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that_o brief_o among_o many_o occasion_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o faithful_a that_o some_o of_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o antichristianisme_n still_o prevail_v and_o domineer_v under_o the_o very_a name_n of_o reformation_n and_o also_o to_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n of_o more_o spirit_n and_o ability_n and_o leisure_n to_o discourse_v more_o full_o to_o this_o point_n that_o the_o serpent_n head_n of_o formality_n which_o be_v so_o careful_o nourish_v by_o humane_a reason_n may_v be_v crush_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o john_n 2._o 27._o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n and_o even_o as_o it_o have_v teach_v you_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o he_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o anoint_v the_o carnal_a church_n by_o counsel_n finis_fw-la the_o building_n beauty_n teach_v and_o establishment_n of_o the_o true_o christian_n and_o spiritual_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o exposition_n on_o isai_n 54_o from_o verse_n 11._o to_o the_o 17._o preach_v to_o his_o excellency_n sir_n tho._n fairfax_n and_o the_o general_a officer_n of_o the_o army_n with_o divers_z other_z officer_n and_o soldier_n and_o people_n at_o marston_n be_v the_o head-quarter_n at_o the_o leaguer_n before_o oxford_n june_n 7._o 1646._o by_o william_n dell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v on_o his_o excellency_n sir_n thomas_n fairfax_n in_o the_o army_n together_o with_o a_o faithful_a testimony_n touch_v that_o valiant_a and_o victorious_a army_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n matth._n 5._o 11._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o
it_o do_v not_o belong_v be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n real_o against_o magistracy_n further_o than_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o their_o own_o end_n whereas_o we_o reckon_v magistracy_n not_o less_o magistracy_n no_o less_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n though_o we_o suffer_v under_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o clergy-antichristian_a power_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v will_v still_o sit_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o power_n of_o anti-christ_n so_o domineer_a over_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n that_o none_o but_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n can_v cast_v it_o off_o that_o will_v still_o be_v uppermost_a what_o power_n soever_o be_v supreme_a beside_o all_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a age_n which_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n consider_v not_o god_n give_v you_o sparkling_n enough_o of_o it_o in_o this_o age_n some_o preach_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o make_v outward_a and_o visible_a and_o over_o man_n estate_n body_n and_o life_n belong_v not_o to_o king_n nor_o parliament_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o their_o elder_n and_o better_o it_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o government_n at_o all_o say_v they_o than_o not_o in_o their_o hand_n by_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o here_o lie_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o this_o that_o they_o make_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n a_o church_n &_o then_o require_v a_o power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o their_o church-kingdom_n which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o deal_v withal_o but_o themselves_o whereas_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o only_o give_v unto_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o here_o also_o full_o to_o deliver_v myself_o from_o misapprehension_n i_o understand_v not_o by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n any_o company_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o who_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o saint_n or_o any_o other_o title_n may_v plead_v privilege_n or_o exemption_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n or_o estate_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o that_o be_v to_o justify_v the_o papal_a prelatical_a or_o any_o other_o government_n of_o a_o new_a name_n which_o under_o pretence_n of_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la shall_v set_v up_o and_o exercise_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n free_a and_o exempt_v from_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o i_o utter_o both_o deny_v and_o detest_v as_o antichristian_a and_o therefore_o i_o humble_o represent_v how_o prejudicial_a this_o may_v prove_v to_o you_o in_o the_o end_n to_o suffer_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o name_n either_o of_o church_n or_o clergy_n who_o power_n preferment_n &_o interest_n be_v different_a and_o excentrical_a from_o the_o power_n welfare_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o what_o a_o balance_n they_o may_v prove_v against_o the_o state_n where_o they_o live_v in_o turn_v and_o tumultuous_a time_n as_o they_o themselves_o know_v so_o i_o hope_v you_o clear_o perceive_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o how_o they_o already_o dare_v lift_v up_o the_o head_n against_o you_o who_o see_v not_o how_o do_v they_o manifest_v their_o discontent_n against_o you_o in_o pamphlet_n and_o pulpit_n in_o their_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n because_o you_o have_v not_o settle_v the_o government_n they_o have_v study_v out_o for_o you_o as_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la and_o the_o certain_a and_o unchangeable_a mind_n of_o god_n though_o they_o can_v neither_o make_v it_o out_o to_o yourselves_o nor_o to_o any_o body_n else_o by_o the_o word_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o how_o do_v they_o labour_v to_o instill_v into_o the_o people_n their_o own_o discontent_n persuade_v they_o you_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o because_o you_o have_v not_o do_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o will_v have_v you_o do_v though_o you_o can_v see_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n render_v you_o every_o where_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n many_o other_o thing_n beside_o do_v they_o scramble_v up_o and_o use_v against_o you_o which_o they_o conceive_v may_v make_v for_o your_o disadvantage_n and_o disinterest_n in_o the_o people_n because_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v never_o get_v much_o high_a except_o they_o make_v you_o a_o little_o low_a for_o they_o must_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o antichrist_n set_v their_o foot_n on_o your_o power_n to_o get_v up_o to_o their_o own_o some_o discovery_n of_o this_o spirit_n you_o may_v see_v in_o mr._n love_n sermon_n tell_v you_o before_o your_o face_n and_o before_o the_o people_n that_o some_o call_v you_o a_o mongrel_n parliament_n indeed_o the_o king_n as_o i_o understand_v call_v the_o parliament_n at_o oxford_n so_o but_o mr._n love_n be_v the_o first_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v learn_v that_o ever_o name_v you_o so_o and_o i_o wish_v he_o may_v be_v the_o last_o but_o any_o doctrine_n be_v orthodox_n out_o of_o a_o man_n mouth_n of_o his_o order_n far_o threaten_v you_o with_o a_o discern_a people_n to_o look_v into_o your_o action_n and_o to_o spy_v out_o your_o boundless_a privilege_n as_o if_o you_o must_v do_v justice_n not_o out_o of_o the_o love_n of_o righteousness_n but_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o mr._n love_v discern_v people_n tell_v you_o also_o the_o clergy_n have_v do_v as_o much_o service_n for_o you_o in_o their_o pulpit_n as_o your_o regiment_n in_o the_o field_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v mind_v you_o what_o they_o can_v do_v against_o you_o as_o well_o as_o for_o you_o if_o you_o be_v not_o servant_n to_o their_o design_n for_o they_o that_o have_v heretofore_o be_v for_o you_o can_v if_o they_o please_v turn_v to_o other_o against_o you_o who_o shall_v be_v more_o for_o themselves_o and_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n fly_v out_o against_o your_o worthy_a commander_n in_o the_o army_n upon_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o and_o against_o the_o article_n at_o oxford_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v no_o proper_a presbyterial_a doctrine_n that_o do_v not_o at_o least_o meddle_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n which_o in_o time_n they_o may_v hopeful_o come_v to_o order_n in_o these_o and_o divers_a other_o thing_n he_o take_v his_o full_a swing_n all_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n deep_o appertain_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o thing_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a and_o neither_o to_o the_o truth_n disadvantage_n nor_o i_o i_o shall_v clear_v in_o a_o short_a reply_n set_v after_o the_o discourse_n and_o so_o shall_v trouble_v you_o no_o far_o with_o any_o such_o stuff_n but_o only_o with_o a_o smart_a expression_n from_o one_o it_o seem_v of_o some_o note_n in_o the_o assembly_n who_o say_v if_o the_o parliament_n approve_a mr._n dell_n sermon_n it_o be_v no_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v they_o be_v no_o parliament_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v you_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o a_o parliament_n than_o you_o approve_v what_o the_o assembly_n approve_v but_o the_o kingdom_n hope_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o better_a foundation_n and_o to_o he_o who_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a with_o you_o i_o shall_v only_o crave_v leave_n to_o reply_v in_o your_o presence_n if_o the_o assembly_n which_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o shall_v condemn_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o deliver_v then_o by_o mr._n dell_n it_o will_v be_v no_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o last_o prop_n of_o antichrist_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o yourselves_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v &_o that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n after_o god_n have_v blessed_v your_o power_n and_o force_n in_o the_o field_n and_o subdue_v that_o malignant_a power_n that_o be_v against_o you_o and_o have_v give_v you_o a_o little_a peace_n &_o quietness_n in_o the_o kingdom_n you_o do_v not_o now_o begin_v your_o affair_n with_o discountenance_v disrelish_v much_o less_o condemn_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a word_n of_o god_n witness_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o confess_v to_o by_o the_o faithful_a and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n and_o with_o the_o set_n off_o from_o you_o that_o ministry_n that_o have_v most_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o lest_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o you_o and_o your_o
