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n by_o joint_a consent_n and_o a_o common-counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n without_o their_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o when_o diotrephes_n assume_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o his_o will_n &_o pleasure_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n &_o oppose_a john_n the_o presbyter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v his_o proceed_n &_o signify_v to_o the_o church_n epist_n 3._o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o word_n and_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n for_o he_o say_v s._n john_n content_v not_o himself_o only_o to_o prate_v malicious_o against_o we_o but_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n nor_o suffer_v other_o but_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o he_o say_v saint_n john_n but_o for_o you_o say_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n follow_v not_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o to_o assume_v unto_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n that_o power_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o exercise_v only_o by_o the_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o which_o say_v saint_n john_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o shall_v call_v diotrephes_n the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o one_o of_o they_o do_v to_o i_o not_o long_o since_o whereas_o if_o the_o place_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o for_o the_o which_o he_o be_v by_o saint_n john_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o in_o he_o all_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytry_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n into_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n but_o of_o this_o business_n when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sufficient_o confirm_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbytererum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o do_v wonder_n they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o centory_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la quâ_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n here_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequà m_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fierent_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephae_fw-la communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n the_o very_a word_n before_o coat_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o humane_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hirarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n but_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o
presbytery_n in_o that_o sense_n i_o take_v it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v afthi_v way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbytter_v otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergò_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o you_o have_v none_o in_o your_o congregation_n so_o miraculous_o inspire_v with_o sundry_a language_n and_o divers_a tongue_n nor_o you_o do_v not_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n nor_o you_o can_v cure_v disease_n nor_o do_v miracle_n ergò_fw-la your_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n show_v we_o these_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o they_o may_v argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n preach_v free_o and_o labour_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_o be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o and_o speak_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o your_o minister_n in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20.29_o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o what_o so_o ever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o day_n all_o committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a counsel_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o 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can_v conceive_v but_o that_o there_o be_v infinite_n of_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n by_o jerusalem_n here_o metonimycal_o the_o place_n be_v take_v for_o the_o people_n now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o city_n go_v out_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n old_a and_o young_a with_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v in_o great_a earth_n quake_v or_o some_o pestilence_n or_o inundation_n that_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v a_o city_n and_o to_o seek_v some_o other_o habitation_n but_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o john_n baptist_n in_o this_o large_a sense_n and_o expression_n so_o that_o in_o this_o place_n it_o must_v be_v take_v synecdochical_o and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o great_a part_n or_o a_o chief_a part_n for_o the_o whole_a as_o when_o a_o 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that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o 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ministery_n and_o that_o without_o interruption_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o deconess_n yet_o they_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o say_v they_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v such_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o put_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o limitation_n not_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n for_o if_o they_o have_v choose_v man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v 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fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concerement_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n
be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o report_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o have_v not_o the_o pearl_n of_o prejudice_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o assertion_n the_o second_o now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v further_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o choose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church_n communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o more_o place_n of_o the_o same_o story_n and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n i_o now_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n which_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o the_o place_n follow_v act._n 11._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_v unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o counsel_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2.4.6.22_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o in_o these_o word_n then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharise_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcize_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21_o v._o 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o frame_v my_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n &_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v
so_o to_o believe_v as_o have_v receive_v authority_n because_o the_o aopstle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n councillor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_v age_n and_o of_o the_o prerbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v account_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o sit_v then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a counsellor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o council_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v there_o as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authourity_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a bishop_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church-government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o
they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostollicall_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act._n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o this_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n &_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o &_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a cale_fw-la intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n i_o look_v upon_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbyter_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slit_v as_o the_o fag_n end_v of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n &_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n whersoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o
the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a counsel_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbytrian_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o major_a and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogysme_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n i_o 4._o ver_fw-la 14_o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap_n the_o first_o verse_n the_o sixth_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o call_v himself_o a_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o write_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n sothat_n for_o the_o major_a although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_a &_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n &_o so_o they_o pick_v &_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a gogovern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common_a presbytry_n this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o teject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n &_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o &_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n &_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n &_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacons_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_v or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n
seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act._n 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n ot_fw-mi corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o major_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o three_o several_a presbyter_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_z country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o indepency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n of_o govern_v they_o yea_o act_n 15.2_o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necetssity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocrattical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o coat_v prove_v a_o presbytry_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_a the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governout_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_o
it_o be_v not_o only_o set_v down_o that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o which_o have_v it_o only_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n will_v meet_v together_o for_o a_o salutation_n they_o do_v much_o more_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o specify_v that_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o consultation_n in_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o what_o they_o act_v upon_o deliberation_n and_o that_o be_v to_o advise_v paul_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v which_o council_n of_o they_o be_v not_o lax_n but_o restrictive_a and_o bind_a ver_fw-la 23._o do_v therefore_o that_o which_o we_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o meet_v about_o act_n of_o government_n when_o they_o give_v a_o order_n and_o rule_v to_o paul_n himself_o how_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n follow_v their_o counsel_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o order_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o i_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o these_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o those_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n ergo_fw-la inthe_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_a no_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n or_o judgement_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n it_o have_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 21._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n there_o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n the_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o they_o do_v also_o accord_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v presbyterian_o rule_v but_o withal_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v have_v their_o church_n govern_v after_o that_o manner_n but_o this_o be_v all_o the_o debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n that_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o understand_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o conclusion_n or_o proposition_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o four_o viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbitry_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n for_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o mother_n church_n must_v give_v a_o example_n of_o government_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n now_o then_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o mother_n church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n and_o by_o her_o first_o constitution_n be_v confi_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o presbitry_n or_o a_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o mother_n church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o that_o misprision_n and_o mistake_n that_o she_o be_v consist_v of_o but_o as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n they_o take_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o imitation_n and_o teach_v all_o their_o several_a congregation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n among_o themselves_o independent_a and_o to_o govern_v with_o as_o absolute_a a_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o the_o which_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o appeal_n as_o all_o that_o know_v their_o tenant_n can_v witness_v so_o that_o this_o last_o proposition_n be_v strengthen_v both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admitring_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n viz._n whether_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o already_o congregat_v assembly_n of_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principle_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church-fellowship_n peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o and_o admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o society_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o question_n branch_v itself_o into_o these_o several_a query_n the_o first_o whether_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n there_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v ever_o leave_v their_o own_o ordinary_a charge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o whereto_o they_o be_v fix_v with_o a_o command_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a way_n or_o a_o new_a bear_v truth_n or_o a_o new_a light_n do_v run_v about_o and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n well-affected_n former_o to_o their_o several_a minister_n as_o of_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v as_o who_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o feed_v they_o still_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o say_v the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o there_o be_v precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o any_o true_a minister_n so_o do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n &_o primitive_a time_n that_o any_o believe_a christian_n be_v in_o great_a number_n congregat_v from_o among_o other_o believe_a christian_n and_o mould_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a body_n and_o church_n from_o they_o and_o who_o have_v no_o church-fellowship_n with_o the_o other_o congregation_n nor_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v independent_a from_o they_o and_o absolute_a among_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o make_v devision_n and_o schism_n in_o
of_o god_n he_o be_v both_o ordain_v and_o put_v in_o office_n without_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o business_n but_o only_o stand_v amaze_v and_o say_v be_v not_o this_o he_o that_o destroy_v they_o which_o call_v on_o this_o name_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o come_v hither_o for_o that_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o bind_v unto_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n when_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n they_o only_o admit_v member_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o these_o our_o day_n wherein_o people_n have_v get_v itch_a ear_n and_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o humour_n such_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n they_o teach_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v forth_o new_o bear_v light_n to_o the_o darken_n of_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o confusion_n on_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o 5._o chap_a to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n it_o any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbitry_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n ver_fw-la 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 11.1_o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o &_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a counsel_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n in_o to_o counsel_v with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o ea_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o
