doctrine_n to_o prove_v this_o their_o opinion_n to_o be_v legitimate_a so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n of_o their_o belief_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o independent_o agree_v against_o all_o the_o current_n and_o the_o whole_a school_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n divine_v who_o hold_v they_o be_v christian_n second_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o also_o that_o both_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n must_v ever_o be_v visible_a and_o apparent_a so_o that_o be_v their_o never_o so_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n and_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o such_o and_o such_o a_o mould_n and_o form_n than_o theyare_n not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o their_o dialect_n they_o be_v either_o heretic_n or_o no_o christian_n but_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o limit_n compass_n and_o bound_n that_o they_o have_v circumscribe_v their_o church_n with_o and_o be_v not_o under_o that_o visible_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v appoint_v they_o account_v they_o all_o heretic_n and_o no_o church_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v the_o independent_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o that_o be_v to_o say_v speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n all_o such_o congregation_n and_o assemble_v as_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o by_o a_o explcite_v particular_a covenant_n &_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n &_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o independent_a they_o be_v no_o church_n and_o all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o their_o new_a mould_n or_o model_n they_o proclaim_v they_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o account_v of_o they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o independent_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o bind_v and_o limit_v all_o church_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o external_a form_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o that_o be_v want_v according_a to_o their_o dialect_n though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o both_o of_o they_o far_o accord_v and_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o form_n of_o their_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o the_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n respective_o they_o must_v not_o be_v fluid_a as_o they_o speak_v but_o they_o must_v be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o independent_a but_o in_o this_o the_o papist_n deal_v far_o more_o honest_o than_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o have_v in_o many_o large_a volume_n full_o set_v down_o the_o model_n of_o their_o government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o for_o their_o chief_a officer_n they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o presbytery_n at_o rome_n the_o cardinal_n patriarch_n primate_fw-la metropolitan_n archbishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o what_o their_o model_n and_o government_n be_v to_o a_o hare_n but_o what_o the_o independent_o model_n be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o man_n can_v yet_o ever_o learn_v but_o by_o conjecture_n which_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o they_o shall_v thus_o at_o pleasure_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o church_n and_o christian_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o never_o declare_v what_o that_o form_n and_o mould_n be_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v their_o daily_a wicked_a practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v if_o they_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n the_o independent_o be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o mongrel_n papist_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n belieeve_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o their_o church_n believe_v and_o take_v all_o they_o speak_v as_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a but_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n better_a than_o so_o who_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v he_o matth._n 17._o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o and_o not_o to_o give_v ear_n unto_o stranger_n and_o from_o his_o bless_a word_n we_o have_v learn_v these_o two_o lesson_n the_o first_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v faithful_o and_o true_o preach_v by_o minister_n send_v by_o he_o and_o where_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o by_o the_o people_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n although_o they_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v not_o that_o external_a form_n either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o speak_v of_o and_o for_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n holy_a word_n second_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o churhe_n in_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n where_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o public_a manner_n nor_o where_o their_o very_a meeting_n together_o be_v not_o allow_v unto_o they_o by_o authority_n for_o all_o such_o as_o confine_v a_o church_n or_o church_n to_o these_o external_a form_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o confound_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o adjunct_n and_o accideut_n of_o it_o whereas_o church_n may_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o external_a form_n of_o government_n as_o may_v by_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v prove_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o israel_n where_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o establish_v a_o form_n of_o government_n and_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v punctual_o be_v observe_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la the_o 3._o these_o word_n now_o for_o a_o long_a season_n israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n and_o without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o law_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o their_o do_v not_o then_o appear_v any_o external_a form_n of_o a_o church_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n when_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o public_o know_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v there_o his_o true_a church_n among_o they_o yea_o in_o the_o great_a height_n of_o idolatry_n when_o all_o the_o prophet_n be_v persecute_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o cave_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n also_o god_n have_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v knee_n to_o baal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a form_n that_o be_v absolute_o require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n without_o that_o external_a appearance_n they_o speak_v of_o for_o a_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n be_v another_o and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o willing_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o appearance_n and_o naked_a shadow_n for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o will_v but_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n after_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v it_o up_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o peregrination_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o that_o after_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o direction_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o his_o worship_n wheresoever_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n shall_v come_v and_o
true_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v nay_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 2._o which_o they_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n than_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v for_o they_o describe_v a_o church_n unto_o we_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n or_o believer_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o in_o number_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n so_o as_o that_o assembly_n or_o church_n must_v not_o be_v fluid_a but_o fix_v in_o its_o member_n and_o officer_n have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o its_o own_o with_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o enjoy_v all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o far_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n we_o can_v gather_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o church_n want_v this_o form_n according_a to_o their_o language_n be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o by_o this_o their_o model_n the_o church_n itself_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a mould_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o i_o shall_v here_o brief_o in_o some_o particular_n show_v and_o more_o large_o demonstrate_v when_o i_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burton_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o independent_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o acknowledge_v they_o want_v deacon_n and_o presbyter_n and_o they_o confess_v withal_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o then_o they_o have_v not_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n and_o saint_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabitant_n of_o other_o church_n through_o judaea_n for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o other_o church_n there_o and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o church_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v also_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o yea_o he_o confess_v that_o in_o its_o infancy_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o by_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o count_v such_o a_o covenant_n the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n from_o all_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o the_o independent_o church_n be_v erroneous_a or_o if_o it_o be_v orthodox_n than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n formewhen_o they_o say_v it_o be_v for_o first_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o yet_o though_o in_o several_a and_o distinct_a place_n and_o assembly_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n second_o they_o have_v no_o fix_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o nor_o no_o presbytery_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o if_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v stranger_n and_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o other_o city_n as_o they_o say_v than_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v neither_o in_o their_o officer_n nor_o member_n anâ—_n yet_o a_o true_a church_n not_o in_o the_o elder_n nor_o deacon_n for_o they_o then_o have_v none_o at_o all_o nor_o in_o their_o member_n for_o they_o confess_v many_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o do_v not_o inhabit_v and_o dwell_v there_o and_o therefore_o not_o fix_v member_n and_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v notfixt_v but_o as_o noah_n dove_n be_v send_v out_o by_o he_o and_o return_v with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o her_o mouth_n &_o at_o the_o next_o time_n depart_v and_o go_v her_o way_n so_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v the_o universal_a messenger_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v out_o into_o all_o nation_n with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o their_o mouth_n that_o trophy_n of_o peace_n and_o glad_a tiding_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n yet_o all_o man_n know_v that_o be_v not_o their_o abide_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v officer_n there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v out_o into_o all_o country_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o when_o the_o persecution_n come_v according_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v scatter_v and_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v in_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v â—ound_v but_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a those_o member_n be_v not_o fix_v but_o fluid_v when_o they_o run_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n to_o save_v themselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n those_o great_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o their_o language_n all_o alone_a without_o either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n they_o also_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o be_v afterward_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o teach_v and_o baptize_v as_o i_o say_v before_o withal_o the_o independent_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o want_v ed_z that_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n excommunication_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o presbytery_n in_o it_o nor_o no_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o good_a neither_o can_v they_o then_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o better_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o the_o baptismeof_o john_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n which_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o by_o their_o definition_n &_o they_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n ergo_fw-la they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o now_o the_o independent_o require_v for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n no_o more_o than_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o i._o s._n and_o the_o independent_o babble_n about_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v to_o little_a purpose_n yea_o mere_a vainty_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o it_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o think_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o mould_v up_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o mother-church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n according_a to_o the_o independent_o learning_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v then_o she_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o any_o external_a explicit_a particular_a covenant_n nor_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o requisite_n that_o they_o now_o require_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o now_o to_o return_v and_o come_v
they_o in_o all_o which_o ordinance_n every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n do_v daily_o partake_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o assembly_n a_o true_a and_o complete_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n they_o enjoy_v all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a meet_v house_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o three_o or_o four_o good_a woman_n and_o as_o many_o man_n every_o one_o of_o these_o several_a congregation_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o the_o name_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o do_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v and_o no_o where_o else_o that_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o independent_o consider_v by_o themselves_o respective_o &_o apart_o may_v proper_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v call_v church_n and_o that_o for_o the_o enjoy_v but_o some_o of_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n and_o privilege_n that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v complete_o partake_v in_o than_o all_o good_a reason_n will_v conclude_v that_o all_o these_o several_a assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o that_o as_o i_o say_v before_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o better_a reason_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o all_o other_o requisit_n whatsoever_o in_o these_o our_o day_n can_v make_v a_o complete_a church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n of_o my_o argument_n may_v suffice_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v any_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o for_o my_o minor_a proposition_n they_o that_o shall_v read_v but_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 18._o of_o matt._n and_o the_o 28._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o twenty_o of_o saint_n johns_n gospel_n shall_v find_v it_o sufficient_o confirm_v yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o now_o i_o hope_v every_o judicious_a and_o intelligible_a reader_n from_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v evince_v and_o that_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o under_o one_o presbytery_n govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o my_o brother_n burton_n &_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n a_o subordination_n or_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n but_o so_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n where_o i_o observe_v a_o notable_a contradiction_n to_o usurp_v his_o one_o language_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v he_o a_o while_n to_o reconcile_v it_o but_o now_o to_o speak_v brief_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o these_o my_o brother_n burtons_n grollery_n first_o whereas_o he_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n unchristian_n and_o unchurche_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n he_o be_v very_o erroneous_a in_o so_o do_v and_o deal_v most_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o with_o all_o those_o glorious_a saint_n for_o they_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n as_o he_o or_o any_o independent_o in_o the_o world_n as_o who_o all_o of_o they_o have_v christ_n own_o testimony_n for_o their_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v sufficient_a character_n ever_o to_o make_v any_o people_n good_a christian_n and_o of_o all_o they_o our_o saviour_n say_v luke_n 7._o 29_o 30._o that_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o reject_v not_o his_o counsel_n against_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n do_v that_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptistâ—_n repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o by_o our_o saviour_n own_o witness_n they_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o in_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o a_o notorious_a papist_n and_o a_o calumniator_n aught_o to_o be_v reprove_v especial_o by_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n which_o hold_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v believer_n and_o good_a christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o his_o first_o grollery_n his_o second_o be_v that_o he_o make_v excommunication_n the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v page_n the_o twenty_o of_o his_o book_n where_o answer_v unto_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n viz._n because_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o our_o church_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o he_o there_o thus_o reply_n if_o you_o say_v he_o mean_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v well_o but_o do_v not_o you_o know_v say_v he_o that_o there_o dre_fw-mi three_o special_a visible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o gospel_n pure_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v and_o discipline_n right_o practise_v all_o which_o mark_v to_o gather_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v yet_o to_o seek_v so_o that_o by_o these_o word_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o his_o opinion_n the_o gospel-form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v to_o have_v discipline_n right_o practise_v so_o that_o where_o discipline_n be_v want_v by_o his_o learning_n there_o be_v no_o true_a gospel_n form_v church_n but_o before_o i_o answer_v to_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o discipline_n right_o practise_v be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o special_a visible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o better_a know_v the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o my_o brother_n burton_n yet_o he_o in_o set_v they_o all_o down_o omit_v that_o of_o discipline_n say_v act_v 2._o 42._o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o unerring_a description_n of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o three_o essential_a mark_n in_o god_n dialect_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n although_o there_o be_v no_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o i_o gather_v that_o discipline_n though_o a_o most_o excellent_a ordinance_n and_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o have_v long_o since_o be_v obtain_v have_v not_o the_o ildependents_n hinder_v it_o make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o will_v ever_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o point_n rather_o than_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o withal_o i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o all_o the_o sectary_n can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v true_o call_v upon_o all_o which_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o true_a form_v church_n yea_o and_o the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o learning_n than_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a form_v church_n but_o a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o discipline_n right_o practise_v be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n for_o he_o everywhere_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o discipline_n there_o can_v not_o then_o be_v right_o practise_v if_o that_o church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o there_o at_o all_o as_o he_o say_v and_o therefore_o for_o that_o mark_v it_o do_v not_o make_v for_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n and_o for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o gospel_n form_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o if_o excommunication_n be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o all_o the_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n time_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o gospel_n form_n for_o synagogue_n and_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v all_o one_o and_o in_o all_o the_o synagogue_n they_o have_v excommunication_n as_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a and_o for_o instance_n these_o john_n 9_o 22._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v argue_v already_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v he_o be_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o fourti_v verse_n in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o cast_v out_o the_o young_a man_n and_o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n verse_n 35._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n many_o place_n more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n even_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o in_o john_n time_n howsoever_o it_o be_v abuse_v as_o excommunication_n daily_o be_v among_o all_o the_o sectary_n at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o we_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v all_o thing_n this_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o from_o they_o bring_v into_o all_o christian_a church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o one_o of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o take_v a_o great_a journey_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o john_n baptist_n church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v have_v i_o go_v to_o visit_v all_o the_o other_o christian_a church_n to_o find_v in_o they_o excommunication_n that_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o church_n i_o will_v leave_v that_o journey_n to_o their_o itinerary_n independent_a predicant_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v and_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o the_o christian_a synagogue_n and_o church_n among_o the_o which_o john_n baptist_n and_o christ_n himself_o both_o converse_v preach_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o office_n of_o true_a pastor_n and_o in_o those_o synagogue_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o i_o find_v the_o gospel_n
they_o all_o as_o no_o christian_n but_o a_o deform_a church_n and_o not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n peremptory_o affirm_v and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pag._n 11._o that_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o they_o all_o profess_v they_o read_v of_o no_o form_a church_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o expr_fw-la sly_a set_v down_o for_o the_o time_n of_o it_o act_v the_o 2._o so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n be_v deform_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v plain_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o all_o christian_n make_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mould_v up_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n among_o they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_a congregation_n a_o pastor_n &_o a_o teacher_n and_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n and_o five_o or_o six_o brethren_n more_o and_o three_o or_o four_o sister_n can_v make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n now_o be_v there_o any_o man_n so_o stupid_a and_o brutish_a as_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o where_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v james_n and_o john_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n two_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n those_o bonaerge_n those_o son_n of_o thunder_n and_o eight_o or_o nine_o elder_n with_o seventy_o disciple_n all_o saint_n all_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n with_o multitude_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o woman_n that_o follow_v christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o have_v also_o a_o decon_n among_o they_o judas_n by_o name_n that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n when_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o their_o whible_a congregation_n so_o qualify_v as_o former_o can_v make_v a_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n scholar_n and_o follower_n can_v as_o well_o make_v a_o form_v church_n as_o a_o few_o in_o our_o new_a found_v or_o rather_o confound_v congregation_n be_v void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o they_o that_o shall_v peremptory_o and_o rash_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n i_o proclaim_v they_o guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v most_o condign_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o heinous_a and_o facinorous_a crime_n they_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o against_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o king_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v abominate_v as_o a_o company_n of_o false_a teacher_n calumniator_n and_o horrid_a seducer_n how_o godly_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o the_o wrold_a to_o be_v and_o as_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n be_v aught_o by_o christ_n saint_n and_o servant_n to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o company_n of_o grand_a impostor_n and_o juggler_n so_o the_o poor_a and_o despise_a presbyterian_o who_o they_o term_v sinner_n and_o carnal_a people_n and_o man_n of_o earth_n and_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v like_o their_o master_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o baptize_v by_o they_o for_o they_o pronounce_v of_o we_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o saint_n but_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o best_a but_o convert_n in_o part_n as_o if_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n wrought_v his_o work_n to_o the_o half_n this_o i_o say_v may_v comfort_v all_o we_o the_o poor_a despise_a presbyterian_o for_o the_o same_o they_o say_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n and_o their_o ministry_n and_o such_o as_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o in_o their_o babble_n there_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n till_o that_o we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n nor_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 1._o in_o their_o learning_n be_v a_o form_v church_n nor_o all_o the_o other_o worshipper_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o act._n 2._o nor_o think_v worthy_a by_o they_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o by_o this_o bold_a assertion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n they_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v the_o truth_n but_o indeed_o many_o of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o tribe_n howsoever_o they_o pretend_v they_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o who_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v give_v they_o little_a thanks_o for_o this_o their_o pain_n for_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o learn_a of_o they_o be_v against_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o disavow_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o first_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o all_o their_o writing_n and_o dispute_n declare_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n affirm_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o they_o oppose_v many_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o for_o this_o their_o temerity_n i_o be_o most_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v high_o blame_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a of_o that_o party_n and_o true_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n there_o be_v then_o none_o upon_o earth_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v a_o form_a church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n they_o can_v not_o have_v give_v a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n for_o all_o learned_a christian_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n that_o must_v make_v other_o true_a form_v church_n for_o they_o can_v give_v and_o communicate_v that_o to_o other_o that_o they_o have_v not_o themselves_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o now_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n than_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o form_v after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n so_o that_o what_o make_v the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n a_o true_a form_v church_n make_v all_o the_o other_o a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n if_o the_o same_o cause_n can_v produce_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a and_o indeed_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n or_o form_v of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n or_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n they_o will_v soon_o and_o without_o any_o difficulty_n perceive_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v as_o well_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o the_o hundred_o &_o twenty_o name_n and_o those_o three_o thousand_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o â—alls_v the_o first_o form_v church_n for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n
such_o as_o have_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n that_o upon_o the_o read_n of_o any_o book_n or_o hearig_n of_o any_o argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a side_n their_o heart_n may_v not_o like_o the_o heart_n of_o ahaz_n isai_n the_o 7._o 1._o when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o confederacy_n of_o syria_n and_o ephraim_n be_v move_v as_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n be_v move_v with_o the_o wind_n this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o that_o author_n who_o word_n i_o have_v relate_v in_o their_o full_a length_n and_o extent_n not_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o show_v all_o the_o error_n of_o they_o which_o will_v require_v a_o just_a volume_n though_o occasonal_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o some_o of_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o according_a to_o his_o description_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o have_v take_v out_o of_o master_n cotteos_n book_n of_o new_a england_n none_o of_o the_o congregationall_a church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o if_o that_o also_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v be_v true_a than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o i_o say_v before_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v all_o this_o occasional_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n land_n afford_v i_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o my_o major_a proposition_n which_o be_v that_o all_z those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o those_o several_a house_n at_o jerusalem_n every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o because_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v better_o sound_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n ear_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n to_o hear_v one_o of_o their_o own_o great_a rabbye_n who_o they_o usual_o call_v giant_n and_o tall_a fellow_n then_o to_o hear_v i_o who_o at_o pleasure_n they_o style_v a_o pigmy_n and_o dwarf_n from_o his_o word_n therefore_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o he_o assert_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o then_o much_o more_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n have_v among_o they_o also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v likewise_o all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n within_o themselves_o which_o the_o independent_o confess_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o i_o say_v and_o that_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o company_n do_v constitute_v a_o complete_a visible_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o or_o two_o or_o three_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o at_o least_o twelve_o if_o not_o half_o twelve_o score_n yea_o innumerable_a in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o respective_o and_o several_o they_o have_v also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v arr_o sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v ergo_fw-la all_n and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o argument_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o upon_o their_o very_a word_n and_o corroborate_v with_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o what_o people_n say_v they_o in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v thus_o the_o independent_o speak_v and_o therefore_o without_o they_o will_v renounce_v their_o own_o principle_n and_o abjure_v all_o reason_n and_o the_o very_a light_n of_o understand_v give_v they_o of_o god_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o have_v in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v requisite_a and_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o form_a church_n for_o there_o be_v in_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o such_o minister_n and_o officer_n as_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o that_o to_o the_o enâ—_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o vers_fw-la the_o last_o they_o have_v also_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n all_o those_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o ordinance_n the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o think_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o one_o of_o their_o new_a congregation_n a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n they_o have_v all_o the_o bless_a apostle_n among_o they_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o many_o other_o preacher_n abundant_o furnish_v with_o all_o gift_n as_o who_o have_v go_v in_o and_o out_o with_o christ_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o he_o and_o johns_n ministry_n the_o mean_a of_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o first_o of_o the_o act_n and_o they_o have_v among_o they_o also_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n many_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o all_o of_o they_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n therefore_o they_o be_v visible_a church_n i_o do_v not_o with_o the_o author_n say_v mystical_a body_n the_o member_n of_o the_o which_o be_v visible_a saint_n such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v together_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o that_o with_o the_o holy_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o many_o complete_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n that_o which_o the_o independent_o hold_v ever_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o congregation_n they_o be_v visible_a and_o miraculous_a saint_n not_o ordinary_a one_o as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v among_o they_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o incomparable_a sanctify_a &_o transcendent_a endowment_n viz_o the_o holy_a apostle_n all_o the_o which_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o infallible_o who_o have_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o which_o they_o 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want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n i_o beeleeve_v they_o will_v exercise_v some_o more_o of_o their_o authority_n to_o teach_v such_o a_o one_o better_a manner_n or_o more_o wit_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v discipline_n in_o that_o church_n though_o we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o put_n of_o it_o in_o execution_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n neither_o will_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n because_o i_o say_v we_o read_v only_o of_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o and_o some_o of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o cast_v out_o their_o corrupt_a member_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o at_o that_o time_n exercise_v their_o authority_n neither_o read_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n colosse_n nor_o among_o the_o thessalonian_o nor_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o antioch_n nor_o in_o samaria_n will_v any_o man_n therefore_o say_v that_o all_o these_o church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n because_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o fanatical_a as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o so_o brainsick_a a_o premise_v much_o less_o will_v any_o intelligible_a christian_n argue_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v say_v we_o read_v not_o of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n ergo_fw-la it_o have_v it_o not_o this_o will_v indeed_o prove_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la and_o such_o a_o consequenct_n or_o conclusion_n can_v least_o of_o all_o have_v be_v make_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o such_o a_o antecedent_n then_o from_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n because_o the_o church_n at_o 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can_v any_o rational_a man_n think_v it_o give_v away_o all_o its_o power_n and_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o reserve_n donec_fw-la ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redierit_fw-la res_fw-la i_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o will_v much_o blame_v my_o brother_n burton_n for_o this_o his_o rashness_n in_o affirm_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n when_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v all_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n bequeath_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v mat._n 28._o verse_n 18._o 19_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v loe_o here_o be_v plenary_a authority_n give_v unto_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o key_n promise_v they_o in_o the_o sixteenth_o of_o matthew_n here_o they_o now_o receive_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n both_o of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o the_o key_n import_v as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v and_o the_o very_a independent_o do_v not_o deny_v now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o only_o give_v unto_o they_o but_o unto_o all_o faithful_a minister_n their_o successor_n to_o who_o christ_n make_v a_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n matth._n 28._o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v ever_o relinquish_v their_o power_n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v not_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n grollish_o affirm_v who_o begin_v now_o to_o doubt_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o dote_v but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o just_a occasion_n without_o all_o controversy_n they_o will_v have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n but_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o have_v no_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o want_v not_o though_o they_o exercise_v it_o not_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o punish_v offender_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o independent_o will_v blame_v any_o of_o their_o scholar_n and_o member_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v their_o new_a congregat_v church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o in_o some_o of_o they_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n for_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n in_o a_o church_n for_o as_o it_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n have_v not_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o hang_v and_o draw_v though_o perhaps_o after_o it_o be_v erect_v they_o either_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o execute_v that_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v or_o they_o out_o of_o clemency_n will_v for_o a_o time_n show_v mercy_n and_o use_v lenity_n towards_o offender_n not_o take_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n the_o more_o with_o humanity_n and_o kindness_n to_o reclaim_v they_o even_o so_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n the_o not_o execute_v of_o the_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o not_o have_v just_a occasion_n of_o put_v that_o power_n in_o execution_n do_v not_o prove_v a_o want_n of_o that_o power_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o new_a congregation_n shall_v so_o argue_v against_o their_o new_a church_n officer_n i_o believe_v they_o will_v soon_o make_v use_n of_o their_o key_n to_o shut_v such_o a_o member_n out_o of_o their_o church_n door_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n false_o complain_v that_o truth_n be_v late_o shut_v out_o of_o aldermanburic_n church_n door_n and_o true_o if_o one_o of_o their_o whibble_a congregation_n have_v no_o want_n of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n though_o they_o execute_v it_o not_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o temerarious_a and_o unadvised_a as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v evacuate_v or_o enervate_v or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v great_a power_n in_o it_o then_o in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o who_o have_v all_o the_o apostle_n among_o they_o and_o as_o christ_n and_o john_n disciple_n all_o of_o they_o arm_v with_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o when_o the_o magazine_n and_o treasury_n of_o all_o power_n reside_v continual_o in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n when_o all_o other_o church_n derive_v their_o power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n from_o that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o to_o this_o i_o now_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o judicious_a man_n will_v easy_o consent_v and_o agree_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n say_v that_o neither_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n nor_o none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v complete_a within_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o must_v
