wife_n and_o many_o small_a child_n come_v upon_o i_o by_o it_o through_o the_o power_n and_o exorbitant_a authority_n of_o the_o prelate_n so_o that_o for_o my_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n i_o have_v a_o prison_n for_o my_o reward_n and_o the_o scorn_v and_o contumely_n of_o the_o world_n to_o comfort_v i_o in_o it_o and_o when_o i_o most_o humble_o petition_v his_o highness_n complain_v against_o the_o injustice_n do_v i_o and_o most_o submissive_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n who_o be_v the_o caesar_n to_o who_o only_o i_o can_v then_o appeal_v that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v i_o one_o of_o these_o humble_a request_n either_o that_o his_o majesty_n will_v be_v please_v but_o for_o one_o hour_n to_o give_v i_o a_o hear_n of_o my_o just_a defence_n or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o at_o lest_o he_o will_v then_o grant_v i_o that_o liberty_n in_o his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o deny_v not_o to_o crow_n and_o kite_n and_o other_o vermin_n that_o i_o may_v provide_v for_o my_o young_a one_o and_o if_o his_o highness_n will_v not_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v unto_o either_o of_o the_o former_a just_a demand_n that_o then_o he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o depart_v the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o go_v into_o any_o other_o country_n where_o i_o may_v enjoy_v my_o liberty_n and_o provide_v for_o my_o poor_a distress_a family_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o equal_a petition_n put_v up_o to_o any_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o his_o majesty_n vouchsafe_v not_o to_o yield_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o my_o request_n nor_o to_o any_o other_o petition_v put_v up_o either_o by_o my_o poor_a distress_a wife_n or_o calamitous_a child_n so_o that_o without_o any_o wrong_n unto_o his_o majesty_n i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o paul_n find_v more_o favour_n from_o a_o heathen_a roman_a caesar_n than_o i_o have_v from_o a_o christian_a king_n the_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n after_o i_o see_v all_o possibility_n of_o relief_n be_v now_o take_v from_o i_o i_o write_v my_o apology_n to_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o discover_v unto_o they_o their_o unjust_a proceed_n in_o their_o court_n and_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n towards_o myself_o and_o give_v they_o my_o reason_n of_o all_o i_o speak_v without_o any_o offensive_a language_n and_o without_o any_o purturbation_n of_o spirit_n and_o dedicate_v this_o my_o book_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n expect_v aid_n and_o relief_n from_o they_o and_o indeed_o i_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o succour_n from_o any_o other_o nor_o know_v none_o to_o who_o i_o can_v better_o apply_v myself_o earnest_o implore_v their_o patronage_n but_o they_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v of_o patron_n become_v my_o unjust_a judge_n and_o after_o they_o have_v make_v i_o a_o spectacle_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o expose_v i_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_n of_o the_o world_n send_v i_o into_o banishment_n where_o i_o live_v a_o live_a death_n and_o a_o die_a life_n and_o suffer_v such_o intolerable_a misery_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o will_v exceed_v belief_n to_o relate_v and_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o particular_n be_v true_o know_v the_o world_n never_o hear_v the_o like_a and_o there_o i_o have_v end_v my_o doleful_a life_n have_v not_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n call_v this_o parliament_n and_o put_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o redeem_v i_o from_o my_o capacity_n for_o the_o which_o incomparable_a favour_n i_o do_v as_o of_o duty_n i_o be_o ever_o bind_v profess_v myself_o to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o my_o blood_n to_o be_v their_o servant_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o all_o their_o most_o just_a and_o honourable_a employment_n i_o hope_v with_o all_o fidelity_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v in_o life_n and_o death_n show_v myself_o to_o be_v one_o that_o without_o all_o by-respect_n shall_v ever_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o my_o country_n and_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o and_o shall_v never_o by_o god_n assistance_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o concernment_n that_o shall_v be_v unbeseeming_a a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_n now_o because_o by_o my_o sad_a experience_n i_o find_v that_o i_o can_v neither_o from_o king_n nor_o noble_n have_v protection_n i_o resolve_v never_o any_o more_o in_o god_n matter_n to_o shroud_v myself_o under_o any_o covert_n but_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o i_o with_o a_o assure_a confidence_n promise_v myself_o especial_o when_o i_o now_o maintain_v the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n &_o king_n of_o king_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o lawgiver_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v lay_v who_o be_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o dignity_n and_o royalty_n in_o all_o this_o dispute_n between_o i_o and_o mr._n walter_n montague_n i_o have_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o power_n maintain_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o who_o wing_n i_o have_v ever_o find_v there_o be_v only_a safety_n who_o bless_a assistance_n in_o all_o calamity_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v of_o his_o patronage_n now_o and_o his_o defence_n be_v my_o shield_n who_o cause_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o who_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n i_o contend_v for_o and_o howsoever_o in_o all_o my_o life_n in_o all_o humane_a learning_n i_o be_v never_o so_o wed_v to_o my_o own_o resolve_n but_o upon_o better_a reason_n i_o can_v easy_o be_v divorce_v from_o they_o yet_o in_o god_n matter_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o teach_v i_o that_o that_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o happiness_n then_o by_o that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v count_v he_o anathema_n or_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v i_o there_o be_v a_o new_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o then_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o will_v account_v he_o accurse_v for_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o believe_v god_n and_o faith_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o bond_n without_o any_o either_o angelical_a or_o humane_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n and_o father_n and_o whatsoever_o i_o find_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o cleave_v close_o to_o it_o against_o all_o humane_a reason_n suppose_v such_o man_n none_o of_o god_n nor_o faith_n true_a friend_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o bond_n except_o they_o have_v reason_n humane_a authority_n counsel_n and_o father_n and_o vain_a tradition_n join_v with_o they_o for_o surety_n again_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v i_o that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o a_o presbyterian_a one_o i_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o humane_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a submit_v myself_o to_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o be_v most_o confident_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v warrant_v in_o god_n word_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v the_o rule_n and_o square_n both_o of_o our_o faith_n manner_n and_o government_n and_o here_o i_o must_v mind_v all_o those_o that_o shall_v read_v this_o book_n that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n of_o i_o but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v once_o and_o again_o suffer_v for_o and_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v read_v my_o elenchus_n religionis_fw-la papisticis_fw-la or_o my_o flagellum_fw-la pontificis_fw-la or_o my_o apology_n or_o any_o of_o my_o latin_a book_n in_o all_o those_o they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o my_o suffering_n be_v this_o and_o this_o only_a that_o i_o maintain_v that_o all_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o in_o those_o book_n i_o have_v clear_o and_o full_o through_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a yea_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o bill_n of_o information_n put_v up_o against_o i_o in_o the_o star-chamber_n they_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n i_o give_v there_o of_o this_o my_o tenant_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o star-chamber_n so_o that_o i_o stand_v to_o my_o principle_n and_o be_o no_o starter_n and_o if_o then_o among_o god_n people_n it_o be_v think_v a_o opinion_n worthy_a the_o suffering_n for_o and_o my_o christian_a brethren_n deem_v i_o worthy_a of_o honour_n for_o it_o and_o afford_v i_o their_o prayer_n and_o show_v i_o
as_o they_o shall_v do_v this_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v with_o they_o we_o also_o further_o observe_v the_o condition_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o this_o their_o commission_n they_o be_v to_o propound_v unto_o all_o nation_n and_o people_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n without_o any_o further_a testimony_n of_o other_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o be_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v till_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o paul_n who_o for_o a_o time_n the_o disciple_n fear_v act_v 9.26_o 27._o till_o they_o have_v better_a information_n and_o proof_n that_o he_o now_o preach_v the_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v once_o persecute_v and_o have_v suffer_v for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a precedent_n we_o have_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o any_o that_o be_v refuse_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o comunion_n &_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o i_o remember_v for_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n before_o but_o all_o the_o other_o that_o come_v in_o be_v admit_v upon_o their_o own_o offer_n if_o they_o tender_v themselves_o and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n &_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o scruple_n the_o three_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v be_v that_o this_o commission_n be_v deliver_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n &_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o who_o have_v the_o key_n deliver_v unto_o they_o to_o open_v &_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n to_o admit_v such_o as_o they_o think_v for_o their_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_o qualify_v and_o fit_v to_o be_v make_v member_n and_o to_o refuse_v such_o as_o they_o conceive_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n either_o for_o their_o ignorance_n or_o other_o sin_n and_o offence_n and_o to_o cast_v such_o out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o through_o their_o malversation_n declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o believer_n for_o the_o commission_n be_v only_o deliver_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v admit_v who_o so_o ever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o will_v not_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o commission_n i_o affirm_v be_v only_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n and_o it_o be_v and_o be_v that_o office_n that_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n both_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o officer_n or_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o and_o to_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o minister_n only_o under_o both_o the_o testament_n