and_o i_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n many_o courtesy_n when_o we_o find_v little_a favour_n from_o our_o own_o brethren_n which_o their_o humanity_n i_o must_v never_o forget_v but_o with_o all_o due_a thankfulness_n for_o ever_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v if_o then_o this_o my_o opinion_n be_v think_v orthodox_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o applause_n i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o a_o truth_n than_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n now_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a then_o it_o be_v good_a now_o for_o the_o change_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v change_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o truth_n but_o this_o my_o opinion_n i_o learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n the_o warrant_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o practice_n this_o word_n therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o my_o christian_a brethren_n in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o question_n now_o agitate_a among_o god_n people_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n concern_v church-government_n to_o take_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o with_o those_o noble_a berean_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o either_o side_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o entreat_v they_o also_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o passion_n which_o religion_n have_v no_o need_n of_o and_o all_o vainglory_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a call_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o with_o a_o virgin_n judgement_n not_o ravish_v with_o any_o previous_a or_o anticipate_v opinion_n to_o come_v and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o consider_v and_o examine_v which_o of_o those_o two_o opinion_n the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n now_o sacrifice_v themselves_o unto_o be_v the_o offering_n that_o will_v best_o endure_v the_o firy-tryall_n 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 14_o 15._o viz._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a or_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a both_o now_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o acceptabl_a service_n and_o best_a please_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o that_o that_o oblation_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a that_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n only_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v about_o the_o rule_n in_o decide_v of_o this_o controversy_n and_o make_v the_o write_a word_n the_o rule_n they_o agree_v also_o about_o the_o material_n both_o acknowledgeing_a a_o presbytery_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o about_o the_o mould_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o offering_n i_o will_v therefore_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o show_v wherein_o we_o differ_v and_o then_o set_v down_o my_o own_o opinion_n with_o my_o reason_n and_o after_o endeavour_n to_o be_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o rejoice_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a question_n between_o we_o they_o call_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o our_o brethren_n they_o term_v independent_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a dependent_a or_o presbyterian_a independent_a the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n or_o christian_a assembly_n common_o call_v church_n 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and_o plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o this_o or_o any_o other_o great_a council_n or_o presbytery_n for_o transact_v or_o determine_v all_o difference_n about_o faith_n or_o manner_n among_o themselves_o or_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o grievance_n or_o abuse_n or_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o the_o party_n offend_v conceive_v they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o injury_n or_o wrong_n do_v they_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o two_o presbyter_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n have_v a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o as_o ample_a authority_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 17._o and_o to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o question_n which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v propound_v it_o in_o a_o simile_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n well_o know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o government_n of_o this_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n and_o of_o many_o other_o great_a city_n through_o the_o kingdom_n be_v call_v corporation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v majestracy_n and_o have_v in_o they_o a_o secular_a or_o civil_a signory_n or_o presbytry_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a principality_n and_o this_o government_n by_o which_o all_o citizen_n and_o inhabitant_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v as_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n who_o only_o by_o such_o other_o officer_n as_o they_o shall_v allegate_v be_v to_o manage_v and_o exercise_v this_o government_n so_o that_o all_o particular_a citizen_n and_o all_o the_o company_n of_o several_a tradesman_n be_v in_o their_o particular_a ward_n precinct_n and_o fellowship_n by_o their_o constitution_n and_o charter_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o counsel_n and_o be_v to_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o they_o upon_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n or_o conceive_v wrong_v or_o when_o it_o concern_v the_o common_a good_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o stand_v unto_o their_o arbitrement_n now_o then_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v as_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o these_o several_a corporation_n whether_o the_o company_n in_o each_o city_n where_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v all_o their_o officer_n and_o exercise_v also_o a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o jurisdiction_n among_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o
command_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20.21_o and_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n &_o the_o re-establish_a of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o judicature_n in_o those_o time_n in_o censure_a man_n manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v and_o administer_v by_o a_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o learned_a experience_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n consistory_n or_o college_n of_o able_a man_n for_o government_n choose_v and_o select_v out_o of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n by_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o their_o ability_n the_o which_o assembly_n and_o company_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o do_v represent_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n christ_n do_v establish_v the_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o apostle_n this_o representative_a body_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o faith_n &_o manner_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o privilege_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v now_o all_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n nor_o by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v but_o by_o a_o assembly_n senate_n council_n or_o presbytery_n of_o understand_a man_n assign_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n and_o this_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o several_a presbytery_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n in_o judas_n his_o place_n and_o in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n in_o choose_v of_o deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuated_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o eminent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o chrispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o as_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o name_n be_v
that_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v &_o preach_v jesus_n christ._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o preach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o preach_v be_v set_v down_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la the_o 46._o where_o it_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o by_o all_o interpreter_n be_v understand_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o the_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n be_v wont_v usual_o to_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n be_v frequent_a mention_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o roman_n verse_n the_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 16._o vers_fw-la 19_o col._n 4.14_o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 20._o say_v that_o he_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o they_o but_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n as_o well_o private_a as_o public_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o church_n also_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o church_n but_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o six_o chapter_n where_o in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3_o and_z 7_o verses_z it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o their_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n brief_o of_o these_o observables_n the_o first_o of_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o wile_n and_o stratagem_n assault_v the_o church_n without_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o 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who_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v need_n act_v 2._o vers_fw-la 44_o 45._o chap._n 4._o v._n 35._o and_o this_o their_o supposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o controversy_n the_o second_o abservable_a be_v to_o who_o the_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n do_v apply_v themselves_o and_o appeal_v and_o that_o be_v to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o college_n of_o apostle_n not_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o but_o to_o the_o twelve_o as_o in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n act_v 15._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o both_o those_o difference_n all_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o that_o willing_o and_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o order_v of_o all_o 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unto_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o free_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o to_o the_o order_n they_o set_v down_o as_o the_o story_n specifi_v the_o three_o observable_a be_v the_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o take_v up_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o employment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o such_o multitude_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o teacher_n and_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o all_o of_o they_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v 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church_n and_o among_o believer_n and_o brethren_n and_o that_o upon_o groundless_a pretence_n the_o second_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o day_n week_n month_n perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v 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christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o whether_o church_n and_o assembly_n thus_o congregat_v be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o only_o christ_n rule_v and_o reign_v as_o king_n and_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o fashion_n be_v no_o true_a congregat_v church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o brethren_n as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v if_o i_o have_v fail_v in_o any_o thing_n in_o state_v the_o question_n or_o in_o any_o of_o these_o queres_fw-la the_o brethren_n must_v pardon_v i_o for_o i_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n many_o of_o they_o teach_v not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o assembly_n but_o in_o every_o pulpit_n through_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o come_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o if_o i_o 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our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o use_v in_o gather_v of_o their_o congregation_n that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o may_v all_o be_v undeceive_v in_o this_o business_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n and_o i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o christ_n commission_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o order_n that_o god_n himself_o use_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o his_o election_n and_o for_o the_o congregate_a of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o fold_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v that_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o i_o conceive_v that_o god_n order_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v follow_v than_o any_o other_o new-found_a way_n but_o to_o begin_v with_o christ_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 21._o verse_n 19.20_o go_v you_o therefore_o say_v christ_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o and_z lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amen_n and_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o mark_n verse_n 15_o 16._o he_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o in_o the_o 26._o of_o the_o act_n saint_n paul_n after_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversion_n to_o king_n agrippa_n he_o likewise_o make_v know_v unto_o he_o the_o commission_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o i_o say_v who_o be_v thou_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v i_o be_o jesus_n who_o thou_o persecute_v but_o rise_v and_o stand_v upon_o thy_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n both_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o which_o i_o will_v appear_v unto_o thou_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o people_n and_o from_o the_o gentile_n unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o i_o whereupon_o i_o be_v not_o disobedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n but_o show_v first_o unto_o they_o of_o damascus_n and_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o through_o all_o the_o coast_n of_o judea_n and_o then_o to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n out_o of_o these_o several_a place_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o observe_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v set_v they_o how_o far_o they_o shall_v go_v in_o their_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o beyond_o which_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o and_o appear_v to_o they_o in_o and_o for_o the_o which_o they_o have_v his_o word_n and_o warrant_n and_o so_o long_o
the_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o the_o gospelll_n and_o stand_v for_o he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o all_o computation_n though_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o malignant_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o be_v sway_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n elder_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n yet_o to_o one_o pharisee_n or_o malignant_a scribe_n or_o ruler_n there_o be_v ten_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o honour_v he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o disciple_n yea_o the_o pharisee_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v frame_v no_o argument_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o those_o new_a addition_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o ministry_n consider_v by_o themselves_o a_o part_n from_o those_o that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n convert_v be_v so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n for_o partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v much_o less_o can_v they_o all_o meet_v together_o be_v join_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v through_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n but_o out_o of_o the_o former_a place_n above_o specify_v i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a people_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o pharisee_n account_v accurse_v there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n and_o in_o any_o one_o room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v 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assembly_n if_o they_o will_v be_v all_o edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n neither_o will_v any_o rational_a man_n deny_v it_o that_o have_v not_o resolve_v to_o sacrifice_v himself_o to_o stupidity_n for_o the_o minor_a the_o place_n above_o specify_v prove_v it_o for_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o world_n follow_v he_o that_o be_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o great_a multitude_n entertain_v he_o with_o their_o acclamation_n and_o cry_v hosanna_n the_o very_a child_n also_o second_v they_o and_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n scribes_z and_o elder_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o to_o do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o whole_a people_n we_o see_v here_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o except_z the_o scribes_z pharisee_n elder_n and_o high_a priest_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o be_v very_o few_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o such_o a_o multitude_n there_o be_v of_o they_o as_o for_o that_o present_a they_o so_o awe_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o destroy_v christ_n though_o they_o desire_v it_o so_o that_o the_o minor_a stand_v firm_a and_o from_o the_o premise_n the_o conclusion_n necessary_o follow_v but_o out_o of_o the_o former_a place_n i_o yet_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o water_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o baptize_v they_o all_o nor_o any_o one_o place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n capable_a to_o contain_v or_o receive_v they_o all_o so_o that_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o the_o numerosity_n of_o they_o force_v in_o several_a place_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o and_o baptize_v they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v or_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o water_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o baptize_v they_o all_o nor_o any_o one_o place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n capable_a to_o contain_v or_o receive_v they_o all_o so_o that_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o saint_n john_n baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o the_o numerofity_n of_o they_o force_v to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a place_n and_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o be_v of_o necessity_n force_v to_o divide_v and_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o divers_a place_n and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n they_o be_v so_o evident_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o remain_v incredulous_a and_o continue_v in_o his_o obstinacy_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o necessity_n must_v from_o the_o premise_n be_v grant_v and_o all_o these_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v believer_n before_o christ_n suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n now_o i_o will_v take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o number_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o these_o believer_n by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o from_o the_o divers_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n frame_v such_o argument_n as_o shall_v make_v it_o yet_o more_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o in_o act_n 8.1_o and_o in_o the_o persecution_n &_o after_o the_o persecution_n
but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n i_o must_v answer_v to_o some_o objection_n make_v by_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o the_o first_o of_o the_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n the_o word_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o argument_n be_v these_o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n together_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o men_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o believer_n do_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n include_v or_o confine_v which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o such_o learned_a man_n as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v shall_v so_o argue_v for_o this_o must_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o argument_n if_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o be_v not_o so_o numerous_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o these_o in_o peter_n company_n be_v all_o that_o church_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v their_o meaning_n or_o else_o their_o argument_n conclude_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o invalidity_n of_o the_o which_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equallize_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n &_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21.22_o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a 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 with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church-officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o