himself_o his_o good_a friend_n his_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n the_o mighty_a potentate_n the_o sole_a and_o only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v in_o very_o great_a haste_n indeed_o and_o giddy_a withal_o in_o his_o brain_n or_o in_o some_o distraction_n he_o will_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v think_v he_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o those_o likewise_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n with_o christ_n mother_n brethren_n and_o sister_n worthy_a to_o be_v esteem_v a_o form_v church_n or_o church_n yet_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n pass_v by_o they_o all_o say_v we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o at_o this_o day_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o they_o absolute_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n when_o they_o do_v the_o same_o to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n time_n sure_o that_o subject_a that_o shall_v pass_v by_o his_o king_n and_o sovereign_a and_o all_o his_o retinue_n and_o courtier_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o and_o they_o and_o shall_v yield_v he_o no_o reverence_n will_v be_v think_v craze_a in_o his_o brain_n especial_o if_o he_o shall_v in_o a_o slight_a manner_n say_v he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o all_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v such_o a_o expression_n from_o he_o will_v not_o only_o judge_v such_o a_o one_o a_o very_a unbred_a man_n and_o a_o uncivil_a fellow_n but_o that_o deserve_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v teach_v better_a manner_n and_o without_o doubt_n a_o king_n that_o shall_v understand_v of_o such_o a_o subject_a if_o he_o at_o any_o time_n have_v need_n of_o his_o favour_n will_v reply_v unto_o he_o sir_n you_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o i_o and_o my_o servant_n go_v now_o to_o those_o for_o help_v that_o you_o think_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o the_o israelite_n who_o when_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o their_o cruel_a enemy_n and_o come_v then_o fly_v unto_o he_o for_o his_o assistance_n go_v say_v he_o to_o your_o god_n that_o in_o your_o prosperity_n you_o serve_v and_o seek_v help_n from_o they_o and_o true_o if_o the_o business_n be_v serious_o consider_v this_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o his_o associate_n deal_v with_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n be_v not_o altogether_o unlike_a the_o deal_n of_o the_o israelite_n with_o the_o lord_n at_o least_o in_o word_n for_o in_o plain_a term_n they_o say_v we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v very_o little_o behold_v to_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n certain_o the_o man_n be_v in_o very_o great_a haste_n when_o he_o utter_v these_o word_n or_o exceed_o distemper_v in_o his_o brain_n for_o otherwise_o christ_n have_v be_v worthy_a to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o if_o his_o follower_n have_v not_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v say_v unto_o he_o lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o preach_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v we_o not_o do_v wondrous_a work_n mat._n 7._o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o to_o who_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v reply_v depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o doubtless_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n deep_o repent_v not_o of_o these_o their_o word_n and_o of_o all_o their_o evil_a deal_n in_o seduce_v and_o mis-leading_a of_o the_o poor_a people_n and_o of_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o will_v not_o yet_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o follower_n nor_o of_o their_o brethren_n at_o this_o day_n through_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o whatsoever_o both_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n shall_v pretend_v as_o that_o they_o have_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v wondrous_a work_n in_o gather_v of_o new_a church_n and_o preach_v up_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o publish_n of_o new_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o of_o new_a light_n and_o place_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o say_v whatsoever_o they_o shall_v in_o this_o kind_n pretend_v except_o they_o all_o repent_v of_o this_o their_o wickedness_n and_o uncharitable_a deal_n towards_o all_o their_o christian_a brethren_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o christ_n will_v say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o profess_v he_o will_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n and_o they_o all_o likewise_o perish_v for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n that_o have_v not_o resign_v his_o understanding_n think_v less_o of_o this_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n but_o that_o christ_n may_v say_v unto_o they_o at_o that_o day_n you_o have_v teach_v it_o in_o your_o congregation_n and_o print_v in_o your_o book_n set_v forth_o by_o authority_n by_o all_o your_o consent_n and_o that_o upon_o deliberation_n that_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o all_o those_o multitude_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o my_o disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n these_o will_v he_o say_v be_v your_o own_o word_n and_o that_o in_o capital_a letter_n nay_o you_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n for_o so_o j._n s._n speak_v page_n 8_o and_o 9_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n give_v many_o reason_n there_o to_o the_o contrary_a assert_v that_o by_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n they_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n much_o less_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o least_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v his_o expression_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v much_o applaud_v by_o all_o of_o that_o fraternity_n who_o usual_o say_v of_o he_o when_o he_o ride_v through_o the_o street_n there_o go_v he_o that_o beat_v up_o doctor_n bastwicks_n quarter_n approve_v of_o this_o good_a work_n of_o he_o in_o unchristian_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o my_o servant_n john_n the_o great_a prophet_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n and_o send_v by_o i_o and_o my_o father_n to_o baptize_v they_o and_o of_o mr._n burton_n they_o never_o speak_v but_o in_o high_a praise_n blessing_n god_n that_o he_o have_v answer_v bastwicks_n book_n which_o he_o write_v in_o defence_n and_o maintenace_n of_o my_o honour_n and_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o be_v baptize_v in_o my_o name_n so_o that_o all_o those_o book_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o my_o dishonour_n and_o the_o disrepute_n of_o my_o follower_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o you_o all_o and_o in_o they_o you_o say_v you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o multitude_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n now_o among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n i_o be_v one_o and_o my_o disciple_n and_o my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o you_o slight_v we_o all_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o we_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n you_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o and_o deny_v we_o now_o those_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o i_o and_o my_o disciple_n and_o of_o my_o brethren_n and_o sister_n and_o mother_n and_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o follow_v i_o while_o i_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o deny_v they_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o before_o my_o father_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o he_o that_o despise_v my_o disciple_n and_o my_o follower_n despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o yea_o whosoever_o shall_v despise_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o
which_o the_o lord_n preserve_v his_o people_n from_o and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o all_o cordial_a and_o understand_a man_n to_o oppose_v with_o all_o their_o might_n as_o they_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n end_n all_o the_o which_o the_o whimsicall_a opinion_n of_o independency_n will_v hinder_v which_o indeed_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o anarchy_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o atheism_n or_o a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o our_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o nigh_a ally_n one_o from_o another_o and_o to_o the_o distraction_n of_o all_o man_n as_o our_o small_a and_o little_a experience_n of_o that_o way_n have_v by_o woeful_a trial_n and_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o their_o definition_n in_o discover_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v such_o a_o church_n as_o that_o set_v down_o and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n with_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o it_o to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v subject_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o government_n as_o the_o independent_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o their_o definition_n viz._n their_o particular_a explicit_a holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o not_o only_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n but_o make_v it_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o reason_n above_o specify_v as_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n our_o father_n nor_o no_o example_n in_o any_o of_o the_o 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apostolical_a church_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o their_o own_o congregation_n be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n to_o aver_v and_o maintain_v but_o beside_o this_o their_o unwarrantable_a covenant_n which_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n they_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n with_o they_o many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n which_o they_o hold_v not_o only_o requisite_a but_o god_n ordinance_n also_o as_o first_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o week_n month_n and_o perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o for_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o behaviour_n and_o manner_n and_o except_o they_o can_v please_v the_o whole_a church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o admittance_n at_o last_o second_o after_o their_o good_a like_n of_o their_o carriage_n they_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o dislike_v they_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v three_o after_o this_o they_o require_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o all_o which_o if_o the_o congregation_n approve_v not_o of_o as_o sufficient_a they_o can_v be_v yet_o admit_v last_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v must_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o else_o by_o their_o charter_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o church-communion_n with_o they_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v they_o require_v in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n before_o any_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o joint_a member_n among_o they_o never_o a_o one_o of_o the_o which_o condition_n or_o injunction_n not_o withstand_v have_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a flavery_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n beside_o this_o their_o particular_a explicet_fw-la covenant_n which_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v they_o only_o require_v without_o any_o of_o their_o other_o grollery_n be_v a_o bondage_n too_o unsufferable_a for_o in_o that_o their_o covenant_n as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v by_o some_o of_o they_o when_o in_o familiar_a manner_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o friendship_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o method_n of_o admit_v of_o their_o joint_a member_n and_o especial_o what_o the_o covenant_n import_v and_o what_o they_o promise_v in_o it_o and_o what_o by_o it_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o and_o for_o answer_v they_o reply_v that_o three_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o their_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n first_o that_o they_o promise_v and_o by_o this_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o in_o all_o church_n fellowship_n as_o to_o be_v helpefull_a one_o to_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o to_o their_o pastor_n and_o to_o stand_v one_o by_o another_o without_o desertion_n of_o each_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o willing_a subjection_n and_o conformity_n not_o only_o to_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v among_o they_o but_o also_o willing_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o such_o new_a light_n for_o the_o future_a that_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o pastor_n discover_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v by_o the_o independent_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n they_o require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n and_o which_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_n to_o perform_v the_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o if_o they_o be_v single_a person_n either_o bachelor_n or_o maiden_n widow_n or_o widower_n they_o may_v not_o marry_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o their_o holy_a covenant_n be_v that_o they_o may_v not_o remove_v their_o habitation_n and_o dwelling_n though_o never_o so_o advantageous_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o traffic_n and_o trade_n into_o any_o remote_a place_n from_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v comprise_v under_o this_o covenant_n which_o they_o keep_v among_o themselves_o as_o arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la as_o secret_n of_o their_o kingdom_n all_o the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v serious_o look_v into_o contain_v in_o they_o so_o many_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o exceed_o advantageous_a unto_o themselves_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o party_n and_o the_o more_o corroborate_n their_o combination_n as_o those_o that_o be_v judicious_a have_v well_o observe_v but_o be_v there_o no_o other_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n in_o their_o whole_a religion_n but_o this_o of_o their_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o appertinance_n belong_v thereto_o as_o among_o other_o their_o blind_a obedience_n there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o great_a yoke_n of_o servitude_n put_v upon_o poor_a people_n under_o antichrist_n himself_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o papist_n oft_o time_n scour_v over_o old_a holy_a day_n with_o new_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o new_a one_o even_o so_o the_o independent_o furbush_n over_o old_a error_n with_o new_a varnish_n to_o make_v they_o more_o specious_a to_o the_o delude_a people_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o as_o new_a truth_n and_o set_v they_o up_o as_o new_a light_n when_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o ancient_a error_n and_o very_a popery_n itself_o in_o a_o new_a attire_n as_o
religion_n neither_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n nor_o that_o it_o lead_v man_n the_o true_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o affirm_v that_o he_o ground_o and_o absolute_o deny_v that_o either_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v or_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a church_n innumerable_a more_o such_o sentence_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o this_o pamphlet_n to_o this_o effect_n and_o from_o many_o such_o premise_n as_o these_o he_o exhort_v all_o good_a people_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o inward_a peace_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n to_o withdraw_v their_o spiritual_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n from_o she_o now_o here_o again_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o judicious_a christian_n what_o the_o devil_n the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n can_v have_v speak_v more_o rayling_o and_o false_o against_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n than_o what_o john_n lilburne_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n have_v utter_v against_o they_o all_o sure_o if_o any_o enemy_n persecutor_n railer_n and_o reviler_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o false_a accuser_n ever_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n they_o be_v those_o of_o the_o congrâ—gationall_a way_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o sâ—ints_n yeâ—_n when_o they_o write_v most_o mild_o against_o the_o presbyterian_o they_o call_v they_o lion_n bear_n wolf_n tiger_n and_o in_o their_o ordinary_a language_n in_o town_n and_o country_n they_o never_o see_v almost_o any_o minister_n passâ—_n by_o they_o but_o they_o call_v they_o baal_n priest_n the_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n the_o antichristian_a brood_n the_o devil_n minister_n presbytyrant_n with_o a_o thousand_o other_o word_n of_o contumely_n and_o of_o all_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n both_o scot_n and_o english_a they_o speak_v of_o they_o most_o shameful_o upon_o all_o occasion_n term_v they_o son_n of_o earth_n sinner_n carnal_a people_n enemy_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o kingdom_n nay_o they_o revile_v we_o in_o the_o open_a street_n when_o we_o pass_v by_o they_o and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v the_o independent_o themselves_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v most_o true_o relate_v by_o i_o and_o their_o very_a book_n and_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n be_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n and_o daily_o read_v by_o they_o and_o they_o all_o can_v witness_v for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v wrong_v they_o in_o nothing_o by_o all_o which_o that_o part_n of_o my_o minor_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o be_v notorious_a railer_n reviler_n and_o false_a accuser_n and_o therefore_o no_o saint_n nor_o good_a daemon_n but_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v separate_a from_o and_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n which_o ought_v to_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o that_o they_o have_v cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o apparent_a and_o that_o from_o the_o great_a rent_n schism_n and_o faction_n they_o have_v causelesse_o make_v among_o their_o brethren_n in_o church_n and_o state_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n for_o any_o of_o their_o practice_n and_o proceed_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o this_o truth_n also_o be_v by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o all_o man_n notorious_o know_v we_o have_v a_o command_n to_o shun_v they_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n who_o so_o long_o as_o they_o persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o these_o their_o ungodly_a way_n they_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o saint_n nor_o good_a daemon_n but_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o serpent_n and_o such_o as_o all_o godly_a soul_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o whatsoever_o their_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o sanctity_n be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v notorious_a covenant_n breaker_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o apparent_a to_o all_o that_o will_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n for_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o oath_n and_o that_o make_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v for_o a_o through_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o in_o express_a word_n also_o they_o have_v vow_v and_o covenant_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n with_o a_o true_a intention_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o they_o shall_v answer_v it_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o will_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n lest_o they_o partake_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plagnes_fw-la they_o have_v vow_v also_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n to_o endeavour_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v incendiary_n malignant_n or_o evil_a instrument_n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n divide_v the_o king_n from_o his_o people_n or_o one_o of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o a_o other_o or_o make_v of_o any_o faction_n or_o party_n among_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o thâ—s_n league_n and_o covenant_n and_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n in_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n do_v faithful_o promise_v unto_o their_o brethren_n and_o under_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o writing_n confirm_v it_o that_o they_o will_v preach_v such_o doctrine_n public_o only_a as_o 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whereupon_o he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o they_o and_o sometime_o he_o court_v they_o for_o their_o favour_n sometime_o he_o expostulate_v with_o they_o desire_v to_o know_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o adverse_a to_o he_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v their_o consent_n demand_v of_o they_o if_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o conversation_n and_o they_o reply_v no_o but_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v godly_a and_o sanctify_a and_o fit_a for_o church_n fellowship_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o he_o be_v ever_o admit_v in_o that_o congregation_n i_o know_v not_o but_o at_o that_o time_n he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o the_o sister_n do_v not_o give_v their_o consent_n and_o they_o can_v allege_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o their_o not_o agree_v to_o his_o admission_n but_o that_o they_o conceive_v he_o be_v not_o godly_a the_o three_o story_n be_v of_o one_o that_o be_v repute_v a_o very_a 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woman_n at_o that_o time_n put_v off_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v with_o the_o other_o two_o story_n and_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o produce_v many_o such_o precedent_n more_o now_o i_o refer_v this_o to_o any_o understanding_n man_n judgement_n whether_o the_o key_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n be_v not_o tie_v unto_o the_o woman_n girdle_n and_o whether_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n be_v always_o to_o be_v credit_v either_o in_o their_o denial_n or_o affirmation_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o five_o query_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o six_o and_o last_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o practise_v and_o preach_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o the_o which_o query_n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._o s._n answer_v as_o two_o juggler_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 19_o 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of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o believe_a repentance_n and_o baptism_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v here_o be_v nothing_o record_v of_o walk_v any_o time_n for_o they_o be_v sudden_o admit_v here_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n nothing_o of_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n nothing_o of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o practice_n and_o prattle_v of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o mother_n church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o produce_v a_o example_n or_o two_o more_o omit_v many_o through_o the_o acts._n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o sudden_a and_o miraculous_a death_n of_o ananias_n &_o saphira_n and_o through_o the_o other_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v it_o be_v say_v that_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o all_o these_o also_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n by_o the_o apostle_n sole_a authority_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v entertain_v without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o now_o require_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v the_o independent_o by_o the_o way_n that_o at_o this_o time_n also_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v have_v challenge_v a_o right_a to_o have_v propound_v those_o condition_n if_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v urge_v upon_o the_o people_n for_o they_o may_v have_v suspect_v that_o this_o 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now_o before_o their_o eye_n a_o precedent_n of_o so_o gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o false_a deal_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o what_o a_o consternation_n come_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o it_o and_o by_o the_o which_o also_o god_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v they_o may_v then_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n if_o at_o any_o time_n have_v urge_v all_o those_o condition_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v well_o have_v add_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o all_o which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n communion_n without_o they_o and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o admit_v member_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o when_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n daily_o swarve_v from_o in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n they_o be_v in_o their_o so_o do_v prevaricator_n both_o against_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o they_o make_v themselves_o offender_n in_o a_o elevate_a nature_n now_o i_o will_v add_v one_o example_n more_o of_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o church_n chap._n 6._o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 7._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o these_o also_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n sole_a authority_n admit_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o here_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n have_v urge_v the_o impose_v of_o new_a condition_n of_o admit_v member_n if_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n have_v do_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o priest_n for_o they_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o have_v be_v christ_n enemy_n in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o â—ad_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o his_o crucify_a and_o therefore_o if_o the_o disciple_n be_v afraid_a of_o paul_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n because_o he_o have_v persecute_v the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v unwilling_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o joint_a member_n with_o they_o they_o have_v very_o good_a warrant_n here_o of_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v desire_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o church-fellowship_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o testimony_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o that_o they_o may_v also_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o be_v receive_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v they_o may_v have_v urge_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o have_v be_v as_o well_o afraid_a of_o these_o priest_n as_o they_o be_v of_o paul_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v here_o of_o all_o those_o priest_n as_o they_o do_v of_o paul_n act_v 9_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n and_o without_o their_o either_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o fellowship_n some_o time_n or_o without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o without_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o impose_v other_o law_n upon_o the_o people_n in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v trangrâ—ssors_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n against_o both_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o refuse_v none_o and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o congregational_a by-path_n that_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o set_v before_o they_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n still_o persist_v in_o their_o unwarrantable_a practice_n against_o both_o the_o precâ—pâ—_n and_o precedent_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o his_o blessed_a apostle_n they_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o iâ—_n they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o that_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n in_o these_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n speedy_o repent_v and_o relinguish_v thâ—se_a theâ—â—_n rebellious_a course_n they_o will_v high_o provoke_v the_o lord_n &_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o come_v out_o in_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o who_o know_v but_o as_o he_o let_v the_o devil_n loose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o sceva_n those_o exorcist_n for_o abuse_v his_o authority_n and_o use_v his_o nâ—mâ—_n for_o all_o their_o wicked_a deal_n i_o say_v who_o know_v but_o the_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n may_v in_o
like_a manner_n if_o they_o will_v still_o persist_v &_o go_v on_o in_o these_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a course_n to_o seduce_v his_o people_n and_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n from_o he_o for_o their_o preach_n and_o practise_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o they_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v in_o justice_n let_v the_o devil_n loose_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o their_o tub_n certain_a i_o be_o they_o by_o all_o these_o their_o deal_n high_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n and_o that_o daily_a so_o that_o if_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v some_o speedy_a course_n for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o god_n honour_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v the_o lord_n will_v from_o heaven_n show_v some_o fearful_a judgement_n upon_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o visit_v it_o with_o so_o many_o plague_n and_o such_o sore_a calamity_n as_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o will_v desire_v &_o wish_v that_o the_o mountain_n may_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o hill_n cover_v they_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o from_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n the_o which_o that_o they_o may_v not_o happen_v upon_o this_o nation_n shall_v be_v my_o daily_a &_o constant_a prayer_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o concern_v the_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n in_o it_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n and_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n all_o form_a church_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-form_n and_o brief_o show_v how_o member_n be_v admit_v into_o they_o all_o and_o by_o who_o and_o upon_o what_o condition_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o precedent_n to_o convince_v the_o ildependents_n of_o their_o grollery_n in_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v relate_v there_o that_o through_o the_o miracle_n of_o philip_n and_o through_o his_o preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o verse_n 10_o 12._o and_o be_v all_o admit_v unto_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o by_o philip_n sole_a authority_n and_o this_o his_o method_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n and_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o in_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v plant_v a_o church_n and_o convert_v many_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n and_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n give_v heed_n unto_o those_o thing_n that_o philip_n speak_v and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a joy_n in_o that_o city_n verse_n 6_o 8._o and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o we_o have_v neither_o any_o walk_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n for_o he_o better_a assurance_n either_o of_o philip_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n here_o be_v no_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n require_v before_o their_o admittance_n into_o church-fellowship_n here_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n call_v for_o here_o be_v no_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n demand_v of_o they_o here_o be_v no_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n desire_v before_o their_o admission_n into_o church_n communion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o church_n establish_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-form_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o two_o mother_n church_n in_o judea_n and_o israel_n all_o believer_n be_v admit_v member_n and_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n now_o require_v of_o all_o those_o of_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o high_a presumption_n and_o arrogancy_n in_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o slight_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o bless_a apostle_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o prudent_a and_o advise_v christian_n i_o will_v now_o to_o satisfy_v my_o brother_n burtons_n desire_n visit_v some_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n form_v according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o i_o will_v first_o in_o this_o visitation_n begin_v with_o that_o church_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v set_v before_o all_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n viz._n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o eighteen_o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v record_v that_o when_o silas_n and_o timothy_n be_v come_v unto_o paul_n to_o corinth_n the_o jew_n refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shake_v his_o raiment_n against_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o your_o blood_n be_v upon_o your_o own_o head_n i_o be_o clear_a from_o henceforth_o i_o will_v go_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o depart_v thence_o he_o enter_v into_o one_o house_n name_v justus_n one_o that_o worship_v god_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o it_o be_v say_v that_o crispus_n a_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o many_o of_o the_o corinthian_n hear_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v here_o we_o see_v in_o a_o church_n put_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o saint_n paul_n and_o that_o bare_o upon_o their_o hear_n and_o believe_v for_o the_o apostle_n require_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o they_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o church_n fellowship_n he_o say_v not_o unto_o those_o many_o that_o be_v baptize_v that_o before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n they_o must_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n neither_o do_v he_o enjoin_v they_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o to_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o do_v paul_n require_v of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o this_o church_n after_o the_o gospel_n form_n but_o follow_v christ_n the_o king_n commission_n upon_o their_o faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n he_o hy_z his_o own_o and_o sole_a authority_n admit_v they_o the_o same_o way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o nineteenth_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n there_o be_v full_o set_v down_o and_o that_o be_v a_o church_n also_o my_o brother_n burton_n set_v down_o among_o those_o that_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n now_o in_o all_o those_o church_n they_o be_v all_o admit_v upon_o christ_n own_a term_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n sole_a authority_n without_o either_o walk_n sometime_o with_o the_o church_n or_o without_o any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o private_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n how_o unsufferable_a a_o thing_n therefore_o be_v it_o now_o then_o in_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o demand_v other_o condition_n of_o all_o their_o member_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o than_o those_o that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n demand_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o presumption_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o very_o ruggede_a independent_o upon_o due_a deliberation_n desit_v they_o may_v all_o serious_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o timely_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v indeed_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o dis-throners_a of_o christ_n the_o king_n when_o they_o shall_v slight_v both_o his_o law_n and_o example_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a gospel_n form_v church_n and_o set_v up_o new_a law_n and_o