receive_v and_o to_o they_o the_o people_n by_o god_n himself_o be_v send_v and_o they_o send_v unto_o the_o people_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o now_o say_v i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o few_o testimony_n of_o the_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o that_o truth_n as_o that_o of_o malachi_n 2._o for_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v send_v this_o my_o commandment_n unto_o you_o that_o my_o covenant_n may_v be_v with_o levy_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n my_o covenant_n be_v with_o he_o of_o life_n and_o peace_n and_o i_o give_v they_o to_o he_o for_o the_o fear_n wherewith_o he_o fear_v i_o and_o be_v afraid_a before_o my_o name_n the_o law_n of_o truth_n be_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o iniquity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o his_o lip_n he_o walk_v with_o i_o in_o peace_n and_o equity_n and_o do_v turn_v many_o away_o from_o iniquity_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n or_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o minister_n only_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o jeremy_n and_o ezekiel_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o both_o their_o prophecy_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o the_o prophet_n and_o priest_n only_o have_v that_o power_n delegated_a unto_o they_o of_o proclaim_v both_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o of_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v come_v unto_o they_o and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n we_o find_v jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o he_o alone_o without_o the_o people_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o preach_n with_o his_o manner_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o receive_v they_o and_o what_o the_o people_n do_v before_o their_o admission_n be_v all_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o three_o of_o luke_n and_o the_o seven_o and_o for_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o preach_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n the_o three_o that_o it_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o those_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o common_a people_n the_o publican_n and_o the_o soulider_n they_o all_o ask_v john_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o after_o he_o have_v instruct_v they_o several_o their_o duty_n and_o tell_v they_o upon_o what_o condition_n they_o may_v be_v admit_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o luke_n verse_n 29._o that_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharise_n and_o the_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o be_v not_o baptize_v of_o he_o so_o that_o by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n the_o pharise_n and_o lawyer_n only_o except_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n i_o 3.4_o yea_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n that_o the_o people_n every_o where_o make_v their_o address_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n only_o and_o that_o as_o many_o as_o come_v to_o christ_n unfeigned_o be_v receive_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o none_o upon_o the_o offer_n of_o themselves_o if_o they_o accept_v of_o the_o condition_n and_o be_v baptize_v be_v ever_o refuse_v and_o we_o find_v further_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v at_o any_o time_n cleanse_v and_o cure_v the_o leper_n he_o send_v they_o to_o the_o priest_n for_o to_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o their_o noisome_a disease_n as_o a_o type_n of_o sin_n have_v for_o the_o time_n exclude_v they_o but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o at_o their_o first_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n have_v preach_v unto_o the_o people_n &_o that_o the_o people_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o hear_v they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n address_v themselves_o only_o unto_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o
brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n act._n 2.37_o 38._o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o multitude_n or_o church_n admit_v the_o people_n into_o the_o society_n &_o company_n of_o believer_n second_o that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o their_o warrant_n and_o according_a to_o their_o injunction_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o propound_v no_o other_o condition_n or_o term_n for_o their_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n the_o which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v accept_v of_o they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o testimony_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n or_o further_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o repentance_n without_o any_o witness_n from_o other_o of_o their_o conversation_n and_o without_o the_o voice_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o commission_n or_o consult_v with_o by_o they_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v or_o no_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o demand_v or_o ask_v by_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v some_o time_n of_o further_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v further_o be_v confirm_v that_o their_o conversion_n be_v sound_a and_o well_o neither_o do_v any_o call_n for_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o evidence_n to_o the_o congregation_n that_o they_o be_v convert_v real_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o private_a covenant_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v specify_v but_o it_o be_v only_o relate_v that_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o that_o power_n that_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n admit_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n we_o further_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o when_o the_o angel_n appear_v unto_o cornelius_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n he_o send_v he_o unto_o joppa_n to_o call_v for_o one_o simon_n who_o surname_n be_v peter_n he_o do_v not_o send_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o joppa_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o peter_n come_v to_o cornelius_n and_o that_o he_o have_v recite_v unto_o he_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o that_o he_o be_v command_v by_o the_o angel_n to_o send_v for_o he_o it_o be_v further_a also_o declare_v what_o peter_n there_o do_v and_o that_o he_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o after_o a_o sermon_n make_v unto_o cornelius_n and_o all_o that_o be_v assembly_n there_o with_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o come_v with_o peter_n be_v astonish_v at_o it_o for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o divers_a tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o we_o see_v first_o that_o peter_n be_v send_v unto_o and_o not_o the_o church_n second_o that_o he_o admit_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o never_o consult_v with_o the_o church_n to_o ask_v their_o leave_n or_o voice_n but_o conclude_v the_o business_n with_o a_o interrogation_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n of_o bind_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hinder_v any_o believer_n from_o come_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n evident_o appear_v as_o in_o these_o so_o that_o if_o either_o the_o minister_n come_v into_o their_o house_n or_o they_o go_v into_o the_o minister_n and_o make_v sufficient_a testimony_n by_o themselves_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o fear_v god_n of_o what_o nation_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v admit_v the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o nay_o they_o may_v not_o it_o be_v more_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o neither_o do_v those_o that_o come_v with_o peter_n intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n or_o require_v a_o covenant_n at_o their_o hand_n or_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n again_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n be_v purpose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o eunuch_n in_o the_o 8_o of_o the_o act_n he_o send_v philip_n the_o evangelist_n unto_o he_o who_o he_o find_v read_v in_o his_o chariot_n the_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n and_o after_o that_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o he_o that_o prophesy_v and_o preach_v unto_o he_o jesus_n and_o baptism_n in_o his_o name_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o they_o come_v unto_o acertaine_a water_n the_o eunuch_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o philip_n say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o command_v the_o chariot_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o they_o go_v down_o both_o into_o the_o water_n both_o philip_n and_o the_o eunuch_n and_o he_o baptize_v he_o here_o we_o see_v that_o philip_n and_o not_o the_o church_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o eunuch_n and_o that_o philip_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o upon_o the_o eunuch_n his_o own_o testimony_n without_o any_o reference_n unto_o the_o church_n or_o without_o consult_v with_o the_o congregation_n admit_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o be_v neither_o a_o public_a confession_n require_v of_o he_o by_o any_o of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o covenant_n exact_v by_o the_o people_n and_o so_o when_o saul_n in_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o act_n be_v fall_v down_o out_o of_o astonishment_n and_o afterward_o be_v convert_v as_o the_o story_n there_o full_o declare_v the_o whole_a manner_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n send_v one_o ananias_n a_o disciple_n and_o minister_n unto_o he_o he_o do_v not_o send_v the_o church_n unto_o he_o neither_o do_v ananias_n when_o he_o come_v to_o saul_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v consult_v with_o the_o church_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v admit_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o member_n for_o thou_o have_v great_o waste_v the_o church_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n and_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o first_o walk_v with_o the_o church_n some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v thy_o conversation_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v make_v a_o confession_n of_o thy_o faith_n public_o before_o the_o congregation_n and_o give_v in_o thy_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thy_o conversion_n and_o enter_v in_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v and_o admit_v but_o without_o all_o this_o ado_n he_o baptise_n paul_n and_o admit_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n and_o he_o be_v receive_v immediate_o among_o the_o disciple_n at_o damascus_n without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o so_o much_o as_o any_o scruple_n and_o straightway_o he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n