be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2.46_o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o here_o in_o express_a word_n the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v be_v specify_v and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o candid_a or_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o three_o thousand_o christian_n may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n ergò_fw-la all_o that_o believe_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o christ_n ministry_n and_o miracle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n before_o christ_n suffering_n and_o all_o that_o be_v after_o his_o resurrection_n convert_v for_o twenty_o year_n together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v yet_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o edification_n i_o refer_v this_o i_o say_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v if_o one_o shall_v argue_v against_o they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v within_o these_o seven_o year_n all_o the_o independent_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n ergò_fw-la there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o but_o one_o church_n still_o of_o independent_o in_o london_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n will_v not_o the_o brethren_n make_v themselves_o as_o merry_a with_o such_o a_o way_n of_o dispute_v as_o they_o have_v make_v other_o sad_a with_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v yes_o doubtless_o the_o truth_n be_v their_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v not_o to_o their_o own_o honour_n to_o speak_v but_o favourable_o of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o that_o time_n this_o place_n of_o scripture_n speak_v of_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n specify_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o these_o three_o thousand_o new_a coavert_n and_o accord_n also_o unto_o they_o that_o all_o these_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v grant_v they_o for_o divers_a reason_n for_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o although_o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n yet_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v some_o of_o they_o do_v daily_o meet_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o several_a employment_n and_o other_o in_o private_a and_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a communion_n or_o sacrament_n in_o several_a house_n from_o which_o it_o be_v manifelt_o evident_a that_o then_o when_o there_o be_v new_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n they_o have_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v they_o be_v still_o distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o have_v their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n in_o several_a house_n and_o place_n beside_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o those_o several_a house_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o 41_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o the_o 47._o but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o silence_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v nothing_o and_o shall_v i_o grant_v to_o our_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o and_o that_o these_o three_o thousand_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o ten_o thousand_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o more_o to_o they_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o more_o to_o all_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n many_o hundred_o thousand_o more_o will_v any_o man_n think_v or_o believe_v that_o ten_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n much_o less_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o think_v no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o abdicate_v his_o understanding_n will_v so_o conclude_v so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argumentation_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o have_v defend_v themselves_o and_o wound_v the_o truth_n they_o wound_v themselves_o and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o tenant_n as_o god_n willing_a i_o shall_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o out_o of_o chap._n 5._o our_o brethren_n conceive_v they_o have_v a_o very_a strong_a &_o invincible_a argument_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o after_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n be_v miraculous_o take_v away_o for_o lie_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v among_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n ergò_fw-la say_v they_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v meet_v be_v set_v down_o viz._n in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o it_o be_v further_o specify_v that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o that_o place_n this_o be_v their_o argument_n faithful_o and_o true_o set_v down_o and_o with_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o their_o cause_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o argue_v have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o neither_o do_v it_o beseem_v grave_a man_n to_o trifle_v thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o then_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o john_n
the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o passion_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o peter_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o five_o thousand_o after_o by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o after_o the_o new_a addition_n of_o so_o many_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n that_o the_o five_o chapter_n speak_v of_o shall_v i_o say_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o may_v yet_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o all_o reason_n forbid_v i_o to_o yield_v to_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edification_n and_o have_v communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o may_v conceive_v have_v we_o no_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o back_o it_o that_o if_o eight_o thousand_o be_v convert_v beside_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o if_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o resurrection_n there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a increase_n and_o such_o a_o multiplication_n of_o christian_n all_o understanding_n i_o say_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o year_n there_o will_v be_v innumerable_a multitude_n add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n when_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o wonder_n with_o the_o same_o doctrine_n still_o continue_v and_o with_o all_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o then_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o those_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o edification_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o that_o any_o judicious_a man_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o great_a school-learning_n may_v perceive_v the_o invalidity_n and_o vanity_n of_o such_o argumentation_n and_o true_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v brethren_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o poor_a a_o way_n of_o dispute_v that_o it_o do_v not_o bessem_fw-la man_n of_o gravity_n much_o less_o of_o learning_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o such_o reason_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o nothingnesse_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o people_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v in_o solomon_n porch_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o last_o miracle_n and_o some_o other_o new_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o be_v then_o work_v in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v together_o and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o solomon_n porch_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n but_o do_v this_o with_o any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o every_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v so_o for_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v then_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o neither_o many_o porch_n nor_o many_o temple_n can_v have_v contain_v their_o very_a body_n much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v but_o i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o brethren_n so_o rigid_o as_o i_o may_v and_o therefore_o wave_v many_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v just_o here_o utter_v but_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o that_o now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n night_n all_o meet_a together_o in_o one_o place_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o mightever_n so_o do_v in_o succeed_a time_n when_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a increase_n of_o christian_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n all_o reason_n will_v contradict_v that_o assertion_n within_o this_o seven_o year_n as_o all_o man_n know_v one_o place_n and_o congregation_n will_v have_v contain_v all_o the_o independent_o but_o will_v one_o place_n now_o or_o ten_o contain_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o conceive_v will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a minister_n have_v mother_n manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n then_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v do_v not_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n yea_o they_o take_v it_o as_o a_o disparagement_n unto_o they_o for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o roman_n v._n 20._o affirm_v now_o our_o brethren_n they_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n and_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o they_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n with_o good_a fleece_n on_o their_o back_n yea_o the_o velvit-sheep_n and_o the_o plush-sheep_n and_o the_o satin_n and_o taffity-sheep_n out_o of_o other_o shepherd_n fold_n and_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v church_n they_o scatter_v they_o and_o the_o poor_a sheep_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o argument_n out_o of_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o multiplication_n there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o greek_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o it_o please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n say_v the_o scripture_n from_o thence_o our_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n come_v here_o together_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v then_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n as_o if_o our_o brethren_n shall_v thus_o argue_v as_o the_o wheel-barrow_n go_v rumble_v rumble_v even_o so_o be_v prelatical_a episcopacy_n better_a than_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o to_o be_v serious_a shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o at_o this_o time_n all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o come_v together_o and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n and_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o follow_v when_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a increase_n of_o more_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o this_o very_a chapter_n signify_v that_o then_o also_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v or_o believe_v so_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v every_o individual_a christian_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o come_v together_o and_o that_o for_o warrantable_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o controversy_n and_o murmur_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o among_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o only_o between_o two_o nation_n of_o they_o viz._n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n now_o we_o be_v inform_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 5._o that_o there_o be_v dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o which_o the_o greek_n be_v but_o one_o nation_n and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n of_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o good_a accord_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n tell_v and_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o wish_v another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o murmur_v among_o they_o nor_o no_o controversy_n contention_n or_o variance_n and_o they_o all_o continue_v quiet_a in_o their_o several_a house_n and_o live_v in_o love_n
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greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n where_o they_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n and_o understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o and_o from_o warrantable_a reason_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o for_o this_o my_o belief_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o reason_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n but_o have_v there_o be_v but_o one_o nation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o many_o thousand_o believer_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v there_o be_v can_v not_o all_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o squib_n which_o only_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o then_o vanish_v in_o the_o air_n to_o say_v no_o more_o and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a objection_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o ever_o hear_v from_o they_o to_o the_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o give_v my_o several_a answer_n which_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a against_o they_o all_o and_o now_o i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o divers_a miracle_n daily_o wrought_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o discple_n before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n &_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n no_o nor_o in_o a_o few_o but_o be_v of_o necessity_n force_v to_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n under_o the_o persecution_n &_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o for_o prove_v of_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o which_o be_v still_o but_o the_o first_o conclusion_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o then_o go_v forward_o to_o the_o ensue_a story_n of_o the_o same_o book_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o &_o 6_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n it_o be_v relate_v how_o the_o holy_a apostle_n employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n also_o of_o tongue_n and_o language_n and_o the_o effect_n also_o of_o their_o ministry_n preach_v and_o miracle_n be_v there_o set_v down_o at_o large_a and_o it_o be_v specify_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o first_o miracle_n when_o all_o the_o people_n of_o several_a nation_n hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o every_o one_o in_o their_o several_a tongue_n and_o language_n who_o be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o be_v galileane_o that_o they_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o from_o their_o amazement_n it_o be_v say_v they_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o sermon_n of_o peter_n the_o sermon_n itself_o be_v there_o set_v down_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o say_v unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o
remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v he_o save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o 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have_v be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o peter_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o new_a believer_n be_v there_o specify_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n which_o be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o all_o the_o former_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o eight_o thousand_o new_a member_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 110_o psalm_n vers_fw-la 3._o be_v not_o fulfil_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n his_o willing_a people_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n shall_v be_v multiply_v as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o due_a notice_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v man_n not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o without_o doubt_n these_o new_a believer_n endeavour_v to_o convert_v their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o truth_n with_o such_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n annex_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o prevalent_a to_o convert_v woman_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o whole_a family_n as_o error_n and_o novelty_n in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v able_a to_o mislead_a those_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o which_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v every_o newborn_a truth_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o follow_v every_o new_a light_n and_o every_o new-found_a way_n though_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o but_o to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v without_o miracle_n be_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o those_o poor_a woman_n that_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n from_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n as_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v down_o dead_a and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 11._o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o as_o many_o that_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o malignant_a party_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o and_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o come_v in_o the_o good_a woman_n now_o and_o in_o verse_n 26._o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o captain_n with_o the_o officer_n bring_v the_o apostle_n without_o violence_n for_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v stone_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a effect_n these_o miracle_n wrought_v the_o first_o be_v that_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n come_v on_o all_o the_o church_n god_n own_o people_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o addition_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v still_o but_o one_o church_n the_o second_o that_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o contrary_a party_n the_o pharisaical_a malignant_a crew_n the_o three_o that_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o multitude_n no_o small_a company_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o be_v a_o new_a increase_n and_o that_o a_o great_a one_o the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o very_a captain_n and_o officer_n be_v awe_v and_o keep_v in_o fear_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o those_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n be_v afraid_a of_o his_o servant_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o party_n of_o believer_n do_v balance_v the_o number_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o pharisaical_a party_n if_o not_o by_o far_o exceed_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o all_o probability_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n and_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n and_o such_o a_o number_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n nor_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divers_a jew_n that_o be_v then_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o their_o several_a minister_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o several_a language_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v i_o say_v for_o the_o present_a to_o wave_v all_o this_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v positive_o set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n
place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergò_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v the_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n &_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_n very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 21_o 22._o and_o from_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 2._o &_o 4._o chap._n 8._o verse_n 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a &_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n &_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2_o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o v._n 12._o &_o v._o 42._o &_o chap._n 3._o v._n 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a