what_o their_o minister_n have_v do_v since_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o well_o perceive_v it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficu_o for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o get_v into_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n as_o to_o get_v into_o suttons-hospitall_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o only_a occasion_n that_o make_v some_o walk_n so_o long_o in_o many_o congregation_n before_o they_o come_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n for_o if_o they_o be_v rich_a they_o be_v speedy_o receive_v nay_o invite_v to_o be_v member_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o many_o godly_a and_o holy_a people_n have_v leave_v their_o native_a country_n and_o transport_v themselves_o over_o into_o new_a england_n where_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n there_o in_o their_o purity_n they_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o go_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v before_o they_o go_v thither_o to_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o come_v there_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a they_o make_v they_o walk_v some_o a_o year_n some_o more_o yea_o some_o six_o or_o seven_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n of_o their_o congregation_n and_o they_o baptize_v none_o of_o those_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v there_o before_o their_o parent_n be_v join_v member_n and_o except_o they_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o condition_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v admit_v and_o some_o time_n the_o man_n only_o be_v admit_v and_o his_o wife_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o some_o time_n the_o wife_n be_v admit_v and_o the_o man_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o both_o these_o notwithstanding_o be_v believer_n and_o baptize_v and_o after_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n a_o very_a small_a offence_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a but_o for_o story_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o multiply_v they_o but_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o this_o kind_n from_o those_o place_n and_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v in_o new-england_n and_o man_n both_o then_o and_o now_o no_o way_n evil_o affect_v either_o to_o the_o place_n or_o people_n serve_v god_n there_o but_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a they_o lord_n it_o there_o over_o god_n poor_a clergy_n in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v see_v it_o here_o in_o england_n in_o their_o congregation_n what_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o rich_a and_o poor_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o sin_n in_o saint_n james_n his_o time_n high_o blame_v in_o christian_n james_n 2._o and_o as_o in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o poor_a they_o be_v very_o lofty_a and_o look_v for_o great_a observance_n and_o attendance_n from_o they_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v so_o likewise_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v displease_v they_o if_o they_o speak_v a_o word_n amiss_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n precedent_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v bring_v many_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o none_o though_o believer_n and_o already_o baptize_v but_o such_o as_o will_v come_v in_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o poor_a either_o altogether_o or_o as_o long_o as_o please_v they_o without_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o upon_o every_o slender_a occasion_n i_o say_v if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o most_o diabolical_a tyranny_n and_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o moderate_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o if_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o and_o at_o one_o blast_n to_o proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v not_o more_o than_o a_o diotrephian_a prelatical_a and_o papal_a authority_n there_o be_v never_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n there_o be_v never_o any_o know_v now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n do_v so_o timely_o begin_v their_o absolute_a lord_v of_o it_o what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o their_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o authority_n their_o ministry_n and_o government_n be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o they_o invite_v all_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o buy_v milk_n yea_o to_o come_v in_o and_o buy_v milk_n without_o money_n isaiah_n 55_o 〈◊〉_d and_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o â—aith_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a but_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n have_v the_o lord_n make_v choice_n of_o intimate_v unto_o the_o poor_a that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o heaven_n as_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o the_o poor_a be_v with_o he_o as_o acceptable_a as_o the_o rich_a if_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v all_o the_o condition_n that_o christ_n require_v in_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o his_o church_n now_o when_o these_o presbyter_n already_o make_v so_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o between_o believer_n and_o believer_n as_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o but_o at_o their_o own_o time_n and_o upon_o their_o own_o condition_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n and_o inheritance_n which_o when_o they_o daily_o do_v it_o and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o their_o rule_n and_o domination_n be_v more_o prelatical_a and_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o from_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n they_o can_v never_o expect_v any_o appeal_n for_o relief_n and_o redress_n whatsoever_o wrong_a or_o injury_n they_o have_v sustain_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o shall_v so_o traduce_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o think_v they_o will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n from_o who_o they_o may_v ever_o expect_v far_o better_a measure_n than_o ever_o they_o can_v from_o the_o independent_a presbytery_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v once_o be_v establish_v will_v tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o enslave_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n upon_o both_o church_n and_o state_n but_o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o before_o the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o have_v compare_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o presbyter_n independent_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o now_o likewise_o here_o to_o paragonate_v they_o together_o in_o their_o proceed_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v in_o that_o regard_n also_o which_o of_o their_o endeavour_n tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o and_o which_o of_o they_o do_v more_o real_o and_o true_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o god_n glory_n but_o to_o the_o peace_n also_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n over_o over_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o one_o true_a christian_a religion_n eph._n 4._o so_o that_o this_o only_a may_v be_v establish_v through_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o erroneous_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o perdition_n and_o make_v disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n may_v not_o public_o be_v tolerate_v the_o independent_o on_o the_o contrary_a both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o in_o all_o their_o bitter_a rail_n and_o intolerable_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n the_o storm_a of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o
this_o thy_o book_n do_v show_v for_o all_o their_o talk_n that_o in_o truth_n path_n thou_o persever'_v to_o walk_v thy_o blameless_a life_n and_o godly_a conversation_n they_o can_v stain_v with_o slanderous_a exclamation_n fight_v still_o the_o fight_n of_o faith_n most_o certain_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o thou_o in_o heaven_n on_o high_a a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o at_o that_o day_n the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v and_o say_v to_o thou_o come_v bless_v of_o my_o father_n take_v the_o kingdom_n i_o prepare_v for_o thy_o sake_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v then_o crown_v thy_o head_n with_o glory_n immortal_a s._n b._n to_o the_o victorious_a worthy_a m_n r_o john_n bastwick_n d_o r_o in_o physic_n and_o captain_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a army_n upon_o his_o industrious_a and_o learned_a book_n entitle_v the_o utter_a rout_v of_o all_o the_o independent_a army_n etc._n etc._n triumphant_a victor_n thou_o have_v win_v the_o day_n and_o rout_v legion_n too_o without_o a_o fray_n or_o shed_v blood_n thy_o deep_a mysterious_a skill_n have_v be_v always_o to_o cure_n and_o not_o to_o kill_v thou_o have_v purge_v their_o melancholy_n that_o begin_v to_o make_v all_o zeal_n their_o own_o complexion_n their_o il-dependent_a choler_n be_v cool_v by_o thou_o and_o spleen_n and_o sanguine_a may_v religious_a be_v while_o they_o take_v leave_v to_o rage_n and_o rail_v upon_o thou_o as_o thou_o be_v the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n then_o thou_o courageous_a captain_n undertake_v to_o vanquish_v error_n for_o christ_n church_n sake_n arm_v thou_o with_o samson_n strength_n or_o david_n thus_o like_o paul_n fight_v thou_o with_o beast_n of_o ephesus_n then_o sound_v a_o charge_n utter_o rout_n all_o those_o peace-church-disturber_n separate_v that_o expose_v our_o zion_n like_a to_o sodom_n what_o they_o be_v able_a raze_v down_o christ_n church_n to_o erect_v their_o babel_n on_o thou_o a_o furious_a rabbie_a 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steal_v saint_n convert_v zealot_n rich-man_n in_o our_o weal_n it_o be_v better_a grow_v in_o grace_n like_o thrive_a lamb_n then_o in_o short_a time_n become_v such_o hurtful_a ram_n but_o thou_o well_o prove'_v their_o sacrilegious_a theft_n christ_n nor_o his_o bless_a apostle_n ever_o leave_v they_o such_o a_o pattern_n the_o issue_n of_o thy_o pen_n show_v their_o false_a light_n to_o all_o enlighten_v man_n and_o in_o their_o new_a way_n thou_o have_v they_o pursue_v so_o close_o that_o thou_o their_o champion_n haste_v subdue_v rout_v their_o army_n all_o their_o force_n and_o may_v they_o be_v to_o rail_v they_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o fight_v george_n lindsey_n the_o errata_fw-la in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n page_n 1._o line_n 14._o expression_n read_v expression_n p._n 2._o l._n 3._o election_n r._n affection_n &_o ibid._n l._n 9_o new_a r._n know_v p._n 3._o l._n 31._o independent_a r._n independent_o p._n 15._o l._n 29._o unihilate_v r._n annihilate_v in_o the_o 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i_o shall_v relate_v the_o indignation_n of_o all_o that_o party_n and_o their_o several_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o against_o i_o so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o less_o nor_o few_o ignominious_a calumny_n cast_v upon_o i_o nor_o more_o variety_n of_o virulent_a censure_n give_v out_o against_o i_o than_o be_v utter_v by_o they_o all_o to_o my_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o late_a come_n forth_o but_o of_o the_o title_n and_o frontispiece_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n many_o of_o they_o affirm_v that_o i_o be_v a_o vain_a glorious_a wicked_a fellow_n that_o i_o be_v mad_a that_o i_o be_v a_o base_a rogue_n and_o that_o i_o deserve_v hang_v and_o that_o i_o will_v never_o be_v quiet_a till_o i_o be_v hang_v with_o innumerable_a other_o unchristian_a expression_n of_o like_a nature_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v a_o great_a piaculum_fw-la by_o far_o now_o to_o write_v against_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n than_o scandalum_fw-la magnatum_fw-la be_v a_o few_o year_n since_o true_o at_o that_o time_n i_o can_v scarce_o pass_v by_o any_o of_o they_o as_o i_o can_v at_o this_o day_n without_o some_o contumely_n or_o other_o all_o which_o i_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o among_o other_o i_o can_v never_o meet_v my_o brother_n burton_n but_o he_o will_v always_o after_o his_o salutation_n in_o a_o deride_v and_o scornful_a manner_n ask_v i_o when_o my_o book_n come_v forth_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o expect_v some_o monster_n it_o seem_v he_o think_v i_o be_v bring_v forth_o such_o a_o prodigious_a brat_n as_o he_o not_o long_o after_o lay_v at_o my_o door_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o monster_n indeed_o bear_v with_o tooth_n and_o nail_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o scratch_n and_o bite_v i_o yet_o come_v from_o his_o loin_n my_o brother_n and_o quondam_a fellow-sufferer_n i_o give_v it_o entertainment_n and_o for_o the_o love_n i_o bear_v to_o he_o i_o have_v ever_o since_o danle_v it_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o my_o election_n now_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v satisfy_v his_o expectation_n and_o send_v he_o my_o book_n so_o long_o look_v for_o he_o very_o liberal_o express_v his_o thanks_n for_o it_o and_o his_o opinion_n concern_v both_o it_o and_o myself_o and_o that_o with_o many_o opprobrious_a word_n amid_o other_o he_o assert_v i_o be_v craze_a in_o my_o brain_n and_o that_o i_o have_v need_n of_o some_o hellebore_n and_o speak_v of_o i_o as_o a_o apostate_n and_o a_o persecutor_n who_o before_o he_o new_a my_o differ_a opinion_n from_o he_o both_o pray_v for_o i_o and_o immoderate_o praise_v i_o such_o be_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o that_o be_v under_o the_o sun_n there_o be_v no_o stability_n in_o any_o creature_n and_o withal_o he_o triumph_v that_o he_o will_v give_v i_o a_o speedy_a answer_n make_v nothing_o of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v as_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o vilipend_v and_o slight_v whatsoever_o the_o presbyterian_o either_o speak_v or_o write_v and_o meet_v with_o a_o other_o independent_a not_o many_o day_n after_o he_o tell_v i_o that_o there_o be_v twenty_o pen_n at_o work_n against_o i_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v my_o hand_n full_a and_o howsoever_o it_o be_v some_o month_n before_o i_o hear_v from_o any_o of_o they_o in_o print_n yet_o all_o that_o interim_n they_o whet_v their_o tongue_n against_o i_o like_o so_o many_o razor_n sword_n and_o arrow_n to_o wound_v i_o in_o my_o reputation_n yea_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o weapon_n in_o all_o the_o arsenal_n of_o calumny_n that_o they_o use_v not_o against_o i_o now_o after_o some_o month_n one_o hanserdo_v knollys_n come_v to_o i_o tell_v i_o he_o have_v write_v a_o moderate_a answer_n unto_o my_o book_n complain_v that_o the_o press_n be_v all_o shut_v against_o they_o though_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n
now_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o two_o party_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o dispute_n and_o set_v down_o the_o occasion_n of_o bring_v all_o these_o army_n into_o the_o field_n with_o the_o word_n of_o their_o challenge_n and_o declare_v also_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o enemy_n i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o will_v according_a to_o my_o promise_n ad_fw-la aram_fw-la veritatis_fw-la brief_o lie_v down_o the_o title_n by_o which_o they_o all_o pretend_v a_o right_n to_o independency_n and_o show_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o the_o which_o they_o do_v all_o of_o they_o now_o as_o pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la dimicare_fw-la against_o their_o christian_a brethren_n who_o they_o ordinary_a stile_n presbytyrant_n but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o must_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o before_o there_o be_v any_o break_n out_o to_o open_a hostility_n all_o thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o amicable_a and_o lovely_a way_n and_o the_o controversy_n be_v dispute_v con_v and_o pro_fw-la in_o a_o legal_a manner_n every_o one_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n for_o their_o way_n and_o cause_n and_o that_o in_o forâ—â—onscientiâ—_n before_o judge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a law_n where_o all_o the_o advocate_n for_o the_o independent_a cause_n be_v full_o hear_v speak_v and_o plead_v for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o party_n whatsoever_o they_o now_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o free_o to_o bring_v in_o their_o witness_n which_o be_v full_o likewise_o hear_v now_o they_o have_v but_o one_o witness_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n and_o he_o be_v find_v doubtful_a in_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o his_o testimony_n be_v full_o examine_v it_o be_v abundant_o make_v appear_v by_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o contrary_a party_n that_o shall_v his_o affidavit_fw-la be_v allow_v of_o as_o clear_v in_o every_o particular_a and_o punctilio_fw-la of_o it_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o prove_v any_o just_a title_n they_o have_v to_o their_o independency_n nay_o though_o they_o have_v many_o such_o whereupon_o the_o court_n can_v neither_o in_o justice_n or_o equity_n admit_v of_o that_o witness_n his_o testimony_n and_o all_o those_o that_o have_v any_o understanding_n in_o cause_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o debate_n full_o on_o both_o side_n will_v i_o be_o most_o confident_a conclude_v that_o shall_v the_o judge_n have_v allow_v of_o their_o witness_n testimony_n and_o so_o have_v grant_v the_o independent_o their_o cause_n that_o they_o have_v be_v unrighteous_a judge_n and_o there_o have_v be_v then_o just_a cause_n of_o appeal_n to_o some_o high_a court_n and_o tribunal_n but_o the_o judge_n in_o conscience_n have_v give_v sentence_n according_a to_o law_n and_o justice_n against_o the_o independent_a party_n and_o they_o notwithstanding_o still_o challenge_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o independency_n although_o i_o say_v it_o be_v make_v apparent_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o can_v not_o just_o challenge_v or_o claim_v any_o right_n thereunto_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o his_o church_n they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o groundless_a challenge_n and_o be_v resolve_v that_o they_o will_v be_v either_o soli_fw-la aut_fw-la nulli_fw-la will_v admit_v of_o no_o fair_a accommodation_n as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n break_v out_o into_o open_a hostility_n and_o war_n against_o their_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a unto_o covenant_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v brief_o set_v down_o in_o the_o schismatic_n sift_v set_v forth_o by_o mr._n john_n vicarâ—_n and_o let_v fly_v their_o arrow_n and_o quill_n at_o we_o and_o with_o the_o poison_n and_o venom_n of_o they_o wound_v and_o slay_v not_o a_o few_o invade_v our_o frontier_n and_o territory_n beat_v up_o our_o quarter_n plunder_v and_o spoil_v of_o we_o of_o our_o best_a and_o fat_a sheep_n and_o lamb_n make_v ever_o and_o anon_o false_a alarm_n upon_o we_o and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n send_v we_o challenge_n to_o the_o terrify_n of_o many_o in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o force_v some_o to_o run_v into_o the_o river_n and_o jordan_n round_o about_o stark_o naked_a over_o head_n and_o ear_n like_o mad_a man_n and_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n to_o the_o kill_n and_o murder_v of_o certain_a of_o they_o yea_o they_o begin_v to_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o wife_n of_o our_o child_n and_o of_o our_o servant_n and_o indeed_o of_o our_o very_a substance_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v constrain_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n to_o come_v out_o to_o meet_v they_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o which_o will_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o speedy_o if_o these_o rover_n may_v go_v on_o without_o control_n and_o resistance_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o combat_n the_o presbyterian_o hitherto_o have_v use_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a battle_n i_o shall_v here_o set_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o warrant_n by_o which_o they_o challenge_v a_o title_n and_o right_a to_o independency_n and_o withal_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o plead_n before_o they_o come_v to_o hostility_n with_o the_o name_n of_o some_o of_o their_o chief_a advocate_n and_o patron_n who_o live_v sometime_o in_o the_o low-countries_n among_o the_o country_n courtier_n there_o where_o they_o become_v excellent_a proficient_n in_o their_o art_n and_o where_o they_o learn_v this_o lesson_n perfect_o well_o viz._n how_o to_o spread_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o independent_o butter_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o skill_n and_o learning_n which_o make_v their_o tongue_n in_o all_o their_o plead_n run_v very_o glib_a and_o these_o be_v all_o very_a well_o feed_v plead_v their_o cause_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o follow_v the_o court_n be_v set_v the_o chief_a judge_n or_o prolocutor_n after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o debate_n and_o cause_n desire_v the_o advocate_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n and_o for_o farrh_a proof_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o plea_n to_o bring_v in_o their_o witness_n and_o evidence_n with_o their_o reason_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o great_a charter_n of_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o will_v prove_v their_o title_n and_o right_a to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evince_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o can_v 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 that_o this_o church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n be_v independent_a promise_a and_o that_o faithful_o withal_o the_o other_o judge_n that_o if_o they_o can_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n witness_n and_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n the_o charter_n of_o the_o great_a king_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o controversy_n than_o shall_v speedy_o be_v decide_v between_o they_o and_o that_o they_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n than_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o honest_o whereupon_o first_o thomas_n goodwin_n a_o sturdy_a advocate_n produce_v for_o witness_v the_o first_o v._o of_o the_o 2._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n in_o these_o word_n when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v they_o be_v all_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n ergo_fw-la say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v he_o plead_v and_o evidence_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o tell_v how_o the_o other_o advocate_v argue_v their_o cause_n i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o roman_a character_n that_o the_o most_o unlearned_a may_v read_v they_o and_o i_o will_v afterward_o give_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o show_v how_o both_o these_o advocate_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n be_v mistake_v in_o that_o witness_n and_o testimony_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n they_o build_v their_o whole_a new_a babel_n upon_o and_o show_v withal_o how_o they_o with_o violence_n force_v that_o witness_n to_o speak_v otherwise_o then_o he_o mean_v and_o that_o the_o word_n take_v according_a to_o the_o original_n and_o according_a to_o all_o solid_a reason_n bring_v in_o no_o such_o evidence_n nor_o carry_v no_o such_o sense_n or_o
meaning_n as_o they_o put_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v of_o a_o place_n howsoever_o it_o creep_v in_o in_o our_o translation_n all_o this_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o evince_v this_o also_o that_o they_o lay_v that_o foundation_n of_o their_o new_a fabric_n only_o in_o the_o air_n or_o chimaera_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n but_o for_o the_o word_n in_o roman_a character_n they_o be_v homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la and_o now_o i_o will_v relate_v how_o philip_n nye_n a_o very_a busy_a advocate_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o independency_n and_o what_o his_o testimony_n be_v who_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o prolocutor_n to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o assertion_n he_o fly_v to_o the_o same_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n then_o after_o he_o come_v in_o jeremy_n burrough_n a_o stout_a advocate_n who_o be_v demand_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n for_o the_o make_n of_o affidavit_fw-la to_o what_o they_o have_v plead_v he_o also_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o with_o a_o great_a outice_n say_v and_o they_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n then_o come_v in_o sydrack_n sympson_n a_o brave_a burly_n and_o well_o spread_v advocate_n who_o be_v by_o the_o prolocutor_n request_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n produce_v the_o very_a same_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v before_o cry_v out_o pleno_fw-la ore_fw-la &_o pingui_fw-la ore_fw-la voce_fw-la that_o they_o be_v altogether_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n i_o will_v not_o mention_v the_o other_o advocate_n for_o they_o be_v all_o at_o their_o homothumadon_n and_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o thus_o do_v these_o brave_a pleader_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o argue_v their_o cause_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n also_o into_o the_o court_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o their_o witness_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v from_o first_o to_o last_o as_o on_o purpose_n show_v this_o as_o if_o his_o scope_n have_v be_v before_o to_o prevent_v and_o preclude_v all_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o they_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o this_o their_o reason_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o substance_n that_o all_o those_o restless_a spirit_a rabbi_n have_v for_o this_o great_a war_n and_o contention_n between_o we_o and_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n and_o that_o their_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v this_o distraction_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o state_n to_o the_o seduce_a and_o mislead_v of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a soul_n to_o the_o utter_a ruine_n of_o many_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o set_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n on_o fire_n which_o with_o all_o their_o tear_n if_o ever_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v they_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o they_o can_v never_o quench_v and_o for_o the_o better_a deceive_v of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v so_o accustom_v their_o mouth_n to_o homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la that_o very_a sagomour_n will_n that_o have_v no_o more_o greek_a in_o he_o then_o a_o horse_n upon_o every_o occasion_n come_v out_o with_o his_o homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n which_o concern_v not_o only_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n but_o be_v of_o everlasting_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o they_o continual_o trifle_v and_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o cat_n usual_o do_v one_o with_o a_o other_o who_o when_o they_o have_v spend_v all_o their_o strength_n with_o fight_v and_o when_o they_o can_v neither_o scratch_v nor_o bite_v any_o long_o than_o they_o spit_v one_o at_o another_o and_o make_v ugly_a face_n even_o so_o do_v these_o man_n with_o we_o when_o they_o have_v torment_v themselves_o &_o spend_v their_o force_n in_o wrangle_v have_v never_o a_o argument_n leave_v to_o maintain_v their_o groundless_a wicked_a and_o divide_v opinion_n than_o they_o stand_v stare_v on_o we_o &_o as_o a_o last_o refuge_n come_v out_o with_o their_o homothumadon_v epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la and_o thus_o spit_v a_o little_a greek_a in_o our_o face_n which_o the_o delude_a people_n not_o understanding_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n get_v on_o the_o independent_o side_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n yeâ—_n of_o their_o whole_a army_n lie_v here_o and_o depend_v upon_o this_o fort_n i_o mean_v these_o word_n of_o the_o heavenly_a charter_n i_o will_v take_v the_o more_o pain_n for_o find_v out_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o wickedness_n and_o vanity_n for_o it_o be_v no_o better_a of_o all_o these_o homothumadon_n impostor_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o make_v some_o stay_n in_o explayn_v the_o mind_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o because_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o key_n and_o inlet_n for_o the_o open_n and_o the_o better_a make_v way_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o whole_a dispute_n so_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n may_v from_o the_o unfolding_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o juggle_n of_o these_o ungodly_a man_n but_o first_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o reverend_a judge_n sit_v in_o the_o court_n i_o mean_v the_o reverend_a assembly_n where_o this_o cause_n be_v full_o hear_v and_o debate_v where_o the_o homothumadon_n have_v liberty_n full_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o &_o to_o bring_v in_o whatsoever_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n howsoever_o they_o have_v false_o give_v out_o to_o the_o contrary_a now_o for_o answer_v to_o their_o reason_n above_o mention_v the_o reverend_a assembly_n reply_v that_o they_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v rather_o to_o show_v the_o early_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n jer._n 32._o 39_o of_o give_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n by_o his_o so_o frequent_a mention_v homothumadon_n &_o epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la as_o adjunct_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n meeting_n then_o as_o our_o brethren_n suggest_v to_o prevent_v and_o preclude_v all_o reason_n against_o this_o assertion_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o there_o be_v most_o excellent_a reason_n for_o this_o reply_n &_o answer_v of_o the_o reverend_a &_o learned_a assembly_n to_o their_o wicked_a cavil_n for_o so_o i_o may_v true_o call_v it_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o make_v merchandise_n of_o they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n in_o the_o world_n which_o all_o the_o homothumadon_v minister_n and_o predicant_o and_o itinerary_a preacer_n be_v most_o deep_o guilty_a of_o who_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o people_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v and_o most_o abominable_o cheat_v they_o especial_o the_o silly_a woman_n now_o if_o we_o do_v due_o examine_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o native_a sense_n and_o true_a meaning_n it_o will_v most_o manifest_o appear_v that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a assembly_n be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a and_o solid_a reason_n which_o all_o the_o slight_a of_o all_o the_o homothumadon_n and_o their_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v simple_a soul_n will_v be_v make_v more_o orient_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o colour_n first_o therefore_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o its_o original_a language_n and_o then_o give_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o tongue_n act_v the_o second_o v._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o translation_n be_v this_o when_o the_o day_n of_o
church_n at_o one_o time_n without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o then_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n 14._o and_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n mark_v i_o pray_v the_o expression_n multitude_n now_o by_o multitude_n all_o man_n know_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o in_o all_o language_n a_o very_a great_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n or_o company_n whereupon_o the_o scripture_n say_v follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o by_o multitude_n be_v ever_o understand_v some_o vast_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n and_o here_o the_o scripture_n say_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o multitude_n and_o that_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o expression_n do_v as_o it_o be_v intimate_v that_o they_o come_v in_o so_o fast_o that_o they_o can_v not_o now_o any_o long_o be_v count_v as_o it_o be_v by_o retail_n or_o enumerate_v company_n as_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o small_a number_n as_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v tell_v and_o reckon_v but_o that_o now_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o set_v they_o down_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n yea_o and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o this_o business_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o here_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v ascertain_v there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o have_v their_o meeting_n not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o several_a private_a house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a witness_n as_o that_o out_o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n daily_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o two_o more_o witness_n also_o in_o this_o five_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v record_v verse_n 14._o that_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o no_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o business_n the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n be_v also_o express_v viz._n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o point_n be_v so_o evident_o apparent_a to_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n that_o they_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o except_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n itself_o yet_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o controversy_n may_v yet_o more_o full_o be_v clear_v i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o coroborrate_n of_o it_o and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o produce_v a_o few_o testimony_n more_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n verse_n 7._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n increase_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n here_o we_o find_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o more_o addition_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o among_o these_o multitude_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v convert_v and_o all_o these_o several_a admission_n of_o believer_n into_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v without_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n require_v now_o of_o their_o new_a member_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o come_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n before_o their_o admission_n nothing_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n in_o this_o mother-church_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o admission_n in_o our_o new_a congregation_n be_v without_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n and_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v most_o wicked_o to_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o their_o practice_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n but_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v the_o multiplication_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o disciple_n to_o the_o former_a add_v withal_o that_o among_o those_o disciple_n and_o convert_v that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o what_o a_o increase_n of_o believer_n may_v any_o man_n suppose_v there_o must_v then_o needs_o follow_v when_o so_o many_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v convert_v without_o doubt_v when_o the_o people_n see_v their_o priest_n turn_v christian_n and_o hear_v they_o also_o in_o their_o preach_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n for_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v withal_o the_o daily_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v infinite_o multiply_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o conversion_n of_o man_n before_o speak_v of_o yet_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a priest_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v have_v procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o more_o than_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v for_o we_o find_v it_o by_o hourly_a experience_n how_o many_o hundred_o be_v daily_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o a_o few_o temporize_a unstable_a presbyter_n who_o be_v turn_v independent_o and_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o mischief_n they_o have_v do_v here_o among_o we_o so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o place_n can_v contain_v their_o proselyte_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o miracle_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o if_o but_o any_o rich_a and_o craze_a gentlewoman_n or_o any_o confound_a lady_n turn_v independent_a or_o if_o but_o any_o unstable_a man_n of_o any_o eminency_n revolt_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n what_o a_o noise_n there_o be_v by_o and_o by_o make_v at_o it_o and_o how_o many_o giddy_a head_a man_n and_o woman_n especial_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o prodigy_n now_o i_o say_v all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o truth_n shall_v much_o more_o prevail_v then_o error_n and_o that_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n and_o of_o such_o learned_a rabbi_n and_o those_o also_o in_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o people_n have_v withal_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o to_o the_o speedy_a conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o yea_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v to_o say_v convert_v many_o and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o not_o in_o a_o small_a manner_n and_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o