god_n bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o they_o shall_v deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n i_o say_v i_o have_v be_v ever_o teach_v by_o god_n holy_a word_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o minister_n that_o instruct_v the_o people_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o where_o the_o people_n by_o faith_n embrace_v and_o receive_v this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o those_o congregation_n under_o they_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o his_o sheepfold_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o all_o such_o congregation_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n in_o his_o throne_n as_o who_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o the_o which_o be_v sway_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o deserve_v none_o of_o those_o contumelious_a language_n the_o brethren_n asperse_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n with_o of_o the_o minister_n they_o thus_o speak_v and_o print_v that_o they_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n so_o that_o such_o a_o conversion_n as_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o come_v not_o home_n to_o whole_a christ_n and_o such_o with_o their_o converter_n do_v deny_v christ_n kingly_a government_n or_o at_o least_o and_o best_a they_o be_v convert_v but_o in_o part_n and_o that_o main_a thing_n be_v want_v to_o wit_n christ_n kingly_a office_n and_o of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o christian_a believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v not_o in_o their_o congregation_n and_o new-gathered_n assembly_n they_o speak_v and_o print_v thus_o we_o say_v the_o brethren_n the_o independent_a minister_n exhort_v they_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n king_n in_o their_o heart_n we_o exhort_v they_o to_o become_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v those_o saint_n of_o who_o christ_n be_v king_n for_o he_o be_v king_n of_o saint_n rev._n 15.3_o but_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v we_o say_v they_o they_o will_v not_o depend_v upon_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o king_n over_o their_o conscience_n now_o what_o will_v you_o have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n say_v they_o baptize_v the_o infant_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o will_v not_o in_o this_o respect_n profess_v nor_o confess_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o king_n why_o do_v you_o not_o know_v say_v they_o that_o no_o infant_n have_v any_o title_n to_o baptism_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n visible_o and_o how_o be_v they_o within_o the_o covenant_n visible_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n outward_o profess_v and_o what_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v there_o in_o the_o parent_n that_o refuse_v christ_n for_o their_o only_a king_n that_o be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o profess_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n as_o their_o king_n if_o therefore_o the_o parent_n profess_v not_o yea_o refuse_v thus_o to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n can_v the_o child_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n &_o so_o to_o have_v a_o right_n in_o baptism_n the_o external_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n here_o be_v a_o obex_fw-la a_o bar_n put_v these_o be_v their_o own_o word_n which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o at_o large_a the_o sum_n of_o they_o brief_o be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o fraternity_n do_v deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n under_o their_o ministry_n be_v man_n unconvert_v or_o at_o least_o convert_v but_o in_o part_n want_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o wit_n christ_n kingly_a office_n man_n visible_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o king_n to_o who_o person_n and_o infant_n the_o very_a sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o grace_n with_o all_o church_n communion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v deny_v another_o of_o the_o independent_o among_o many_o of_o the_o contumelious_a and_o disgraceful_a speech_n he_o utter_v out_o against_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n call_v they_o the_o blackcoat_n in_o the_o synod_n who_o he_o be_v afraid_a will_v prove_v more_o cruel_a taskmaster_n than_o their_o father_n the_o bishop_n who_o cowardly_o sit_v at_o home_n and_o in_o his_o apprehension_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o breed_v faction_n and_o division_n among_o the_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o parliament_n promote_a their_o own_o interest_n which_o say_v he_o be_v laziness_n pride_n covetousness_n and_o domination_n and_o among_o many_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o he_o proclaim_v they_o the_o swear_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o desire_v that_o the_o parliament_n may_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o covenant_n for_o he_o think_v they_o have_v swear_v to_o root_v out_o popery_n he_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v establish_v tithe_n the_o very_a root_n and_o support_v of_o popery_n which_o he_o do_v humble_o conceive_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o covenant_n and_o which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a snare_n than_o the_o common-prayer_n to_o many_o of_o the_o precious_a conscience_n of_o god_n people_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o die_v in_o a_o prison_n before_o they_o act_n or_o stoop_v unto_o so_o dishonourable_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o be_v to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o to_o maintain_v the_o black-coat_n with_o tithe_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o their_o anoint_a christ_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v some_o of_o his_o formal_a expression_n i_o leave_v the_o comment_n of_o these_o several_a passage_n to_o other_o neither_o do_v i_o rehearse_v innumerable_a such_o like_a sentence_n as_o be_v daily_o vent_v to_o the_o intolerable_a disgrace_n both_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n &_o of_o all_o those_o believe_a christian_n that_o be_v under_o their_o several_a charge_n &_o that_o in_o every_o pamphlet_n in_o the_o which_o they_o proclaim_v all_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o swear_v and_o profess_a enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o as_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n and_o for_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n in_o england_n they_o proclaim_v they_o to_o be_v man_n unconvert_v or_o at_o least_o convert_v but_o in_o part_n want_v the_o main_a thing_n christ_n kingly_a office_n man_n visible_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o king_n to_o who_o person_n and_o infant_n the_o very_a sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o grace_n with_o all_o church-communion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v deny_v etc._n etc._n by_o the_o which_o word_n they_o not_o only_a unchurch_n all_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n scotland_n ireland_n but_o indeed_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o unchristian_a all_o christian_n but_o those_o that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o independent_a assembly_n and_o account_v they_o as_o alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o make_v christ_n to_o be_v no_o king_n over_o they_o or_o to_o have_v any_o kingdom_n in_o or_o among_o they_o but_o only_o among_o themselves_o in_o their_o new_a congregation_n whereas_o christ_n ever_o have_v a_o church_n or_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n in_o all_o age_n before_o they_o be_v and_o have_v without_o all_o controversy_n a_o true_a kingdom_n in_o many_o church_n in_o these_o our_o day_n where_o they_o be_v not_o have_v i_o not_o see_v their_o expression_n in_o print_n and_o the_o book_n in_o which_o they_o be_v utter_v set_v forth_o by_o authority_n with_o approbation_n i_o shall_v not_o have_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a but_o find_v that_o book_n not_o only_o print_v by_o licence_n but_o general_o applaud_v by_o they_o all_o and_o much_o magnify_v as_o the_o frequent_a editition_n of_o it_o do_v manifest_a i_o gather_v it_o be_v the_o universal_a opinion_n of_o they_o all_o than_o the_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o uncharitable_o and_o unchristian_o speak_v what_o comfort_n can_v any_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n
church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o accord_v unto_o this_o now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n how_o can_v they_o be_v true_o say_v to_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n and_o how_o can_v that_o people_n be_v say_v true_o to_o deny_v christ_n kingly_a government_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n practise_v this_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o word_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o a_o unjust_a and_o unchristian_a calumny_n lay_v both_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_n doubtless_o all_o charitable_a mind_a christian_n if_o they_o consider_v allthing_n aright_o will_v not_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o neither_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n nor_o of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o ministry_n for_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v free_v from_o that_o heavy_a accusation_n by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n who_o when_o it_o be_v relate_v unto_o he_o by_o saint_n john_n mark_v 9_o ver_fw-la 38._o that_o they_o have_v see_v one_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n which_o follow_v they_o not_o and_o that_o the_o disciple_n have_v forbid_v he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o our_o saviour_n christ_n reply_v forbid_v he_o not_o say_v he_o for_o whosoever_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n now_o these_o minister_n that_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o 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england_n as_o their_o mother_n and_o on_o the_o believer_n of_o england_n as_o their_o brethren_n and_o ought_v not_o thus_o unchristian_o and_o ungrateful_o to_o cast_v dirt_n in_o all_o their_o face_n saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o phillippian_o chap._n 1._o have_v these_o word_n some_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n even_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n and_o some_o also_o of_o good_a will_n the_o one_o preach_v christ_n of_o contention_n and_o not_o sincere_o think_v to_o add_v affliction_n to_o my_o bond_n but_o the_o other_o of_o love_n what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o i_o will_v rejoice_v s._n paul_n speak_v here_o of_o such_o as_o preach_v pure_a doctrine_n though_o not_o with_o a_o pure_a mind_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o count_v they_o not_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v the_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o galatian_n who_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o their_o own_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o he_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o in_o this_o place_n he_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v pure_o preach_v though_o it_o be_v of_o envy_n now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n pure_o but_o of_o sincerity_n and_o of_o love_n and_o mingle_v not_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o follow_v their_o commission_n how_o can_v any_o man_n without_o intolerable_a injustice_n proclaim_v they_o the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n under_o the_o name_n of_o presbiterian_o who_o they_o persuade_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v prove_v more_o cruel_a taskmaster_n than_o the_o prelate_n yea_o and_o they_o have_v general_o possess_v the_o people_n with_o so_o prejudicate_a a_o opinion_n of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o than_o ever_o the_o bishop_n do_v and_o causeless_o have_v move_v the_o people_n to_o hate_v the_o name_n of_o presbitry_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o themselves_o pretend_v they_o contend_v for_o the_o ancient_a presbitry_n and_o by_o this_o make_v themselves_o presbiterian_o as_o well_v as_o the_o other_o what_o justice_n or_o equity_n than_o be_v there_o in_o their_o deal_n to_o make_v their_o brethren_n odious_a to_o the_o world_n for_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o a_o presbitry_n after_o god_n word_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v presbiterian_o and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o a_o presbitry_n of_o their_o