worship_n as_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v and_o by_o evident_a argument_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o never_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o temple_n those_o discriminate_n and_o distinguish_v ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n interpreter_n gather_v from_o the_o ensue_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v interpret_v by_o all_o divine_n of_o sacramental_a bread_n which_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_o so_o expound_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a upon_o act_n the_o 20._o vers_fw-la the_o 7._o and_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o private_a house_n as_o by_o the_o many_o place_n be_v manifest_a which_o i_o cite_v but_o a_o little_a before_o beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o break_v bread_n be_v no_o temple-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o the_o apostle_n for_o preach_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 4.2_o they_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o have_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n there_o and_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o assault_v act_v 21.28_o for_o be_v but_o suppose_v to_o have_v bring_v greek_n into_o the_o temple_n what_o will_v these_o man_n have_v do_v if_o one_o shall_v have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a ordinance_n and_o a_o new_a worship_n and_o service_n and_o that_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o legal_a right_n sure_o the_o jew_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n contend_v for_o this_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o not_o every_o day_n yet_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n at_o least_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o never_o be_v without_o preach_v as_o we_o see_v in_o act._n 20.7_o and_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o daily_o break_v bread_n together_o and_o that_o in_o several_a and_o particular_a house_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v for_o a_o few_o house_n can_v not_o have_v hold_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o if_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v contain_v under_o one_o roof_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o be_v in_o diverse_a and_o several_a chamber_n or_o room_n so_o that_o what_o be_v do_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o one_o the_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v still_o several_a congregation_n as_o under_o the_o roof_n of_o paul_n there_o be_v diverse_a meeting-place_n where_o man_n may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v call_v several_a church_n and_o they_o that_o meet_v there_o several_a congregation_n though_o under_o one_o roof_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o place_n under_o one_o covert_n make_v always_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v daily_o see_v in_o the_o several_a commit_v at_o westminster_n where_o every_o committee_n of_o both_o house_n have_v their_o several_a room_n and_o equal_a authority_n and_o be_v yet_o all_o but_o one_o parliament_n though_o distribute_v into_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n so_o here_o they_o have_v several_a assembly_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n as_o be_v declare_v and_o reason_n itself_o without_o any_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v this_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o all_o preach_v and_o that_o daily_a and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a room_n to_o preach_v in_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a auditory_n or_o assembly_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v preach_v to_o the_o wall_n so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n will_v all_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n all_o hair_n of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n &_o assembly_n to_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n the_o place_n above_o specify_v do_v declare_v and_o tell_v we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o resolve_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o truth_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o receive_a opinion_n but_o may_v evident_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n as_o the_o many_o committee_n in_o both_o house_n be_v in_o divers_a room_n and_o make_v divers_a assembly_n and_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n among_o themselves_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o parliament_n and_o all_o those_o several_a commit_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o great_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v all_o the_o parliament_n and_o all_o this_o without_o confusion_n yea_o with_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n have_v thus_o evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v now_o by_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v also_o many_o assembly_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o undertake_v because_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v say_v that_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o before_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o several_a assembly_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o waste_v and_o scatter_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o after_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o can_v never_o be_v evince_v and_o make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o we_o must_v ever_o look_v upon_o the_o first_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o it_o be_v original_o and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o not_o what_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o through_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n and_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n for_o government_n of_o church_n be_v often_o change_v from_o their_o primordiall_a state_n through_o many_o casualty_n as_o it_o happen_v often_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reformation_n thing_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o original_a pattern_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o by_o occasion_n they_o vary_v or_o change_v through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o she_o be_v in_o her_o youth_n and_o in_o she_o most_o flourish_a age_n we_o shall_v find_v she_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o many_o assembly_n and_o all_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o a_o presbytery_n which_o must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n government_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o will_v in_o our_o reformation_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o first_o constitution_n but_o because_o i_o say_v they_o think_v it_o so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v now_o god-willing_o make_v it_o evident_a and_o not_o only_o after_o the_o persecution_n but_o even_o in_o and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o first_o out_o of_o that_o very_a place_n our_o brethren_n bring_v against_o we_o and_o by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a the_o place_n be_v in_o the_o 8._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4._o in_o these_o word_n and_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n and_o samaria_n except_o the_o apostle_n verse_n 3_o as_o for_o saul_n he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n from_o
whence_o the_o brethren_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o beleiver_n leave_v than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o must_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o evince_n and_o make_v good_a that_o this_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o beleiver_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o there_o may_v not_o yet_o remain_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o more_o people_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o two_o for_o persecution_n be_v the_o bellows_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o blow_v every_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n so_o that_o this_o their_o division_n prove_v their_o multiplycation_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v few_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o before_o for_o although_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o this_o persecution_n be_v very_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o persecutor_n as_o reach_v to_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n of_o all_o sort_n chap._n 22._o verse_n 4._o and_o although_o i_o shall_v likewise_o accord_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o reach_v to_o all_o sort_n both_o preacher_n and_o christian_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o all_o the_o region_n etc._n etc._n except_o the_o apostle_n both_o which_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v yield_v unto_o for_o some_o reason_n follow_v but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o grant_v all_o this_o yet_o i_o affirm_v that_o this_o persecution_n rather_o make_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o few_o then_o there_o be_v before_o though_o they_o may_v be_v small_a and_o lesser_a than_o so_o to_o waste_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o paucity_n as_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n for_o this_o their_o division_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o multiplication_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o even_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o england_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n power_n when_o any_o assembly_n of_o those_o they_o call_v puritan_n be_v at_o any_o time_n find_v together_o they_o be_v hale_v before_o authority_n as_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n can_v witness_v and_o these_o people_n be_v all_o scatter_a yet_o so_o as_o they_o still_o have_v their_o meeting_n in_o less_o number_n and_o whereas_o before_o they_o meet_v perhaps_o a_o hundred_o in_o a_o company_n now_o this_o hundred_o be_v divide_v into_o three_o or_o four_o several_a assembly_n which_o be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n for_o in_o all_o these_o they_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o full_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o most_o crowd_a aslembly_n but_o this_o they_o do_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v such_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o for_o common_o if_o man_n see_v a_o good_a company_n of_o people_n go_v into_o a_o house_n and_o none_o of_o they_o come_v out_o again_o they_o will_v by_o and_o by_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v something_o there_o to_o be_v do_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o exercise_n of_o religion_n or_o some_o consultation_n and_o plot_v about_o some_o design_n or_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o take_v more_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o examine_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o concourse_n and_o to_o pry_v into_o their_o proceed_n whereas_o if_o they_o come_v but_o in_o slender_a company_n they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v some_o ordinary_a entertainment_n and_o think_v no_o far_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o then_o more_o peaceable_o enjoy_v the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n one_o of_o another_o without_o any_o interruption_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v come_v in_o great_a assembly_n and_o company_n and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o beleiver_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o that_o persecution_n they_o can_v not_o now_o meet_v in_o the_o temple_n nor_o possible_o at_o their_o wont_a meeting_n house_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n no_o terror_n can_v make_v they_o forsake_v the_o company_v of_o themselves_o together_o for_o in_o that_o persecution_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n we_o find_v the_o church_n assemble_v in_o several_a place_n for_o they_o be_v pray_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n verse_n 12._o there_o be_v one_o congregation_n to_o which_o peter_n come_v and_o relate_v unto_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o delivery_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o tell_v it_o james_n and_o the_o brethren_n and_o there_o be_v another_o assembly_n and_o without_o doubt_n peter_n go_v unto_o a_o three_o for_o he_o will_v not_o go_v among_o the_o enemy_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o in_o this_o persecution_n also_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a as_o then_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n be_v idle_a who_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o minister_a of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o as_o many_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v all_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v preach_v unto_o they_o all_o and_o then_o to_o what_o end_n or_o purpose_n do_v all_o the_o other_o apostle_n tarry_v in_o jerusalem_n who_o in_o all_o their_o motion_n and_o stay_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_v and_o support_v the_o church_n there_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o rage_n of_o this_o persecution_n when_o they_o have_v scatter_v their_o other_o teacher_n from_o they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n at_o this_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o diminish_v or_o scatter_v though_o all_o their_o pastor_n and_o minister_n save_v the_o apostle_n be_v and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o persecution_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o christian_n promiscuous_o and_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v except_o the_o apostle_n as_o our_o brethren_n conceive_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o the_o persecute_v jew_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o shall_v ever_o observe_v that_o they_o chief_o aim_v at_o the_o take_v away_o and_o extirpate_v of_o their_o teacher_n and_o minister_n and_o those_o that_o instruct_v they_o so_o the_o jew_n malice_n be_v great_a against_o the_o prophet_n in_o all_o age_n as_o we_o may_v see_v mat._n 5._o ver_fw-la 12._o for_o so_o they_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o 23._o of_o matthew_n our_o saviour_n say_v verse_n 29._o woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n because_o you_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o you_o witness_v unto_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o scribe_n and_o some_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v kill_v and_o crucify_v etc._n etc._n here_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v what_o method_n they_o have_v former_o use_v in_o their_o persecution_n and_o that_o be_v chief_o to_o persecute_v their_o teacher_n and_o what_o method_n they_o will_v for_o the_o future_a take_v and_o that_o be_v principal_o to_o kill_v and_o crucify_v the_o prophet_n wiseman_n and_o scribe_n which_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n be_v here_o in_o this_o persecution_n manifest_o fulfil_v for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o viz._n their_o teacher_n scatter_v abroad_o and_o persecute_v except_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v i_o say_v ever_o the_o method_n and_o custom_n of_o persecutor_n to_o aim_v principal_o at_o the_o root_n out_o and_o take_v away_o of_o those_o they_o suppose_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o this_o enrage_a they_o against_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o make_v they_o at_o this_o time_n so_o mischievous_o to_o
persecute_v their_o minister_n and_o teacher_n neither_o do_v i_o read_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n before_o this_o persecution_n that_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v come_v to_o the_o massacre_v of_o the_o common_a people_n they_o have_v slay_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o stone_v stephen_n and_o after_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v how_o herod_n slay_v james_n and_o because_o it_o please_v the_o jew_n he_o proceed_v to_o take_v peter_n they_o always_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o their_o teacher_n and_o hale_v they_o to_o prison_n as_o they_o do_v peter_n and_o john_n in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o act_n but_o for_o the_o people_n the_o only_a punishment_n they_o undergo_v till_o this_o persecution_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n if_o any_o of_o they_o do_v public_o profess_v christ_n indeed_o in_o this_o persecution_n their_o violence_n extend_v to_o the_o hale_v of_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n but_o before_o we_o read_v of_o no_o violence_n offer_v unto_o the_o people_n only_o they_o rail_v on_o they_o revile_v and_o reproach_v they_o as_o all_o wicked_a man_n who_o tongue_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n use_v to_o do_v on_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a the_o same_o method_n do_v the_o prelate_n here_o in_o england_n use_v they_o chief_o and_o more_o principal_o persecute_v the_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n and_o minister_n every_o where_o and_o such_o as_o they_o think_v best_o able_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o select_v but_o here_o and_o there_o some_o private_a family_n for_o to_o scare_v other_o and_o this_o method_n antichrist_n and_o his_o complice_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o scatter_a except_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o all_o their_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n the_o apostle_n only_o except_v be_v scatter_v for_o the_o word_n all_o in_o this_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o all_o the_o believer_n or_o of_o all_o the_o teacher_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n except_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o teacher_n and_o that_o for_o many_o reason_n the_o first_o if_o all_o the_o believer_n have_v be_v scatter_v and_o none_o leave_v to_o what_o end_n then_o shall_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v remain_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o wall_n neither_o will_v they_o have_v remain_v there_o idle_a but_o will_v rather_o have_v shake_v off_o the_o dust_n off_o their_o foot_n as_o christ_n command_v they_o for_o a_o witness_n against_o they_o luke_n 10._o and_o will_v have_v depart_v and_o have_v go_v away_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o teacher_n as_o all_o good_a reason_n persuade_v a_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o this_o particle_n all_o be_v always_o exceptive_a or_o take_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o in_o the_o large_a extent_n as_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n imply_v and_o will_v have_v it_o then_o there_o shall_v not_o one_o believer_n have_v be_v leave_v in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v express_o against_o the_o text_n for_o vers_fw-la 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o saul_n break_v into_o house_n hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n and_o this_o he_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o act_v 26._o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v not_o scatter_v abroad_o for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o prison_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v gather_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v in_o their_o several_a house_n or_o else_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v have_v no_o harbour_n for_o if_o all_o their_o friend_n have_v be_v scatter_v by_o this_o tempest_n and_o if_o all_o the_o sheep_n have_v be_v drive_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a flock_n disperse_v their_o pastor_n without_o doubt_n will_v have_v follow_v they_o for_o he_o will_v be_v count_v a_o very_a bad_a shepherd_a that_o shall_v not_o follow_v or_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a sheep_n that_o be_v scatter_v by_o the_o wolf_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o who_o care_n he_o have_v commit_v his_o sheep_n and_o his_o lamb_n with_o a_o special_a charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v they_o will_v relinquish_v their_o care_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o dwell_v among_o a_o company_n of_o wolf_n from_o who_o they_o can_v expect_v no_o fair_a measure_n then_o among_o the_o sheep_n but_o in_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n still_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n i_o rather_o gather_v and_o that_o without_o all_o controversy_n they_o continue_v there_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o they_o may_v comfort_v and_o support_v the_o church_n there_o and_o refresh_v the_o believer_n in_o this_o heat_n of_o persecution_n when_o they_o want_v the_o help_n of_o their_o other_o faithful_a minister_n and_o pastor_n three_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o text_n they_o be_v only_o the_o preacher_n that_o be_v scatter_v for_o verse_n 4._o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n which_o expression_n in_o the_o original_a as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o innumetable_a place_n signify_v such_o teacher_n as_o be_v minister_n by_o office_n and_o such_o as_o preach_v by_o way_n of_o sermon_n to_o a_o multitude_n though_o they_o may_v likewise_o in_o private_a conference_n instruct_v which_o their_o public_a ministry_n do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o and_o although_o private_a christian_n may_v teach_v and_o instruct_v one_o another_o as_o aquilla_n and_o priscilla_n teach_v apollo_n and_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v to_o instruct_v one_o another_o col._n 3._o ver_fw-la 16._o yet_o this_o text_n speak_v not_o of_o such_o a_o teach_n but_o of_o preach_v they_o go_v every_o where_o say_v the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n for_o teach_v may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o preach_v be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n they_o may_v both_o public_o preach_v and_o in_o private_a converse_n also_o instruct_v other_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v whether_o they_o be_v send_v out_o by_o persecution_n or_o by_o mission_n as_o i_o do_v conceive_v of_o any_o of_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o be_v not_o many_o year_n since_o drive_v from_o their_o habitation_n and_o that_o be_v persecute_v out_o of_o their_o place_n by_o the_o prelate_n that_o they_o may_v have_v preach_v public_o in_o any_o congregration_n as_o minister_n and_o man_n in_o office_n and_o may_v also_o have_v instruct_v private_o but_o the_o one_o be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v their_o office_n and_o the_o other_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o so_o may_v a_o well_o gift_a private_a christian_n instruct_v and_o teach_v other_o upon_o occasion_n and_o in_o private_a conference_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n but_o he_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o preach_v which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o one_o in_o office_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o pastor_n and_o such_o as_o for_o their_o sufficient_a learning_n and_o ability_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordain_v and_o set_v a_o part_n to_o this_o office_n and_o such_o only_o be_v those_o that_o be_v scatter_v except_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o all_o probability_n these_o minister_n and_o preacher_n that_o be_v scatter_v be_v those_o that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_n of_o mathias_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o many_o more_o so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v gather_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n yet_o remain_v in_o their_o several_a habitation_n and_o dwelling_n except_o those_o that_o be_v hale_v to_o prison_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n yet_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v all_o the_o apostle_n abide_v and_o continue_v still_o among_o they_o all_o which_o make_v exceed_v strong_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n still_o in_o jerusalem_n which_o of_o necessity_n be_v force_v to_o divide_v their_o assembly_n into_o more_o distribution_n and_o less_o congregation_n then_o former_o and_o therefore_o rather_o multiply_v their_o assembly_n then_o otherwise_o that_o by_o such_o privacy_n they_o may_v avoid_v persecution_n as_o in_o our_o time_n good_a christian_n here_o in_o london_n be_v wont_a to_o