in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assert_v in_o many_o place_n make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o how_o in_o any_o ordinary_a man_n understanding_n can_v many_o congregation_n be_v one_o political_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o associate_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n there_o as_o this_o 21._o ch_z testify_v and_o the_o 15._o chap._n and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n all_o which_o have_v the_o government_n over_o that_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o wonder_n to_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v any_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o abundant_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v yet_o assert_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o scripture_n very_o common_a reason_n overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n in_o which_o there_o be_v never_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n who_o daily_o expect_v the_o messiah_n who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o he_o come_v have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n at_o his_o command_n to_o go_v and_o come_v at_o pleasure_n who_o powerful_a preach_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o satan_n be_v see_v fall_n down_o like_o iightning_n from_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o kingdom_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o by_o all_o who_o efficacious_a preach_n and_o miracle_n we_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o at_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o time_n beside_o daily_a addition_n add_v unto_o that_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v daily_o increase_v of_o believer_n upon_o increase_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n settle_v minister_n among_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v yet_o prevail_v to_o convert_v no_o more_o in_o future_a time_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n it_o seem_v a_o thing_n very_o incredible_a and_o true_o for_o any_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o error_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o against_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o have_v it_o record_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o very_a weak_a believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n beside_o the_o strong_a it_o be_v a_o open_a and_o wilful_a fight_v against_o god_n and_o a_o resist_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n for_o all_o these_o be_v convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o numberless_a multitude_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o thâ—s_n brigade_n of_o argument_n militate_v against_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n sectary_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v for_o ever_o serve_v to_o vanquish_v they_o all_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o field_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o every_o one_o a_o church_n or_o church_n several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o as_o all_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n do_v now_o here_o in_o london_n but_o all_o those_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o subordinate_a and_o be_v combine_v together_o make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n within_o that_o precinct_n the_o example_n of_o which_o mother-church_n be_v leave_v upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n for_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o concern_v the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o air_n and_o will_v soon_o vanish_v or_o be_v speedy_o blow_v away_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o breath_n of_o truth_n now_o my_o other_o company_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n they_o militate_v against_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o deny_v they_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v now_o though_o by_o their_o grant_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o day_n as_o in_o the_o follow_a skirmish_n will_v appear_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o sconce_n of_o error_n to_o which_o they_o have_v betake_v themselves_o can_v defend_v their_o cause_n i_o shall_v with_o one_o company_n at_o this_o time_n beat_v they_o out_o of_o that_o hold_n and_o full_o vanquish_v they_o in_o the_o pitch_a field_n it_o be_v record_v act._n 2._o v._n 42._o of_o all_o those_o new_a convert_n which_o be_v in_o many_o assembly_n &_o in_o many_o house_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n this_o very_a troop_n alone_o serve_v for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o what_o bulwark_n soever_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o to_o for_o shelter_n for_o if_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_a in_o all_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n with_o any_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v in_o they_o several_o whatsoever_o do_v make_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n than_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a so_o that_o to_o any_o rational_a man_n this_o question_n be_v also_o out_o of_o controversy_n for_o let_v any_o man_n but_o due_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o thâ—y_o each_o of_o they_o several_o may_v as_o true_o challenge_v the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v they_o communicate_v in_o whatsoever_o be_v essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o church_n a_o complete_a church_n or_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n by_o lawful_a minister_n can_v make_v any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o by_o this_o one_o company_n and_o by_o this_o very_a argument_n all_o the_o whible_a reserve_v of_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v and_o that_o place_n of_o truth_n maintain_v against_o they_o all_o viz._n that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o every_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o independent_a and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n within_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o truth_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o all_o sort_n of_o independent_o that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o some_o one_o college_n of_o presbyter_n make_v all_o of_o they_o within_o their_o precinct_n but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n which_o have_v neither_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n so_o that_o by_o all_o these_o encounter_n and_o frequent_a skirmish_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o host_n the_o general_n of_o all_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o have_v vanquish_v all_o the_o force_n both_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o and_o all_o the_o burtonian_a sectary_n and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v not_o only_o the_o field_n of_o truth_n but_o these_o
two_o sconce_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o main_a battle_n will_v be_v full_o make_v good_a and_o withal_o it_o will_v be_v maintain_v that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n that_o be_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n who_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a by_o all_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v who_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n it_o be_v that_o every_o congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v it_o great_a or_o small_a aught_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a church_n or_o body_n by_o itself_o exercise_v all_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v reference_n or_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o congregation_n for_o matter_n of_o government_n no_o far_o then_o please_v themselves_o and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n there_o be_v innumerable_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n for_o those_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o do_v affirm_v be_v but_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o entire_a church_n these_o be_v their_o word_n by_o all_o which_o it_o now_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o his_o appointment_n that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o some_o precinct_n shall_v all_o of_o they_o within_o that_o jurisdiction_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o in_o common_a which_o be_v indeed_o a_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a corporation_n and_o therefore_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n may_v without_o any_o offence_n or_o diviation_n from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v by_o i_o to_o any_o civil_a corporation_n as_o that_o of_o london_n or_o the_o like_a for_o though_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n spend_v much_o time_n and_o many_o word_n to_o no_o purpose_n about_o my_o simile_n yet_o it_o will_v stand_v for_o ever_o immovable_a and_o serve_v to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n for_o that_o very_a end_n i_o propound_v it_o viz._n to_o declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n yea_o by_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n pag_n the_o four_o of_o his_o pamphlet_n it_o be_v authorize_v for_o he_o there_o after_o much_o babble_n thus_o express_v himself_o concern_v this_o point_n when_o say_v he_o we_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o device_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o we_o may_v find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o they_o in_o thing_n here_o below_o which_o be_v make_v after_o they_o but_o we_o can_v fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a composure_n from_o these_o earthly_a thing_n thus_o j._n s._n speak_v there_o so_o that_o i_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n and_o original_a church_n find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o heavenly_a composure_n and_o that_o device_n of_o god_n as_o he_o grollish_o call_v it_o it_o be_v then_o no_o sin_n in_o i_o in_o i._o s._n his_o opinion_n to_o find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o thing_n below_o and_o therefore_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v have_v save_v all_o that_o labour_n they_o needless_o spend_v about_o that_o simile_n which_o will_v ever_o stand_v good_a against_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o the_o elucidating_a and_o clear_n of_o the_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o independent_o which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o and_o there_o before_o all_o the_o pother_n they_o make_v about_o that_o simile_n be_v but_o to_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o to_o vent_v their_o own_o vanity_n but_o from_o all_o this_o dispute_n that_o i_o may_v now_o speak_v something_o concern_v nationall_n church_n which_o the_o independent_o deny_v i_o far_a gather_v that_o if_o many_o hundred_o congregation_n be_v combine_v together_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o any_o great_a city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o any_o large_a jurisdiction_n may_v all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o may_v take_v its_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o city_n or_o place_n in_o which_o it_o be_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o thousand_o parish_n yea_o ten_o thousand_o all_o of_o they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n in_o what_o kingdom_n nation_n province_n country_n or_o commonwealth_n soever_o they_o be_v may_v not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o those_o several_a country_n be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o under_o some_o grand_a presbytery_n take_v their_o several_a name_n and_o denomination_n either_o from_o those_o respective_a nation_n or_o language_n and_o be_v call_v either_o the_o greek_a church_n or_o the_o hebrew_n church_n or_o the_o latin_a church_n or_o the_o french_a church_n or_o the_o dutch_a church_n etc._n etc._n or_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n ireland_n or_o or_o such_o a_o provincial_n church_n or_o such_o a_o nationall_n church_n i_o say_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o if_o all_o those_o several_a nation_n come_v in_o at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o of_o they_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v not_o as_o well_o from_o those_o several_a nation_n take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o nation_n as_o they_o may_v take_v it_o from_o jerusalem_n or_o from_o any_o other_o city_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o become_v nationall_n church_n i_o desire_v therefore_o any_o man_n to_o give_v i_o a_o good_a and_o solid_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n which_o he_o be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o natural_a posterity_n for_o he_o be_v only_o in_o that_o regard_n a_o father_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o challenge_v abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o spiritual_a parentage_n in_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o child_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o beleif_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o day_n abraham_n by_o faith_n see_v and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o believer_n do_v and_o therefore_o they_o likewise_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v call_v the_o child_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o abraham_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o call_v nationall_n church_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o with_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n deny_v for_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o glorious_a promise_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o gentile_n as_o that_o in_o isaiah_n 19_o for_o 23_o 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o day_n shall_v there_o be_v a_o highway_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o assyria_n and_o the_o assyrian_a shall_v come_v into_o egypt_n and_o the_o egyptian_a into_o assyria_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v serve_v with_o the_o assyrian_n in_o that_o day_n shall_v israel_n be_v the_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o with_o assyria_n even_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n here_o all_o these_o three_o nation_n be_v call_v three_o sister_n church_n if_o we_o mark_v the_o coherence_n and_o for_o far_a proof_n of_o nationall_n church_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v isaiah_n 55._o 5._o thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n which_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o which_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o both_o god_n call_v of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o nation_n answer_v to_o that_o call_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o gospel_n time_n psal_n 22._o 27
and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v worship_v before_o thou_o and_o psal_n 72._o it_o be_v say_v all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o psal_n 86._o 9_o all_o nation_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o shall_v glorify_v thy_o name_n innumerable_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o nationall_n church_n for_o all_o nation_n be_v christ_n by_o donation_n psal_n 2._o 8._o ask_v of_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o christ_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o conquest_n who_o have_v vanquish_v the_o strong_a man_n and_o disarm_v he_o and_o vindicate_v the_o nation_n into_o his_o own_o possession_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o purchase_n also_o viz._n all_o the_o elect_a of_o they_o for_o he_o have_v redeem_v they_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n 1_o pet._n 1._o act_n 20._o yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o call_n for_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n into_o all_o nation_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v in_o matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o many_o of_o they_o obey_v the_o call_n and_o be_v he_o by_o covenant_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o revel_v 11._o v._n 15._o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o paul_n in_o the_o 11._o of_o the_o rom_n speak_v unto_o all_o the_o gentile_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n say_v for_o 17._o that_o some_o of_o the_o natural_a branch_n be_v break_v off_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o nation_n be_v equal_a in_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o respect_n so_o that_o as_o that_o be_v a_o national_a church_n so_o be_v they_o and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep_n fold_n one_o church_n consist_v of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o one_o nationall_n church_n because_o all_o the_o tribe_n in_o that_o family_n or_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o visible_a and_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o same_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o live_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a government_n be_v by_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o government_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n ecclesiastic_a or_o ecclesiastical_a commonwealth_n so_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v all_o those_o kingdom_n nation_n country_n and_o province_n that_o shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o come_v under_o the_o government_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a high_a priest_n and_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o do_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o government_n he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v join_v in_o a_o particular_a consociation_n and_o community_n in_o any_o country_n nation_n or_o province_n or_o kingdom_n receive_v their_o denomination_n from_o the_o several_a country_n &_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o church_n eatholick_n be_v a_o homogenial_a and_o similar_v body_n retain_v the_o name_n of_o church_n into_o what_o city_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n soever_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o for_o as_o those_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o have_v its_o name_n from_o thence_o so_o may_v the_o many_o parish_n and_o village_n which_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o their_o several_a bound_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o christian_a faith_n make_v but_o one_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o through_o that_o country_n combine_v together_o under_o one_o government_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a for_o as_o for_o the_o division_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v mere_o as_o a_o humane_a and_o politic_a ordinance_n as_o many_o conceive_v and_o therefore_o will_v make_v provincial_n church_n and_o parish_n church_n a_o humane_a invention_n for_o in_o the_o 32._o of_o deut._n v._n 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n so_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o division_n and_o give_v their_o several_a name_n unto_o they_o and_o set_v all_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n yea_o he_o have_v set_v the_o bound_n of_o every_o man_n as_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_v 17._o where_o he_o say_v verse_n 26._o that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o time_n before_o appoint_v and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n so_o that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o divers_a nation_n and_o those_o nation_n into_o several_a province_n and_o county_n and_o those_o county_n into_o so_o many_o hundred_o and_o wapentake_v or_o rape_n or_o tribe_n and_o all_o these_o into_o so_o many_o several_a parish_n be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n own_o appointment_n for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v divide_v the_o nation_n &_o tohave_v set_v they_o their_o bound_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v no_o reason_n why_o parish_n church_n among_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v account_v god_n ordinance_n as_o parish_n synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o city_n church_n among_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v god_n ordinance_n now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o for_o so_o by_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n esteem_v and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o new-england_n all_o their_o several_a town_n as_o that_o of_o plymouth_n bostorne_n cambridge_n etc._n etc._n have_v all_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o all_o the_o people_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o no_o far_o that_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o their_o government_n be_v say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o each_o several_a church_n and_o of_o no_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v as_o much_o politic_a as_o the_o division_n of_o our_o parish_n and_o city_n and_o those_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o every_o city_n village_n and_o country_n be_v as_o much_o politic_a as_o we_o and_o yet_o be_v call_v god_n ordinance_n and_o true_o i_o know_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o our_o parish_n church_n shall_v not_o far_o rather_o and_o with_o far_o great_a reason_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n than_o those_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o our_o several_a parish_n dwell_v within_o such_o and_o such_o limit_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v all_o well_o and_o familiar_o know_v one_o to_o a_o other_o and_o every_o week_n once_o at_o least_o see_v all_o one_o a_o other_o face_n and_o can_v daily_o meet_v together_o for_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n dwell_v many_o of_o they_o twenty_o mile_n one_o from_o another_o and_o some_o threescore_o mile_n one_o from_o another_o and_o all_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o great_a distance_n one_o from_o another_o scatter_v here_o and_o there_o so_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o one_o watch_n over_o a_o other_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o behold_v one_o a_o other_o conversation_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o for_o my_o particular_a i_o know_v that_o the_o parochial_a or_o parishional_a assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o ordinance_n have_v precedent_n for_o it_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o many_o both_o in_o city_n and_o village_n but_o we_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v now_o in_o our_o new_a church_n in_o all_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o all_o our_o parochial_a meeting_n be_v far_o more_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o by_o the_o same_o
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which_o they_o spread_v &_o blow_v abroad_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o simple_a creature_n persuade_v they_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v be_v more_o tyrannical_a and_o lordly_a then_o ever_o the_o prelate_n be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v a_o antichristian_a brood_n the_o son_n of_o belial_n the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o nor_o can_v lawful_o hear_v they_o or_o read_v any_o thing_n they_o write_v or_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n persuade_v they_o that_o all_o they_o write_v or_o preach_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o disthron_n of_o christ_n &_o the_o set_v he_o up_o as_o a_o pageant_n king_n but_o indeed_o all_o their_o endeavour_n be_v but_o while_o they_o cry_v hail_n master_n to_o crucify_v he_o as_o the_o wicked_a jew_n do_v and_o with_o such_o uncouth_a &_o barbarous_a noise_n as_o these_o they_o have_v put_v the_o people_n general_o into_o such_o a_o heat_n fury_n and_o distemper_n against_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o they_o have_v deter_v many_o thousand_o from_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v they_o or_o come_v into_o their_o presence_n yea_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o of_o they_o but_o accidental_o happen_v into_o their_o company_n they_o find_v they_o more_o barbarous_a towards_o they_o then_o the_o very_a turk_n be_v towards_o many_o christian_n even_o when_o they_o have_v they_o at_o their_o mercy_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v the_o presbyterian_o at_o their_o mercy_n they_o will_v find_v less_o courtesy_n from_o they_o then_o from_o the_o very_a saricen_n and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a ground_n for_o this_o my_o persuasion_n from_o that_o insolent_a behaviour_n i_o myself_o have_v see_v they_o exercise_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o presbyterian_o but_o principal_o towards_o the_o minister_n who_o they_o affront_v often_o and_o that_o in_o a_o unseemly_a manner_n in_o the_o very_a church_n while_o they_o be_v in_o their_o ministry_n and_o when_o they_o go_v and_o pass_v along_o the_o street_n and_o when_o they_o pass_v but_o through_o the_o town_n where_o there_o be_v any_o store_n or_o company_n of_o they_o for_o they_o can_v ride_v by_o any_o of_o they_o without_o some_o reproachful_a calumny_n or_o other_o or_o without_o some_o uncivil_a behaviour_n which_o will_v not_o be_v tolerate_v in_o very_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o as_o for_o myself_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o neither_o mywife_n nor_o my_o poor_a child_n can_v pass_v quiet_o by_o the_o street_n for_o they_o without_o some_o contumelious_a disgraceful_a language_n from_o they_o and_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a though_o i_o never_o wrong_v they_o i_o can_v true_o say_v and_o can_v also_o prove_v it_o that_o i_o have_v and_o that_o often_o after_o they_o hear_v i_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n suffer_v such_o inhumanity_n from_o many_o of_o they_o as_o scarce_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v from_o
council_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o make_v a_o new_a choice_n for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o will_v speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o intelligible_a and_o wise_a man_n such_o as_o love_v their_o religion_n and_o country_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o any_o sectary_n whatsoever_o whether_o independent_a antinomian_n anabaptist_n seeker_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o fugitive_n that_o have_v run_v over_o into_o holland_n or_o new-england_n to_o set_v up_o new_a church_n there_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o without_o doubt_n will_v with_o all_o their_o ability_n and_o power_n labour_n to_o maintain_v their_o several_a faction_n all_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o ruineâ—of_o this_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o our_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v they_o be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o ever_o the_o papist_n be_v yea_o the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o they_o be_v more_o destructive_a to_o all_o government_n then_o ever_o those_o of_o the_o jesuit_n be_v or_o the_o most_o inveterate_a papist_n that_o ever_o yet_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o if_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o sit_v in_o parliament_n i_o shall_v ever_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o land_n that_o any_o sectary_n what_o ever_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n especial_o it_o be_v daily_o perceive_v that_o all_o the_o sectary_n through_o the_o land_n have_v their_o encouragement_n from_o some_o of_o they_o to_o do_v mischief_n every_o where_o but_o if_o the_o people_n through_o the_o kingdom_n will_v not_o humble_o perition_n the_o parliament_n that_o all_o such_o with_o all_o minor_n and_o novice_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v proclaim_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o a_o curse_n to_o that_o people_n who_o have_v child_n for_o their_o prince_n isa_n 3._o whether_o they_o be_v child_n in_o respect_n of_o year_n or_o discretion_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a presage_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n ruin_n where_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o divide_v among_o themselves_o but_o their_o counsel_n also_o which_o they_o be_v through_o the_o whole_a land_n in_o all_o their_o committee_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o sectary_n and_o independent_o on_o all_o side_n who_o be_v the_o only_a fomenter_n of_o faction_n and_o division_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v get_v all_o the_o wealth_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o land_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n with_o most_o of_o the_o strength_n with_o the_o ruin_n and_o misery_n of_o many_o the_o lord_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v timely_o see_v into_o their_o danger_n and_o petition_v the_o great_a council_n that_o all_o the_o sectary_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o ofall_v office_n and_o committee_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n through_o the_o kingdom_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v brag_v of_o any_o service_n do_v for_o the_o state_n it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a actor_n in_o that_o employment_n but_o ten_o to_o one_o better_a christian_n then_o themselves_o do_v the_o work_n though_o they_o have_v get_v all_o the_o honour_n from_o they_o and_o have_v be_v ever_o well_o pay_v for_o it_o when_o the_o other_o want_v their_o money_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v be_v so_o well_o regard_v already_o above_o other_o they_o may_v hold_v their_o peace_n and_o be_v latisfy_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o before_o the_o war_n begin_v be_v worth_a any_o thing_n yet_o now_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a when_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v to_o great_a estate_n and_o be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o parliament_n and_o faithfull_a to_o it_o with_o few_o self_n end_v then_o they_o have_v be_v be_v many_o of_o they_o destitute_a of_o livelihood_n and_o many_o more_o of_o they_o by_o the_o calumny_n and_o lie_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n be_v now_o in_o disgrace_n and_o all_o their_o service_n be_v forget_v all_o the_o which_o thing_n beside_o the_o dangerousnesse_n of_o these_o man_n doctrine_n shall_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v both_o their_o teach_n and_o teacher_n and_o complice_n and_o abetter_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a out_o of_o my_o love_n to_o my_o country_n and_o out_o of_o my_o desire_n of_o all_o man_n salvation_n to_o speak_v if_o my_o word_n shall_v find_v any_o esteem_n or_o any_o shall_v for_o sake_n the_o error_n of_o their_o new_a way_n by_o see_v the_o truth_n i_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o count_v myself_o happy_a but_o if_o man_n resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o by-path_n of_o ignorance_n i_o will_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 38._o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a let_v he_o be_v ignorant_a still_o the_o utter_a rout_v of_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n with_o the_o total_a overthrow_n of_o their_o hirarchy_n that_o new_a babel_n more_o groundless_a than_o that_o of_o the_o prelate_n 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 and_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 in_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n rom._n 12._o 18._o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o discord_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 5_o the_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 hatred_n say_v the_o apostle_n variance_n emulation_n strife_n heresy_n etc._n etc._n and_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 reformation_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 18._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 elect_v and_o choose_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 without_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n or_o alderman_n or_o common-counsel_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n among_o their_o several_a company_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o one_o be_v never_o so_o much_o injure_v and_o damnify_v by_o any_o unjust_a act_n and_o whether_o these_o several_a company_n and_o several_a assembly_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o make_v but_o one_o corporation_n under_o one_o civil_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-counsel_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propound_v that_o every_o one_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o question_n now_o as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n have_v its_o several_a porporation_n through_o all_o pounty_n and_o the_o which_o porporation_n although_o they_o have_v their_o several_a pompany_n in_o they_o yet_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o a_o civil_a presbytery_n and_o common-counsel_n and_o every_o company_n in_o they_o make_v not_o a_o several_a porporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o a_o several_a city_n but_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o common-counsel_n or_o presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o common_a affair_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o take_v away_o and_o remove_v of_o common_a grievance_n and_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n to_o the_o common-counsel_n the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n and_o if_o they_o find_v no_o justice_n there_o nor_o satisfaction_n have_v their_o redress_n and_o appeal_v to_o some_o general_a court_n or_o some_o supreme_a judicature_n as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o redress_n and_o determine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o these_o several_a church_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scrupture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o several_a corporation_n and_o association_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o so_o many_o several_a company_n in_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o presbytery_n or_o common-counsel_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o several_a precinct_n though_o they_o be_v consistent_a of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o according_a to_o the_o several_a hundred_o or_o division_n assign_v to_o each_o presbytery_n and_o all_o these_o several_a association_n to_o be_v grovern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o abuse_n or_o enormity_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o counsel_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n and_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o several_a corporation_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o regulate_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n according_a only_o to_o who_o law_n they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n divide_v into_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n corporation_n or_o precinct_n in_o imitation_n as_o near_o now_o as_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o law_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o their_o government_n doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o the_o several_a church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o particular_a corporation_n or_o association_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o those_o several_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o which_o likewise_o they_o have_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n within_o their_o precinct_n than_o it_o must_v
of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o contrary_a that_o of_o the_o independent_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o it_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n &_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o out_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o 1._o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n &_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 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 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._o 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-council_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 life_n 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 chap._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 to_o the_o
leave_v the_o poor_a sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o say_v when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v when_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o which_o master_n knollys_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v there_o his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o very_o common_a reason_n will_v dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o any_o man_n that_o if_o any_o great_a grazier_n have_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o many_o several_a walk_n and_o place_n of_o pasturage_n to_o feed_v they_o in_o and_o have_v several_a pastor_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o not_o a_o few_o shepherd_n can_v feed_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o give_v they_o all_o a_o charge_n in_o common_a of_o look_v to_o his_o sheep_n and_o feed_v they_o although_o all_o those_o several_a pastor_n be_v to_o have_v a_o general_a care_n of_o all_o those_o sheep_n that_o have_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o several_a walk_n and_o graze_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v his_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o special_a for_o he_o must_v not_o be_v idle_a over_o the_o which_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o particular_a inspection_n and_o care_n for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v the_o flock_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o his_o master_n pleasure_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o other_o fellow_n pastor_n or_o their_o flock_n all_o this_o i_o say_v good_a reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v confirm_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n all_o who_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a all_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o confess_v for_o all_o those_o church_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o govern_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o common_a council_n of_o their_o elder_n this_o presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o ward_n or_o walk_v commit_v unto_o his_o care_n and_o that_o elder_a have_v such_o a_o circuit_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n and_o a_o three_o elder_n have_v such_o a_o precinct_n commit_v to_o his_o cure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n with_o this_o proviso_n always_o that_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o sheep_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v order_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a presbyter_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o well_o regulate_v way_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v if_o every_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n and_o every_o particular_a congregation_n under_o they_o several_o will_v have_v govern_v as_o please_v themselves_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o college_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o diotrephes_n here_o for_o which_o he_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n john_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytry_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o they_o master_n knollys_n himself_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o same_o do_v accord_n who_o cite_v my_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o my_o book_n deduce_v from_o they_o four_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o set_v down_o after_o i_o have_v relate_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o before_o say_v he_o the_o doctor_n come_v to_o prove_v his_o four_o particular_a proposition_n he_o say_v 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 the_o several_a presbyter_n and_o produce_v divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o two_o sheet_n be_v spend_v whole_o in_o prove_v thereof_o from_o the_o 12_o page_n to_o the_o 29._o these_o word_n mr_n knollys_n quote_v out_o of_o my_o book_n now_o hear_v his_o answer_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v only_o prove_v first_o that_o in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n for_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o that_o thou_o ordain_v elder_n city_n by_o city_n tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o second_o that_o as_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v the_o 20._o ver_fw-la 25._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o philippy_n etc._n etc._n three_o that_o those_o several_a church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o 17._o 24._o who_o be_v their_o guide_v obey_v your_o guide_v four_o that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n god_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o four_o conclusion_n master_n knolleys_n gather_v out_o of_o my_o argument_n but_o with_o all_o add_v say_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n be_v dependent_a upon_o a_o supreme_a judicature_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o church_n this_o say_v mr._n knollys_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v his_o expression_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v prove_v first_o etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n the_o four_o conclusion_n now_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o place_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n in_o so_o speak_v all_o which_o shall_v â—t_a be_v grant_v as_o if_o he_o do_v i_o a_o great_a courtesy_n and_o favour_n to_o yield_v unto_o i_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a woâ—ds_n declare_v o_o be_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o truth_n sufficient_o ev_v need_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v except_o he_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o have_v perspicuous_o and_o in_o foe_n maul_v term_n set_v own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o college_n &_o presbyte_v ie_fw-fr of_o elder_n orda_fw-mi n_v and_o constitute_v in_o very_a church_n or_o city_n who_o be_v to_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a congreâ—ations_n within_o their_o â—râ—cin_n â—s_v w_z ch_n m_n knollys_n himself_o consent_v unto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o 4_o conclusion_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v any_o time_n of_o deny_v or_o not_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a jestament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o be_v so_o many_o several_a eccle_n aâ—â—icall_a corpo_fw-it ation_n and_o that_o all_o those_o scripture_n i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v right_o apply_v and_o allege_v now_o have_v be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o business_n be_v in_o question_n and_o agitation_n for_o mr_n knollys_n to_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o dislike_n and_o gainsaying_n but_o when_o he_o confirm_v what_o i_o prove_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o his_o four_o conclusion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o man_n to_o say_v all_o which_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v when_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n these_o be_v