own_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n be_v odious_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o but_o that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v as_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o their_o brethren_n for_o they_o also_o be_v presbiterian_o but_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v the_o better_o appear_v whether_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o independent_a minister_n be_v most_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o accusation_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n together_o and_o that_o both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o their_o several_a study_n and_o eudeavour_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o to_o judge_v which_o of_o their_o government_n and_o which_o of_o the_o minister_n be_v more_o intolerable_a and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o those_o foul_a reproach_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v asperse_v with_o by_o their_o brethren_n for_o he_o have_v a_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o a_o very_a dim_a sight_n that_o can_v discern_v whether_o those_o that_o advance_v christ_n their_o king_n word_n and_o law_n only_o and_o follow_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o primitive_a preacher_n or_o those_o that_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o do_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n he_o i_o say_v that_o can_v judge_v which_o of_o these_o most_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n either_o those_o that_o obey_v christ_n law_n or_o those_o that_o observe_v their_o own_o neglect_v christ_n be_v of_o a_o very_a shallow_a capacity_n but_o now_o let_v we_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o christ_n commission_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o receive_v all_o into_o the_o church_n that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o such_o as_o but_o desire_n to_o be_v admit_v they_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v both_o precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o christ_n in_o his_o commission_n unto_o they_o have_v give_v they_o auhority_n so_o to_o do_v neither_o do_v he_o ever_o say_v unto_o his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n admit_v none_o into_o the_o church_n although_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v without_o they_o walk_v with_o you_o some_o day_n week_n month_n or_o year_n that_o you_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o after_o you_o have_v have_v some_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o they_o see_v then_o that_o they_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o the_o
ceremonial_a law_n with_o the_o gospel_n &_o call_v it_o a_o pervert_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n &_o wish_n that_o such_o teacher_n be_v cut_v off_o gal._n 5._o v._n 12._o and_o blame_v likewise_o those_o galatian_n that_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n say_v oh_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o they_o only_o urge_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o god_n by_o moses_n have_v appoint_v to_o remain_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n but_o be_v now_o abrogate_a they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o tradition_n they_o be_v no_o new_a bear_v light_n no_o new_a way_n no_o new_a truth_n now_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o displease_v or_o god_n rather_o with_o the_o galatian_n both_o teacher_n and_o hearer_n the_o one_o for_o bring_v in_o or_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o for_o admit_v of_o they_o how_o high_o will_v god_n have_v be_v displease_v with_o they_o if_o they_o have_v 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otherwise_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v but_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v the_o church_n that_o christian_n and_o believer_n though_o baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o have_v first_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o all_o this_o do_v ever_o the_o apostle_n teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n embrace_v or_o believe_v and_o therefore_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o many_o place_n he_o reprove_v those_o that_o make_v schism_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n and_o sect_n into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n and_o sixth_o verse_n under_o his_o own_o and_o apollo_n name_n he_o set_v a_o example_n before_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v contain_v themselves_o with_o in_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n of_o preach_v prescribe_v and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v learn_v in_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o presume_v or_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o enjoin_v all_o christian_n to_o reject_v all_o way_n of_o teach_v that_o have_v not_o god_n word_n for_o their_o warrant_n now_o in_o all_o god_n word_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o write_v that_o after_o man_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v not_o yet_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o they_o have_v walk_v sometime_o with_o they_o for_o their_o approbation_n and_o without_o they_o have_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o all_o this_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 11._o ver_fw-la 4._o the_o apostle_n signify_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n that_o no_o man_n can_v teach_v the_o gospel_n more_o exact_o tahn_n he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v teach_v they_o nor_o set_v before_o they_o a_o more_o perfect_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o any_o unto_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o command_v the_o corinthian_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o false_a teacher_n whatsoever_o piety_n and_o godliness_n they_o make_v show_v of_o call_v they_o deceitful_a worker_n &_o such_o as_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o marvel_n say_v he_o for_o satan_n himself_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n his_o minister_n transform_v themselves_o as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n now_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v what_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o under_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n teach_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o grollerye_n and_o abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o devour_v they_o verse_n 20._o as_o the_o pharise_n do_v the_o widow_n house_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o and_o denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v these_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o make_v their_o own_o tradition_n join_v member_n with_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o more_o fine_a neat_a and_o eligant_a way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n than_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o such_o how_o glorious_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o appear_v and_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v teach_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n better_o than_o he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o neither_o saint_n paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v admit_v of_o none_o to_o be_v join_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v except_o they_o walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v approbation_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o conversation_n first_o and_o after_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o do_v give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v member_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o this_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o saint_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n teach_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o teach_v their_o new_a way_n their_o newborn_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o ought_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o to_o be_v accurse_v saint_n john_n also_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o elect_a lady_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o say_v who_o soever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n he_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o that_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v a_o partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n now_o the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o independent_a minister_n teach_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o join_v and_o jumble_v of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o teach_v
by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o newborn_a truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n &_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a boot_n &_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n &_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6._o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o if_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o
〈◊〉_d 164â—_n man_n day_n be_v vain_a and_o as_o a_o flower_n they_o fade_v here_o be_v one_o proclaim_v whereon_o man_n life_n be_v stay_v his_o suffering_n change_n comfort_n in_o strict_a thrall_n shen_n god_n alone_a preserve_v and_o govern_v all_o independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n or_o a_o treatise_n concern_v church-government_n occasion_v by_o the_o distraction_n of_o these_o time_n wherein_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o postscript_n discover_v the_o uncharitable_a deal_n of_o the_o independent_o towards_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o the_o fraud_n and_o juggle_n of_o many_o of_o their_o pastor_n and_o minister_n to_o the_o mislead_v of_o the_o poor_a people_n not_o only_o to_o their_o own_o detriment_n but_o the_o hurt_n of_o church_n and_o state_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o novelty_n in_o religion_n by_o john_n bastwick_n dr_n in_o physic_n 2_o corin_z 13.8_o for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a london_n print_v by_o john_n macock_n for_o michael_n spark_n junior_a and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o blue_a bible_n in_o green-arbour_n 1645._o a_o treatise_n prove_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o beseem_v brethren_n wish_v they_o with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long_a suffering_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o love_n and_o use_v a_o forceable_a argument_n to_o move_v they_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o salvation_n we_o all_o worship_n one_o god_n we_o be_v all_o consecrate_a to_o he_o with_o one_o baptism_n and_o we_o all_o hope_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a glory_n therefore_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o be_v you_o also_o of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o love_n and_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o this_o exhortation_n there_o be_v now_o singular_a use_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o this_o distract_a nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o the_o division_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o the_o division_n of_o a_o family_n destroy_v it_o the_o division_n between_o brethren_n bring_v a_o confusion_n among_o they_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n &_o opinion_n have_v make_v a_o difference_n in_o affection_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n &_o the_o samaritan_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n make_v the_o disciple_n desire_v that_o fire_n may_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o end_v that_o controversy_n the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n between_o we_o make_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o