do_v when_o the_o prelate_n be_v in_o their_o ruff_n but_o out_o of_o this_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v twelve_o of_o the_o most_o able_a painfull_a and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o preach_v and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o hot_a persecution_n there_o be_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n the_o most_o able_a painful_a and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n for_o this_o syllogism_n all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o clear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v say_v as_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v no_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v either_o of_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o they_o be_v force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o be_v they_o force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o may_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o disputation_n especial_o relinquish_v be_v manifest_a and_o evident_a for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v also_o apparent_a from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o their_o preacher_n only_o be_v scatter_v and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_v the_o apostle_n mathias_n chap._n 1._o and_o many_o more_o that_o instruct_v the_o people_n but_o for_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n they_o remain_v still_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v firm_a but_o i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o evince_v that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n together_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n the_o place_n follow_v will_v suffice_v and_o first_o that_o in_o the_o 9_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n through_o all_o juden_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v all_o edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v out_o of_o which_o word_n it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o bellows_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n think_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o it_o make_v it_o but_o more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o far_a to_o spread_v its_o ray_n for_o by_o blow_v and_o puff_v at_o it_o they_o spread_v it_o the_o more_o and_o extend_v it_o here_o and_o there_o far_o abroad_o as_o we_o see_v by_o this_o persecution_n and_o scatter_n of_o those_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o their_o dispersion_n by_o which_o the_o persecuter_n have_v think_v to_o have_v waste_v the_o church_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n every_o where_n and_o here_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v great_a and_o violent_a by_o so_o much_o it_o be_v less_o durable_a for_o this_o great_a persecution_n be_v but_o short_a and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v by_o persecution_n will_v upon_o the_o cease_n of_o it_o return_v again_o to_o jerusalem_n as_o most_o people_n common_o do_v to_o their_o own_o country_n city_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n after_o persecution_n and_o this_o also_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o induce_v other_o to_o the_o love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v god_n so_o much_o favour_v the_o lover_n and_o prefessor_n of_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n so_o preserve_v comfort_v and_o follow_v with_o so_o many_o mercy_n and_o uphold_v in_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n never_o forsake_v nor_o never_o leave_v they_o but_o if_o those_o that_o be_v scatter_v have_v never_o return_v that_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o weak_z the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o text_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o decrease_v after_o the_o dispersion_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v that_o church_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o who_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o ast_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v they_o of_o necessity_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o her_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v indivers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n beside_o
common_a understanding_n and_o ordinary_a reason_n which_o confirm_v it_o it_o be_v manfe_v from_o the_o 2.3_o and_o 5._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n which_o in_o express_a word_n signify_v that_o they_o meet_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v true_a and_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n of_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n be_v multiply_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o a_o increase_n in_o number_n and_o multitude_n and_o not_o in_o measure_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n and_o can_v being_n apply_v unto_o person_n be_v otherwise_o take_v whatsoever_o it_o may_v of_o sin_n and_o grace_n and_o then_o also_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o construction_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v if_o need_v require_v so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v and_o true_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o galatian_n be_v a_o excellent_a argument_n to_o evince_v there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o where_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n he_o use_v this_o reason_n that_o if_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o man_n it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v it_o he_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o himself_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o heathen_a immediate_o i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o they_o that_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o but_o i_o go_v into_o arabia_n then_o after_o three_o year_n i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n and_o abode_n with_o he_o fifteen_o day_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v i_o none_o save_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n beside_o the_o singular_a testimony_n we_o have_v that_o the_o preach_v and_o write_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n against_o the_o papist_n we_o may_v evident_o gather_v against_o the_o independent_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o either_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o say_v that_o he_o be_v with_o peter_n fifteen_o day_n but_o in_o all_o that_o time_n see_v none_o of_o the_o apostle_n save_o james_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o so_o employ_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a ministery_n as_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o spare_v time_n to_o visit_v paul_n and_o that_o paul_n also_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v there_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o visit_v they_o and_o for_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o idle_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o continue_v resident_a for_o many_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o they_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n and_o that_o very_o few_o of_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o there_o be_v frequent_a testimony_n in_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o as_o yet_o do_v i_o ever_o hear_v it_o scruple_v or_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o there_o or_o no_o when_o paul_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o see_v none_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v absent_a or_o be_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o other_o place_n and_o for_o saint_n paul_n we_o read_v that_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v he_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o into_o their_o assembly_n to_o preach_v and_o that_o he_o preach_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o he_o that_o give_v so_o strict_a a_o charge_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n he_o himself_o without_o all_o doubt_n will_v not_o neglect_v his_o duty_n who_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n set_v his_o own_o example_n before_o all_o the_o presbyter_n for_o their_o imitation_n in_o their_o diligent_a preach_n and_o he_o ordinary_o preach_v by_o the_o day_n and_o by_o the_o night_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o sure_o the_o time_n he_o remain_v with_o peter_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o preach_v as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o their_o particular_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v very_o sedulous_a in_o preach_v as_o who_o have_v both_o strength_n of_o body_n and_o god_n special_a assistance_n and_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n always_o to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v as_o of_o charity_n i_o be_o bind_v that_o paul_n be_v daily_o in_o one_o assembly_n or_o other_o now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o of_o necessity_n paul_n must_v have_v see_v the_o other_o apostle_n there_o as_o well_o as_o peter_n and_o james_n for_o they_o also_o be_v good_a churchman_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o the_o prelate_n dialect_n and_o they_o never_o leave_v the_o word_n but_o be_v always_o take_v up_o either_o in_o pray_v or_o preach_v among_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n will_v daily_o upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v be_v with_o their_o flock_n now_o in_o that_o paul_n see_v they_o not_o in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v evident_o apparent_a there_o be_v more_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o place_n or_o two_o more_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n act_v 12._o verse_n 24._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v here_o also_o we_o have_v another_o good_a effect_n of_o a_o new_a fierce_a persecution_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o increase_v the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o after_o the_o persecutor_n be_v take_v away_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o multiply_v after_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o a_o double_a persecution_n the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o
as_o they_o shall_v do_v this_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v with_o they_o we_o also_o further_o observe_v the_o condition_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o this_o their_o commission_n they_o be_v to_o propound_v unto_o all_o nation_n and_o people_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n without_o any_o further_a testimony_n of_o other_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o be_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v till_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o paul_n who_o for_o a_o time_n the_o disciple_n fear_v act_v 9.26_o 27._o till_o they_o have_v better_a information_n and_o proof_n that_o he_o now_o preach_v the_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v once_o persecute_v and_o have_v suffer_v for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a precedent_n we_o have_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o any_o that_o be_v refuse_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o comunion_n &_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o i_o remember_v for_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n before_o but_o all_o the_o other_o that_o come_v in_o be_v admit_v upon_o their_o own_o offer_n if_o they_o tender_v themselves_o and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n &_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o scruple_n the_o three_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v be_v that_o this_o commission_n be_v deliver_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n &_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o who_o have_v the_o key_n deliver_v unto_o they_o to_o open_v &_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n to_o admit_v such_o as_o they_o think_v for_o their_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_o qualify_v and_o fit_v to_o be_v make_v member_n and_o to_o refuse_v such_o as_o they_o conceive_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n either_o for_o their_o ignorance_n or_o other_o sin_n and_o offence_n and_o to_o cast_v such_o out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o through_o their_o malversation_n declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o believer_n for_o the_o commission_n be_v only_o deliver_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v admit_v who_o so_o ever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o will_v not_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o commission_n i_o affirm_v be_v only_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n and_o it_o be_v and_o be_v that_o office_n that_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n both_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o officer_n or_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o and_o to_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o minister_n only_o under_o both_o the_o testament_n receive_v and_o to_o they_o the_o people_n by_o god_n himself_o be_v send_v and_o they_o send_v unto_o the_o people_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o now_o say_v i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o few_o testimony_n of_o the_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o that_o truth_n as_o that_o of_o malachi_n 2._o for_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v send_v this_o my_o commandment_n unto_o you_o that_o my_o covenant_n may_v be_v with_o levy_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n my_o covenant_n be_v with_o he_o of_o life_n and_o peace_n and_o i_o give_v they_o to_o he_o for_o the_o fear_n wherewith_o he_o fear_v i_o and_o be_v afraid_a before_o my_o name_n the_o law_n of_o truth_n be_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o iniquity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o his_o lip_n he_o walk_v with_o i_o in_o peace_n and_o equity_n and_o do_v turn_v many_o away_o from_o iniquity_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n or_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o minister_n only_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o jeremy_n and_o ezekiel_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o both_o their_o prophecy_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o the_o prophet_n and_o priest_n only_o have_v that_o power_n delegated_a unto_o they_o of_o proclaim_v both_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o of_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v come_v unto_o they_o and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n we_o find_v jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o he_o alone_o without_o the_o people_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o preach_n with_o his_o manner_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o receive_v they_o and_o what_o the_o people_n do_v before_o their_o admission_n be_v all_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o three_o of_o luke_n and_o the_o seven_o and_o for_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o preach_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n the_o three_o that_o it_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o those_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o common_a people_n the_o publican_n and_o the_o soulider_n they_o all_o ask_v john_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o after_o he_o have_v instruct_v they_o several_o their_o duty_n and_o tell_v they_o upon_o what_o condition_n they_o may_v be_v admit_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o luke_n verse_n 29._o that_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharise_n and_o the_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o be_v not_o baptize_v of_o he_o so_o that_o by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n the_o pharise_n and_o lawyer_n only_o except_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n i_o 3.4_o yea_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n that_o the_o people_n every_o where_o make_v their_o address_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n only_o and_o that_o as_o many_o as_o come_v to_o christ_n unfeigned_o be_v receive_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o none_o upon_o the_o offer_n of_o themselves_o if_o they_o accept_v of_o the_o condition_n and_o be_v baptize_v be_v ever_o refuse_v and_o we_o find_v further_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v at_o any_o time_n cleanse_v and_o cure_v the_o leper_n he_o send_v they_o to_o the_o priest_n for_o to_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o their_o noisome_a disease_n as_o a_o type_n of_o sin_n have_v for_o the_o time_n exclude_v they_o but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o at_o their_o first_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n have_v preach_v unto_o the_o people_n &_o that_o the_o people_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o hear_v they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n address_v themselves_o only_o unto_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o
brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n act._n 2.37_o 38._o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o multitude_n or_o church_n admit_v the_o people_n into_o the_o society_n &_o company_n of_o believer_n second_o that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o their_o warrant_n and_o according_a to_o their_o injunction_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o propound_v no_o other_o condition_n or_o term_n for_o their_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n the_o which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v accept_v of_o they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o testimony_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n or_o further_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o repentance_n without_o any_o witness_n from_o other_o of_o their_o conversation_n and_o without_o the_o voice_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o commission_n or_o consult_v with_o by_o they_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v or_o no_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o demand_v or_o ask_v by_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v some_o time_n of_o further_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v further_o be_v confirm_v that_o their_o conversion_n be_v sound_a and_o well_o neither_o do_v any_o call_n for_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o evidence_n to_o the_o congregation_n that_o they_o be_v convert_v real_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o private_a covenant_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v specify_v but_o it_o be_v only_o relate_v that_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o that_o power_n that_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n admit_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n we_o further_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o when_o the_o angel_n appear_v unto_o cornelius_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n he_o send_v he_o unto_o joppa_n to_o call_v for_o one_o simon_n who_o surname_n be_v peter_n he_o do_v not_o send_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o joppa_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o peter_n come_v to_o cornelius_n and_o that_o he_o have_v recite_v unto_o he_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o that_o he_o be_v command_v by_o the_o angel_n to_o send_v for_o he_o it_o be_v further_a also_o declare_v what_o peter_n there_o do_v and_o that_o he_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_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 with_o he_o and_o after_o a_o sermon_n make_v unto_o cornelius_n and_o all_o that_o be_v assembly_n there_o with_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o come_v with_o peter_n be_v astonish_v at_o it_o for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o divers_a tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o we_o see_v first_o that_o peter_n be_v send_v unto_o and_o not_o the_o church_n second_o that_o he_o admit_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o never_o consult_v with_o the_o church_n to_o ask_v their_o leave_n or_o voice_n but_o conclude_v the_o business_n with_o a_o interrogation_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n of_o bind_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hinder_v any_o believer_n from_o come_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n evident_o appear_v as_o in_o these_o so_o that_o if_o either_o the_o minister_n come_v into_o their_o house_n or_o they_o go_v into_o the_o minister_n and_o make_v sufficient_a testimony_n by_o themselves_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o fear_v god_n of_o what_o nation_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v admit_v the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o nay_o they_o may_v not_o it_o be_v more_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o neither_o do_v those_o that_o come_v with_o peter_n intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n or_o require_v a_o covenant_n at_o their_o hand_n or_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n again_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n be_v purpose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o eunuch_n in_o the_o 8_o of_o the_o act_n he_o send_v philip_n the_o evangelist_n unto_o he_o who_o he_o find_v read_v in_o his_o chariot_n the_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n and_o after_o that_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o he_o that_o prophesy_v and_o preach_v unto_o he_o jesus_n and_o baptism_n in_o his_o name_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o they_o come_v unto_o acertaine_a water_n the_o eunuch_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o philip_n say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o command_v the_o chariot_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o they_o go_v down_o both_o into_o the_o water_n both_o philip_n and_o the_o eunuch_n and_o he_o baptize_v he_o here_o we_o see_v that_o philip_n and_o not_o the_o church_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o eunuch_n and_o that_o philip_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o upon_o the_o eunuch_n his_o own_o testimony_n without_o any_o reference_n unto_o the_o church_n or_o without_o consult_v with_o the_o congregation_n admit_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o be_v neither_o a_o public_a confession_n require_v of_o he_o by_o any_o of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o covenant_n exact_v by_o the_o people_n and_o so_o when_o saul_n in_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o act_n be_v fall_v down_o out_o of_o astonishment_n and_o afterward_o be_v convert_v as_o the_o story_n there_o full_o declare_v the_o whole_a manner_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n send_v one_o ananias_n a_o disciple_n and_o minister_n unto_o he_o he_o do_v not_o send_v the_o church_n unto_o he_o neither_o do_v ananias_n when_o he_o come_v to_o saul_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v consult_v with_o the_o church_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v admit_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o member_n for_o thou_o have_v great_o waste_v the_o church_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n and_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o first_o walk_v with_o the_o church_n some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v thy_o conversation_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v make_v a_o confession_n of_o thy_o faith_n public_o before_o the_o congregation_n and_o give_v in_o thy_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thy_o conversion_n and_o enter_v in_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v and_o admit_v but_o without_o all_o this_o ado_n he_o baptise_n paul_n and_o admit_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n and_o he_o be_v receive_v immediate_o among_o the_o disciple_n at_o damascus_n without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o so_o much_o as_o any_o scruple_n and_o straightway_o he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n
of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n let_v they_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o s._n paul_n write_v to_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n he_o write_v to_o all_o church_n and_o proclaim_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 37._o so_o that_o god_n have_v command_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n they_o shall_v and_o yet_o in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n they_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o have_v all_o of_o they_o peter_n key_n as_o their_o girdle_n and_o make_v learned_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o dispute_v question_n and_o debate_n of_o matter_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la as_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v and_o other_o of_o they_o set_v forth_o and_o print_v learned_a treatise_n in_o polemicall_a divinity_n with_o great_a applause_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n who_o cite_v their_o authority_n and_o quote_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n as_o classical_a author_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o ludibry_n of_o religion_n and_o howsoever_o there_o be_v not_o any_o that_o shall_v more_o honour_v the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a of_o that_o sex_n than_o myself_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o see_v how_o far_o they_o become_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n &_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v not_o only_o forbid_v but_o proclaim_v a_o shame_n i_o can_v but_o exceed_o blame_v they_o &_o those_o minister_n that_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o such_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o special_a care_n in_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a of_o woman_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o foresee_v the_o confusion_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v he_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 11.12_o he_o say_v let_v the_o woman_n learn_v in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n for_o i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v than_o eve_n and_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o apostle_n again_o and_o agun_fw-ge twice_o in_o these_o few_o word_n enjoin_v they_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n i_o suffer_v not_o say_v he_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v or_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n and_o he_o give_v his_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n because_o say_v he_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v not_o by_o the_o woman_n nor_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v usurp_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o masculine_a sex_n especial_o in_o god_n matter_n and_o she_o be_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n if_o the_o man_n and_o not_o the_o man_n her_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o that_o superiority_n that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v establish_v upon_o the_o man_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o do_v now_o re-establish_a upon_o he_o again_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n after_o all_o thing_n through_o sin_n have_v be_v disorder_v and_o confuse_a and_o command_v the_o woman_n to_o be_v both_o subject_n and_o silent_a especial_o in_o the_o church_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n be_v because_o the_o woman_n be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o adam_n fall_n as_o he_o accuse_v she_o and_o her_o dispute_v and_o voice_n of_o it_o then_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o she_o so_o do_v s._n paul_n conclude_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o hold_v her_o peace_n &_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o aught_o to_o learn_v in_o silence_n at_o home_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o they_o come_v to_o voice_n it_o once_o again_o in_o the_o church_n as_o eve_n bring_v confusion_n upon_o mankind_n by_o her_o disputation_n and_o reason_n so_o these_o with_o their_o loquacity_n and_o babble_n and_o confusion_n of_o voice_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a babel_n into_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o have_v pretty_o well_o already_o begin_v to_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n here_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o cor._n chap._n 14._o command_v they_o silence_n and_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v and_o express_o forbid_v they_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o virill_a sex_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o understand_a creature_n whether_o or_o no_o to_o make_v large_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o church_n as_o many_o of_o they_o upon_o occasion_n do_v and_o dispute_v and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o whither_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o either_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o either_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o hinder_v their_o come_n in_o or_o have_v their_o voice_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v exercise_n and_o usurp_v authority_n over_o those_o they_o so_o deal_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v usurp_v this_o authority_n and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o have_v permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v or_o tanght_n this_o doctrine_n unto_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o great_a contumacy_n against_o god_n and_o ought_v serious_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o their_o temerity_n and_o rebellion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o intermedle_v &_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o speedy_a course_n take_v by_o authority_n to_o forbid_v such_o disorder_n we_o may_v promise_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o confusion_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n when_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n intermeddle_v in_o government_n and_o matter_n of_o state_n that_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n be_v very_o craze_a and_o not_o far_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o we_o need_v not_o look_v into_o many_o age_n or_o country_n for_o precedent_n of_o this_o kind_n &_o if_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o kingdom_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o fatal_a unto_o they_o what_o may_v any_o man_n think_v in_o time_n will_v become_v of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o the_o woman_n have_v get_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o a_o power_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n in_o church_n affair_n certain_o nothing_o but_o confusion_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o this_o their_o do_v be_v
against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o never_o be_v it_o yet_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o well_o govern_v city_n or_o common_a wealth_n or_o kingdom_n that_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v officer_n or_o burgess_n or_o make_v of_o freeman_n or_o disfranchise_v of_o they_o or_o be_v permit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n with_o they_o much_o less_o to_o rule_v and_o give_v law_n to_o other_o out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o that_o sex_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o wel-governed_n church_n and_o state_n and_o as_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o know_v their_o place_n so_o ought_v all_o man_n that_o be_v under_o obedience_n to_o learn_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o which_o god_n never_o give_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n either_o in_o make_v of_o member_n in_o church_n or_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n or_o of_o impose_v law_n upon_o other_o either_o of_o make_v public_a confession_n before_o the_o congregation_n or_o of_o produce_v evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n or_o of_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o any_o that_o shall_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n neither_o may_v the_o presbyter_n usurp_v authority_n but_o they_o also_o must_v exercise_v it_o only_o according_a to_o the_o commission_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o may_v not_o transgress_v it_o or_o go_v beyond_o it_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o therefore_o when_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n call_v for_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o man_n faith_n to_o be_v make_v in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o be_v produce_v and_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o they_o before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v before_o in_o infidelity_n who_o notwithstanding_o be_v know_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o godly_a christian_n and_o as_o true_a believer_n as_o any_o that_o now_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o think_v they_o only_a christian_n and_o believer_n that_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o and_o count_v of_o other_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o custom_n and_o novelty_n but_o as_o the_o off-scowring_a and_o refuse_v and_o no_o christian_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a usurpation_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o never_o before_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o church_n either_o jewish_a or_o christian_a till_o these_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n in_o his_o commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o minister_n bid_v they_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o quench_v not_o the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n now_o then_o when_o they_o know_v thousand_o in_o this_o kingdom_n that_o do_v believe_v and_o be_v man_n of_o unblamable_a life_n and_o such_o as_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v baptize_v what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o and_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o or_o to_o debar_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o think_v the_o vision_n to_o saint_n peter_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n shall_v teach_v such_o man_n their_o duty_n when_o god_n say_v unto_o peter_n rise_v kill_v and_o eat_v peter_n say_v not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a and_o unclean_a and_o the_o voice_n say_v what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v call_v not_o thou_o common_a and_o this_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v do_v thrice_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v confirm_v to_o peter_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n not_o to_o call_v those_o people_n common_a profane_a and_o unclean_a and_o to_o count_v they_o but_o rubbish_n who_o god_n have_v grace_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o have_v sanctify_v and_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o dare_v not_o show_v their_o face_n but_o run_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o desert_v it_o or_o at_o least_o temporize_v and_o such_o as_o if_o the_o like_a occasion_n be_v offer_v will_v manifest_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o god_n assistance_n that_o their_o life_n and_o all_o they_o have_v shall_v not_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o these_o must_v be_v debar_v from_o the_o communion_n in_o their_o assembly_n unless_o they_o will_v conform_v to_o their_o newborn_a tradition_n for_o these_o be_v no_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o young_a and_o if_o christ_n in_o his_o time_n sharp_o reprove_v those_o that_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o deep_o reprove_v the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n for_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o prefer_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v those_o minister_n will_v have_v to_o answer_v at_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n think_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o people_n that_o account_n of_o such_o novelty_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o seamelesse_a garment_n of_o the_o church_n through_o these_o tradition_n surely_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o our_o saviour_n say_v woe_n be_v to_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v matthew_n 18._o and_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n through_o their_o tradition_n and_o to_o offend_v those_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v but_o count_v they_o as_o alien_n and_o stranger_n yea_o infidel_n and_o rubbish_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a understanding_n for_o god_n command_n unto_o all_o minister_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v admit_v all_o such_o into_o the_o church_n as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v upon_o their_o desire_v it_o without_o any_o confession_n either_o private_a or_o public_a or_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n now_o this_o command_n of_o god_n they_o transgress_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o keep_v out_o many_o thousand_o of_o believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n as_o unholy_a and_o as_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o ordinance_n because_o forsooth_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v their_o newborn_a law_n and_o tradition_n for_o where_o do_v ever_o god_n command_v that_o no_o believer_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n except_o they_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o and_o then_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o give_v the_o church_n satisfaction_n or_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o practise_v by_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n and_o the_o other_o apostless_a or_o by_o paul_n preach_v be_v lydia_n when_o god_n open_v her_o heart_n to_o believe_v paul_n preach_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o