they_o and_o to_o convent_v any_o offender_n before_o they_o and_o to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n if_o the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n such_o a_o power_n be_v every_o presbytery_n invest_v with_o through_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o this_o mr_n knollys_n have_v acknowledge_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o this_o his_o pamphlet_n &_o in_o this_o his_o very_a answer_n concern_v diotrephes_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o and_o all_o this_o s._n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o he_o be_v both_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o member_n that_o the_o presbytery_n rule_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n make_v their_o address_n as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o better_a rectify_v of_o abuse_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n and_o appeal_v always_o unto_o they_o and_o never_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o particular_n as_o first_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o direction_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n but_o to_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o guide_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o fact_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n when_o they_o have_v purloin_v the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v order_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o price_n of_o those_o possession_n that_o be_v sell_v shall_v be_v lay_v down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o that_o distribution_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_n contrary_a to_o this_o order_n ananias_n keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n saphira_n his_o wife_n also_o be_v privy_a to_o it_o hereupon_o the_o people_n appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n than_o lie_v and_o who_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o do_v for_o that_o their_o delinquency_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v act_n the_o 5._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o church_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o of_o this_o proceed_n saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a again_o when_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o this_o abuse_n they_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o of_o the_o act_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o people_n who_o order_v that_o business_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n among_o they_o to_o which_o the_o people_n assent_v this_o also_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o other_o church_n have_v power_n to_o send_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o other_o minister_n into_o any_o other_o place_n to_o preach_v or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 8_o and_o act_n 14_o &_o 15._o for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o preach_v among_o the_o people_n there_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v except_o the_o presbitry_n have_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o they_o we_o see_v also_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o the_o presbitry_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o the_o presbitry_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o likewise_o send_v their_o decree_n by_o their_o minister_n through_o all_o city_n and_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o minister_n again_o s._n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n lay_v not_o in_o the_o people_n hand_n for_o we_o read_v act_n the_o 9_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o &_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n st_n paul_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n lie_v and_o declare_v unto_o they_o how_o matter_n be_v they_o admit_v he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n &_o their_o good_a like_n for_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o these_o proceed_n saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o council_n to_o appeal_v to_o in_o all_o church_n yea_o saint_n john_n know_v also_o that_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n convent_v they_o before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 11._o chap._n and_o 21._o where_o peter_n be_v call_v before_o the_o presbytery_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n there_o which_o he_o do_v all_o with_o show_n there_o be_v there_o a_o stand_a court_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n the_o presbytry_n give_v saint_n paul_n a_o order_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o the_o weak_a one_o which_o he_o follow_v all_o which_o show_v that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v s._n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o &_o therefore_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o where_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o presbyter_n there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v that_o which_o to_o any_o understand_a man_n be_v as_o evident_a a_o and_o clear_a as_o almost_o any_o other_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o when_o mr_n knollys_n have_v prove_v it_o himself_o in_o formal_a word_n in_o many_o place_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o he_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n establish_v in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v those_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o in_o express_a term_n page_n the_o seven_o say_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n may_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o verse_n 17._o in_o these_o word_n he_o confess_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o which_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o court_n there_o for_o judgement_n and_o censure_n and_o inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o court_n or_o magistracy_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n beside_o for_o further_a illustration_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o its_o member_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v over_o its_o member_n now_o all_o man_n that_o have_v read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o plenary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o both_o to_o convent_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o with_o the_o severe_a punishment_n those_o that_o do_v public_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n now_o if_o that_o church_n that_o st._n john_n write_v unto_o be_v equal_a in_o power_n to_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o that_o
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
for_o the_o scripture_n never_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o moral_a worship_n under_o the_o law_n and_o what_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o admit_v member_n then_o into_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o be_v repute_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n and_o proselyte_n there_o after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v require_v now_o for_o make_v of_o any_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a declare_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n unto_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o be_v all_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o that_o and_o in_o token_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o to_o that_o discipline_n he_o have_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v which_o when_o they_o yield_v unto_o and_o take_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n they_o be_v forthwith_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n under_o that_o government_n as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v sometime_o to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n and_o sometime_o to_o a_o city_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o free_a denizen_n and_o citizen_n where_o so_o ever_o the_o gospel_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o city_n be_v faithful_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n by_o the_o ambassador_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o same_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v in_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o it_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v that_o be_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v and_o willing_o submit_v unto_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o in_o sign_n of_o this_o their_o obedience_n and_o faith_n receive_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v forthwith_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o any_o reluctation_n and_o have_v once_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n they_o be_v forthwith_o make_v free_a denizen_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o freeman_n of_o this_o city_n and_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o same_o as_o any_o other_o and_o may_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o city_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o now_o in_o all_o corporation_n through_o the_o world_n they_o that_o be_v citizen_n of_o rome_n or_o they_o that_o be_v freeman_n in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v then_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o may_v abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o any_o place_n and_o traffic_n buy_v and_o purchase_v in_o what_o part_n of_o it_o they_o please_v enjoy_v all_o those_o inmmnity_n that_o any_o than_o do_v and_o so_o likewise_o now_o as_o those_o that_o be_v freeman_n of_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n do_v in_o their_o several_a precinct_n enjoy_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o may_v set_v up_o in_o any_o parish_n or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o city_n or_o within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o same_o and_o exercise_v all_o their_o several_a trade_n and_o have_v as_o much_o privilege_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o citizen_n so_o i_o say_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o city_n which_o be_v his_o church_n every_o one_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o believe_v repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o any_o christian_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n or_o any_o independent_o now_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o city_n the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o require_v no_o more_o of_o all_o man_n and_o people_n in_o their_o time_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o of_o matth._n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o those_o of_o samaria_n in_o the_o 8._o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o eunuch_n paul_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o those_o of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n of_o all_o the_o which_o no_o more_o be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o christian_n but_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v baptise_a by_o which_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n through_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n where_o so_o ever_o they_o come_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n and_o those_o that_o accompany_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o church_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n so_o that_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v baptize_v be_v all_o that_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n or_o of_o any_o people_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o make_v they_o not_o only_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o of_o any_o church_n in_o particular_a if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o give_v credit_n unto_o now_o when_o all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n unto_o john_n do_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o be_v all_o make_v as_o good_a member_n of_o that_o church_n as_o any_o that_o be_v baptize_v after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n by_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o may_v whensoever_o they_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o any_o other_o place_n where_o christian_n dwell_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o those_o do_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n be_v scatter_v who_o we_o read_v of_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o church_n and_o they_o preach_v and_o convert_v the_o people_n and_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o they_o without_o any_o gainsaying_n and_o so_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o be_v baptize_v wheresoever_o they_o travel_v or_o dwell_v whether_o in_o france_n or_o germany_n italy_n or_o the_o low_a country_n or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n among_o the_o true_a protestant_n they_o have_v as_o great_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o those_o church_n as_o any_o of_o the_o native_n for_o they_o be_v all_o free_a denizen_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o free_a man_n of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n that_o any_o member_n may_v do_v i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o break_v of_o bread_n hear_v of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a privilege_n for_o to_o all_o those_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o by_o their_o very_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o their_o baptism_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o live_v a_o godly_a holy_a and_o pious_a life_n unless_o they_o will_v observe_v their_o own_o tradition_n they_o be_v delinquent_n &_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v no_o way_n set_v
and_o accoutrement_n and_o yet_o although_o they_o be_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a assembly_n they_o be_v still_o the_o prelatical_a party_n and_o all_o of_o they_o of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o place_n change_v not_o their_o complexion_n so_o it_o alter_v not_o their_o faith_n nor_o manner_n but_o they_o continne_v still_o malignant_n and_o remain_v all_o member_n of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o in_o these_o day_n all_o that_o wish_v well_o unto_o the_o true_a religion_n through_o both_o city_n and_o kingdom_n and_o love_v their_o country_n stand_v for_o the_o parliament_n so_o in_o those_o day_n those_o that_o love_v zion_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o stand_v for_o he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o all_o computation_n though_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o malignant_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o be_v sway_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n elder_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n yet_o to_o one_o pharisee_n or_o malignant_a scribe_n or_o ruler_n there_o be_v ten_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o honour_v he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o disciple_n yea_o the_o pharisee_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v frame_v no_o argument_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o those_o new_a addition_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o ministry_n consider_v by_o themselves_o a_o part_n from_o those_o that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n convert_v be_v so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n for_o partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v much_o less_o can_v they_o all_o meet_v together_o be_v join_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v through_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n but_o out_o of_o the_o former_a place_n above_o specify_v i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a people_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o pharisee_n account_v accurse_v there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o divers_a congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v except_v there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a people_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o pharisee_n account_v accurse_v ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o divers_a congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a no_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v be_v that_o have_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n produce_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v but_o i_o yet_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o ruler_n and_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o office_n with_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o man_n and_o child_n &_o all_o the_o people_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o 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specify_v prove_v it_o for_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o world_n follow_v he_o that_o be_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o great_a multitude_n entertain_v he_o with_o their_o acclamation_n and_o cry_v hosanna_n the_o very_a child_n also_o second_v they_o and_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n scribes_z and_o elder_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o to_o do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o whole_a people_n we_o see_v here_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o except_z the_o scribes_z pharisee_n elder_n and_o high_a priest_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o be_v very_o few_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o such_o a_o multitude_n there_o be_v of_o they_o as_o for_o that_o present_a they_o so_o awe_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o destroy_v christ_n though_o they_o desire_v it_o so_o that_o the_o minor_a stand_v firm_a and_o from_o the_o premise_n the_o conclusion_n necessary_o follow_v but_o out_o of_o the_o former_a place_n i_o yet_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o water_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o baptize_v they_o all_o nor_o any_o one_o place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n capable_a to_o contain_v or_o receive_v they_o all_o so_o that_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o the_o numerosity_n of_o they_o force_v in_o several_a place_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o and_o baptize_v they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v or_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n be_v to_o be_v distribute_v into_o 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divers_a place_n and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n and_o minor_a of_o the_o syllogism_n they_o be_v so_o evident_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o remain_v incredulous_a and_o continue_v in_o his_o obstinacy_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o necessity_n must_v from_o the_o premise_n be_v grant_v and_o all_o these_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v believer_n before_o christ_n suffer_v resurrection_n and_o ascension_n now_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o declare_v what_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o johns_n and_o the_o disciple_n ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n which_o make_v it_o a_o
bring_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o church_n and_o by_o that_o work_n of_o conversion_n they_o be_v add_v to_o it_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v this_o day_n take_v any_o of_o our_o minister_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n sheep_n out_o of_o their_o fold_n and_o steal_v they_o away_o as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n daily_o do_v and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o new_a congregation_n may_v not_o that_o independent_a minister_n without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o without_o any_o error_n true_o be_v say_v to_o have_v add_v so_o many_o more_o to_o his_o new_a church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o his_o member_n be_v thus_o increase_v and_o if_o another_o minister_n be_v join_v with_o he_o as_o a_o teacher_n in_o that_o congregation_n or_o succeed_v he_o if_o he_o also_o shall_v run_v plunder_v about_o both_o city_n and_o country_n as_o a_o gift_a brother_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a many_o more_o poor_a silly_a sheep_n into_o his_o fold_n then_o the_o other_o do_v as_o they_o be_v notable_a cunning_a thief_n may_v not_o it_o true_o be_v say_v of_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_v that_o he_o also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o still_o the_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o increase_v i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a i_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o any_o blame_n or_o error_n in_o that_o i_o say_v those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o make_v disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v former_o convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n but_o say_v j._n s._n how_o can_v christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o say_v he_o when_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o the_o doctor_n affirm_v pag._n 32._o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o thus_o he_o show_v his_o acumen_n or_o rather_o his_o vanity_n in_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n and_o abuse_v i_o for_o he_o that_o have_v ever_o read_v my_o book_n and_o look_v but_o in_o the_o 31_o page_n towards_o the_o low_a part_n shall_v find_v these_o word_n that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n and_o be_v baptize_v it_o must_v therefore_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o all_o the_o common_a people_n promiscuous_o or_o for_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n and_o of_o all_o profession_n as_o publican_n soldier_n and_o the_o ordinary_a inhabitant_n these_o be_v my_o very_a word_n there_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n say_v that_o i_o take_v not_o the_o word_n synecdochical_o bely_v i_o befool_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o reader_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o fancy_n but_o for_o answer_v to_o his_o whible_n cavil_v i_o say_v christ_n convert_v those_o he_o make_v his_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n out_o of_o the_o remmant_n or_o remainder_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o unconvert_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o that_o work_n he_o add_v more_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o though_o the_o mother_n church_n as_o the_o other_o be_v daughter_n church_n through_o all_o juda_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n for_o the_o be_v a_o nationall_n church_n do_v not_o exclude_v as_o this_o man_n fond_o conceit_n particular_a church_n from_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n do_v deny_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n do_v partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n divine_n do_v hold_v and_o therefore_o take_v jerusalem_n synecdochical_o as_o i_o then_o do_v it_o be_v also_o here_o to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o then_o christ_n do_v make_v mo_z disciple_n out_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o remain_v yet_o unconvert_v than_o john_n have_v do_v before_o he_o and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o particular_a mother_n church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n which_o as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o moral_a worship_n govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n as_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o relate_v which_o be_v call_v a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n all_o those_o synagogue_n and_o several_a church_n be_v all_o combine_v together_o under_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n after_o which_o manner_n all_o the_o other_o city_n church_n bring_v judea_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o this_o mother_n church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v govern_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n that_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n both_o in_o judea_n and_o israel_n as_o that_o of_o samaria_n and_o into_o this_o mould_n do_v the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n cast_v all_o they_o convert_v therefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o john_n and_o that_o he_o add_v they_o unto_o that_o church_n i_o speak_v nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v warrant_n for_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o be_v sufficient_o back_v and_o corroborate_v also_o by_o all_o sound_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n to_o say_v that_o in_o so_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o paradox_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o ludibre_fw-fr in_o i_o and_o a_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n then_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n and_o matter_n of_o laughter_n in_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n for_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n say_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n i_o refer_v myself_o therefore_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o honest_a godly_a mind_a man_n whether_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o as_o well_o censure_v and_o traduce_v by_o this_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fellow_n as_o myself_o and_o whether_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o do_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o second_o paradox_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o childish_a and_o impious_a as_o this_o where_o he_o say_v be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o answer_v let_v i._n s._n take_v notice_n that_o in_o say_v christ_n make_v â—mo_fw-la disciple_n than_o the_o baptist_n and_o in_o make_v they_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o marvellous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n as_o i._o s._n unlearned_o infer_v for_o in_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o due_a honour_n and_o affirm_v he_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v both_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o so_o speak_v i_o detract_v nothing_o from_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o any_o man_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o christ_n ministry_n viz._n the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o work_n proper_o and_o primary_o belong_v unto_o he_o though_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n it_o may_v also_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o mistake_n be_v in_o i._n s._n and_o not_o in_o i_o for_o he_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o instrumental_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v a_o prevaricator_n in_o many_o respect_n sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o man_n for_o here_o he_o give_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o christ_n unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o then_o he_o false_o accuse_v i_o of_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v when_o there_o be_v none_o and_o then_o will_v make_v i_o guilty_a of_o his_o own_o sin_n which_o i_o be_o free_a from_o as_o all_o they_o that_o read_v my_o book_n in_o the_o page_n quote_v by_o he_o may_v see_v and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o in_o
this_o also_o he_o be_v a_o great_a offender_n where_o by_o this_o juggle_a craft_n of_o he_o he_o labour_v to_o seduce_v the_o poor_a people_n but_o for_o far_a answer_n i_o have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o if_o i._o s._n will_v apply_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v of_o disciple_n to_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o he_o do_v i_o do_v not_o conceive_v it_o any_o paradox_n in_o i_o or_o any_o mistake_n or_o anticipation_n to_o apply_v that_o work_n unto_o christ_n ministry_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o the_o master_n be_v ever_o more_o to_o be_v honour_v then_o the_o servant_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o paradox_n in_o i_o in_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o he_o do_v gather_v daily_o some_o of_o they_o into_o his_o fold_n and_o add_v many_o more_o sheep_n to_o those_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v convert_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o paradox_n in_o i_o to_o give_v as_o much_o honour_n to_o the_o master_n as_o i._o s._n do_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v a_o work_n primary_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v great_a rashness_n therefore_o and_o very_o unchristian_a deal_n in_o i._n s._n to_o make_v i_o a_o subject_n of_o his_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_a for_o well_o do_v and_o to_o make_v that_o a_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o i_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n for_o to_o give_v christ_n his_o due_a honour_n be_v a_o virtue_n now_o the_o honour_n of_o convert_v of_o man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v his_o proper_a work_n and_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o he_o first_o and_o last_o to_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3._o he_o make_v the_o church_n grow_v and_o multiply_v into_o mighty_a number_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o it_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v severe_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o that_o deserve_o not_o only_o for_o abuse_v his_o brethren_n make_v they_o offender_n when_o they_o be_v not_o but_o chief_o for_o anticipate_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v only_o due_a unto_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o give_v it_o and_o attribute_v it_o unto_o man_n as_o it_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o independent_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o victory_n which_o only_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o the_o party_n which_o they_o call_v the_o pray_a army_n and_o so_o he_o ascribe_v that_o honour_n that_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n which_o indeed_o pertain_v unto_o they_o only_o as_o they_o be_v instrument_n and_o accuse_v i_o as_o of_o a_o anticipation_n and_o mistake_n say_v i_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v to_o i._o s._n that_o i_o be_o a_o very_a erroneous_a man_n and_o very_o unjust_a that_o i_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n himself_o and_o ascribe_v that_o work_n unto_o he_o which_o say_v i._o s._n belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o error_n in_o say_v that_o christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o death_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o error_n for_o this_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o 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which_o i_o yet_o never_o do_v do_v this_o i_o pray_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o wise_a man_n exclude_v christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o his_o death_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o obstacle_n or_o hindrance_n to_o his_o work_n of_o convert_v man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n death_n that_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o add_v to_o the_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o error_n or_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o disciple_n i_o be_o confident_a none_o that_o be_v not_o senseless_a will_v say_v there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o so_o speak_v neither_o be_v there_o such_o a_o gulf_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n but_o that_o they_o may_v well_o meet_v christ_n may_v add_v and_o the_o apostle_n also_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o make_v saint_n luke_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n work_v after_o his_o ascension_n to_o add_v man_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v his_o work_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o he_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o always_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n in_o i_o nor_o no_o paradox_n as_o i._n s._n fond_o say_v to_o conclude_v that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n ministry_n be_v add_v to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n so_o that_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o i_o to_o say_v that_o of_o christ_n then_o that_o be_v afterward_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n for_o although_o the_o very_a word_n be_v not_o express_v â—et_o that_o be_v set_v down_o that_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n it_o be_v his_o work_n so_o that_o the_o disputation_n now_o be_v not_o about_o word_n &_o term_n of_o expression_n but_o about_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n viz._n about_o believer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o when_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o we_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n &_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n than_o any_o rational_a man_n may_v without_o any_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o any_o error_n or_o paradox_n conclude_v that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v add_v then_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v after_o his_o ascension_n be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o he_o that_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o understanding_n shall_v behold_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o shall_v but_o due_o consider_v my_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o will_v not_o gather_v that_o i_o make_v false_a muster_n as_o this_o fresh_a water_n soldier_n i._o s._n childish_o speak_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v shrewd_o suspect_v the_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o i_o may_v use_v some_o of_o his_o rhetoric_n of_o this_o novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o will_v also_o evident_o gather_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o withal_o he_o will_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o master_n knollys_n and_o this_o i._o s._n that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v
all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o that_o in_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n day_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o mistake_n or_o paradox_n but_o from_o very_o good_a reason_n which_o if_o this_o puny_a divine_a i._n s._n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o he_o will_v never_o have_v be_v so_o unadvised_a as_o to_o have_v oppose_v the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o all_o solid_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o speak_v so_o rash_o and_o now_o i_o refer_v all_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v either_o honesty_n or_o reason_n in_o these_o man_n who_o to_o maintain_v their_o fond_a error_n will_v deny_v or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o this_o only_a to_o mislead_v the_o ignorant_a people_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o very_a day_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o in_o christ_n time_n there_o be_v then_o many_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n now_o for_o the_o follow_a argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v it_o be_v much_o more_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o meet_v together_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o add_v so_o many_o thousand_o to_o the_o church_n after_o christ_n ascension_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n i._o s._n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o say_v pag._n 10._o that_o he_o have_v think_v to_o have_v bestow_v as_o much_o time_n on_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o other_o consideration_n forbid_v he_o and_o because_o as_o he_o say_v there_o be_v those_o so_o able_a already_o engage_v in_o the_o dispute_n these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n to_o i_o he_o say_v that_o his_o health_n forbid_v he_o now_o what_o a_o vain_a fellow_n be_v this_o to_o vapour_n that_o he_o have_v whip_v i_o out_o of_o the_o field_n and_o beat_v up_o my_o quarter_n and_o quarter_v my_o book_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o shake_v they_o and_o overthrow_v my_o building_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o title_n page_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o i_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n of_o his_o book_n the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o confess_v his_o indisposition_n of_o body_n and_o other_o consideration_n forbid_v he_o to_o bestow_v any_o more_o time_n upon_o the_o book_n and_o say_v in_o express_a term_n he_o leave_v the_o work_n to_o other_o whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o a_o worthless_a and_o witless_a fellow_n to_o brag_v and_o glory_n of_o a_o victory_n and_o beat_v up_o of_o a_o man_n quarter_n when_o he_o have_v only_o fling_v a_o squib_n or_o two_o at_o they_o a_o far_o off_o and_o then_o cowardly_a and_o base_o run_v away_o pretend_v sickness_n as_o fresh_a water_n soldier_n common_o use_v to_o do_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o to_o consider_v but_o of_o i._o s._n i_o may_v true_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a quagmire_n of_o ignorance_n and_o wicked_a impudence_n and_o far_o unfit_a for_o any_o serious_a or_o solid_a employment_n much_o less_o to_o be_v a_o captain_n or_o commander_n in_o christ_n army_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o he_o may_v make_v a_o pretty_a soldier_n at_o a_o independent_a festivity_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o be_v it_o to_o shake_v or_o pull_v down_o the_o pillar_n of_o a_o marchpane_n or_o to_o beat_v up_o the_o quarter_n of_o a_o custard_n to_o break_v up_o a_o woodcock_n or_o to_o storm_v a_o venison_n pastry_n or_o to_o plunder_v a_o banquet_n that_o in_o the_o militia_n of_o good_a cheer_n he_o will_v do_v very_o well_o but_o notwithstanding_o i_o will_v have_v i._o s._n be_v now_o in_o a_o course_n of_o physic_n and_o of_o a_o infirm_a body_n to_o use_v some_o moderation_n when_o he_o come_v where_o good_a cheer_n be_v stir_v and_o therefore_o because_o he_o think_v that_o my_o judgement_n in_o such_o matter_n may_v be_v worthy_a of_o some_o account_n for_o so_o he_o intimate_v in_o his_o learned_a epistle_n i_o will_v advise_v he_o for_o a_o time_n to_o feed_v upon_o snayl_n pie_n and_o mushroom_n and_o of_o those_o kind_n of_o creature_n he_o may_v find_v abundance_n about_o the_o well_n at_o tunbridge_n that_o low_a kind_n of_o diet_n be_v best_a for_o he_o &_o if_o he_o follow_v this_o now_o in_o the_o spring_n but_o some_o week_n and_o drink_v lusty_o of_o the_o water_n there_o they_o will_v wash_v he_o till_o he_o be_v clean_o and_o fit_a for_o my_o finger_n again_o and_o free_v he_o from_o his_o frenzy_n and_o make_v he_o as_o clean_a and_o neat_a as_o he_o say_v my_o postscript_n he_o leave_v in_o those_o water_n will_v be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n i_o give_v unto_o i._o s._n gratis_o for_o all_o his_o learned_a pain_n in_o beat_v up_o my_o quarter_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o at_o this_o time_n i_o have_v now_o a_o few_o thing_n yet_o to_o answer_v to_o what_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o those_o argument_n i_o raise_v from_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o multitude_n convert_v by_o they_o after_o christ_n ascension_n which_o you_o shall_v find_v punctual_o set_v down_o in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o therefore_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o number_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o those_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o johns_n &_o christ_n ministry_n by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o from_o the_o divers_a place_n i_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n frame_v such_o argument_n as_o shall_v make_v it_o yet_o more_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n or_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o act_v 3._o 1._o and_o in_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n i_o must_v answer_v to_o some_o objection_n make_v by_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o the_o first_o of_o the_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n the_o word_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o argument_n be_v these_o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n together_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o man_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o believer_n do_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n include_v or_o confine_v which_o to_o more_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o such_o learned_a man_n as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v shall_v so_o argue_v for_o this_o must_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o argument_n if_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o be_v not_o so_o numerous_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o these_o in_o peter_n company_n be_v all_o that_o church_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v their_o meaning_n or_o else_o their_o argument_n conclude_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o invalidity_n of_o the_o which_o