understand_v carnal_o and_o have_v apprehend_v the_o whole_a scripture_n not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n scripture_n and_o thus_o be_v antichrist_n kingdom_n first_o set_v up_o and_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o continue_v even_o by_o the_o carnal_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o have_v understand_v the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n carnal_o the_o rock_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v carnal_o the_o door_n of_o this_o kingdom_n carnal_o the_o law_n of_o it_o carnal_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o carnal_o the_o power_n authority_n government_n glory_n officer_n etc._n etc._n all_o carnal_o and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n which_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o carnal_a church_n understand_v carnal_o i'faith_o hope_n love_n it_o understand_v carnal_o redemption_n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n glorification_n union_n with_o christ_n communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n access_n to_o the_o father_n together_o with_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o office_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o understand_v carnal_o and_o have_v a_o fleshly_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o understand_v all_o other_o thing_n of_o god_n kingdom_n carnal_o carnal_o so_o also_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v not_o great_a and_o grosser_n mistake_v about_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n then_o about_o this_o man_n imagine_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v altogether_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o worldly_a state_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o only_o stand_v in_o outward_a thing_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o humane_a counsel_n and_o humane_a power_n now_o because_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o gross_a but_o a_o general_a error_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n both_o of_o high_a and_o of_o low_a degree_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v at_o this_o time_n according_a to_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o i_o to_o represent_v in_o some_o gospel_n light_n to_o this_o honourable_a and_o christian_n auditory_a the_o true_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o bless_v be_v he_o who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o word_n now_o read_v until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v read_v the_o context_n ver._n 9_o the_o first_o tabernacle_n be_v a_o figure_n for_o the_o time_n then_o present_a in_o which_o be_v offer_v both_o gift_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n v._o 10._o which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n it_o shall_v be_v righteousness_n or_o justification_n of_o the_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d impose_v on_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n show_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o old_a law_n law_n because_o it_o stand_v in_o outward_a rite_n ceremony_n duty_n performance_n and_o so_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o use_v they_o and_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o impose_v these_o thing_n on_o the_o church_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o but_o only_o until_o the_o time_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v not_o only_o evil_a thing_n but_o imperfect_a and_o then_o all_o that_o outward_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v now_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o make_v man_n perfect_a heretofore_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v any_o new_a law_n invent_v now_o and_o if_o any_o such_o law_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n now_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o same_o strength_n in_o itself_o to_o make_v they_o void_a as_o the_o former_a and_o also_o the_o same_o ground_n from_o they_o because_o all_o such_o law_n and_o ordinance_n devise_v by_o man_n can_v make_v they_o that_o obey_v and_o practice_v they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v quest_n now_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o when_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v when_o christ_n come_v not_o a_o servant_n as_o moses_n but_o the_o son_n out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o doctrine_n be_v not_o letter_n as_o moses_n be_v but_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o now_o when_o christ_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n and_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o strict_a law_n to_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o these_o thing_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o the_o severity_n of_o death_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n but_o under_o all_o that_o outward_a religion_n man_n be_v inward_o as_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a as_o the_o very_a heathen_a for_o all_o their_o circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n for_o all_o their_o outward_a wash_n they_o be_v inward_o unclean_a for_o all_o their_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n their_o sin_n remain_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o conscience_n for_o all_o their_o strict_a force_n of_o man_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o people_n still_o remain_v far_o from_o god_n even_o in_o all_o those_o duty_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o moses_n law_n the_o people_n remain_v inward_o corrupt_v filthy_a and_o unclean_a and_o without_o any_o true_a reformation_n before_o god_n till_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n in_o the_o flesh_n come_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o indeed_o be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o thing_n then_o the_o spirit_n will_v have_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n doctr._n when_o ever_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o time_n of_o reformation_n for_o our_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o this_o point_n we_o will_v observe_v this_o method_n 1._o show_v what_o true_a gospel-reformation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v qualify_v that_o so_o you_o may_v the_o better_o distinguish_v it_o from_o political_n and_o ecclesiastical_a reformation_n now_o both_o these_o i_o join_v together_o because_o the_o carnal_a church_n have_v always_o interest_v and_o mingle_v itself_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o it_o 2._o i_o will_v indevor_n to_o show_v to_o who_o hand_n the_o work_n of_o gospel-reformation_n be_v commit_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v he_o to_o who_o hand_n it_o be_v commit_v bring_v it_o about_o 4._o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n where_o it_o be_v wrought_v 5._o the_o use_n the_o first_o general_n what_o true_a gospel_n reformation_n be_v reformation_n and_o how_o qualify_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v be_v it_o be_v the_o mortify_n destroy_a and_o utter_a abolish_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a all_o that_o sin_n corruption_n lust_n evil_a that_o do_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o through_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o it_o be_v the_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a by_o the_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v true_a gospel-reformation_n and_o beside_o this_o i_o know_v no_o other_o this_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v chap._n 1._o 27._o zion_n shall_v be_v redeem_v with_o judgement_n and_o her_o convert_v with_o righteousness_n now_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n judgement_n as_o he_o discover_v reprove_v condemn_v and_o destroy_v sin_n so_o he_o be_v call_v judgement_n and_o thus_o be_v judgement_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o gospel_n sense_n and_o not_o terrible_o as_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o judgement_n shall_v at_o last_o break_v forth_o into_o victory_n that_o be_v though_o christ_n in_o
he_o prosperous_a and_o pray_v now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o your_o purpose_n mr._n love_n if_o it_o be_v good_a in_o your_o heart_n to_o think_v to_o reform_v it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o do_v it_o reply_n do_v not_o god_n say_v it_o be_v well_o that_o david_n think_v to_o build_v a_o temple_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o build_v it_o and_o do_v you_o now_o dare_v to_o blame_v this_o very_a thing_n can_v the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v quiet_a for_o you_o mr._n love_n you_o need_v not_o fear_v lose_v a_o party_n reply_n yea_o but_o how_o if_o god_n be_v in_o that_o party_n what_o then_o sir_n be_v it_o not_o better_o keep_v a_o little_a poor_a despise_a party_n that_o have_v god_n in_o it_o then_o a_o great_a and_o numerous_a party_n without_o god_n again_o do_v you_o preach_v before_o the_o parliament_n to_o make_v or_o cast_v off_o party_n do_v this_o appertain_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n reader_n these_o man_n be_v so_o over_o busy_a in_o make_v and_o mar_v party_n that_o i_o much_o fear_v they_o will_v in_o the_o end_n throw_v the_o kingdom_n into_o more_o misery_n and_o blood_n then_o their_o predecessor_n have_v do_v mr._n love_n reformation_n be_v no_o force_v conscience_n it_o meddle_v not_o with_o conscience_n it_o restrain_v practice_n if_o a_o jesuit_n come_v from_o rome_n to_o kill_v a_o great_a person_n he_o do_v it_o in_o conscience_n but_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o his_o conscience_n i_o restrain_v his_o practice_n reply_n do_v not_o your_o reformation_n meddle_v with_o conscience_n mr._n love_n do_v you_o speak_v this_o of_o yourself_o at_o random_n as_o the_o rest_n or_o be_v this_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o brethren_n and_o do_v your_o reformation_n only_o restrain_v outward_a practice_n then_o to_o tie_v up_o mad_a dog_n and_o bear_n and_o tiger_n be_v your_o most_o excellent_a reformation_n you_o that_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n you_o be_v make_v so_o many_o iron_n yoke_v for_o their_o neck_n and_o so_o many_o snare_n and_o fetter_n to_o hamper_v the_o outward_a man_n the_o proper_a subject_n it_o seem_v of_o your_o reformation_n and_o thus_o take_v upon_o yourselves_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n you_o do_v indeed_o put_v the_o magistrate_n work_v to_o a_o end_n and_o then_o the_o assembly_n may_v serve_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o sion-colledge_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-councel_n see_v you_o not_o yet_o o_o you_o power_n of_o the_o world_n how_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n will_v eat_v you_o out_o and_o for_o your_o jesuit_n do_v you_o ever_o hear_v i_o say_v or_o hint_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o