any_o such_o term_n be_v the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o convert_a family_n force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n to_o the_o church_n of_o their_o faith_n &_o to_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v the_o church_n assent_n require_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o make_v member_n of_o it_o or_o be_v ever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o impose_v upon_o christian_n now_o require_v at_o believer_n hand_n before_o these_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v abominate_v as_o vain_a tradition_n and_o such_o as_o by_o which_o they_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v devision_n in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o through_o all_o the_o family_n and_o house_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o neither_o master_n of_o family_n nor_o parent_n have_v any_o rule_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n or_o servant_n their_o husband_n go_v out_o one_o way_n the_o wife_z another_z their_o child_n to_o this_o assembly_n their_o servant_n to_o that_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n which_o paul_n blame_v in_o they_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n the_o three_o i_o be_o of_o coephas_n and_o so_o they_o flutter_v about_o like_o a_o company_n of_o chicking_n without_o either_o head_n or_o wit_n and_o none_o will_v be_v under_o obedience_n to_o either_o parent_n or_o master_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v command_v child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n and_o servant_n their_o master_n no_o far_o than_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o young_a and_o whether_o i_o have_v wrong_v the_o brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o report_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o distract_a family_n in_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o have_v be_v preach_v and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_a and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v now_o in_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o new_a teacher_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o hindrance_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o allienate_n of_o the_o affection_n one_o from_o another_o of_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o nigh_a relation_n and_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v i_o hope_v it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o look_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n &_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o footstep_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o congregate_a of_o their_o assembly_n as_o for_o christ_n disciple_n they_o be_v all_o send_v to_o gather_v in_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o go_v not_o to_o gather_v in_o convert_a man_n from_o among_o convert_a man_n for_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n and_o we_o be_v teach_v there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheepfold_a we_o never_o read_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o fold_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n that_o any_o true_a pastor_n come_v into_o the_o fold_n and_o flock_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o best_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n and_o the_o most_o wholesome_a and_o mould_v they_o into_o a_o independent_a foul_v by_o themselves_o as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o get_v away_o of_o other_o sheep_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15._o and_o preach_v christ_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o he_o before_o and_o plant_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n himself_o and_o leave_v apollo_n to_o water_v it_o and_o commit_v all_o the_o flock_n that_o he_o have_v gather_v as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o command_v both_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o in_o they_o all_o shepherd_n and_o fold_n to_o keep_v unity_n and_o love_n one_o with_o another_o ephes_n 4._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v separation_n and_o devision_n and_o schism_n between_o flock_n and_o flock_n and_o this_o method_n he_o use_v wheresoever_o he_o come_v yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galatian_n he_o go_v into_o arrabia_n and_o preach_v there_o among_o the_o poor_a infidel_n he_o get_v not_o other_o man_n sheep_n from_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v any_o separation_n of_o sheep_n from_o sheep_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o flock_n and_o church_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o colosse_n where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o against_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n and_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v very_o scandalous_a so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o any_o church_n a_o just_a cause_n of_o make_v a_o separation_n it_o be_v then_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n bid_v not_o the_o christian_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o from_o the_o ordinance_n for_o these_o man_n cause_n but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v look_v unto_o themselves_o and_o examine_v their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o offend_v and_o so_o make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o holy_a thing_n and_o give_v they_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o the_o profane_a but_o no_o way_n tolerate_v they_o to_o separate_v only_o he_o bid_v they_o not_o be_v familiar_a with_o such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v learn_v to_o amend_v their_o life_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o what_o judgement_n have_v always_o happen_v to_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o bid_v they_o by_o their_o example_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o provoke_v god_n by_o the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o command_v they_o to_o make_v no_o separation_n but_o from_o idolater_n and_o infidel_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n he_o say_v for_o his_o own_o particular_a he_o can_v wish_v that_o they_o that_o trouble_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o yet_o he_o bid_v not_o the_o galatian_n to_o separate_v themselves_o into_o independent_a congregation_n nothing_o of_o all_o such_o thing_n be_v teach_v before_o these_o day_n that_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o their_o brethren_n every_o way_n as_o dear_o belove_v of_o god_n as_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o with_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n serve_v their_o god_n night_n and_o day_n and_o will_v suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o any_o christian_n i_o say_v shall_v make_v separation_n from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o such_o or_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o enemy_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o our_o time_n by_o which_o their_o so_o deal_v they_o have_v make_v the_o great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v ever_o yet_o make_v to_o the_o scandal_n of_o of_o our_o holy_a profession_n i_o have_v be_v ever_o teach_v in_o god_n holy_a word_n that_o those_o faithful_a minister_n that_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o that_o instruct_v all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n they_o shall_v serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o
church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o accord_v unto_o this_o now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n how_o can_v they_o be_v true_o say_v to_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n and_o how_o can_v that_o people_n be_v say_v true_o to_o deny_v christ_n kingly_a government_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n practise_v this_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o word_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o a_o unjust_a and_o unchristian_a calumny_n lay_v both_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_n doubtless_o all_o charitable_a mind_a christian_n if_o they_o consider_v allthing_n aright_o will_v not_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o neither_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n nor_o of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o ministry_n for_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v free_v from_o that_o heavy_a accusation_n by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n who_o when_o it_o be_v relate_v unto_o he_o by_o saint_n john_n mark_v 9_o ver_fw-la 38._o that_o they_o have_v see_v one_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n which_o follow_v they_o not_o and_o that_o the_o disciple_n have_v forbid_v he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o our_o saviour_n christ_n reply_v forbid_v he_o not_o say_v he_o for_o whosoever_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n now_o these_o minister_n that_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o 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the_o galatian_n who_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o their_o own_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o he_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o in_o this_o place_n he_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v pure_o preach_v though_o it_o be_v of_o envy_n now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n pure_o but_o of_o sincerity_n and_o of_o love_n and_o mingle_v not_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o follow_v their_o commission_n how_o can_v any_o man_n without_o intolerable_a injustice_n proclaim_v they_o the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n under_o the_o name_n of_o presbiterian_o who_o they_o persuade_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v prove_v more_o cruel_a taskmaster_n than_o the_o prelate_n yea_o and_o they_o have_v general_o possess_v the_o people_n with_o so_o prejudicate_a a_o opinion_n 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but_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v the_o better_o appear_v whether_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o independent_a minister_n be_v most_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o accusation_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n together_o and_o that_o both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o their_o several_a study_n and_o eudeavour_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o to_o judge_v which_o of_o their_o government_n and_o which_o of_o the_o minister_n be_v more_o intolerable_a and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o those_o foul_a reproach_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v asperse_v with_o by_o their_o brethren_n for_o he_o have_v a_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o a_o very_a dim_a sight_n that_o can_v discern_v whether_o those_o that_o advance_v christ_n their_o king_n word_n and_o law_n only_o and_o follow_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o primitive_a preacher_n or_o those_o that_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o do_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n he_o i_o say_v that_o can_v judge_v which_o of_o these_o most_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n either_o those_o that_o obey_v christ_n law_n or_o those_o that_o observe_v their_o own_o neglect_v christ_n be_v of_o a_o very_a shallow_a capacity_n but_o now_o let_v we_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o christ_n commission_n give_v to_o 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evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n or_o otherwise_o if_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o law_n and_o come_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o condition_n receive_v they_o not_o into_o your_o assembly_n nor_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o member_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o christ_n commission_n nor_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n nor_o any_o precedent_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o sacred_a authority_n and_o therefore_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o primitive_a minister_n admit_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o but_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o baptize_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church-without_a any_o gainsay_n or_o question_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o 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allowance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n notwithstanding_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o as_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o independent_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v none_o of_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n and_o they_o can_v then_o see_v how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n without_o their_o new_a light_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v then_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n set_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n in_o all_o those_o primitive_a church_n so_o he_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o the_o true_a protestant_a church_n through_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o independent_a assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v and_o be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o new_a way_n so_o that_o any_o understanding_n christian_n may_v gather_v that_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n be_v no_o way_n requisite_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingly_a government_n for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n will_v have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o holy_a thost_n who_o bring_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n 1._o into_o their_o memory_n will_v have_v suggest_v all_o these_o thing_n the_o new_a way_n the_o new_a bear_v truth_n the_o new_a light_n to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v record_v if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n but_o when_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o bless_a apostle_n have_v prescribe_v any_o of_o all_o these_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o call_v for_o they_o nor_o require_v they_o of_o any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v or_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o ingenuous_a mind_a christian_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o than_o christ_n i_o refer_v it_o also_o to_o any_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a christian_n to_o weigh_n and_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o demand_v of_o any_o moderate_a christian_n therefore_o and_o let_v he_o answer_v i_o candid_o whether_o of_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n most_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o only_a lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o both_o in_o their_o teach_n and_o believe_v follow_v his_o commission_n and_o word_n and_o teach_v nothing_o nor_o believe_v nothing_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v but_o what_o christ_n their_o king_n command_v they_o or_o those_o that_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n add_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o he_o will_v deal_v impartial_o he_o will_v answer_v i_o that_o those_o minister_n and_o that_o people_n most_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n and_o most_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n that_o own_o his_o law_n and_o that_o only_a for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o christ_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o john_n 10._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n they_o will_v not_o listen_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n christ_n voice_n only_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o they_o only_a that_o obey_v it_o advance_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o set_v he_o up_o on_o his_o throne_n which_o when_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o they_o more_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n than_o they_o for_o the_o independent_o to_o christ_n law_n and_o commission_n add_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n and_o enjoin_v all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n beside_o their_o believe_a &_o be_v baptize_v to_o walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n for_o approbation_n and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n never_o command_v and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o these_o their_o tradition_n they_o will_v not_o permit_v or_o suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o church_n as_o join_v member_n which_o they_o call_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o count_v of_o all_o other_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o as_o man_n without_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o the_o pharisee_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o pope_n himself_o &_o the_o prelate_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o idolatry_n before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v just_o abhor_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o thing_n derogatory_n to_o the_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a dignity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o his_o royalty_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o all_o other_o popery_n under_o whatsoever_o name_n or_o title_n it_o be_v intrude_v upon_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v eliminate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o popery_n to_o bring_v in_o new_a way_n and_o new_o bear_v truth_n and_o new_a light_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o their_o own_o assembly_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligible_a christian_n saint_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n blame_v those_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o that_o will_v have_v join_v but_o the_o
ceremonial_a law_n with_o the_o gospel_n &_o call_v it_o a_o pervert_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n &_o wish_n that_o such_o teacher_n be_v cut_v off_o gal._n 5._o v._n 12._o and_o blame_v likewise_o those_o galatian_n that_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n say_v oh_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o they_o only_o urge_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o god_n by_o moses_n have_v appoint_v to_o remain_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n but_o be_v now_o abrogate_a they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o tradition_n they_o be_v no_o new_a bear_v light_n no_o new_a way_n no_o new_a truth_n now_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o displease_v or_o god_n rather_o with_o the_o galatian_n both_o teacher_n and_o hearer_n the_o one_o for_o bring_v in_o or_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o for_o admit_v of_o they_o how_o high_o will_v god_n have_v be_v displease_v with_o they_o if_o they_o have_v 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otherwise_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v but_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v the_o church_n that_o christian_n and_o believer_n though_o baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o have_v first_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o all_o this_o do_v ever_o the_o apostle_n teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n embrace_v or_o believe_v and_o therefore_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o many_o place_n he_o reprove_v those_o that_o make_v schism_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n and_o sect_n into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n and_o sixth_o verse_n under_o his_o own_o and_o apollo_n name_n he_o set_v a_o example_n before_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v contain_v themselves_o with_o in_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n of_o preach_v prescribe_v and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v learn_v in_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o presume_v or_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o enjoin_v all_o christian_n to_o reject_v all_o way_n of_o teach_v that_o have_v not_o god_n word_n for_o their_o warrant_n now_o in_o all_o god_n word_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o write_v that_o after_o man_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v not_o yet_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o they_o have_v walk_v sometime_o with_o they_o for_o their_o approbation_n and_o without_o they_o have_v make_v a_o public_a 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holy_a faith_n and_o command_v the_o corinthian_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o false_a teacher_n whatsoever_o piety_n and_o godliness_n they_o make_v show_v of_o call_v they_o deceitful_a worker_n &_o such_o as_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o marvel_n say_v he_o for_o satan_n himself_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n his_o minister_n transform_v themselves_o as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n now_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v what_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o under_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n teach_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o grollerye_n and_o abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o devour_v they_o verse_n 20._o as_o the_o pharise_n do_v the_o widow_n house_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o and_o denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v these_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o make_v their_o own_o tradition_n join_v member_n with_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o more_o fine_a neat_a and_o eligant_a way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n than_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o such_o how_o glorious_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o appear_v and_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v teach_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n better_o than_o he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o neither_o saint_n paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v admit_v of_o none_o to_o be_v join_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v except_o they_o walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v approbation_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o conversation_n first_o and_o after_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o do_v give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v member_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o this_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o saint_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n teach_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o teach_v their_o new_a way_n their_o newborn_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o ought_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o to_o be_v accurse_v saint_n john_n also_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o elect_a lady_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o say_v who_o soever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n he_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o that_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v a_o partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n now_o the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o independent_a minister_n teach_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o join_v and_o jumble_v of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o teach_v