i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equalise_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o jude_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o the_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n and_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o beleiver_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o 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be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n
worship_n for_o here_o in_o express_a word_n the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v be_v specify_v and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o candid_a or_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o 3000._o christian_n that_o be_v new_o convert_v may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n ergo_fw-la all_o that_o believe_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o christ_n ministry_n and_o miracle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n before_o christ_n suffering_n and_o all_o that_o be_v after_o his_o resurrection_n convert_v for_o twenty_o year_n together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v yet_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o 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follow_v their_o several_a employment_n and_o other_o in_o private_a and_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a communion_n or_o sacrament_n in_o several_a house_n from_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_o evident_a that_o then_o when_o there_o be_v new_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n they_o have_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v they_o be_v still_o distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o have_v their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n in_o several_a house_n and_o place_n beside_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o those_o several_a house_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o 41._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o the_o 47._o but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o silence_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v nothing_o and_o shall_v i_o grantto_n our_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o and_o that_o these_o three_o thousand_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o ten_o thousand_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o more_o to_o they_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o more_o to_o all_o these_o will_v any_o may_v think_v or_o believe_v that_o ten_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n much_o less_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o think_v no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o abdicate_v his_o understanding_n will_v so_o conclude_v so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argumentation_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o have_v defend_v themselves_o and_o wound_v the_o truth_n they_o wound_v themselves_o and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o tenant_n as_o god_n willing_a i_o shall_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o out_o of_o chap._n 5._o our_o brethren_n conceive_v they_o have_v a_o very_a strong_a and_o invincible_a argument_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o after_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n be_v miraculous_o take_v away_o for_o lie_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v among_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n ergo_fw-la say_v they_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v meet_v be_v set_v down_o viz._n in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o it_o be_v further_o specify_v that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o that_o place_n this_o be_v their_o argument_n faithful_o and_o true_o set_v down_o and_o with_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o their_o cause_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o argue_v have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o neither_o do_v it_o beseem_v grave_a man_n to_o trifle_v thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o all_o the_o beleiver_n that_o then_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o passion_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o peter_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o five_o thousand_o after_o by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o after_o the_o new_a addition_n of_o so_o many_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n that_o the_o five_o chapter_n speak_v of_o shall_v i_o say_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o may_v yet_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o all_o reason_n forbid_v i_o to_o yield_v to_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edification_n and_o have_v communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o may_v conceive_v have_v we_o no_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o back_o it_o that_o if_o eight_o thousand_o be_v convert_v beside_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o if_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o resurrection_n there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a increase_n and_o such_o a_o multiplication_n of_o christian_n all_o understanding_n i_o say_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o year_n there_o will_v be_v innumerable_a multitude_n add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n when_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o wonder_n with_o the_o same_o doctrine_n still_o continue_v and_o with_o all_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o
then_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o those_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o edification_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o that_o any_o judicious_a man_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o great_a school-learning_n may_v perceive_v the_o invalidity_n and_o vanity_n of_o such_o argumentation_n and_o true_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v brethren_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o poor_a a_o way_n of_o dispute_v that_o it_o do_v not_o beseem_v man_n of_o gravity_n much_o less_o of_o learning_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o such_o reason_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o nothingnesse_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o people_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v in_o solomon_n porch_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o last_o miracle_n and_o some_o other_o new_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o be_v then_o work_v in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v together_o and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o solomon_n porch_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n but_o do_v this_o with_o any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o every_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n &_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v so_o for_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v then_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o neither_o many_o porch_n nor_o many_o temple_n can_v have_v 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man_n as_o i_o conceive_v will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a minister_n have_v another_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n then_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v do_v not_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n yea_o they_o take_v it_o as_o a_o disparagement_n unto_o they_o for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o roman_n v._n 20._o affirm_v now_o our_o brethren_n they_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n and_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o they_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n with_o good_a fleece_n on_o their_o back_n yea_o the_o velvit-sheep_n and_o the_o plush-sheepe_n and_o the_o satin_n and_o taffity-sheep_n out_o of_o other_o shepherd_n fold_n and_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v church_n they_o scatter_v they_o and_o the_o poorsheep_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o argument_n out_o of_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o the_o number_n 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believer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o come_v together_o and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n and_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o follow_v when_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a increase_n of_o more_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o this_o very_a chapter_n signify_v that_o then_o also_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n in_o succeed_a age_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v or_o believe_v so_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v every_o individual_a christian_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o come_v together_o and_o that_o for_o warrantable_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o controversy_n and_o murmur_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o among_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o only_o between_o two_o nation_n of_o they_o viz._n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n now_o we_o be_v inform_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o which_o the_o greek_n be_v but_o one_o nation_n and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n of_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o good_a accord_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n tell_v and_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o murmur_v among_o they_o nor_o no_o controversy_n contention_n or_o variance_n and_o they_o all_o continue_v quiet_a in_o their_o several_a house_n and_o live_v in_o love_n 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 competent_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 they_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_n that_o this_o man_n thatshould_n 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 and_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 tenent_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o 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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 disciple_n before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n and_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 and_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 and_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 &_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 galilean_n 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 be_v save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n god_n work_v with_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o 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wrought_v upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o 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 verse_n 3._o be_v now_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 tobe_n 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_v 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 her_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 5._o c._n as_o of_o ananias_n &_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 downdead_o 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 as_o hear_v these_o thing_n &_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o maglinant_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 of_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 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 thefirst_n 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 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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 that_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o preach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o preach_v be_v set_v down_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o beliver_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la the_o 46._o where_o it_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o by_o all_o interpreter_n be_v understand_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o the_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n be_v wont_v usual_o to_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o roman_n verse_n the_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 16._o vers_fw-la 19_o col._n 4._o 14._o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 20._o say_v that_o he_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o they_o but_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n as_o well_o private_a as_o public_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o church_n also_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o church_n but_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o six_o chapter_n in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 7_o verses_z it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o their_o
widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o their_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o contiunal_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n brief_o of_o these_o observables_n the_o first_o of_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o wile_n and_o stratagem_n assault_v the_o church_n without_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o assail_v it_o within_o as_o here_o with_o civil_a discord_n and_o difference_n among_o brethren_n and_o in_o other_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o and_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o dissension_n in_o opinion_n by_o sect_n schism_n faction_n and_o heresy_n and_o by_o these_o his_o wile_n and_o craft_n he_o first_o bring_v in_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o afterward_o diversity_n of_o affection_n and_o that_o among_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v that_o in_o fine_a he_o may_v bring_v ruin_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o thus_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n raise_v a_o controversy_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o greek_n who_o complain_v that_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n as_o either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v deaconess_n as_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n who_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v need_n act_v 2._o vers_fw-la 44_o 45._o chap._n 4._o v._n 35._o and_o this_o their_o supposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o controversy_n the_o second_o observable_a be_v to_o who_o the_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n do_v apply_v themselves_o and_o appeal_v and_o that_o be_v to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o colleague_n of_o apostle_n not_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o but_o to_o the_o twelve_o as_o in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n act_v 15._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o both_o those_o difference_n all_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o that_o willing_o and_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o order_v of_o all_o controversy_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n set_v before_o they_o decide_v all_o debate_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precedent_n they_o have_v lay_v down_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n here_o i_o say_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n and_o college_n of_o the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o business_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n pretend_v their_o own_o independent_a authority_n though_o several_a congregation_n or_o challenge_v a_o power_n within_o themselves_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o determine_v of_o difference_n among_o themselves_o or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n within_o themselves_o to_o make_v their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o will_v be_v order_v or_o that_o they_o challenge_v any_o such_o privilege_n unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o all_o appeal_v unto_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o free_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o to_o the_o order_n they_o set_v down_o as_o the_o story_n specifi_v the_o three_o observable_a be_v the_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o take_v up_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o employment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o such_o multitude_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o teacher_n and_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o all_o of_o they_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a nation_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o edification_n and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o truth_n more_o evident_o yet_o appear_v i_o will_v first_o out_o the_o former_a discourse_n frame_v several_a argument_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o the_o ensue_a history_n and_o out_o of_o all_o these_o six_o chapter_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o 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 of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convertedby_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 the_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 the_o priest_n join_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o struâ—k_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o there_o 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 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 after_o ward_n 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 ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o 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20._o vers_fw-la the_o 7._o and_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o private_a house_n as_o by_o the_o many_o place_n be_v manifest_a which_o i_o cite_v but_o a_o little_a before_o beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o break_v bread_n be_v no_o temple-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o the_o apostle_n for_o preach_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o it_o appear_v act_n 4._o 2._o they_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o have_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n there_o and_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o assault_v act_v 21._o 28._o for_o be_v but_o suppose_v to_o have_v bring_v greek_n into_o the_o temple_n what_o will_v these_o man_n have_v do_v if_o one_o shall_v have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a ordinance_n and_o a_o new_a worship_n and_o service_n and_o that_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o legal_a right_n sure_o the_o jew_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n contend_v for_o this_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o not_o every_o day_n yet_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n at_o least_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v never_o without_o preach_v as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n 20._o 7._o and_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o daily_o break_v bread_n together_o and_o that_o in_o several_a and_o particular_a house_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v for_o a_o few_o house_n can_v not_o have_v hold_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o if_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v contain_v under_o one_o roof_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o be_v in_o diverse_a and_o several_a chamber_n or_o room_n so_o that_o what_o be_v do_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o one_o the_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v still_o several_a congregation_n as_o under_o the_o roof_n of_o paul_n there_o be_v diverse_a meeting_n place_n where_o man_n may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v call_v several_a church_n and_o they_o that_o meet_v there_o several_a congregation_n though_o under_o one_o roof_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o place_n under_o one_o covert_n make_v always_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v daily_o see_v in_o the_o several_a committee_n at_o westminster_n where_o every_o committee_n of_o both_o house_n have_v their_o several_a room_n and_o equal_a authority_n and_o be_v yet_o all_o but_o one_o parliament_n though_o distribute_v into_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n so_o here_o they_o have_v several_a assembly_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n as_o be_v declare_v and_o reason_n itself_o 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suck_a preamble_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o have_v one_o argument_n which_o be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n then_o all_o the_o other_o which_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v page_n 64._o thus_o he_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n be_v as_o follow_v i_o will_v set_v down_o all_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o now_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o doctor_n prove_v his_o minor_n which_o he_o say_v it_o manifest_a from_o act_n 2._o 46._o and_o chapter_n the_o 5._o 12._o 42._o and_o chapter_n 3._o 11._o 12._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produoe_v page_n 64_o 65_o 66._o in_o all_o which_o discourse_n the_o doctor_n give_v you_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o minor_a proposition_n which_o be_v his_o manner_n of_o discourse_v through_o his_o book_n this_o argument_n say_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o deny_v the_o assumption_n or_o minor_a proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o deny_v it_o be_v because_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o doctor_n will_v prove_v for_o act_v the_o 2._o verse_n 42._o 46._o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o act_v the_o 3._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n can_v together_o to_o they_o in_o the_o porch_n which_o be_v call_v solomon_n act_v the_o 5._o 12._o and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n so_o that_o these_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o meet_v together_o in_o several_a place_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n do_v express_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v â—â—re_o together_o act_v the_o 2._o v._o 42_o 44_o 46._o yea_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v in_o his_o minor_a proposition_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_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 from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o refutation_n of_o what_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v touch_v the_o first_o proposition_n thus_o profound_a mr_n knollys_n confute_v my_o argument_n i_o have_v set_v down_o all_o his_o word_n at_o large_a and_o as_o he_o earnest_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v my_o argument_n so_o i_o in_o like_a manner_n entreat_v he_o that_o he_o will_v but_o look_v back_o upon_o it_o and_o advise_o weight_n whether_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o that_o or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o all_o my_o discourse_n but_o my_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o proof_n of_o what_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 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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 believer_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 matth._n the_o 5._o verse_n the_o 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 hyprocrite_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 prophecy_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o in_o this_o persecution_n manifest_o fulfil_v for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o viz._n their_o teacher_n scatter_v abroad_o and_o persecute_v except_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v i_o say_v ever_o the_o method_n and_o custom_n of_o persecutor_n to_o aim_v principal_o at_o the_o root_n out_o and_o take_v away_o of_o those_o they_o suppose_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o this_o enrage_a they_o against_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o make_v they_o at_o this_o time_n so_o mischievous_o to_o persecute_v their_o minister_n and_o teacher_n neither_o do_v i_o read_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n before_o thss_a 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and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n for_o this_o syllogism_n all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o clear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v say_v as_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v no_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v either_o of_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o they_o be_v force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o be_v they_o force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o may_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o disputation_n especial_o relinquish_v be_v manifest_a and_o evident_a for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v also_o apparent_a from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o their_o preacher_n only_o be_v scatter_v and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_v the_o apostle_n mathias_n chap._n 1._o and_o many_o more_o that_o instruct_v the_o people_n but_o for_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n they_o remain_v still_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v firm_a but_o i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o evince_v that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n together_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n the_o place_n follow_v will_v suffice_v and_o first_o that_o in_o the_o 9_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n through_o all_o indaea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v all_o edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v out_o of_o which_o word_n it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o bellows_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n think_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o it_o make_v it_o but_o more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o far_a to_o spread_v its_o ray_n for_o by_o blow_v and_o puff_v at_o it_o they_o spread_v it_o the_o more_o and_o extend_v it_o here_o and_o there_o far_o abroad_o as_o we_o see_v by_o this_o persecution_n and_o scatter_n of_o those_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o their_o dispersion_n by_o which_o the_o persecutor_n have_v think_v to_o have_v waste_v the_o church_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n every_o where_n and_o here_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v great_a and_o violent_a by_o so_o much_o it_o be_v less_o durable_a for_o this_o great_a persecution_n be_v but_o short_a and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v by_o persecution_n will_v upon_o the_o cease_n of_o it_o return_v again_o to_o jerusalem_n as_o most_o people_n common_o do_v th'heir_n own_o country_n city_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n after_o persecution_n and_o this_o also_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o induce_v other_o to_o the_o love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v god_n so_o much_o favour_v the_o lover_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n so_o preserve_v comfort_v and_o follow_v with_o so_o many_o mercy_n and_o uphold_v in_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n never_o forsake_v nor_o never_o leave_v they_o but_o if_o those_o that_o be_v scatter_v have_v never_o return_v that_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o weaken_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o text_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o decrease_v after_o the_o dispersion_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v that_o church_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o who_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o plaee_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v then_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o &_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v they_o of_o necessity_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o her_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n beside_o common_a understanding_n and_o ordinary_a reason_n which_o confirm_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o 2_o 3._o and_o 5._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n which_o in_o express_a word_n signify_v that_o they_o meet_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v true_a and_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n of_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n be_v multiply_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o a_o increase_n in_o number_n and_o multitude_n and_o not_o in_o measure_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n and_o can_v being_n apply_v unto_o person_n be_v otherwise_o take_v whatsoever_o it_o may_v of_o sin_n and_o grace_n and_o then_o
also_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o construction_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v if_o need_v require_v so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v and_o true_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galatian_n be_v a_o excellent_a argument_n to_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o where_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n he_o use_v this_o reason_n that_o if_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o man_n it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v it_o he_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o himself_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o heathen_a i_o immediate_o i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o they_o that_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o but_o i_o go_v into_o arabia_n then_o after_o three_o year_n i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n and_o abode_n with_o he_o fifteen_o day_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v i_o none_o save_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n beside_o the_o singular_a testimony_n we_o have_v that_o the_o preach_v and_o write_n of_o saint_n paul_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n against_o the_o papist_n we_o may_v evident_o gather_v against_o the_o independent_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o either_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o say_v that_o he_o be_v with_o peter_n fifteen_o day_n but_o in_o all_o that_o time_n see_v none_o of_o the_o apostle_n save_o james_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o so_o employ_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a ministery_n asthey_v have_v not_o so_o much_o spare_v time_n to_o visit_v paul_n and_o that_o paul_n also_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v there_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o visit_v they_o and_o for_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o idle_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o continue_v resident_a for_o many_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o they_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n and_o that_o very_o few_o of_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o there_o be_v frequent_a testimony_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o as_o yet_o do_v i_o ever_o hear_v it_o scruple_v or_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o there_o or_o no_o when_o paul_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o see_v none_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v absent_a or_o be_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o other_o place_n and_o for_o saint_n paul_n we_o read_v that_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v he_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o into_o their_o assembly_n to_o preach_v and_o that_o he_o preach_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o he_o that_o give_v so_o strict_a a_o charge_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n he_o himself_o without_o all_o doubt_n will_v not_o neglect_v his_o duty_n who_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n set_v his_o own_o example_n before_o all_o the_o presbyter_n for_o their_o imitation_n in_o their_o diligent_a preach_n and_o he_o ordinary_o preach_v by_o the_o day_n and_o by_o the_o night_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o sure_o the_o time_n he_o remain_v with_o peter_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o preach_v as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o &_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o their_o particular_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v very_o sedulous_a in_o preach_v as_o who_o have_v both_o strength_n of_o body_n and_o god_n special_a assistance_n and_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n always_o to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v as_o of_o charity_n i_o be_o bind_v that_o paul_n be_v daily_o in_o one_o assembly_n or_o other_o now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o of_o necessity_n paul_n must_v have_v see_v the_o other_o apostle_n there_o as_o well_o as_o peter_n and_o james_n for_o they_o also_o be_v good_a churchman_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o the_o prelate_n dialect_n and_o they_o never_o leave_v the_o word_n but_o be_v always_o take_v up_o either_o in_o pray_v or_o preach_v among_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n will_v daily_o upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v be_v with_o their_o flock_n now_o in_o that_o paul_n see_v they_o not_o in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v evident_o apparent_a there_o be_v more_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o place_n or_o two_o more_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n act_v 12._o verse_n 24._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiplp_v here_o also_o we_o have_v another_o good_a effect_n of_o a_o new_a sierce_a persecution_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o increase_v the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o after_o the_o persecutor_n be_v take_v away_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o multiply_v after_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o a_o double_a persecution_n the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o mnltiply_v that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n after_o the_o persecution_n then_o before_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o clear_a as_o no_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n prove_v it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n for_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o john_n verse_n 16._o our_o saviour_n
for_o we_o see_v what_o a_o tumult_n a_o few_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n by_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o paul_n make_v in_o the_o temple_n now_o if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v meet_v together_o and_o some_o of_o paul_n enemy_n have_v be_v there_o also_o and_o suggest_v to_o the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n what_o a_o confusion_n may_v all_o man_n conceive_v will_v there_o then_o have_v be_v beside_o there_o be_v no_o one_o place_n can_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o master_n knollis_n his_o prattle_n be_v not_o only_o against_o all_o reason_n and_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o all_o orthodox_n interpreter_n but_o indeed_o against_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o by_o multitude_n in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n understand_v the_o more_o eminent_a and_o chief_a of_o believer_n and_o man_n of_o gravity_n and_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v a_o business_n and_o not_o a_o confuse_a company_n as_o this_o man_n say_v so_o that_o what_o i_o have_v reply_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o sufficient_o satisfi_v all_o well_o ground_v christian_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o first_o position_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yet_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v the_o confusedness_n and_o senselessenesse_n of_o this_o master_n knollys_n his_o follow_a discourse_n i_o think_v it_o fit_v out_o of_o his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o frame_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n his_o word_n be_v these_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v i_o will_v not_o quarrel_v his_o english_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o expression_n though_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v like_o he_o and_o his_o abbertor_n to_o trifle_v about_o word_n but_o thus_o i_o argue_v out_o of_o his_o word_n where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o some_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o can_v not_o sudden_o be_v tell_v but_o many_o such_o great_a sum_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_o some_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n which_o can_v not_o sudden_o be_v tell_v but_o many_o such_o great_a sum_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n it_o be_v evident_a yea_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n that_o no_o judicious_a christian_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o ten_o thousand_o may_v sudden_o be_v tell_v if_o five_o thousand_o may_v sudden_o be_v say_v and_o they_o likewise_o know_v that_o ten_o thousand_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n this_o i_o say_v all_o man_n know_v by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o as_o by_o daily_a experience_n they_o be_v teach_v much_o more_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o many_o such_o great_a number_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n all_o this_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n suggest_v to_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v deny_v so_o that_o the_o major_a of_o my_o syllogism_n be_v undeniable_a and_o for_o the_o minor_a beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o assert_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o we_o have_v master_n knollys_n his_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o but_o always_o be_v take_v for_o some_o great_a number_n that_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v there_o be_v many_o myriad_n that_o be_v many_o such_o great_a number_n therefore_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o now_o i_o will_v brief_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n though_o it_o be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o again_o and_o again_o discover_v in_o the_o forego_v treatise_n and_o then_o i_o will_v come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n be_v these_o neither_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a from_o those_o scripture_n he_o produce_v pag._n 62._o to_o wit_n act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 21._o 22._o chapter_n 6._o ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o and_o chapter_n the_o 8._o 1._o that_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o ministe_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n for_o answer_n in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o bold_o affirm_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v i_o viz_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o 8._o chap._n v._o 1._o and_o before_o the_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n beside_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n and_o for_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a as_o in_o act_n the_o 1._o verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v saint_n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o beginning_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o joseph_n call_v barsabas_n and_o mathias_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n these_o ensue_a truth_n do_v necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o they_o that_o be_v assemble_v here_o with_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v ancient_a disciple_n for_o say_v the_o text_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v company_v with_o the_o apostle_n all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v diligent_a scholar_n all_o that_o time_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o all_o christian_a principle_n as_o be_v easy_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o very_a word_n for_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v think_v fit_a in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o place_n and_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o regard_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v all_o thing_n christ_n both_o speak_v and_o do_v till_o his_o death_n and_o ascension_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o resurrection_n all_o this_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n do_v necessary_o follow_v second_o this_o truth_n also_o do_v ensue_v out_o of_o the_o forego_v word_n that_o either_o all_o those_o man_n be_v minister_n or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o in_o express_a term_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o they_o have_v accompany_v the_o apostle_n the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n until_o christ_n ascension_n now_o among_o those_o that_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n beside_o john_n scholar_n christ_n have_v seventy_o disciple_n all_o minister_n which_o he_o send_v out_o two_o by_o two_o into_o all_o city_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o work_v wonder_n who_o come_v back_o again_o to_o he_o rejoice_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o and_o they_o still_o wait_v upon_o christ_n ministry_n we_o read_v also_o of_o many_o of_o johns_n disciple_n that_o come_v unto_o christ_n all_o which_o be_v minister_n likewise_o and_o such_o as_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o all_o these_o be_v with_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o this_o time_n &_o continue_v with_o they_o till_o the_o persecution_n for_o we_o read_v of_o no_o departure_n of_o they_o or_o separation_n till_o then_o and_o all_o these_o be_v man_n