restrain_v and_o punish_v outward_a wickedness_n i_o wish_v therefore_o you_o will_v unriddle_v yourselves_o and_o tell_v true_o if_o you_o dare_v how_o far_o you_o will_v limit_v the_o magistrate_n and_o enlarge_v yourselves_o upon_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o certain_o if_o the_o magistrate_n power_n have_v under_o it_o the_o whole_a outward_a man_n as_o indeed_o it_o have_v and_o if_o christ_n power_n have_v under_o it_o the_o whole_a inward_a man_n as_o indeed_o it_o have_v what_o place_n then_o i_o pray_v be_v there_o leave_v for_o your_o ecclesiastical_a power_n when_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v dispose_v of_o before_o sure_o when_o the_o magistrate_n take_v his_o own_o proper_a power_n to_o himself_o and_o christ_n his_o own_o proper_a power_n to_o himself_o your_o power_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o place_n either_o in_o the_o world_n kingdom_n or_o god_n but_o you_o must_v find_v out_o some_o three_o place_n for_o it_o for_o i_o will_v assign_v you_o none_o lest_o you_o prove_v too_o angry_a mr._n love_n the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n may_v think_v she_o have_v new_a light_n and_o yet_o god_n say_v i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n reply_n true_o sir_n when_o god_n shall_v make_v you_o a_o new_a creature_n you_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o new_a light_n for_o behold_v say_v god_n i_o make_v all_o thing_n new_a even_o the_o light_n as_o well_o as_o the_o creature_n the_o old_a light_n will_v serve_v the_o old_a man_n well_o enough_o and_o for_o the_o spirit_n reprove_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n for_o suffer_v false_a and_o erroneous_a teacher_n do_v this_o prove_v as_o you_o undertake_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v or_o exercise_v civil_a and_o secular_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n you_o err_v not_o understand_v the_o scripture_n for_o then_o any_o thing_n be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v not_o reprove_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n teach_v and_o publish_v in_o the_o church_n will_v suffer_v no_o error_n there_o but_o you_o understand_v this_o suffering_n of_o outward_a and_o violent_a power_n do_v you_o not_o remember_v that_o i_o say_v at_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o carnal_a church_n understand_v the_o whole_a scripture_n carnal_o mr._n love_n and_o now_o to_o hear_v such_o sermon_n preach_v and_o book_n print_v if_o it_o have_v be_v at_o amsterdam_n it_o have_v be_v no_o marvel_n but_o at_o london_n and_o at_o westminster_n etc._n etc._n reply_n true_o such_o a_o sermon_n as_o i_o may_v have_v be_v preach_v at_o amsterdam_n or_o any_o where_o else_o where_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_a passage_n and_o such_o a_o sermon_n as_o you_o may_v have_v be_v preach_v at_o rome_n or_o any_o where_o else_o where_o the_o precious_a word_n of_o god_n be_v under_o restraint_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n exalt_v itself_o both_o above_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o nation_n your_o sermon_n savour_v as_o ill_a to_o the_o faithful_a as_o i_o to_o the_o world_n many_o other_o weak_a passionate_a inconsiderate_a erroneus_fw-la thing_n fall_v from_o mr._n love_n neither_o worth_a the_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o nor_o myself_o and_o so_o they_o may_v perish_v and_o rot_v in_o their_o owâ—_n grave_n if_o they_o will_v for_o they_o shall_v never_o receive_v a_o resurrection_n from_o i_o and_o now_o at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v the_o difference_n between_o our_o enemy_n and_o ourselves_o in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v this_o that_o we_o exalt_v jesus_n christ_n alone_o in_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n his_o full_a power_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o exalt_v themselves_o in_o christ_n stead_n in_o the_o church_n and_o set_v under_o their_o foot_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o operation_n of_o satan_n more_o or_o less_o upon_o he_o that_o see_v it_o not_o finis_fw-la praesens_fw-la male_a judicat_fw-la aetas_fw-la judicium_fw-la melius_fw-la posteritatis_fw-la erit_fw-la the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o humility_n and_o bowel_n of_o love_n present_v to_o they_o by_o william_n dell_n one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n psal_n 120._o 7._o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n utrum_fw-la nos_fw-la schismatici_fw-la sumus_fw-la a_o vos_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la sed_fw-la christus_fw-la interrogetur_fw-la ut_fw-la indicet_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la svam_fw-la august_n contr_n litter_n petil._n l._n 2._o c._n 85._o london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n near_a ludgate_n 1651._o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o commons_o of_o england_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o now_o when_o all_o almost_o that_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o noble_a and_o royal_a and_o wise_a and_o learned_a be_v find_v against_o this_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o god_n how_o high_o be_v you_o honour_v of_o he_o and_o how_o happy_a be_v you_o that_o you_o yet_o be_v find_v for_o it_o you_o after_o a_o manifold_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n of_o many_o of_o your_o member_n seem_v yet_o to_o remain_v as_o pillar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n yet_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v among_o those_o call_v and_o choose_v and_o faithful_a one_o that_o now_o continue_v with_o the_o lamb_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n in_o his_o engagement_n against_o and_o conquest_n over_o the_o ten-horned_a beast_n and_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o
christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o you_o ward_v be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a who_o ever_o be_v the_o instrument_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a preacher_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v first_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n before_o they_o preach_v judas_n who_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o be_v not_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n prove_v a_o traitor_n to_o christ_n and_o who_o ever_o preach_v the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o judas_n and_o also_o traitor_n to_o christ_n 11._o the_o church_n of_o man_n have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o lay_v on_o man_n shoulder_n whether_o single_a person_n as_o pope_n or_o archbishop_n or_o combine_v as_o the_o general_n council_n or_o a_o national_a assembly_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o government_n lay_v only_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n as_o the_o prophet_n foretold_v isa_n 9_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v a_o son_n be_v give_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n and_o zech._n 6._o 12._o he_o shall_v build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o shall_v sit_v and_o rule_v upon_o his_o throne_n for_o none_o can_v rule_v the_o true_a church_n but_o he_o that_o build_v it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v christ_n be_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o if_o christ_n be_v ever_o present_a with_o they_o his_o own_o self_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o christ_n may_v not_o reign_v immediate_o over_o they_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n reckon_v it_o sufficient_a authority_n that_o they_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o what_o ever_o they_o find_v in_o the_o word_n they_o present_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o never_o ask_v leave_n either_o of_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o the_o church_n of_o man_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o assembly_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o their_o religion_n they_o regard_v the_o authority_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v still_o set_v themselves_o one_o above_o another_o but_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v all_o equal_a have_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n equal_o present_a with_o they_o and_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o believer_n of_o one_o congregation_n can_v say_v they_o have_v power_n over_o the_o believer_n of_o another_o congregation_n see_v all_o congregation_n have_v christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n alike_o among_o they_o and_o christ_n have_v not_o anywhere_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v more_o with_o one_o then_o with_o another_o and_o so_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o congregation_n do_v not_o subject_v neither_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o another_o congregation_n as_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o several_a place_n shall_v be_v above_o and_o under_o themselves_o but_o christ_n in_o each_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v their_o head_n and_o this_o head_n they_o dare_v not_o leave_v and_o set_v up_o a_o fleshly_a head_n to_o themselves_o whether_o it_o consist_v of_o one_o or_o many_o man_n see_v antichrist_n do_v as_o strong_o invade_v christ_n headship_n in_o many_o as_o in_o one_o man_n in_o a_o council_n as_o in_o a_o pope_n last_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v sin_n and_o death_n shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o but_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v always_o fight_v against_o it_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o as_o christ_n have_v promise_v mat._n 16._o 18._o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n among_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n or_o corporation_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v point_v out_o by_o the_o finger_n lo_o here_o or_o lo_o there_o see_v it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o certain_a place_n time_n or_o person_n but_o it_o be_v whole_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a society_n as_o i_o have_v say_v that_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o true_a pale_a and_o circumference_n of_o this_o church_n and_o out_o of_o who_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o hereupon_o it_o will_v present_o be_v say_v if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v invisible_a as_o you_o have_v affirm_v then_o 1._o how_o shall_v we_o know_v it_o 2._o how_o can_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o it_o to_o both_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v return_v a_o clear_a answer_n and_o first_o to_o this_o question_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o true_a church_n see_v it_o be_v invisible_a i_o answer_v invisible_a just_o so_o as_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v