bring_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n fetch_v it_o out_o of_o hell_n to_o blow_v up_o the_o parliament_n and_o because_o that_o have_v not_o the_o desire_a effect_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n still_o remain_v make_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o affection_n from_o we_o so_o great_a that_o nothing_o can_v expiate_v their_o indignation_n against_o we_o but_o the_o utter_a internetion_n and_o destruction_n of_o we_o all_o and_o this_o and_o this_o only_a next_o unto_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o fatal_a calamity_n this_o miserable_a kingdom_n be_v now_o imbroyl_v with_o and_o therefore_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n among_o brethren_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o get_v a_o right_n understand_v one_o of_o another_o and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o and_o ever_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o say_n of_o abraham_n to_o lot_n gen._n 13._o let_v not_o we_o contend_v together_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o there_o be_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v now_o among_o brethren_n there_o can_v not_o be_v such_o bitter_a expression_n one_o against_o another_o and_o such_o alienation_n of_o affection_n as_o be_v now_o too_o frequent_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n we_o be_v command_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o be_v in_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n rom._n 12.18_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o discord_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 5_o of_o the_o galathian_o verse_n 15._o if_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o the_o 20._o verse_n hacred_a say_v the_o apostle_n variance_n emulation_n strife_n etc._n etc._n and_o envy_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a_o double_a misery_n follow_v those_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n misery_n here_o and_o misery_n hereafter_o it_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o heaven_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n that_o will_v inevitable_o come_v upon_o that_o land_n kingdom_n and_o church_n where_o those_o variance_n and_o heartburning_n be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o such_o difference_n in_o affection_n put_v i_o chief_o upon_o this_o employment_n to_o see_v and_o try_v if_o by_o any_o possible_a mean_n i_o can_v by_o show_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o brethren_n lie_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o a_o good_a accord_n among_o they_o resolve_v with_o myself_o by_o god_n assistance_n whatsoever_o other_o do_v to_o observe_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o ability_n the_o royal_a law_n jan._n 2.8_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o right_n understand_v one_o of_o another_o opinion_n the_o world_n will_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o invective_n in_o every_o pamphlet_n one_o against_o another_o and_o such_o variance_n among_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o with_o nigh_a relation_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o misunderstanding_n of_o each_o other_o opinion_n and_o the_o mis-prisian_a of_o each_o other_o intention_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o this_o diversity_n of_o affection_n which_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o holy_a profession_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o christian_a religion_n every_o where_o too_o much_o vent_v itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o abraham_n say_v unto_o lot_n so_o say_v i_o to_o all_o those_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o wish_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n let_v not_o we_o contend_v especial_o with_o evil_a language_n for_o we_o be_v brethren_n we_o have_v one_o father_n we_o worship_v one_o god_n we_o have_v one_o light_n one_o truth_n one_o way_n and_o this_o i_o profess_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o contend_v not_o for_o victory_n but_o for_o that_o ancient_a light_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o for_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o john_n 2._o for_o 14._o for_o the_o old_a way_n verse_n 6._o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14._o and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v never_o prevail_v in_o the_o which_o these_o be_v all_o those_o undeceiveable_a mark_n as_o be_v able_a for_o ever_o to_o declare_v she_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o peter_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v pure_o and_o sincere_o both_o preach_v and_o believe_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o requisite_n that_o make_v she_o a_o true_a church_n and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n that_o i_o have_v dedicate_v this_o treatise_n to_o no_o man_n nor_o seek_v the_o patronage_n of_o any_o authority_n no_o mortal_a creature_n i_o presume_v will_v blame_v i_o know_v my_o reason_n for_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o king_n against_o papal_a usurpation_n i_o dedicate_v my_o book_n unto_o the_o king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n suppose_v myself_o safe_a under_o his_o protection_n who_o honour_n and_o imperial_a dignity_n i_o maintain_v but_o all_o man_n know_v what_o misery_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o i_o my_o
and_o i_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n many_o courtesy_n when_o we_o find_v little_a favour_n from_o our_o own_o brethren_n which_o their_o humanity_n i_o must_v never_o forget_v but_o with_o all_o due_a thankfulness_n for_o ever_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v if_o then_o this_o my_o opinion_n be_v think_v orthodox_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o applause_n i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o a_o truth_n than_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n now_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a then_o it_o be_v good_a now_o for_o the_o change_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v change_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o truth_n but_o this_o my_o opinion_n i_o learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n the_o warrant_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o practice_n this_o word_n therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o my_o christian_a brethren_n in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o question_n now_o agitate_a among_o god_n people_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n concern_v church-government_n to_o take_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o with_o those_o noble_a berean_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o either_o side_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o entreat_v they_o also_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o passion_n which_o religion_n have_v no_o need_n of_o and_o all_o vainglory_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a call_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o with_o a_o virgin_n judgement_n not_o ravish_v with_o any_o previous_a or_o anticipate_v opinion_n to_o come_v and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o consider_v and_o examine_v which_o of_o those_o two_o opinion_n the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n now_o sacrifice_v themselves_o unto_o be_v the_o offering_n that_o will_v best_o endure_v the_o firy-tryall_n 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 14_o 15._o viz._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a or_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a both_o now_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o acceptabl_a service_n and_o best_a please_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o that_o that_o oblation_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a that_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n only_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v about_o the_o rule_n in_o decide_v of_o this_o controversy_n and_o make_v the_o write_a word_n the_o rule_n they_o agree_v also_o about_o the_o material_n both_o acknowledgeing_a a_o presbytery_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o about_o the_o mould_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o offering_n i_o will_v therefore_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o show_v wherein_o we_o differ_v and_o then_o set_v down_o my_o own_o opinion_n with_o my_o reason_n and_o after_o endeavour_n to_o be_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o rejoice_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a question_n between_o we_o they_o call_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o our_o brethren_n they_o term_v independent_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a dependent_a or_o presbyterian_a independent_a the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n or_o christian_a assembly_n common_o call_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o due_a and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n discipline_n right_o execute_v and_o all_o other_o performance_n which_o make_v for_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o assembly_n likewise_o they_o have_v all_o such_o office_n and_o help_n of_o government_n as_o in_o their_o several_a place_n be_v right_o employ_v may_v serve_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o and_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o as_o presbytor_n elder_n deacon_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n i_o say_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v whether_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n may_v be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n or_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o one_o presbytery_n or_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o many_o presbyter_n together_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o it_o be_v to_o depend_v and_o to_o which_o in_o all_o weighty_a business_n they_o be_v to_o appeal_v for_o any_o injury_n or_o conceive_a wrong_n or_o scandal_n or_o for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o church-discipline_n upon_o incorrigable_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n as_o admonition_n for_o give_v offence_n suspension_n from_o the_o ordinance_n till_o amendment_n and_o reformornation_n or_o if_o obstinate_a excommunion_n or_o whether_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n be_v they_o never_o so_o small_a several_o or_o consider_v a_o part_n and_o by_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v full_a and_o plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o this_o or_o any_o other_o great_a council_n or_o presbytery_n for_o transact_v or_o determine_v all_o difference_n about_o faith_n or_o manner_n among_o themselves_o or_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o grievance_n or_o abuse_n or_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o the_o party_n offend_v conceive_v they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o injury_n or_o wrong_n do_v they_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o two_o presbyter_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n have_v a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o as_o ample_a authority_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 17._o and_o to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o question_n which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v propound_v it_o in_o a_o simile_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n well_o know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o government_n of_o this_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n and_o of_o many_o other_o great_a city_n through_o the_o kingdom_n be_v call_v corporation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v majestracy_n and_o have_v in_o they_o a_o secular_a or_o civil_a signory_n or_o presbytry_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a principality_n and_o this_o government_n by_o which_o all_o citizen_n and_o inhabitant_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v as_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n who_o only_o by_o such_o other_o officer_n as_o they_o shall_v allegate_v be_v to_o manage_v and_o exercise_v this_o government_n so_o that_o all_o particular_a citizen_n and_o all_o the_o company_n of_o several_a tradesman_n be_v in_o their_o particular_a ward_n precinct_n and_o fellowship_n by_o their_o constitution_n and_o charter_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o counsel_n and_o be_v to_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o they_o upon_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n or_o conceive_v wrong_v or_o when_o it_o concern_v the_o common_a good_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o stand_v unto_o their_o arbitrement_n now_o then_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v as_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o these_o several_a corporation_n whether_o the_o company_n in_o each_o city_n where_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v all_o their_o officer_n and_o exercise_v also_o a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o jurisdiction_n among_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o