and_o christ_n disciple_n believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o the_o other_o three_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n require_v for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o make_v of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 38_o where_o peter_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o likewise_o it_o be_v record_v that_o as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n neither_o be_v there_o require_v any_o more_o of_o those_o convert_v by_o philippe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n act_v the_o 8._o or_o of_o the_o eunuch_n or_o of_o the_o gaoler_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n in_o the_o apostle_n â—imes_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v as_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o acts._n now_o then_o when_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n do_v all_o repent_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o do_v of_o which_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o part_n as_o well_o as_o those_o three_o thousand_o than_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n form_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n confess_v follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o if_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n and_o form_n they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n then_o believe_v and_o repent_v now_o and_o be_v baptize_v and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n and_o form_v of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n than_o think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o evangelist_n for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a prime_a and_o pure_a church_n neither_o have_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o our_o day_n any_o other_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o inform_v or_o gather_v of_o church_n or_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o any_o church_n then_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v then_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a minister_n in_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v high_a presumption_n and_o rashness_n in_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v or_o frame_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o other_o rule_v to_o go_v by_o in_o form_v of_o church_n than_o those_o set_v down_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v those_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o observe_v not_o their_o new_a rule_n and_o yet_o observe_v and_o follow_v christ_n injunction_n and_o command_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v well_o and_o safe_o conclude_v that_o when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o unto_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o into_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v man_n in_o office_n and_o send_v of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v joh._n 1._o v._n 33._o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 28._o i_o say_v when_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o john_n &_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o when_o john_n perform_v it_o according_o baptise_v all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o matth._n 3._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o than_o john_n john_n 4._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o they_o baptize_v be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o those_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o be_v all_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o withstand_v whatsoever_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n speak_v and_o dispute_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o good_a brother_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n and_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v what_o the_o independent_o teach_v and_o hold_v concern_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o this_o very_a church_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o have_v distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v or_o think_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tractate_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v abundant_o make_v appear_v and_o that_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n ought_v as_o little_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n for_o the_o first_o form_v church_n as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n for_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o a_o church_n body_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o learning_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o hold_v nor_o other_o of_o their_o requisit_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v notachurch_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o for_o the_o which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v receive_v if_o not_o a_o severe_a censure_n at_o least_o a_o moderate_a check_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o causeless_o have_v not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o plumporidge_n presbyterian_a brother_n one_o of_o their_o fellow_n commoner_n and_o a_o trencher_n friend_n to_o that_o party_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v in_o express_a word_n grant_v that_o which_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n absolute_o deny_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jesalem_n this_o i_o say_v he_o grant_v which_o all_o they_o deny_v attest_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o their_o dissent_v argument_n show_v who_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o formal_a word_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o do_v and_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o day_n on_o their_o side_n be_v lose_v and_o this_o cause_v master_n knollys_n by_o name_n and_o i._o s._n to_o come_v out_o against_o i_o for_o hold_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o if_o
i_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o say_v that_o i_o ever_o yet_o talk_v with_o now_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o old_a disciple_n and_o father_n among_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v that_o i_o labour_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n now_o all_o man_n know_v where_o there_o be_v seven_o treasurer_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o two_o or_o three_o treasurer_n will_v have_v serve_v any_o one_o congregation_n though_o it_o have_v consist_v of_o many_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o now_o that_o there_o be_v seâ—en_v at_o the_o first_o appoint_v it_o show_v a_o mighty_a vast_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o in_o its_o infancy_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ordain_v how_o many_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v afterward_o in_o future_a time_n make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o deny_v now_o if_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o true_o conclude_v of_o he_o and_o say_v as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o write_v his_o protestation_n protest_v of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v that_o dispute_n to_o those_o that_o have_v many_o year_n study_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n many_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o they_o for_o judgement_n have_v already_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o he_o and_o that_o for_o his_o very_a vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la or_o rather_o falsitatis_fw-la and_o for_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o this_o employment_n as_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o passion_n and_o choler_n then_o ground_v reason_n and_o argumentation_n and_o therefore_o will_v spoil_v their_o cause_n but_o now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n which_o concession_n of_o his_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o yet_o say_v he_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o say_v he_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o as_o not_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v between_o church_n and_o congregation_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o make_v they_o synonima_n as_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n usual_o do_v and_o think_v by_o this_o his_o grollery_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o convince_v they_o the_o question_n therefore_o between_o i_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n communicate_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v say_v that_o although_o i_o call_v they_o so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o gratify_v my_o kind_a brother_n &_o to_o show_v how_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n i_o do_v undertake_v that_o work_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v &_o evince_n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o my_o elevenor_n twelve_o sheet_n spend_v about_o this_o argument_n prove_v no_o waste_n paper_n and_o then_o also_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o he_o must_v turn_v presbyterian_a dependent_a if_o he_o have_v any_o honesty_n in_o he_o this_o then_o be_v my_o task_n to_o maintain_v and_o prove_v that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n or_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v good_a although_o he_o have_v sufficient_o himself_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n by_o the_o very_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o the_o way_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o premise_v thus_o much_o if_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v orthodox_n divinity_n viz._n that_o the_o sever_n of_o themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o into_o many_o several_a congregation_n in_o several_a private_a house_n for_o the_o partake_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o edify_v make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n the_o communicate_v and_o participate_v notwithstanding_o in_o all_o the_o which_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o formal_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o i_o affirm_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n as_o be_v found_v and_o build_v upon_o that_o one_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n that_o only_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o his_o principle_n viz._n if_o the_o sever_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n make_v they_o not_o several_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n teach_v because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n then_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n through_o the_o world_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o so_o by_o his_o learning_n there_o shall_v now_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o let_v all_o man_n turn_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o the_o world_n
as_o yet_o any_o particular_a visible_a form_v church_n for_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o branch_n and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n dialect_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o church_n body_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o say_v will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o my_o brother_n burtons_n unsound_a principle_n and_o this_o his_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o confident_a upon_o his_o more_o serious_a thought_n and_o when_o he_o make_v not_o such_o haste_n as_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v when_o he_o write_v this_o his_o book_n against_o i_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o erroneous_a but_o if_o he_o shall_v against_o all_o reason_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n he_o do_v about_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o be_o assure_v he_o will_v be_v high_o condemn_v by_o the_o learnede_a of_o his_o party_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o judicious_a divine_n in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o know_v be_v of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n he_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o several_a congregation_n or_o church_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n howsoever_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o title_n unto_o our_o assembly_n i_o say_v if_o he_o shall_v but_o accord_v that_o both_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o new_a congregation_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o church_n body_n though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n then_o likewise_o of_o necessity_n it_o will_v follow_v and_o he_o must_v yield_v unto_o it_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n because_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v all_o particular_a congregation_n and_o church_n that_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o they_o do_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n i_o say_v all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v part_n of_o that_o nationall_n city_n or_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n as_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v one_o of_o those_o conclusion_n i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n principle_n and_o for_o the_o better_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o it_o to_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o same_o have_v all_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n may_v challenge_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o the_o independent_o acknowledge_v then_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o if_o the_o whole_a 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can_v gain_v say_v it_o for_o if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v and_o teach_v then_o much_o more_o where_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o which_o also_o they_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o by_o lawful_a minister_n and_o officer_n appoint_v and_o send_v by_o god_n himself_o i_o say_v by_o far_o better_a reason_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o visible_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o all_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a man_n will_v easy_o conclude_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v 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the_o author_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o declare_v their_o judgement_n concering_n this_o business_n who_o word_n i_o will_v set_v down_o at_o large_a desire_v to_o deliver_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o own_o expression_n rather_o than_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o accuse_v i_o to_o have_v pick_v and_o choose_v what_o make_v most_o for_o i_o and_o against_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o object_n it_o may_v possible_o here_o be_v object_v how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n answ_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_a by_o this_o ensue_a argument_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o two_o or_o three_o so_o join_v together_o do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v thou_o take_v two_o or_o three_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n loe_o here_o be_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v promise_v by_o they_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o consequent_a can_v be_v deny_v for_o what_o people_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v neither_o be_v this_o destitute_a of_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o it_o humfred_n de_fw-fr religione_fw-la vera_fw-la conservanda_fw-la pag._n 24._o ecclesiam_fw-la cum_fw-la dico_fw-la non_fw-la unum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aut_fw-la ministrum_fw-la sed_fw-la legitimum_fw-la ac_fw-la christianum_fw-la catum_fw-la nomino_fw-la et_fw-la innuo_fw-la beside_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n will_v prove_v the_o consequent_a a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n &_o unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o 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together_o clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n for_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n as_o the_o text_n speak_v 1._o e._n clothe_v with_o his_o power_n for_o name_n signify_v power_n in_o several_a scripture_n prov._n the_o 18._o 10._o philip._n 2._o 10._o and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o therefore_o two_o or_o three_o may_v be_v the_o church_n there_o mention_v 3._o object_n but_o such_o a_o company_n be_v destitute_a of_o officer_n can_v be_v no_o church_n answ_n if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v they_o can_v have_v be_v no_o complete_a church_n i_o will_v have_v consent_v but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o church_n be_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la a_o man_n that_o want_v a_o hand_n or_o foot_n or_o both_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o man_n though_o a_o maim_a man_n officer_n do_v not_o concur_v to_o the_o esse_fw-la or_o being_n of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la or_o well_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o otherwise_o put_v case_n the_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n die_v then_o must_v the_o church_n be_v unchurch_v and_o so_o toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la as_o such_o a_o thing_n happen_v which_o in_o time_n of_o mortality_n may_v be_v often_o again_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n even_o before_o it_o have_v any_o officer_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o church_n without_o they_o it_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n a_o company_n believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o ephes_n 1._o 1._o and_o it_o have_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n viz._n a_o combine_a and_o unite_n of_o themselves_o together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n i_o have_v speak_v some_o thing_n the_o more_o in_o this_o particular_a to_o strengthen_v
nothing_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o himself_o or_o say_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v it_o he_o grollish_o deni_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o he_o do_v not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o but_o oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n insuccee_v time_n as_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o which_o government_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o mould_v up_o all_o their_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n within_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n as_o be_v complete_a within_o itself_o so_o ought_v every_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n after_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o authority_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o have_v dependency_n on_o any_o other_o for_o in_o all_o particular_n they_o avow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a form_v church_n and_o the_o same_o they_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o idependents_n beside_o himself_o that_o i_o ever_o have_v read_v or_o talk_v with_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o his_o own_o argument_n say_v that_o the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o acts._n then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o confess_v &_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a church_n for_o that_o that_o be_v deficient_a and_o deform_a that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o a_o form_a church_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o above_o say_v than_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o entire_a church_n as_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o gather_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o here_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n beside_o it_o must_v come_v in_o by_o which_o word_n of_o he_o i_o maintain_v he_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o all_o hold_v the_o contrary_a but_o contradict_v himself_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v of_o necessity_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o till_o there_o be_v necessity_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n so_o that_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o a_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o etc._n etc._n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n confute_v all_o his_o brethren_n who_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n hold_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostolic_a church_n be_v perfect_a form_v church_n and_o absolute_a within_o themselves_o and_o independent_a where_o as_o he_o blame_v they_o all_o of_o imperfection_n and_o say_v they_o must_v all_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a platform_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oppose_a of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o contradict_v of_o himself_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a for_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o he_o here_o accuse_v it_o of_o imperfection_n and_o fayling_n and_o therefore_o not_o form_v for_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o it_o want_v deacon_n and_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n at_o any_o time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n here_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o his_o learning_n must_v have_v not_o only_o a_o good_a discipline_n but_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n page_n 11._o now_o a_o church_n according_a to_o their_o description_n true_o form_v and_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n and_o two_o to_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o send_v i_o word_n which_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o peculiar-pastor_n of_o this_o form_a church_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n or_o who_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o who_o be_v their_o deacon_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o be_v that_o that_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v make_v all_o that_o i_o require_v of_o he_o clear_o appear_v than_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o church_n have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o or_o but_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o any_o particular_a covenant_n but_o we_o read_v that_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v mighty_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n set_v over_o they_o and_o church_n officer_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a and_o nothing_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o with_o any_o such_o covenant_n which_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v make_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o without_o which_o in_o their_o language_n it_o can_v be_v adistinct_a and_o formal_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v from_o which_o i_o do_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v and_o that_o from_o the_o new_a light_n i_o have_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o well_o form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n which_o be_v impious_a either_o to_o think_v or_o say_v or_o if_o they_o be_v that_o then_o there_o may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o but_o serve_v their_o flock_n and_o congregation_n in_o common_a so_o that_o all_o the_o babble_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o delude_v poor_a people_n when_o they_o demand_n such_o thing_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o god_n never_o require_v at_o his_o
or_o for_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o exact_v of_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o complete_n and_o mould_v of_o they_o into_o church_n body_n pro_fw-la per_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v perfect_o convert_v and_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o yet_o that_o for_o some_o want_v they_o make_v no_o separation_n rend_v or_o schism_n from_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o they_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n open_o and_o that_o in_o all_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o yet_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v believe_v they_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o distinction_n of_o officer_n nor_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o of_o their_o requisite_n so_o that_o from_o the_o pious_a and_o godly_a example_n of_o those_o glorious_a saint_n i_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o rent_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v among_o brethren_n for_o some_o fail_n in_o any_o church_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n not_o only_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n but_o a_o very_a want_n of_o officer_n themselves_o and_o of_o a_o good_a discipline_n also_o in_o any_o church_n or_o church_n and_o that_o they_o that_o do_v make_v rent_n and_o division_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o withal_o i_o learn_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o fail_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o want_n of_o some_o chief_a officer_n and_o member_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o form_v church_n although_o it_o want_v both_o officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n they_o now_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v member_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o he_o now_o preach_v be_v solid_a and_o orthodox_n divinity_n and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o he_o write_v as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o those_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a want_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n officer_n which_o we_o may_v long_o since_o have_v enjoy_v have_v not_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n hinder_v our_o happy_a begin_v reformation_n especial_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v when_o there_o be_v no_o fail_v or_o want_n in_o any_o dominative_a or_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o where_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n requisite_a to_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v daily_o public_o teach_v in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o congregation_n and_o church_n all_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v we_o want_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v that_o discipline_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n yea_o the_o independent_o themselves_z hold_v that_o officer_n in_o a_o church_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o it_o as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n apparent_o delucidate_v for_o they_o say_v though_o the_o officer_n all_o dye_n yet_o the_o church_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v discipline_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n i_o maintain_v that_o in_o all_o he_o assert_v he_o be_v not_o only_o exceed_v erroneous_a and_o ignorant_a but_o understand_v not_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v all_o against_o he_o in_o those_o his_o assertion_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v it_o in_o their_o writing_n that_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v virtual_o in_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n if_o their_o concession_n be_v true_a nor_o any_o church_n officer_n which_o be_v point_n blank_a against_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o opinion_n they_o confess_v likewise_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n viz_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n they_o acknowledge_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v equal_a power_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n as_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v both_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o their_o several_a church_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o their_o particular_a right_n &_o impeach_v neither_o of_o they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o they_o do_v also_o confess_v that_o as_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n do_v excommunicate_a hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o and_o other_o so_o may_v the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o like_a occasion_n give_v they_o and_o may_v have_v put_v any_o church_n not_o only_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n but_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o also_o to_o have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n as_o both_o paul_n do_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v all_o well_o constitute_v and_o well_o and_o perfect_a form_v church_n by_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n so_o as_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o independent_o do_v accord_n unto_o and_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o perfect_a church_n at_o its_o first_o constitution_n before_o the_o incestuous_a person_n appear_v in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o they_o will_v say_v of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaiâ—tans_n and_o that_o of_o baalam_n and_o jezabell_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o and_o before_o those_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n appear_v and_o all_o the_o other_o offender_n there_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v any_o perfection_n to_o those_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o deformity_n to_o they_o all_o to_o have_v such_o creature_n and_o fail_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v repute_v their_o great_a sin_n to_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o in_o their_o bowel_n which_o by_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o have_v power_n to_o have_v cast_v out_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o those_o church_n at_o their_o first_o plantation_n and_o sound_n have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o all_o other_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o consist_v of_o saint_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o several_a church_n both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o this_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n but_o be_v all_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n the_o first_o day_n contrary_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v likewise_o by_o the_o independent_o and_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n himself_o that_o where_o there_o be_v church_n officer_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n with_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o few_o visible_a saint_n if_o they_o amount_v but_o to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v but_o ten_o or_o twelve_o gather_v together_o according_a to_o their_o method_n that_o there_o be_v a_o complete_a form_v church_n where_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o this_o church_n be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n the_o which_o
all_o of_o they_o necessary_o be_v confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a platform_n these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n add_v with_o all_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n and_o the_o body_n of_o many_o member_n and_o one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 11._o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o apostolical_a church_n they_o have_v all_o need_n one_o of_o another_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o thus_o speak_v be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o the_o which_o i_o be_o assure_v thâ—â—_n will_v sharp_o reprove_v he_o but_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la conclude_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o the_o several_a member_n be_v in_o one_o body_n which_o be_v that_o that_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n peremptory_o deny_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o evangelicall_n truth_n as_o i_o shall_v god_n will_v abundant_o prove_v in_o examine_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n phililppi_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o the_o rest_n with_o that_o of_o ephesus_n all_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o make_v up_o of_o his_o complete_a pattern_n and_o all_o the_o which_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o he_o and_o his_o scholar_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o say_v although_o he_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o enumeration_n i_o will_v take_v 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church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o withal_o i_o shall_v make_v good_a by_o god_n assistance_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v dependent_a all_o which_o i_o will_v do_v in_o order_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o rest_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n this_o city_n of_o samaria_n be_v the_o regal_a city_n and_o the_o palace_n or_o chamber_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a city_n then_o in_o the_o world_n and_o next_o to_o jerusalem_n the_o famous_a in_o all_o palestine_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o all_o canaan_n for_o extent_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a one_o that_o can_v entertain_v the_o who_o assyrian_n army_n at_o one_o time_n and_o it_o be_v exceed_o populous_a as_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n witness_v in_o the_o which_o 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favour_n from_o they_o that_o they_o allow_v they_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o private_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o paul_n word_n who_o say_v that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o can_v take_v up_o a_o famous_a apostle_n night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o who_o cease_v not_o all_o that_o while_n to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n act_n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o for_o 20._o and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o extraordinary_a teacher_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o of_o they_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o likewise_o continual_o employ_v there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n 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in_o subordination_n to_o it_o as_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n have_v and_o consequent_o be_v collegial_o and_o classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la now_o then_o when_o the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v all_o so_o govern_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o moderate_v of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v all_o other_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v classical_o and_o presbyterial_o moderate_v so_o that_o now_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o independent_o own_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v be_v take_v as_o well_o antecedenter_v as_o consequenter_fw-la it_o matter_n nothing_o 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compact_n they_o common_o continue_v their_o ancient_a dimension_n and_o limit_n and_o as_o far_o as_o their_o secular_a power_n extend_v itself_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o policy_n the_o same_o limit_n do_v the_o ecclesiastical_a ever_o observe_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n under_o they_o all_o who_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n be_v call_v citizen_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o several_a city_n as_o all_o history_n relate_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o examine_v the_o annal_n of_o time_n all_o man_n may_v find_v that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o see_v in_o the_o change_n of_o all_o government_n from_o democratiall_a to_o aristocratical_a and_o from_o both_o to_o monarchy_n that_o as_o far_o as_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n extend_v themselves_o before_o their_o changc_n the_o monarchsor_n king_n that_o either_o invade_v those_o government_n or_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o election_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n extend_v their_o sole_a power_n to_o the_o extreme_a limit_n of_o those_o several_a government_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n rule_v those_o several_a country_n which_o before_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o state_n senate_n elder_n or_o judge_n as_o we_o see_v it_o happen_v not_o only_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n after_o the_o government_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v change_v into_o a_o monarchy_n but_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n for_o when_o caesar_n have_v invade_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o have_v make_v himself_o perpetuus_n dictator_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a aristocracy_n extend_v its_o self_n before_o the_o change_n so_o far_o do_v his_o sole_a power_n expatiate_v and_o extend_v itself_o after_o the_o alteration_n and_o the_o same_o power_n do_v all_o the_o succeed_a emperor_n exercise_v to_o the_o extreme_a bound_n of_o that_o empire_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o as_o all_o history_n declare_v even_o so_o when_o the_o several_a presbytery_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v through_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n change_v into_o episcopacy_n as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a presbytery_n extend_v themselves_o so_o far_o do_v the_o several_a bishop_n appoint_v over_o they_o extend_v their_o sole_a power_n and_o exercise_v their_o sole_a authority_n hence_o arise_v so_o many_o broil_n contention_n and_o digladiation_n among_o those_o several_a bishop_n about_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a sea_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o which_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n be_v full_a all_o the_o which_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o declare_v