know_v be_v the_o church_n his_o body_n know_v and_o no_o other_o way_n now_o christ_n be_v know_v 1._o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o peter_n confess_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n christ_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n now_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v without_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n than_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o these_o member_n see_v the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o as_o he_o be_v so_o be_v we_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o he_o have_v need_n of_o other_o eye_n then_o the_o world_n see_v withal_o that_o will_v discern_v the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o another_o revelation_n than_o any_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v make_v 2._o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o spirit_n rest_v on_o he_o joh._n 1._o 33._o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o say_v john_n baptist_n but_o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v unto_o i_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v on_o he_o the_o same_o be_v he_o which_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o see_v and_o bare_a record_n that_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o remain_v on_o it_o so_o that_o whatever_o people_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n 3._o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o work_v he_o do_v joh._n 10._o 37._o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o and_o thus_o also_o be_v the_o true_a church_n know_v by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o its_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o their_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o head_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o though_o the_o true_a church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v know_v by_o our_o outward_a sense_n yet_o we_o have_v certain_a token_n of_o her_o spiritual_a presence_n whereby_o we_o 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much_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o sect_n and_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o faction_n rend_v from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o such_o man_n choose_v and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o some_o singular_a way_n of_o worship_n form_n order_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o think_v they_o excel_v other_o christian_n and_o so_o cause_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a which_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o people_n to_o follow_v they_o especial_o have_v countenance_n of_o worldly_a authority_n by_o which_o mean_v both_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n depart_v from_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o this_o sevenfold_a spiritual_a unity_n be_v neglect_v christianity_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n into_z as_o many_o sect_n as_o the_o world_n and_o devil_n please_v till_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n leave_v either_o of_o faith_n or_o love_n so_o that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o confedracy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o outward_a order_n form_n rite_n law_n ceremony_n discipline_n which_o be_v necessary_o enforce_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n seduce_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a will_v never_o hold_v the_o church_n together_o but_o all_o these_o be_v and_o have_v prove_v and_o will_v prove_v rather_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n in_o the_o church_n than_o a_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o if_o they_o seem_v to_o work_v union_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mingle_v clay_n and_o iron_n together_o which_o no_o pain_n nor_o art_n can_v perfect_o compound_v for_o all_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n knit_v by_o other_o bond_n then_o be_v here_o name_v be_v no_o spiritual_a union_n neither_o will_v it_o stand_v and_o therefore_o dear_a christian_n and_o believer_n see_v we_o have_v seven_o bond_n of_o unity_n all_o of_o god_n own_o make_n to_o make_v we_o one_o let_v not_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v but_o sorry_a thing_n of_o man_n make_v separate_z and_o divide_v we_o but_o 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other_o thing_n christ_n and_o both_o otherwise_o then_o yet_o we_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v they_o 1._o to_o preserve_v our_o peace_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n do_v we_o must_v be_v instruct_v aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n government_n because_o the_o mistake_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v so_o great_a a_o cause_n of_o controversy_n and_o division_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o true_a government_n without_o any_o such_o form_n and_o law_n and_o power_n as_o be_v now_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o mediate_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v for_o these_o thing_n now_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a 1._o there_o be_v that_o government_n which_o god_n exercise_v immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o government_n which_o he_o exercise_v mediate_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a twofold_a the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o be_v god_n immediate_a government_n be_v also_o two_o fold_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n providence_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a government_n this_o be_v that_o government_n of_o god_n over_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o take_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n sign_n wonder_n by_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n and_o great_a terror_n when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o through_o the_o wilderness_n in_o path_n that_o be_v not_o tread_v when_o he_o feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n when_o he_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v they_o wrong_n but_o reprove_v even_o king_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o through_o multitude_n of_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o god_n lead_v that_o church_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o tribulation_n to_o quietness_n from_o a_o sordid_a condition_n to_o honour_n and_o renown_n from_o a_o strange_a land_n to_o a_o land_n of_o inheritance_n and_o from_o slavery_n to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a government_n indeed_o stand_v in_o god_n immediate_a conduct_n from_o heaven_n far_o above_o all_o humane_a counsel_n wisdom_n stratagem_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o man_n contrive_v and_o act_v and_o this_o government_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o all_o humane_a apprehension_n that_o according_a to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v his_o way_n be_v the_o sea_n and_o his_o path_n in_o the_o great_a water_n and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v and_o be_v not_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n every_o whit_n as_o 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but_o god_n be_v now_o as_o near_o his_o true_a church_n as_o ever_o and_o support_v it_o and_o comfort_n it_o and_o guide_v it_o as_o a_o skilful_a pilot_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o though_o the_o flood_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o billow_n against_o it_o yet_o they_o can_v sink_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n on_o high_a be_v mighty_a than_o the_o mighty_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o so_o still_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n lead_v his_o flock_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n and_o lion_n yea_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o devil_n in_o admirable_a and_o invincible_a safety_n and_o give_v they_o light_v in_o darkness_n counsel_n in_o difficulty_n and_o success_n in_o all_o attempt_n above_z and_o beyond_o both_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n now_o note_v here_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n god_n do_v not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n no_o not_o of_o his_o very_a people_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n do_v thing_n that_o they_o must_v not_o know_v yet_o but_o must_v know_v afterward_o yea_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v absurd_a and_o absolute_o destructive_a and_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n and_o order_n of_o god_n govern_v his_o saint_n that_o of_o luther_n on_o gen._n 39_o be_v worth_a our_o mind_v here_o i_o say_v he_o have_v often_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v certain_a way_n and_o method_n to_o god_n etc._n which_o he_o shall_v use_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n ah_o lord_n say_v i_o i_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v thus_o do_v in_o this_o order_n with_o this_o event_n but_o god_n do_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o do_v desire_v then_o again_o think_v i_o why_o my_o council_n be_v not_o differ_v
now_o as_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o power_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o church_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a power_n i_o may_v add_v nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n according_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n it_o that_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o true_a church_n but_o mere_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n without_o any_o conjunction_n or_o mixture_n of_o the_o other_o see_v christ_n power_n be_v perfect_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v god_n kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o so_o man_n may_v as_o well_o carry_v worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o father_n kingdom_n as_o into_o the_o son_n see_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o earth_n which_o have_v not_o be_v understand_v nor_o consider_v by_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o busy_a to_o bring_v secular_a power_n into_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o if_o christ_n own_o power_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v either_o weak_a or_o imperfect_a more_o particular_o this_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o i_o say_v christ_n power_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o christ_n power_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o violence_n but_o a_o power_n of_o influence_n even_o such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o head_n have_v over_o the_o member_n and_o the_o soul_n over_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o a_o coercive_a but_o a_o persuasive_a power_n a_o