of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 1_o â—â—_o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20.17_o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 13.7_o remember_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o vers_fw-la 17._o obey_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o vers_n 24._o salute_v all_o they_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n here_o again_o he_o enjoin_v all_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o presbytery_n show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o their_o minister_n to_o rule_v and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o out_o of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n for_o they_o watch_v say_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n and_o in_o 1_o peter_z 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o say_v saint_n peter_n i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o saint_n james_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 14._o be_v any_o among_o you_o sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v in_o every_o church_n and_o every_o church_n be_v to_o submit_v itself_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o act_n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o brethren_n and_o act_v 21.17_o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n say_v saint_n luke_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o city_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n namely_o of_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o in_o convent_v man_n before_o they_o upon_o occasion_n in_o admonish_v if_o any_o offend_v in_o suspend_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o repentance_n in_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o again_o and_o in_o ordain_v of_o
presbytery_n in_o that_o sense_n i_o take_v it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v afthi_v way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbytter_v otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergò_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o you_o have_v none_o in_o your_o congregation_n so_o miraculous_o inspire_v with_o sundry_a language_n and_o divers_a tongue_n nor_o you_o do_v not_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n nor_o you_o can_v cure_v disease_n nor_o do_v miracle_n ergò_fw-la your_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n show_v we_o these_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o they_o may_v argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n preach_v free_o and_o labour_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_o be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o and_o speak_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o your_o minister_n in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20.29_o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o what_o so_o ever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o day_n all_o committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a counsel_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o counsel_n and_o just_a
and_o be_v none_o of_o that_o multitude_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o the_o multitude_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o greek_n only_o and_o the_o hebrew_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v specify_v and_o this_o every_o rational_a man_n can_v easy_o perceive_v again_o by_o multitude_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o confuse_a company_n go_v in_o a_o tumultuous_a way_n but_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o rational_a man_n of_o each_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n and_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o send_v for_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v common_o see_v in_o those_o that_o go_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o petition_n to_o any_o council_n they_o send_v a_o compitent_a multitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o able_a man_n to_o grace_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o not_o every_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n man_n and_o woman_n to_o negotiate_v it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o mighty_a confusion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o both_o those_o party_n that_o come_v to_o negotiate_v this_o business_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o if_o any_o man_n will_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n and_o every_o individual_a believe_a greek_a that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o hebrew_n church_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o one_o person_n except_v be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n together_o before_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v judge_v that_o this_o man_n that_o shall_v thus_o argue_v be_v very_o much_o craze_a in_o his_o brain_n but_o much_o more_o will_v it_o argue_v a_o great_a imbecility_n of_o wit_n and_o judgement_n in_o any_o one_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o and_o unless_o they_o can_v so_o conclude_v the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n nor_o of_o any_o validity_n to_o evince_n and_o prove_v the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v yield_v unto_o the_o brethren_n these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o believe_a greek_n and_o all_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n none_o except_v be_v all_o before_o the_o apostle_n in_o one_o place_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n of_o every_o several_a nation_n be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o number_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o business_n for_o they_o be_v no_o party_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o a_o mere_a fallacy_n to_o delude_v unstable_a soul_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o bladder_n be_v lantern_n second_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o by_o multitude_n here_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o then_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o many_o year_n after_o when_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v all_o still_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v i_o believe_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o yet_o they_o must_v grant_v it_o if_o they_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o principle_n but_o from_o this_o murmur_a between_o the_o greek_n &_o the_o hebrew_n i_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n can_v frame_v a_o argument_n to_o overthrow_v our_o brethren_n tenant_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o every_o several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n with_o comfort_n for_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o london_n between_o the_o dutch_a and_o the_o french_a about_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o about_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o practice_n concern_v religion_n &_o they_o shall_v all_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o learned_a assembly_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o will_v not_o all_o man_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o city_n so_o it_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v against_o our_o brethren_n that_o every_o several_a nation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n apart_o as_o well_o as_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n where_o they_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n and_o understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o and_o from_o warrantable_a reason_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o for_o this_o my_o belief_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o reason_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n but_o have_v there_o be_v but_o one_o nation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o many_o thousand_o believer_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v there_o be_v can_v not_o all_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o squib_n which_o only_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o then_o vanish_v in_o the_o air_n to_o say_v no_o more_o and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a objection_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o ever_o hear_v from_o they_o to_o the_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o give_v my_o several_a answer_n which_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a against_o they_o all_o and_o now_o i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o divers_a miracle_n daily_o wrought_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o discple_n before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n &_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n no_o nor_o in_o a_o few_o but_o be_v of_o necessity_n force_v to_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n under_o the_o persecution_n &_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o for_o prove_v of_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o which_o be_v still_o but_o the_o first_o conclusion_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o then_o go_v forward_o to_o the_o ensue_a story_n of_o the_o same_o book_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o &_o 6_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n it_o be_v relate_v how_o the_o holy_a apostle_n employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n also_o of_o tongue_n and_o language_n and_o the_o effect_n also_o of_o their_o ministry_n preach_v and_o miracle_n be_v there_o set_v down_o at_o large_a and_o it_o be_v specify_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o first_o miracle_n when_o all_o the_o people_n of_o several_a nation_n hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o every_o one_o in_o their_o several_a tongue_n and_o language_n who_o be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o be_v galileane_o that_o they_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o from_o their_o amazement_n it_o be_v say_v they_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o sermon_n of_o peter_n the_o sermon_n itself_o be_v there_o set_v down_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o say_v unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o
remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v he_o save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o 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have_v be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o peter_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o new_a believer_n be_v there_o specify_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n which_o be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o all_o the_o former_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o eight_o thousand_o new_a member_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 110_o psalm_n vers_fw-la 3._o be_v not_o fulfil_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n his_o willing_a people_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n shall_v be_v multiply_v as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o due_a notice_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v man_n not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o without_o doubt_n these_o new_a believer_n endeavour_v to_o convert_v their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o truth_n with_o such_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n annex_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o prevalent_a to_o convert_v woman_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o whole_a family_n as_o error_n and_o novelty_n in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v able_a to_o mislead_a those_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o which_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v every_o newborn_a truth_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o follow_v every_o new_a light_n and_o every_o new-found_a way_n though_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o but_o to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v without_o miracle_n be_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o those_o poor_a woman_n that_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n from_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n as_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v down_o dead_a and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 11._o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o as_o many_o that_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o malignant_a party_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o and_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o come_v in_o the_o good_a woman_n now_o and_o in_o verse_n 26._o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o captain_n with_o the_o officer_n bring_v the_o apostle_n without_o violence_n for_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v stone_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a effect_n these_o miracle_n wrought_v the_o first_o be_v that_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n come_v on_o all_o the_o church_n god_n own_o people_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o addition_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v still_o but_o one_o church_n the_o second_o that_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o contrary_a party_n the_o pharisaical_a malignant_a crew_n the_o three_o that_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o multitude_n no_o small_a company_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o be_v a_o new_a increase_n and_o that_o a_o great_a one_o the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o very_a captain_n and_o officer_n be_v awe_v and_o keep_v in_o fear_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o those_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n be_v afraid_a of_o his_o servant_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o party_n of_o believer_n do_v balance_v the_o number_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o pharisaical_a party_n if_o not_o by_o far_o exceed_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o all_o probability_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n and_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n and_o such_o a_o number_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n nor_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divers_a jew_n that_o be_v then_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o their_o several_a minister_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o several_a language_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v i_o say_v for_o the_o present_a to_o wave_v all_o this_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v positive_o set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n
place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergò_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v the_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n &_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_n very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 21_o 22._o and_o from_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 2._o &_o 4._o chap._n 8._o verse_n 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a &_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n &_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2_o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o v._n 12._o &_o v._o 42._o &_o chap._n 3._o v._n 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a
whence_o the_o brethren_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o beleiver_n leave_v than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o must_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o evince_n and_o make_v good_a that_o this_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o beleiver_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o there_o may_v not_o yet_o remain_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o more_o people_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o two_o for_o persecution_n be_v the_o bellows_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o blow_v every_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n so_o that_o this_o their_o division_n prove_v their_o multiplycation_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v few_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o before_o for_o although_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o this_o persecution_n be_v very_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o persecutor_n as_o reach_v to_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n of_o all_o sort_n chap._n 22._o verse_n 4._o and_o although_o i_o shall_v likewise_o accord_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o reach_v to_o all_o sort_n both_o preacher_n and_o christian_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o all_o the_o region_n etc._n etc._n except_o the_o apostle_n both_o which_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v yield_v unto_o for_o some_o reason_n follow_v but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o grant_v all_o this_o yet_o i_o affirm_v that_o this_o persecution_n rather_o make_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o few_o then_o there_o be_v before_o though_o they_o may_v be_v small_a and_o lesser_a than_o so_o to_o waste_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o paucity_n as_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n for_o this_o their_o division_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o multiplication_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o even_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o england_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n power_n when_o any_o assembly_n of_o those_o they_o call_v puritan_n be_v at_o any_o time_n find_v together_o they_o be_v hale_v before_o authority_n as_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n can_v witness_v and_o these_o people_n be_v all_o scatter_a yet_o so_o as_o they_o still_o have_v their_o meeting_n in_o less_o number_n and_o whereas_o before_o they_o meet_v perhaps_o a_o hundred_o in_o a_o company_n now_o this_o hundred_o be_v divide_v into_o three_o or_o four_o several_a assembly_n which_o be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n for_o in_o all_o these_o they_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o full_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o most_o crowd_a aslembly_n but_o this_o they_o do_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v such_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o for_o common_o if_o man_n see_v a_o good_a company_n of_o people_n go_v into_o a_o house_n and_o none_o of_o they_o come_v out_o again_o they_o will_v by_o and_o by_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v something_o there_o to_o be_v do_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o exercise_n of_o religion_n or_o some_o consultation_n and_o plot_v about_o some_o design_n or_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o take_v more_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o examine_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o concourse_n and_o to_o pry_v into_o their_o proceed_n whereas_o if_o they_o come_v but_o in_o slender_a company_n they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v some_o ordinary_a entertainment_n and_o think_v no_o far_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o then_o more_o peaceable_o enjoy_v the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n one_o of_o another_o without_o any_o interruption_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v come_v in_o great_a assembly_n and_o company_n and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o beleiver_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o that_o persecution_n they_o can_v not_o now_o meet_v in_o the_o temple_n nor_o possible_o at_o their_o wont_a meeting_n house_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n no_o terror_n can_v make_v they_o forsake_v the_o company_v of_o themselves_o together_o for_o in_o that_o persecution_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n we_o find_v the_o church_n assemble_v in_o several_a place_n for_o they_o be_v pray_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n verse_n 12._o there_o be_v one_o congregation_n to_o which_o peter_n come_v and_o relate_v unto_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o delivery_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o tell_v it_o james_n and_o the_o brethren_n and_o there_o be_v another_o assembly_n and_o without_o doubt_n peter_n go_v unto_o a_o three_o for_o he_o will_v not_o go_v among_o the_o enemy_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o in_o this_o persecution_n also_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a as_o then_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n be_v idle_a who_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o minister_a of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o as_o many_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v all_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v preach_v unto_o they_o all_o and_o then_o to_o what_o end_n or_o purpose_n do_v all_o the_o other_o apostle_n tarry_v in_o jerusalem_n who_o in_o all_o their_o motion_n and_o stay_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_v and_o support_v the_o church_n there_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o rage_n of_o this_o persecution_n when_o they_o have_v scatter_v their_o other_o teacher_n from_o they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n at_o this_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o diminish_v or_o scatter_v though_o all_o their_o pastor_n and_o minister_n save_v the_o apostle_n be_v and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o persecution_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o christian_n promiscuous_o and_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v except_o the_o apostle_n as_o our_o brethren_n conceive_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o the_o persecute_v jew_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o shall_v ever_o observe_v that_o they_o chief_o aim_v at_o the_o take_v away_o and_o extirpate_v of_o their_o teacher_n and_o minister_n and_o those_o that_o instruct_v they_o so_o the_o jew_n malice_n be_v great_a against_o the_o prophet_n in_o all_o age_n as_o we_o may_v see_v mat._n 5._o ver_fw-la 12._o for_o so_o they_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o 23._o of_o matthew_n our_o saviour_n say_v verse_n 29._o woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n because_o you_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o you_o witness_v unto_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o scribe_n and_o some_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v kill_v and_o crucify_v etc._n etc._n here_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v what_o method_n they_o have_v former_o use_v in_o their_o persecution_n and_o that_o be_v chief_o to_o persecute_v their_o teacher_n and_o what_o method_n they_o will_v for_o the_o future_a take_v and_o that_o be_v principal_o to_o kill_v and_o crucify_v the_o prophet_n wiseman_n and_o scribe_n which_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n be_v here_o in_o this_o persecution_n manifest_o fulfil_v for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o viz._n their_o teacher_n scatter_v abroad_o and_o persecute_v except_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v i_o say_v ever_o the_o method_n and_o custom_n of_o persecutor_n to_o aim_v principal_o at_o the_o root_n out_o and_o take_v away_o of_o those_o they_o suppose_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o this_o enrage_a they_o against_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o make_v they_o at_o this_o time_n so_o mischievous_o to_o