by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o newborn_a truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n &_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a boot_n &_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n &_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6._o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o if_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o
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when_o they_o be_v upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o difference_n in_o opinion_n cast_v out_o then_o they_o congregate_v a_o new_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o turn_v pastor_n the_o which_o bless_a be_v god_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o germany_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v see_v since_o the_o first_o reformation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o their_o presbyter_n where_o they_o find_v such_o brotherly_a deal_n and_o where_o they_o have_v their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o conceive_v wrong_a or_o injury_n and_o have_v right_a and_o justice_n do_v they_o make_v they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o manner_n of_o government_n without_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n and_o true_o if_o thing_n be_v but_o mature_o weigh_v all_o man_n will_v ready_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o reproach_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n neither_o will_v they_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o 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the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o erroneous_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o perdition_n and_o make_v disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n may_v not_o public_o be_v tolerate_v the_o independent_o on_o the_o contrary_a both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o in_o all_o their_o bitter_a rail_n and_o intolerable_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n the_o storm_a of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o of_o the_o arraignment_n of_o persecution_n and_o in_o many_o more_o of_o their_o scurrilous_a writing_n plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v as_o judiansme_n turkism_n popery_n paganism_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sect_n and_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o their_o diabolical_a tenant_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n who_o suffer_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o and_o the_o example_n of_o poland_n transsilvania_n and_o holland_n those_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o parable_n where_o christ_n command_v that_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o use_v or_o abuse_v rather_o some_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o they_o conceive_v make_v all_o for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o all_o which_o their_o pretence_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o answer_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o some_o ground_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o produce_v some_o example_n of_o god_n dear_a child_n friend_n and_o servant_n out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o must_v be_v the_o warrant_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v before_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 1_o cor._n 10._o rom._n 15._o and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n serant_n we_o be_v ever_o teach_v that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o his_o seed_n who_o example_n all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o their_o child_n oughtto_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n for_o imitation_n the_o lord_n call_v abraham_n as_o it_o be_v in_o joshua_n 24._o out_o of_o his_o father_n terah_n house_n and_o from_o his_o kindred_n when_o they_o serve_v other_o god_n &_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o genesis_n and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o special_a in_o the_o 17._o of_o genesis_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o lord_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n and_o set_v down_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v that_o abraham_n shall_v walk_v 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so_o that_o here_o we_o have_v one_o precedent_n that_o the_o whole_a lord_n day_n be_v spend_v by_o all_o those_o christian_n in_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n again_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o revelation_n saint_n john_n say_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n that_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o lord_n day_n and_o there_o the_o angel_n preach_v unto_o he_o that_o day_n and_o command_v saint_n john_n to_o take_v so_o much_o of_o his_o sermon_n by_o writing_n as_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v diligent_o read_v what_o be_v there_o write_v will_v gather_v that_o the_o whole_a day_n be_v take_v up_o by_o saint_n john_n and_o spend_v in_o hear_v and_o write_v and_o meditate_v of_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v for_o without_o doubt_n saint_n john_n make_v it_o his_o whole_a day_n work_v to_o be_v spiritual_o employ_v and_o as_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o that_o action_n be_v holy_o to_o be_v employ_v as_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o that_o end_n even_o so_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v a_o day_n dedicate_v unto_o christ_n and_o ordain_v by_o he_o for_o holy_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n the_o whole_a day_n ought_v both_o private_o and_o public_o to_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o employment_n and_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n as_o hear_v read_v meditate_v prayer_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n in_o their_o family_n catechise_n and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o they_o that_o be_v in_o prison_n relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o necessitate_a etc._n etc._n these_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v for_o our_o imitation_n for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o three_o of_o the_o phillippian_o in_o the_o 17._o verse_n say_v brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o 4._o chap._n ver_fw-la 8._o he_o say_v final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a what_o soever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n those_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v both_o learned_a and_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v in_o i_o do_v and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o by_o the_o which_o testimony_n to_o omit_v many_o more_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o of_o good_a report_n now_o it_o be_v praise_v worthy_a and_o of_o good_a report_n to_o spend_v the_o whole_a lord_n day_n in_o holy_a employment_n and_o we_o have_v the_o apostle_n example_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o spend_v the_o whole_a lord_n day_n in_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o by_o this_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n which_o be_v every_o seven_o day_n be_v ratify_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o which_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o in_o many_o place_n through_o these_o three_o kingdom_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o heavy_a judgement_n the_o whole_a christian_n world_n now_o groan_v under_o and_o so_o much_o more_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v provoke_v by_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n among_o we_o which_o will_v give_v just_a occasion_n of_o violate_v of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o of_o disobedience_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o it_o be_v most_o sure_a that_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v not_o alter_v in_o any_o thing_n for_o substance_n and_o that_o god_n that_o by_o it_o enjoin_v but_o one_o religion_n to_o the_o israelite_n and_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v that_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a and_o to_o punish_v all_o idolater_n blasphemer_n and_o seducer_n have_v enjoin_v the_o same_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o have_v not_o suffer_v or_o permit_v they_o to_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n or_o any_o sect_n or_o heresy_n which_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o five_o of_o the_o galatian_n be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o they_o that_o do_v they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o those_o that_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o send_v man_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o example_n of_o poland_n transsilvania_n and_o holland_n they_o be_v no_o precedent_n to_o other_o nation_n their_o politic_a proceed_n be_v not_o example_n for_o other_o christian_n country_n and_o nation_n to_o follow_v for_o christian_n be_v to_o live_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o christ_n their_o king_n law_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o own_o people_n only_o in_o their_o welldoing_a and_o not_o in_o their_o fail_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o abraham_n joshua_n elias_n &_o the_o other_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o holy_a apostle_n who_o never_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n yea_o we_o be_v command_v in_o roman_n the_o 12._o not_o to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o this_o world_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o the_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n now_o when_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o his_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o he_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n for_o 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give_v in_o the_o high-commission-court_n and_o in_o the_o star-chamber_n and_o in_o all_o other_o unjust_a court_n the_o people_n that_o assent_v unto_o all_o their_o cruel_a censure_n against_o god_n people_n and_o like_v well_o of_o it_o be_v as_o equal_o guilty_a who_o will_v ordinary_o say_v that_o have_v they_o be_v judge_n they_o will_v have_v do_v the_o like_a and_o that_o they_o be_v man_n worthy_a of_o death_n which_o make_v they_o i_o say_v as_o equal_o guilty_a as_o their_o wicked_a judge_n and_o executioner_n as_o we_o may_v see_v also_o in_o those_o that_o assent_v unto_o the_o high-priest_n and_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o put_v to_o death_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n they_o make_v themselves_o all_o guilty_a of_o his_o blood_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v bring_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o child_n by_o it_o to_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o the_o high-priest_n themselves_o a_o fearful_a sin_n though_o the_o world_n take_v no_o 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that_o people_n which_o within_o these_o six_o year_n be_v afraid_a of_o a_o surplice_n &_o of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o of_o any_o popish_a ceremony_n or_o of_o any_o of_o their_o vain_a tradition_n and_o will-worship_n which_o be_v their_o honour_n then_o shall_v now_o plead_v for_o the_o toleration_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o popery_n and_o for_o all_o other_o both_o jewish_a and_o heathenish_a religion_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sect_n so_o destructive_a to_o that_o religion_n which_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o only_a king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o land_n this_o i_o say_v must_v needs_o seem_v a_o monstrous_a thing_n to_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_a nay_o how_o unreasonable_o do_v these_o man_n deal_v with_o their_o brethren_n they_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n here_o in_o england_n 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and_o set_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o new_a model_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v how_o already_o they_o lord_n it_o over_o all_o good_a christian_n not_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n nor_o suffer_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v among_o they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o suffer_v any_o they_o call_v presbiterian_o to_o preach_v in_o their_o new_a congregat_v assembly_n &_o if_o this_o be_v to_o give_v a_o toleration_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o their_o own_o let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n but_o i_o say_v and_o will_v ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a in_o that_o they_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n they_o be_v as_o guilty_a of_o heinous_a and_o soul_n sin_n be_v complice_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o be_v actor_n now_o then_o when_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n seek_v and_o endeavour_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n to_o establish_v that_o religion_n which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o that_o government_n that_o be_v ordain_v in_o all_o church_n to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o imitate_v all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o they_o do_v more_o advance_v christ_n kingdom_n than_o the_o independent_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o sure_o if_o ever_o any_o minister_n deserve_v well_o from_o the_o people_n the_o minister_n of_o england_n now_o do_v who_o by_o all_o their_o endeavour_n show_v that_o they_o seek_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o which_o be_v life_n eternal_a for_o what_o can_v man_n do_v more_o than_o that_o 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assembly_n be_v in_o regard_n they_o can_v not_o communicate_v with_o dog_n and_o swine_n and_o with_o the_o tagragge_n and_o bobtaile_n of_o all_o the_o malignant_n for_o in_o such_o term_n they_o usual_o express_v themselves_o now_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o care_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o superstition_n and_o popish_a ceremony_n and_o all_o will-worship_n be_v also_o root_v out_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o and_o faithful_o by_o they_o preach_v both_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n true_o invocate_v and_o the_o sacrament_n due_o and_o right_o administer_v what_o just_a cause_n have_v the_o independent_o now_o either_o of_o separation_n or_o of_o traduce_v either_o minister_n or_o people_n of_o be_v enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n when_o by_o all_o their_o endeavour_n they_o only_o seek_v the_o advancement_n of_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n among_o they_o i_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o all_o moderate_a mind_a christian_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v and_o true_o and_o faithful_o set_v down_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o have_v former_o be_v alienate_v from_o they_o will_v again_o be_v now_o undeceive_v return_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o their_o own_o pastor_n by_o who_o ministries_n they_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o that_o all_o other_o understand_v man_n will_v not_o only_o have_v more_o charitable_a thought_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o will_v likewise_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o and_o examine_v more_o diligent_o all_o those_o new_a way_n and_o by_o find_v they_o out_o to_o be_v indeed_o but_o new_a will_v seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n and_o walk_v in_o it_o which_o shall_v ever_o be_v his_o prayer_n that_o wish_v that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o postscripl_n discover_v the_o uncharitable_a deal_n of_o the_o independent_o towards_o their_o christian_n brethren_n with_o the_o juggle_n of_o many_o of_o their_o pastor_n and_o minister_n to_o the_o mislead_v of_o the_o poor_a people_n to_o the_o detriment_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o hurt_n both_o of_o church_n and_o sit_v with_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o novelty_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o come_v forth_o a_o fortnight_n hence_o in_o the_o which_o it_o will_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n magistrate_n parent_n master_n of_o family_n and_o all_o such_o as_o true_o fear_v god_n to_o yield_v their_o help_a hand_n for_o the_o suppress_n of_o heresy_n and_o all_o novelty_n in_o religion_n if_o they_o real_o desire_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o which_o also_o there_o be_v satisfactory_a answer_n give_v to_o the_o principal_a cavil_n of_o he_o that_o write_v that_o rail_a pamphlet_n style_v the_o falsehood_n of_o master_n william_n prynne_n triumph_v in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o popish_a prince_n and_o parliament_n finis_fw-la
when_o therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n way_n and_o method_n in_o their_o teach_n and_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o man_n and_o hear_v only_a the_o voice_n of_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o the_o christian_n believer_n through_o the_o kngdome_n under_o their_o ministry_n do_v all_o faithful_o cleave_v unto_o the_o write_a word_n and_o square_a both_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o the_o independent_o shall_v proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o oppose_v his_o royalty_n and_o preach_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o congregation_n as_o the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o account_v all_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n tell_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sermon_n that_o they_o come_v over_o from_o beyond_o the_o sea_n think_v 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