power_n that_o make_v man_n willing_a that_o be_v not_o willing_a and_o do_v not_o force_v the_o unwilling_a against_o their_o will_n 2._o this_o power_n be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a as_o worldly_a power_n be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n set_v man_n over_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n set_v man_n under_o other_o i_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o be_o among_o you_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v and_o again_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o all_o 3._o this_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n as_o paul_n acknowledge_v 10._o again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o power_n the_o lord_n give_v he_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o power_n viz._n not_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o their_o native_a kingdom_n but_o to_o translate_v they_o into_o god_n kingdom_n not_o to_o take_v away_o their_o outward_a liberty_n or_o estate_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o liberty_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v man_n by_o temporal_a death_n 4._o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o more_o than_o its_o own_o yea_o good_a of_o other_o with_o the_o neglect_n of_o its_o own_o so_o moses_n be_v not_o busy_a to_o have_v a_o most_o rebellious_a people_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o rather_o desire_v his_o own_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o that_o book_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v in_o and_o paul_n desire_v that_o himself_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o christ_n that_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n after_o the_o flesh_n may_v have_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o after_o this_o high_a rate_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o own_o eternal_a good_a how_o much_o more_o to_o the_o neglect_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o temporal_a good_a their_o worldly_a profit_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n 5._o this_o power_n do_v not_o make_v other_o suffer_v to_o enlarge_v the_o church_n but_o suffer_v itself_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o so_o christ_n as_o wickliff_n say_v through_o his_o poverty_n humility_n and_o suffer_a injury_n and_o death_n get_v unto_o he_o the_o child_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o by_o force_n and_o the_o martyr_n enlarge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o cause_v other_o to_o die_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o this_o power_n only_a act_n to_o a_o spiritual_a end_n salvation_n and_o only_o according_a to_o spiritual_a law_n but_o not_o to_o any_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a end_n according_a to_o civil_a and_o humane_a law_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o this_o true_a church_n power_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a differ_v very_o much_o both_o from_o the_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a man_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o true_a church_n power_n i_o answer_v further_o that_o this_o power_n extend_v itself_o full_a as_o far_o as_o the_o church_n but_o no_o further_o for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o church_n power_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v no_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o world_n then_o worldly_a power_n which_o be_v fleshly_a be_v suitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n power_n only_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n true_o church_n government_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n effectual_a influence_n and_o operation_n but_o no_o further_o that_o be_v to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a but_o to_o none_o that_o be_v unwilling_a as_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o church_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n so_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o world_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a compulsion_n wherefore_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o distinct_a government_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o this_o power_n i_o answer_v power_n the_o word_n only_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n and_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n use_v no_o other_o instrument_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n by_o but_o the_o word_n or_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n do_v all_o in_o itself_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o quicken_v to_o life_n and_o wound_n to_o death_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o work_v faith_n renew_v the_o life_n act_n order_n guide_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o church_n that_o have_v another_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n beside_o the_o word_n that_o have_v order_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v by_o and_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o that_o have_v their_o own_o law_n and_o order_n to_o be_v their_o sceptre_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o sword_n in_o their_o kingdom_n i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v the_o way_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o government_n assure_o the_o church_n they_o boast_v of_o be_v another_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o be_v no_o other_o in_o very_a deed_n but_o a_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o when_o its_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o it_o
have_v put_v on_o to_o deceive_v shall_v after_o a_o few_o year_n vanish_v away_o it_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v whatever_o rule_v order_n or_o humane_a invention_n man_n do_v study_n and_o devise_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o be_v know_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o only_a gospel_n preach_v in_o it_o which_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n and_o all_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o vote_n determination_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n be_v better_o for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o the_o pure_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o speak_v blasphemous_o let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o luther_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n 483._o christian_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o word_n and_o no_o other_o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o pure_a gospel_n of_o god_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o counsel_n doctor_n father_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o govern_v christian_n by_o that_o word_n which_o though_o they_o keep_v yet_o neither_o do_v they_o become_v christian_n nor_o continue_v such_o nay_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o lose_v christ_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v every_o word_n beside_o the_o gospel_n and_o salvation_n reign_v in_o we_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n far_o they_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o mingle_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o secular_a sword_n there_o be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o these_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o restrain_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a from_o evil_a deed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n govern_v christian_n without_o the_o sword_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o christian_n except_o they_o be_v spontaneous_o good_a and_o such_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n malorum_fw-la as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o urge_v they_o that_o be_v willing_o good_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o light_n and_o vain_a man_n ibid._n that_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v promote_v with_o weapon_n and_o cuff_n and_o the_o same_o luther_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o preacher_n of_o erphurd_n say_v consider_v in_o your_o mind_n with_o what_o sword_n i_o subdue_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religious_a man_n who_o before_o be_v dreadful_a to_o all_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v who_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v power_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o never_o touch_v they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o my_o finger_n etc._n but_o christ_n destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o detestable_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v their_o iniquity_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o passage_n of_o his_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o instrument_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n christ_n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n now_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n can_v 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o please_v when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o togeâ—ther_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a instruction_n preservation_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o prevent_v of_o evil_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o extrinsical_a and_o foreign_a power_n whatever_o else_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a founder_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o every_o free_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o congregate_v and_o come_v together_o as_o conveniency_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n and_o in_o all_o fraternity_n and_o meeting_n of_o love_n much_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n power_n to_o meet_v together_o into_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o it_o be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o the_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n be_v whole_o set_v against_o they_o do_v often_o meet_v together_o among_o themselves_o though_o private_o and_o christ_n himself_o come_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o find_v they_o in_o that_o way_n of_o communion_n say_v peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n do_v both_o justify_v and_o encourage_v such_o meeting_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o believer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o choose_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o all_o meet_v again_o act._n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o state_n be_v utter_o against_o their_o meeting_n and_o again_o act._n 4._o peter_n and_o john_n after_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o jew_n go_v and_o meet_v with_o their_o own_o company_n which_o be_v now_o mighty_o increase_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o ruler_n have_v do_v against_o they_o whereupon_o all_o of_o they_o join_v together_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o act._n 6._o the_o church_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n of_o it_o self_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o meeting_n as_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a order_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n order_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2._o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_o