be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o report_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o have_v not_o the_o pearl_n of_o prejudice_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o assertion_n the_o second_o now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v further_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o choose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church_n communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o more_o place_n of_o the_o same_o story_n and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n i_o now_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n which_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o the_o place_n follow_v act._n 11._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_v unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o counsel_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2.4.6.22_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o in_o these_o word_n then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharise_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcize_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21_o v._o 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o frame_v my_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n &_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v
so_o to_o believe_v as_o have_v receive_v authority_n because_o the_o aopstle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n councillor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_v age_n and_o of_o the_o prerbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v account_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o sit_v then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a counsellor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o council_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v there_o as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authourity_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a bishop_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church-government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o
against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o never_o be_v it_o yet_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o well_o govern_v city_n or_o common_a wealth_n or_o kingdom_n that_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v officer_n or_o burgess_n or_o make_v of_o freeman_n or_o disfranchise_v of_o they_o or_o be_v permit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n with_o they_o much_o less_o to_o rule_v and_o give_v law_n to_o other_o out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o that_o sex_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o wel-governed_n church_n and_o state_n and_o as_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o know_v their_o place_n so_o ought_v all_o man_n that_o be_v under_o obedience_n to_o learn_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o which_o god_n never_o give_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n either_o in_o make_v of_o member_n in_o church_n or_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n or_o of_o impose_v law_n upon_o other_o either_o of_o make_v public_a confession_n before_o the_o congregation_n or_o of_o produce_v evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n or_o of_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o any_o that_o shall_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n neither_o may_v the_o presbyter_n usurp_v authority_n but_o they_o also_o must_v exercise_v it_o only_o according_a to_o the_o commission_n give_v unto_o 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evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n or_o otherwise_o if_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o law_n and_o come_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o condition_n receive_v they_o not_o into_o your_o assembly_n nor_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o member_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o christ_n commission_n nor_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n nor_o any_o precedent_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o sacred_a authority_n and_o therefore_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o primitive_a minister_n admit_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o but_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o baptize_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church-without_a any_o gainsay_n or_o question_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o of_o lake_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n and_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o eunuch_n desire_v baptism_n but_o philip_n grant_v it_o the_o gaoler_n do_v but_o ask_v paul_n and_o silas_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o say_v believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o gaoler_n and_o all_o his_o be_v straightway_o baptize_v act_v 16._o ver_fw-la 31_o 32_o 33._o that_o be_v they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o either_o walk_v any_o time_n with_o the_o church_n for_o their_o approbation_n or_o without_o either_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n or_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n notwithstanding_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o as_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o independent_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v none_o of_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n and_o they_o can_v then_o see_v how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n without_o their_o new_a light_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v then_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n set_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n in_o all_o those_o primitive_a church_n so_o he_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o the_o true_a protestant_a church_n through_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o independent_a assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v and_o be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o new_a way_n so_o that_o any_o understanding_n christian_n may_v gather_v that_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n be_v no_o way_n requisite_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingly_a government_n for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n will_v have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o holy_a thost_n who_o bring_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n 1._o into_o their_o memory_n will_v have_v suggest_v all_o these_o thing_n the_o new_a way_n the_o new_a bear_v truth_n the_o new_a light_n to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v record_v if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n but_o when_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o bless_a apostle_n have_v prescribe_v any_o of_o all_o these_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o call_v for_o they_o nor_o require_v they_o of_o any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v or_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o ingenuous_a mind_a christian_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o than_o christ_n i_o refer_v it_o also_o to_o any_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a christian_n to_o weigh_n and_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o demand_v of_o any_o moderate_a christian_n therefore_o and_o let_v he_o answer_v i_o candid_o whether_o of_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n most_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o only_a lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o both_o in_o their_o teach_n and_o believe_v follow_v his_o commission_n and_o word_n and_o teach_v nothing_o nor_o believe_v nothing_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v but_o what_o christ_n their_o king_n command_v they_o or_o those_o that_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n add_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o he_o will_v deal_v impartial_o he_o will_v answer_v i_o that_o those_o minister_n and_o that_o people_n most_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n and_o most_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n that_o own_o his_o law_n and_o that_o only_a for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o christ_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o john_n 10._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n they_o will_v not_o listen_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n christ_n voice_n only_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o they_o only_a that_o obey_v it_o advance_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o set_v he_o up_o on_o his_o throne_n which_o when_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o they_o more_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n than_o they_o for_o the_o independent_o to_o christ_n law_n and_o commission_n add_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n and_o enjoin_v all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n beside_o their_o believe_a &_o be_v baptize_v to_o walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n for_o approbation_n and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n never_o command_v and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o these_o their_o tradition_n they_o will_v not_o permit_v or_o suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o church_n as_o join_v member_n which_o they_o call_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o count_v of_o all_o other_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o as_o man_n without_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o the_o pharisee_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o pope_n himself_o &_o the_o prelate_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o idolatry_n before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v just_o abhor_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o thing_n derogatory_n to_o the_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a dignity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o his_o royalty_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o all_o other_o popery_n under_o whatsoever_o name_n or_o title_n it_o be_v intrude_v upon_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v eliminate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o popery_n to_o bring_v in_o new_a way_n and_o new_o bear_v truth_n and_o new_a light_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o their_o own_o assembly_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligible_a christian_n saint_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n blame_v those_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o that_o will_v have_v join_v but_o the_o