that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o of_o this_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o sort_n be_v judge_n wherefore_o no_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n nor_o no_o humane_a learning_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o school_n or_o university_n nor_o no_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n or_o order_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o the_o faithful_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o 2._o out_o of_o who_o these_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o nowhere_o else_o indeed_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o humane_a learning_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n choose_v his_o minister_n only_o out_o of_o the_o university_n but_o the_o right_a church_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o reckon_v no_o man_n learned_a and_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o congregation_n or_o community_n of_o believer_n for_o if_o every_o free_a society_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n much_o more_o have_v the_o true_a church_n this_o power_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o free_a society_n under_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o have_v officer_n thrust_v over_o they_o by_o other_o but_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o its_o self_n if_o any_o object_n against_o this_o object_n that_o paul_n command_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 14._o 23._o do_v choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o minister_n but_o that_o some_o chief_a minister_n must_v appoint_v other_o minister_n in_o each_o congregation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o minister_n among_o we_o that_o do_v hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o act_v evident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o allow_v they_o as_o much_o authority_n in_o ordain_v minister_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v but_o since_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o very_o few_o of_o these_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v minister_n who_o can_v themselves_o be_v reckon_v believer_n or_o spiritual_a but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v true_a minister_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o appoint_v minister_n in_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o those_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n choose_v they_o be_v to_o commend_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act_n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n look_v you_o out_o among_o yourselves_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o those_o who_o the_o church_n choose_v the_o apostle_n confirm_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n to_o appoint_v man_n to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o alm_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a without_o the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o appoint_v any_o among_o believer_n to_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o approbation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o their_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o what_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v do_v through_o the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o beside_o this_o way_n i_o see_v no_o other_o how_o in_o this_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n again_o now_o this_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n for_o many_o age_n together_o and_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o father_n schoolman_n counsel_n doctor_n antiquity_n custom_n and_o the_o general_a praâ—ctice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v some_o begin_v and_o the_o rest_n follow_v as_o this_o practice_n shall_v be_v clear_v up_o to_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o none_o be_v to_o be_v force_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o authority_n shall_v entertain_v this_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o and_o on_o who_o he_o list_v neither_o ought_v this_o to_o trouble_v any_o if_o all_o do_v not_o present_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o at_o first_o a_o few_o begin_v who_o other_o may_v follow_v afterward_o as_o god_n shall_v persuade_v they_o now_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n so_o if_o
they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o unchristian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sexâ—_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subjectd_a to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o 344._o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o have_v his_o brethren_n authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o put_v he_o down_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n church_n among_o the_o heretic_n which_o prefer_v their_o false_a doctrine_n above_o the_o true_a word_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v its_o counsel_n if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o a_o council_n counsel_n it_o may_v call_v one_o if_o it_o please_v and_o it_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o council_n be_v not_o to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o church_n as_o be_v now_o do_v but_o the_o church_n be_v to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o council_n and_o the_o council_n be_v to_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o world_n it_o can_v no_o more_o call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n can_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o world_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o distinct_a as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v now_o i_o say_v the_o church_n if_o it_o need_v a_o council_n may_v call_v one_o because_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n now_o seldom_o need_v a_o council_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n why_o the_o right_a church_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o counsel_n as_o 1._o because_o counsel_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v be_v either_o call_v or_o congregat_v by_o the_o pope_n council_n a_o mere_a usurper_n in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o secular_a and_o worldly_a prince_n who_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o according_a to_o their_o end_n and_o design_n counsel_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v guide_v and_o point_v 2._o because_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v along_o with_o it_o that_o they_o have_v make_v people_n rather_o look_v to_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v divine_a thing_n from_o they_o by_o a_o humane_a say_v rather_o than_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o immediate_a word_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o so_o have_v give_v forth_o themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6._o because_o they_o always_o determine_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o do_v not_o weigh_v but_o number_v the_o suffrage_n and_o so_o the_o great_a part_n still_o overcome_v the_o better_a and_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v carry_v the_o vote_n against_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v subdue_v and_o error_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o plausible_a authority_n 7._o because_o such_o counsel_n sexâ—um_fw-la common_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o so_o set_v themselves_o up_o as_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v walk_v and_o none_o must_v presume_v to_o say_v to_o they_o curita_fw-la facitis_fw-la why_o do_v you_o so_o though_o they_o do_v never_o so_o ill_a they_o say_v they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o any_o other_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o but_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o they_o say_v they_o may_v pronounce_v all_o other_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n but_o no_o body_n must_v pronounce_v they_o so_o though_o they_o be_v so_o and_o
after_o they_o have_v once_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o abomination_n what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v right_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o last_o because_o after_o so_o many_o counsel_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a in_o the_o church_n through_o their_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a law_n and_o order_n wrtten_v by_o man_n will_v do_v the_o true_a church_n any_o good_a but_o the_o live_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v in_o it_o their_o inward_a part_n for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o corrupt_v we_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v be_v write_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o reform_v we_o wherefore_o after_o all_o their_o decree_n law_n rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n common_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o have_v become_v more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n superstitious_a formal_a profane_a then_o before_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v counsel_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v object_n yea_o but_o have_v not_o the_o church_n a_o council_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o see_v act._n 15_o and_o do_v not_o they_o order_n and_o decree_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n the_o church_n have_v a_o council_n then_o but_o far_o differ_v from_o the_o counsel_n now_o adays_o for_o 1._o that_o council_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o pack_v together_o by_o secular_a power_n but_o free_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n oâ—_n the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o by_o the_o believer_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n 2._o this_o council_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o brethren_n also_o and_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v agree_v and_o order_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n 3._o that_o free_a council_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o mere_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o the_o word_n &_o by_o the_o word_n conclude_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v all_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fore_n name_v place_n and_o in_o these_o regard_v that_o council_n differ_v from_o we_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o council_n the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n desire_v a_o council_n for_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o outward_a thing_n it_o be_v free_a it_o must_v mind_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v power_n itself_o to_o call_v one_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o what_o man_n can_v object_v against_o this_o of_o worldly_a prince_n call_v they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v 152._o 2._o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o choose_v its_o council_n so_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v it_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o out_o of_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o know_v nor_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n here_o but_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o natural_a carnal_a and_o litter_n 〈◊〉_d man_n must_v be_v decline_v here_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o who_o speak_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o regard_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o council_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o itself_o for_o its_o council_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v alone_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o other_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v in_o and_o by_o they_o 4._o in_o choose_v elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o this_o work_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o choose_v not_o man_n of_o worldly_a power_n or_o place_n lest_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o honour_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whatever_o they_o do_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n all_o secular_a power_n and_o force_n be_v exclude_v 5._o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o that_o both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n the_o clergy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v exclude_v ordinary_a christian_n from_o it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v christ_n voice_n or_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10._o and_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o they_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v let_v one_o or_o two_o speak_v and_o the_o rest_n judge_n 1_o cor._n 14._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o of_o god_n to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o another_o man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o take_v up_o thing_n on_o trust_n in_o a_o matter_n that_o concern_v either_o his_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o officer_n so_o also_o of_o its_o counsel_n for_o the_o church_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o take_v all_o that_o they_o determine_v for_o truth_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a yea_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o other_o church_n and_o christian_n have_v both_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o try_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o very_a apostle_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o whole_a as_o they_o say_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v it_o and_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o judge_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o have_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o if_o not_o they_o may_v have_v resist_v they_o as_o paul_n do_v peter_n and_o paul_n give_v this_o liberty_n to_o christian_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n himself_o whether_o paul_n have_v allow_v it_o or_o no_o to_o try_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n whether_o they_o bring_v the_o right_a word_n or_o no_o for_o christ_n command_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v that_o nation_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o and_o say_v paul_n if_o i_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o the_o church_n
otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n for_o whoever_o speak_v there_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o according_o be_v either_o to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v either_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o error_n can_v prevail_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o faithful_a have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o do_v exercise_v that_o liberty_n but_o where_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o may_v not_o question_v or_o contradict_v it_o there_o error_n reign_v as_o in_o its_o proper_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o by_o these_o mean_n error_n may_v certain_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n may_v live_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o here_o now_o a_o great_a question_n will_v be_v move_v and_o that_o be_v this_o quest_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n error_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v this_o remedy_n against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o before_o name_v i_o answer_v that_o many_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n have_v attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n and_o have_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n beside_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v he_o a_o throne_n in_o god_n kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o equal_a to_o christ_n think_v that_o religion_n will_v soon_o be_v lose_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o uphold_v it_o and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a they_o have_v produce_v many_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o arm_v the_o magistrate_n against_o the_o author_n and_o spreader_n of_o error_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o wise_a heart_a to_o consider_v whether_o as_o clear_a scripture_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v that_o temporal_a power_n in_o the_o world_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a man_n as_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o worldly_a magistrate_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v to_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o reply_n of_o the_o french_a prelate_n to_o the_o lord_n peter_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o fox_n his_o book_n of_o martyr_n vol._n 1_o p._n 467._o wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a to_o give_v minister_n power_n in_o temporal_a matter_n as_o magistrate_n in_o spiritual_a it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n the_o only_a sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o cause_n by_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o church_n and_o after_o who_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o because_o herein_o i_o find_v no_o such_o power_n give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v he_o have_v none_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v object_n this_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o thrust_v his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v answ_n that_o to_o make_v the_o church_n a_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n stand_v in_o outward_a law_n order_n authority_n dignity_n promotion_n government_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v establish_v and_o manage_v by_o state_n power_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o influence_n into_o these_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o own_o power_n and_o consist_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o be_v to_o straighten_v and_o to_o wrong_v he_o indeed_o but_o to_o declare_v the_o true_a church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o thereupon_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prejudice_v the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o heaven_n see_v the_o son_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v as_o free_v from_o worldly_a and_o humane_a power_n as_o the_o father_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o heaven_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o that_o and_o so_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o grant_v he_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o at_o all_o but_o to_o grant_v he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o such_o power_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o intolerable_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n for_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n be_v attend_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o hereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v make_v a_o judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o pronounce_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v error_n be_v yet_o no_o more_o infallible_a yea_o everywhit_o as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o magistrate_n be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o will_v uphold_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o will_v sentence_v what_o ever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o to_o be_v error_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o and_o itself_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o vain_a man_n and_o shall_v either_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v it_o and_o error_n when_o it_o please_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o authority_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o error_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v quest_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o himself_o and_o use_v his_o sword_n according_o but_o he_o may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o council_n and_o advice_n of_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n as_o now_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o may_v judge_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i_o answer_v answ_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o great_a matter_n shall_v be_v blind_a fold_v himself_o and_o see_v only_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n again_o if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o â—he_n minister_n and_o depend_v more_o on_o their_o knowledge_n then_o his_o own_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n against_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v persuade_v he_o what_o high_a honour_n do_v he_o attain_v to_o in_o all_o this_o then_o to_o become_v their_o executioner_n yea_o if_o he_o punish_v amiss_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a murderer_n pilate_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v a_o sea-mark_n to_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n who_o follow_v the_o council_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o i_o say_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o magistrate_n that_o they_o confide_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o put_a power_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n give_v he_o full_a opportunity_n to_o destroy_v and_o slay_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v mistake_v and_o judge_v they_o heretic_n for_o what_o power_n man_n ignorant_o allow_v a_o godly_a magistrate_n against_o true_a heretic_n the_o same_o power_n will_v all_o magistrate_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o as_o their_o just_a due_n against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o judgement_n who_o so_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o most_o fallible_a judge_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o stead_n of_o tare_n may_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n
hear_v and_o convince_v by_o the_o word_n and_o not_o present_o to_o be_v silence_v and_o subdue_v by_o force_n now_o second_o be_v if_o upon_o hear_v and_o debate_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n it_o shall_v clear_o appear_v that_o our_o adversary_n hold_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o false_a and_o erroneous_a that_o they_o can_v be_v reckon_v believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n that_o hold_v they_o nor_o can_v retain_v those_o doctrine_n without_o unvoidable_a damnation_n then_o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a church_n have_v authority_n from_o the_o word_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n 1._o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n 2._o to_o excommunicate_v their_o person_n 1._o the_o church_n ought_v to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n doctrine_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o that_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a truth_n which_o christ_n have_v hear_v from_o the_o father_n and_o deliver_v to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o never_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o so_o to_o tell_v the_o people_n what_o doctrine_n it_o be_v even_o such_o as_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o utter_a enmity_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o consequent_o death_n and_o damnation_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o as_o they_o love_v eternal_a life_n and_o will_v void_a eternal_a death_n and_o thus_o christ_n condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o bid_v his_o disciple_n beware_v of_o they_o and_o paul_n the_o doctrine_n of_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n which_o do_v eat_v as_o a_o canker_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n person_n may_v also_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n yea_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v silent_a and_o not_o seduce_v other_o seeing_z believer_n can_v have_v no_o true_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o one_o who_o be_v in_o enmity_n to_o the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o which_o all_o the_o true_a communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_v wherefore_o such_o person_n may_v just_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o herein_o also_o these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v to_o wit_n 1._o that_o this_o censure_n be_v not_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n for_o every_o vary_a from_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v already_o say_v but_o for_o deny_v such_o truth_n or_o hold_v such_o error_n as_o make_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o salvation_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v till_o all_o other_o way_n have_v be_v try_v to_o reclaim_v he_o 3._o that_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o two_o or_o three_o person_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o communion_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o their_o own_o but_o by_o christ_n authority_n who_o be_v always_o present_a in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n of_o that_o body_n and_o that_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o any_o humane_a passion_n or_o violence_n but_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v always_o present_a among_o believer_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o member_n and_o this_o excommunication_n thus_o regulate_v punishment_n be_v the_o last_o punishment_n the_o church_n can_v inflict_v by_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v imprison_v any_o or_o banish_v they_o or_o fine_a they_o or_o put_v they_o to_o death_n for_o we_o must_v not_o expound_v that_o place_n of_o paul_n haereticum_fw-la hominem_fw-la devita_fw-la as_o hugo_n charensis_fw-la do_v to_o take_v a_o heretic_n out_o of_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o heretic_n we_o must_v avoid_v we_o must_v not_o kill_v the_o former_a be_v christ_n rule_n the_o latter_a antichrist_n now_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v and_o propound_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n of_o christ_n conclusion_n wherever_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v cast_v this_o book_n which_o may_v travel_v far_o on_o this_o errand_n then_o weak_a flesh_n can_v do_v and_o i_o so_o propound_v they_o all_o as_o be_v most_o ready_a myself_o to_o hear_v from_o any_o what_o they_o can_v propound_v in_o more_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o i_o do_v humble_o and_o earnest_o entreat_v all_o faithful_a christian_n that_o whatever_o they_o shall_v conceive_v of_o my_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o will_v yet_o take_v in_o good_a part_n my_o care_n to_o recover_v and_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o desire_n of_o which_o through_o god_n goodness_n be_v much_o strong_a in_o my_o heart_n than_o any_o private_a interest_n or_o respect_n of_o my_o own_o finis_fw-la ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13._o esai_n 25_o 7._o 8._o act_n 16._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 5._o esa_n 2._o 12._o 13._o esa_n 14._o 9_o gen_n 49_o 5._o gen_n 49._o 10._o 11._o num._n 12._o 14._o es_fw-ge 37._o 12._o revel_v 20._o 9_o es_fw-ge 9_o 5._o act_n 13._o 32._o dan._n 2._o 31._o gal._n 6._o psalm_n 148._o vers_fw-la 13._o 14._o 14._o john_n 4_o 19_o 19_o john_n 13._o 1._o the_o sum_n of_o christ_n discourse_n with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n till_o his_o ascension_n ascension_n psal_n 2._o 8._o 8._o dan._n 7._o 14._o 14._o psal_n 72._o 8._o quest_n answ_n 1._o general_n doctrine_n melius_fw-la est_fw-la nullum_fw-la habere_fw-la quam_fw-la sacrilegum_fw-la impium_fw-la &_o sceleratum_fw-la ministrum_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la venit_fw-la nisi_fw-la ut_fw-la mactet_fw-la &_o perdat_fw-la sicut_fw-la fur_n &_o latro_fw-la luth._o de_fw-la instit_n ministr_n eccl._n 2._o general_n doctrine_n 3._o general_n doctrine_n the_o particular_a handle_n of_o the_o word_n the_o doctr._n the_o spirit_n be_v power_n two_o way_n 1._o essential_o in_o itself_o 2._o operative_o in_o we_o by_o be_v in_o we_o 1._o a_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n 3._o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 10._o 4._o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n ephes_n 1._o 19_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n enable_v we_o 1._o to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n christ_n himself_o do_v phil._n 4._o 13._o 2._o to_o suffer_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o christ_n himself_o suffer_v phil._n 3._o 10._o cant._n 8._o 5_o 6._o 5._o a_o spirit_n of_o righteousness_n 1._o mortify_v sin_n 2._o impart_v grace_n 6_o a_o spirit_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 8._o 13._o 7._o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n isa_n 41._o 15._o 1._o use_v a_o necessary_a for_o minister_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o otherwise_o they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o 2._o without_o this_o they_o be_v insufficient_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o they_o be_v unable_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n 2._o unable_a to_o preach_v it_o powerful_o 1._o the_o ministry_n cold_a without_o this_o power_n 2_o weak_a act_n 6._o 10._o 3_o unable_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o ministry_n act_n 4._o 17._o 18._o act_n 4._o 19_o 4._o unable_a to_o reprove_v the_o world_n 5._o unable_a to_o wrestle_v with_o and_o overcome_v the_o devil_n 6_o unable_a to_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o word_n word_n mihi_fw-la vero_fw-la qui_fw-la vocatus_fw-la sum_fw-la decretum_fw-la &_o certum_fw-la est_fw-la ingredi_fw-la urbem_fw-la in_fw-la nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la jesu_fw-la christi_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la scirem_fw-la tot_fw-la diabolos_fw-la mihi_fw-la oppositos_fw-la quot_fw-la sunt_fw-la tegulae_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la totius_fw-la vrbis_fw-la tectis_fw-la tectis_fw-la verum_fw-la quid_fw-la faciam_fw-la urgent_a i_o causae_fw-la inevitabiles_fw-la deus_fw-la cogit_fw-la &_o vocat_fw-la hic_fw-la nulli_fw-la creaturae_fw-la tergiversandum_fw-la est_fw-la age_fw-la fiat_fw-la igitur_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la jesu_fw-la christi_fw-la qui_fw-la est_fw-la dominus_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la &_o mortis_fw-la nihil_fw-la habeo_fw-la quod_fw-la possim_fw-la perdere_fw-la domini_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la si_fw-la perdor_fw-la domino_fw-la perdor_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la invenior_fw-la alium_n ergo_fw-la quaere_fw-la quem_fw-la terreas_fw-la verum_fw-la ego_fw-la scio_fw-la &_o certus_fw-la sum_fw-la jesum_fw-la christum_fw-la dominum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la vivere_fw-la &_o regnare_fw-la qua_fw-la scientia_fw-la &_o fiducia_fw-la inflatus_fw-la non_fw-la timebo_fw-la etiam_fw-la multa_fw-la millia_fw-la paparum_fw-la major_a est_fw-la enim_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la quam_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o mundo_fw-la est_fw-la quid_fw-la si_fw-la i_o occidat_fw-la papa_n aut_fw-la damnel_n ultra_fw-la tartara_fw-la occisum_fw-la non_fw-la suscitabit_fw-la ut_fw-la bis_fw-la &_o iterum_fw-la occidat_fw-la damnatum_fw-la vero_fw-la ego_fw-la voâ—â—ut_fw-la nunquam_fw-la absolvat_fw-la confido_fw-la enim_fw-la instare_fw-la diem_fw-la illum_fw-la quo_fw-la deâ—â—ruetur_fw-la regnum_fw-la illud_fw-la abominationis_fw-la &_o perditionis_fw-la utinam_fw-la nos_fw-la primi_fw-la digni_fw-la simus_fw-la vel_fw-la exuri_fw-la vel_fw-la occidi_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la quò_fw-la sanguis_fw-la noster_fw-la magis_fw-la clamet_fw-la &_o urgeat_fw-la judicium_fw-la illius_fw-la accelerari_fw-la sed_fw-la si_fw-la digni_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la sanguine_fw-la testificari_fw-la hanc_fw-la