and_o in_o the_o baptist_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o matth._n 3._o and_o it_o be_v ratify_v by_o all_o the_o bless_a trinity_n as_o by_o the_o immediate_a descension_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o dove_n who_o be_v the_o person_n baptize_v with_o a_o voice_n from_o god_n the_o father_n out_o of_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o that_o christ_n god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v sanctify_v and_o confirm_v this_o ordinance_n not_o only_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n who_o be_v also_o baptize_v by_o john_n but_o to_o all_o those_o in_o all_o future_a age_n that_o shall_v be_v baptize_v by_o christ_n disciple_n and_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n which_o he_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v they_o matth._n 28._o to_o all_o which_o he_o promise_v his_o presence_n 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the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n this_o be_v one_o of_o my_o statute_n law_n will_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n say_v now_o you_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o i_o nor_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o be_v baptize_v in_o my_o name_n by_o john_n and_o my_o disciple_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v your_o own_o expression_n i_o therefore_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o you_o of_o the_o oongregationall_a by-path_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o only_o for_o these_o your_o hard_a speech_n against_o i_o and_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o but_o because_o in_o all_o my_o holy_a word_n i_o never_o appoint_v such_o a_o model_n and_o form_n of_o church_n as_o you_o have_v erect_v among_o you_o i_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o you_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o this_o i_o presume_v 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this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o speak_v concern_v my_o brother_n burtons_n reply_n to_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v to_o say_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n concern_v my_o first_o four_o proposition_n and_o the_o whole_a first_o part_n of_o my_o book_n what_o he_o have_v to_o reply_v to_o my_o argument_n about_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v answer_v in_o their_o due_a place_n after_o i_o have_v speak_v alittle_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n concern_v the_o independent_o definition_n of_o their_o church_n which_o occasional_o i_o meet_v with_o when_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n i_o confirm_v my_o argument_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n it_o may_v make_v they_o more_o specious_a in_o the_o independent_o eye_n or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o i_o hereafter_o when_o they_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o speak_v nothing_o but_o what_o i_o ratify_v and_o make_v good_a from_o their_o own_o ground_n their_o 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be_v all_o dependent_a i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o chief_a thing_n observable_a in_o it_o first_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n saint_n etc._n etc._n second_o they_o assert_v that_o this_o church_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n three_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n which_o false_o they_o make_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n or_o they_o say_v they_o be_v unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n now_o it_o can_v be_v holy_a except_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o have_v his_o command_n and_o authority_n for_o it_o which_o be_v that_o that_o engrave_v holiness_n upon_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v either_o diabolical_a or_o at_o least_o but_o humane_a so_o that_o in_o the_o independent_o learning_n wheresoever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o any_o congregation_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n for_o this_o be_v their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o which_o whatsoever_o church_n do_v not_o come_v and_o within_o the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o terminate_v it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o so_o by_o this_o all_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v nor_o be_v true_a form_v church_n no_o not_o the_o very_a independent_a congregation_n themselves_o as_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v illustrious_o make_v appear_v after_o i_o have_v say_v something_o in_o order_n of_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o this_o their_o definition_n and_o have_v show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o have_v set_v out_o and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o indeed_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v redound_v unto_o thousand_o of_o god_n people_n if_o these_o man_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n and_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o definition_n for_o from_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o describe_v and_o desire_v though_o it_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o be_v they_o never_o so_o erroneous_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o never_o so_o corrupt_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o never_o so_o perverse_a malicious_a and_o unplacable_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o let_v their_o unjustice_n do_v against_o any_o poor_a oppress_a member_n by_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a or_o exorbitant_a there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o it_o or_o help_v or_o redress_v to_o be_v expect_v by_o any_o appeal_n to_o any_o other_o court_n church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n which_o be_v a_o yoke_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o horrid_a tyranny_n and_o slavery_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v and_o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n can_v ever_o bear_v a_o great_a than_o the_o which_o never_o any_o man_n voluntary_o put_v themselves_o under_o before_o these_o our_o unhappy_a time_n all_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v god_n assist_v i_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o definition_n make_v evident_a and_o first_o whereas_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n if_o any_o presbyterian_a shall_v have_v so_o speak_v the_o independent_o will_v have_v say_v it_o have_v be_v a_o bull_n for_o visible_a and_o mystical_a can_v be_v predicate_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o if_o it_o be_v mystical_a than_o not_o visible_a and_o if_o visible_a then_o not_o mystical_a and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n belong_v rather_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n then_o to_o any_o visible_a congregation_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v true_o holy_a and_o godly_a which_o none_o know_v but_o god_n himself_o for_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o and_o positive_o say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v a_o saint_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v often_o mistake_v as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v they_o have_v be_v for_o the_o time_n be_v that_o they_o think_v some_o man_n saint_n who_o be_v the_o same_o still_o they_o then_o be_v and_o yet_o now_o they_o not_o only_o think_v but_o say_v though_o false_o they_o be_v devil_n and_o repent_v that_o ever_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o most_o true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n only_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o of_o more_o discern_a spirit_n then_o any_o in_o our_o age_n yet_o can_v not_o discover_v judas_n christ_n only_o know_v he_o be_v a_o devil_n it_o be_v hide_v and_o a_o mystery_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o same_o to_o this_o day_n lie_v hide_v from_o all_o man_n who_o be_v saint_n indeed_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n be_v absurd_a groundless_a and_o vain_a in_o this_o branch_n of_o it_o when_o they_o say_v a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o saint_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o this_o their_o model_n for_o we_o read_v not_o only_o of_o many_o scandalous_a walker_n among_o they_o but_o of_o some_o heretic_n and_o yet_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v true_a church_n what_o ever_o the_o independent_o think_v now_o of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v mix_v though_o in_o none_o or_o in_o very_a few_o of_o they_o they_o can_v discover_v any_o such_o offender_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n galatia_n philippi_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v true_a church_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a in_o the_o sequel_n that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v then_o true_a church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o saint_n but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n or_o part_n viz._n that_o the_o church_n they_o desire_v must_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o this_o branch_n also_o than_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o well_o form_v church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o then_o also_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n be_v a_o true_a church_n much_o less_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n challenge_v that_o title_n and_o be_v true_a church_n it_o be_v impossible_a though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o one_o congregation_n apiece_o for_o they_o several_o to_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o among_o god_n ordinance_n the_o independent_o both_o in_o new-england_n and_o here_o among_o we_o hold_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n though_o as_o they_o be_v representative_a body_n of_o many_o church_n they_o may_v have_v that_o name_n give_v they_o and_o be_v church_n in_o my_o notion_n and_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n but_o i_o say_v not_o proper_o according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o their_o congregation_n consist_v of_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o of_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n apeice_n and_o deacon_n and_o of_o a_o few_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o have_v many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n require_v for_o the_o mould_v of_o they_o up_o into_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n whereas_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n they_o have_v neither_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n over_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o elder_n and_o deacon_n as_o they_o require_v nor_o no_o woman_n so_o that_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o present_a day_n enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n consist_v of_o presbyter_n only_o and_o that_o of_o many_o not_o only_o out_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o great_a but_o out_o of_o many_o send_v and_o delegated_a from_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o yea_o many_o time_n not_o only_o out_o of_o many_o several_a presbytery_n adjacent_a but_o out_o of_o other_o country_n and_o province_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n and_o that_o late_o at_o dort_n and_o this_o our_o
authority_n within_o themselves_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o they_o have_v usual_o choice_n enough_o of_o man_n fit_a for_o their_o employment_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n who_o collective_o take_v be_v all_o collegiat_o and_o classical_o govern_v and_o depend_v upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v single_a congregation_n only_o as_o the_o independent_o will_v persuade_v the_o delude_a people_n they_o can_v never_o have_v do_v for_o the_o many_o reason_n both_o now_o and_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_v specify_v so_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o sufficient_o now_o appear_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n that_o no_o particular_a congregation_n can_v enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n within_o itself_o without_o dependency_n upon_o other_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n which_o can_v in_o any_o particular_a congregation_n be_v enjoy_v without_o it_o be_v presbyterate_v to_o use_v their_o own_o expression_n that_o be_v to_o say_v except_o it_o have_v their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o church_n officer_n within_o itself_o annex_v to_o it_o for_o they_o among_o the_o independent_o that_o hold_v that_o excommunication_n must_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n understand_v it_o then_o only_o to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o entire_a and_o a_o whole_a congregation_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o their_o elder_n &_o their_o other_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n without_o the_o elder_n can_v excommunicate_v any_o nor_o the_o elder_n without_o the_o people_n and_o they_o of_o the_o independent_a party_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o they_o do_v not_o all_o agree_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o church_n government_n which_o have_v retard_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o new_a noddle_n lest_o that_o by_o it_o they_o shall_v loose_v many_o of_o their_o disciple_n and_o follower_n which_o they_o well_o know_v will_v soon_o break_v of_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o humour_v they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_n and_o therefore_o they_o cunning_o juggle_v with_o the_o people_n and_o fain_a pretence_n when_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v mean_v christianly_o and_o honest_o they_o will_v long_o since_o have_v bring_v in_o their_o new_a noddle_n of_o church_n government_n but_o fear_v what_o will_v ensue_v and_o which_o will_v not_o be_v for_o their_o profit_n and_o honour_n they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v delay_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o seduce_a of_o many_o but_o i_o say_v those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o hold_v that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n only_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n exclude_v the_o people_n from_o their_o vote_n and_o that_o for_o many_o inconvenience_n as_o they_o suppose_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o remove_v for_o all_o that_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v yet_o i_o say_v on_o all_o side_n they_o agree_v that_o without_o the_o presbyter_n consent_v none_o can_v be_v excommunicate_v be_v they_o never_o so_o scandalous_a so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o any_o congregation_n be_v without_o their_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n also_o neither_o can_v they_o ordain_v they_o within_o themselves_o without_o help_n from_o other_o church_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o therefore_o they_o want_v this_o ordinance_n till_o their_o new_a supply_n and_o that_o they_o must_v crave_v from_o other_o church_n when_o their_o officer_n be_v dead_a and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v still_o be_v dependent_a but_o now_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o their_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v again_o recrute_v and_o make_v up_o again_o or_o presbyterate_v and_o complete_a in_o respect_n of_o both_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o ten_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o or_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o few_o more_o which_o be_v a_o pretty_a full_a church_n and_o congregation_n among_o they_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o they_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n will_v forth_o with_o ensue_v upon_o it_o yea_o under_o how_o intolerable_a a_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n will_v many_o oppress_a christian_n by_o this_o mean_n groan_v under_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v unjust_o and_o wrongful_o injure_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o any_o other_o court_n or_o church-tribunall_n for_o redress_n or_o relief_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o wrong_v or_o injure_v or_o damnify_v by_o they_o for_o if_o the_o formidable_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pass_v once_o against_o any_o person_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n they_o throw_v and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o communion_n not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o devil_n therefore_o if_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n be_v once_o inflict_v upon_o any_o member_n by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o some_o of_o the_o ii-dependents_a will_v have_v it_o or_o by_o two_o or_o three_o presbyter_n only_o as_o other_o contend_v the_o misery_n and_o grievance_n be_v never_o the_o less_o nor_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o that_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n the_o less_o avoidable_o as_o will_v daily_o appear_v for_o if_o all_o the_o congregation_n pass_v this_o sentence_n many_o of_o the_o member_n who_o have_v their_o vote_n be_v private_a man_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unlearned_a and_o unexperienced_a through_o want_n of_o year_n part_n education_n and_o breed_n and_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n they_o be_v many_o time_n so_o intricate_a so_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o rule_n unto_o the_o case_n for_o the_o inflict_a of_o a_o just_a censure_n and_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n also_o to_o bear_v a_o peculiar_a hatred_n or_o ill_a will_n unto_o their_o person_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o passion_n to_o do_v unjustice_n or_o may_v be_v overawe_v by_o fear_n or_o threaten_n of_o some_o other_o in_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v the_o enemy_n to_o the_o party_n in_o question_n so_o that_o they_o be_v powerful_a man_n rich_a in_o estate_n among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a people_n who_o dependency_n may_v be_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v either_o child_n servant_n workman_n or_o tenant_n of_o which_o most_o of_o the_o congregation_n consist_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o displease_v they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v their_o friend_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o go_v with_o the_o strong_a side_n may_v pass_v this_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o most_o unjust_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v &_o this_o must_v go_v for_o currant_n if_o the_o most_o voice_n carry_v it_o and_o from_o they_o the_o party_n unjust_o deal_v with_o have_v no_o appeal_n but_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v against_o he_o must_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o condition_n under_o this_o heavy_a doom_n which_o i_o believe_v in_o every_o understand_a man_n judgement_n will_v seem_v a_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o elder_n only_o of_o this_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o above_o two_o or_o three_o and_o many_o time_n none_o of_o the_o learn_a wise_a and_o honest_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v and_o therefore_o be_v liable_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o same_o temptation_n that_o the_o other_o be_v because_o of_o particular_a relation_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o their_o congregation_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o support_v who_o they_o ordinary_o dare_v not_o displease_v for_o they_o know_v the_o fickleness_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n will_v disgust_v they_o and_o alienate_v their_o affection_n from_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o cause_n also_o of_o withdraw_v their_o contribution_n and_o supply_n by_o which_o they_o support_v themselves_o and_o their_o family_n and_o common_o when_o any_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n fall_v of_o from_o a_o minister_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o place_n yet_o he_o will_v withdraw_v many_o yea_o of_o themselves_o the_o unstable_a people_n will_v take_v occasion_n by_o other_o example_n to_o slight_v and_o neglect_v their_o minister_n as_o hourly_a experience_n teach_v we_o for_o humour_n not_o they_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v go_v yea_o but_o
all_o man_n therefore_o they_o that_o pray_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o truth_n and_o one_o true_a religion_n so_o that_o no_o other_o may_v be_v tolerate_v pray_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o be_v the_o only_a true_a pray_v people_n and_o those_o that_o pray_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o toleration_n of_o they_o all_o as_o the_o independent_o do_v be_v not_o the_o only_a true_a pray_v people_n whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o delude_a world_n for_o they_o pray_v not_o according_a to_o god_n will_n again_o the_o true_o pray_v people_n be_v teach_v to_o say_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v in_o which_o petition_n they_o be_v instruct_v to_o pray_v not_o only_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n viz._n that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v everywhere_o publish_v preach_v and_o set_v up_o and_o to_o that_o end_n that_o god_n will_v send_v faithful_a labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n and_o harvest_n and_o in_o so_o pray_v they_o earnest_o desire_v that_o whatsoever_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n do_v may_v be_v take_v away_o now_o the_o independent_o pray_v for_o a_o toleration_n and_o for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o labour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o hindrance_n of_o send_v faithful_a labourer_n into_o god_n harvest_n and_o much_o discourage_v those_o that_o be_v already_o send_v and_o hinder_v also_o the_o set_n up_o of_o that_o discipline_n and_o government_n that_o will_v most_o make_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o same_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o true_o pray_v people_n for_o they_o pray_v not_o according_a to_o god_n will_n again_o the_o true_a pray_v people_n be_v teach_v to_o say_v thy_o will_n beeâ—_n do_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o their_o so_o pray_v they_o be_v instruct_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v against_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o do_v hinder_v the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n now_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o will_n that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o religion_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v bring_v up_o their_o child_n and_o family_n in_o the_o nurture_n knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o this_o one_o and_o only_o true_a god_n as_o abraham_n jacob_n joshua_n and_o cornelius_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v ever_o do_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v instruct_v their_o child_n and_o household_n in_o the_o statute_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o their_o lie_v down_o and_o rise_v up_o at_o their_o go_n out_o and_o come_n in_o deut._n 6._o &_o deut._n 11._o and_o eph._n 6._o v._n 4._o and_o that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o man-servant_n and_o maid_n servant_n and_o the_o stranger_n within_o their_o gate_n shall_v sanctify_v god_n sabbath_n and_o keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n exod._n 20._o and_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n and_o this_o they_o be_v for_o ever_o tie_v unto_o by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o spare_v their_o nigh_a ally_n and_o kindred_n that_o shall_v labour_v or_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o any_o other_o religion_n then_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o holy_a and_o bless_a word_n den._n 13._o and_o this_o they_o that_o pray_v aright_o and_o according_a to_o god_n will_v pray_v may_v be_v do_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o family_n and_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n may_v continue_v to_o instruct_v their_o household_n and_o family_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o shall_v hinder_v the_o do_n of_o this_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v remove_v abominate_v and_o abhor_v as_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v do_v and_o that_o pretend_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o hourly_a experience_n teach_v we_o for_o by_o this_o both_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n be_v neglect_v on_o all_o side_n for_o neither_o father_n nor_o master_n of_o family_n can_v perform_v or_o discharge_v their_o duty_n if_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n shall_v once_o be_v set_v up_o for_o then_o both_o servant_n and_o child_n and_o the_o stranger_n within_o their_o house_n shall_v every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n without_o control_n so_o that_o they_o may_v go_v whither_o they_o will_v and_o embrace_v what_o religion_n or_o heresy_n they_o please_v and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o man_n more_o earnest_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o set_n up_o and_o establish_v of_o the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o the_o root_n out_o of_o all_o false_a and_o erroneous_a religion_n for_o in_o this_o they_o do_v according_a to_o god_n will_v and_o they_o only_o that_o thus_o pray_v be_v the_o true_a pray_v people_n but_o the_o ill_n dependent_n pray_v that_o there_o own_o will_n may_v be_v do_v &_o not_o god_n will_v for_o they_o pray_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o against_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n who_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o contrary_a deut._n 13._o yea_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatyra_n rev._n 2._o ver_fw-la 12._o etc._n etc._n 18._o show_v his_o high_a displeasure_n against_o they_o for_o but_o suffer_v and_o connive_v at_o those_o false_a doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v among_o they_o yea_o in_o this_o bless_a prayer_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v not_o only_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n but_o he_o far_o add_v by_o way_n of_o example_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n of_o our_o imitation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o all_o those_o that_o be_v christ_n disciple_n know_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o religion_n in_o heaven_n and_o one_o way_n of_o worship_n there_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n they_o therefore_o that_o pray_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o the_o ildependents_a do_v be_v not_o the_o only_a true_a pray_v people_n see_v they_o will_v have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n otherwise_o do_v on_o earth_n than_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n for_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v but_o one_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o pray_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o they_o pray_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n again_o the_o true_o pray_v people_n be_v teach_v to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a therefore_o they_o pray_v against_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a temptation_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o evil_a but_o the_o very_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o error_n schism_n heresy_n and_o of_o all_o abomination_n and_o of_o all_o the_o evil_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n that_o can_v light_v upon_o any_o church_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatyra_n to_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n say_v repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n of_o great_a tribulation_n and_o will_v kill_v she_o with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n i_o say_v therefore_o from_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a temptation_n but_o the_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o bring_v plague_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o a_o distraction_n and_o disorder_n among_o all_o the_o people_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n against_o all_o the_o which_o as_o so_o many_o temptation_n and_o capital_a evil_n all_o true_o godly_a pray_v people_n if_o they_o will_v pray_v according_a to_o god_n will_v ought_v incessant_o to_o put_v up_o their_o daily_a supplication_n as_o they_o desire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o removeall_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o in_o their_o so_o pray_v they_o do_v but_o
their_o duty_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therefore_o when_o the_o ildependents_a pray_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o labour_n for_o it_o and_o hinder_v with_o all_o their_o power_n the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o such_o a_o government_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v his_o church_n as_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o his_o bless_a will_n and_o they_o have_v also_o covenant_v to_o bring_v in_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o neither_o pray_v that_o god_n name_n may_v be_v hallow_v nor_o that_o his_o kingdom_n may_v come_v nor_o that_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v nor_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o temptation_n and_o be_v deliver_v from_o evil_a and_o therefore_o they_o pray_v not_o aright_o and_o be_v not_o as_o they_o false_o boast_v themselves_o the_o only_a true_a pray_v people_n for_o they_o pray_v not_o according_a to_o god_n will_n now_o when_o those_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n consist_v of_o such_o kind_n of_o pray_v member_n it_o be_v apparent_o manifest_a they_o be_v a_o mix_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a nor_o the_o man_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n which_o be_v another_o title_n they_o false_o and_o pharisaical_o also_o claim_v and_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v the_o former_a as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v upon_o due_a examination_n and_o discussion_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o expression_n for_o those_o that_o be_v the_o man_n and_o people_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v such_o as_o with_o all_o their_o might_n stand_v up_o in_o defence_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 2_o 3._o and_o be_v not_o only_o ever_o ready_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o that_o ancient_a faith_n but_o with_o all_o their_o power_n to_o fight_v for_o it_o to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o their_o blood_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o error_n superstition_n heresy_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a worship_n and_o in_o oppose_v whatsoever_o be_v against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v which_o tend_v only_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o all_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n now_o the_o il-independents_a deny_v that_o they_o do_v ever_o fight_v for_o religion_n yea_o i_o myself_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o fight_v for_o religion_n and_o they_o profess_v that_o when_o they_o go_v out_o with_o the_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o fight_v only_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o for_o a_o toleration_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o part_n and_o branch_n as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o subject_n birthright_n all_o this_o i_o can_v with_o many_o more_o depose_v and_o therefore_o they_o false_o arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o that_o title_n of_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n which_o no_o more_o belong_v unto_o they_o then_o the_o other_o ensign_n and_o title_n do_v and_o as_o little_a right_n have_v they_o to_o the_o title_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a which_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o their_o mouth_n if_o we_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o true_a touchstone_n of_o that_o mettle_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v to_o very_o good_a purpose_n to_o turn_v to_o the_o 15._o psalm_n and_o brief_o to_o run_v over_o that_o where_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o true_a description_n of_o saint_n indeed_o who_o say_v the_o psalmist_n shall_v abide_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n and_o who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a for_o answer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o best_o know_v who_o be_v saint_n indeed_o set_v down_o the_o character_n of_o true_a saint_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v his_o upright_a walk_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n signify_v the_o trade_n of_o a_o man_n life_n his_o custom_n and_o carriage_n in_o it_o as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o dialect_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o say_v he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o natural_a condition_n and_o in_o his_o irregenerate_a state_n in_o his_o ignorance_n blindness_n wicked_a course_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v no_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n nor_o any_o change_n in_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n nor_o in_o his_o whole_a frame_n of_o life_n and_o carriage_n but_o he_o be_v the_o old_a man_n still_o rom._n 18._o ver_fw-la 1._o so_o to_o walk_v upright_o in_o scripture_n language_n be_v to_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v regenerate_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a mind_a man_n who_o do_v all_o the_o action_n of_o one_o bear_v again_o of_o the_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n his_o delight_n and_o square_n his_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o he_o order_v his_o life_n by_o that_o rule_n in_o all_o integrity_n sincerity_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n or_o any_o base_a or_o by-end_n or_o worldly_a respect_n he_o make_v it_o his_o employment_n with_o enoch_n and_o noah_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n secret_o as_o well_o as_o open_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n in_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n as_o if_o he_o be_v ever_o in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n walk_v upright_o also_o towards_o man_n carry_v himself_o just_o towards_o all_o but_o especial_o his_o main_a aim_n be_v to_o endeavour_v that_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n may_v be_v set_v up_o in_o his_o family_n and_o wheresoever_o he_o have_v power_n he_o decline_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o keep_v himself_o strict_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o go_v right_a on_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o that_o he_o halt_v not_o between_o two_o religion_n or_o more_o for_o he_o know_v how_o much_o that_o be_v disspleasing_a unto_o god_n who_o say_v unto_o the_o people_n by_o his_o prophet_n why_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o religion_n that_o god_n can_v endure_v in_o any_o people_n no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v endure_v the_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n that_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a but_o indifferent_a what_o religion_n be_v set_v up_o so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o case_n all_o such_o he_o know_v god_n have_v and_o will_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n such_o therefore_o as_o halt_v and_o limp_v in_o religion_n and_o hop_v first_o on_o this_o side_n to_o this_o religion_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o that_o other_o 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that_o blast_n of_o opinion_n but_o they_o walk_v right_o on_o they_o set_v not_o a_o step_n backward_o from_o their_o first_o love_n to_o religion_n like_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v 2._o but_o pass_v forward_o towards_o the_o price_n and_o mark_v of_o their_o high_a call_n with_o as_o great_a a_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n as_o at_o first_o and_o hate_v all_o false_a way_n and_o erroneous_a religion_n they_o persevere_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o footstep_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a and_o imitate_v all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o saint_n and_o all_o the_o church_n they_o can_v endure_v that_o any_o doctrine_n of_o baalam_n jezabell_n or_o of_o the_o nicolaitan_n shall_v be_v connive_v
at_o among_o they_o or_o tolerate_v or_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o establish_v in_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o in_o that_o they_o walk_v and_o persevere_v they_o decline_v not_o in_o their_o love_n to_o it_o they_o go_v not_o backward_o with_o demas_n to_o embrace_v the_o present_a world_n nor_o with_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n they_o will_v deny_v no_o truth_n of_o god_n nor_o with_o any_o heretic_n innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o religion_n but_o they_o walk_v upright_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o high_a call_n in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o stand_v not_o still_o neither_o nor_o make_v no_o pause_n in_o their_o way_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o journey_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o well_o do_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o heavenly_a zion_n they_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o their_o religion_n yea_o they_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o that_o through_o thick_a and_o thin_a of_o all_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n and_o abate_v not_o their_o pace_n cast_v aside_o every_o thing_n that_o press_v down_o as_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o honour_n and_o riches_n the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n the_o love_n of_o profit_n the_o love_n of_o friend_n and_o all_o earthly_a emolument_n yea_o and_o the_o sin_n that_o stick_v so_o close_o unto_o they_o all_o their_o hereditaty_n and_o inbred_a corruption_n yea_o they_o reject_v likewise_o all_o novelty_n in_o religion_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o old_a way_n god_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o but_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o impediment_n they_o not_o only_o walk_v but_o run_v the_o race_n and_o the_o whole_a race_n set_v before_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o their_o faith_n jesus_n christ_n who_o for_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v now_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n heb._n 12._o 2._o he_o make_v that_o good_a confession_n to_o the_o death_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o witness_v the_o truth_n all_o they_o therefore_o that_o be_v conformable_a to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o desire_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o step_n and_o that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a can_v never_o endure_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o walk_v upright_o with_o their_o god_n nor_o after_o christ_n example_n for_o christ_n whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o will_v not_o tolerate_v they_o but_o lay_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o evil_n do_v and_o preach_v against_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o saducee_n and_o all_o erroneous_a sect_n in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o after_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatyra_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o suffering_n and_o tolerate_v among_o they_o any_o other_o religion_n then_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o for_o but_o connive_v at_o any_o novelty_n in_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n they_o therefore_o that_o follow_v the_o ill_a example_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatyra_n and_o not_o only_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o but_o labour_n and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v a_o indulgence_n and_o a_o toleration_n for_o all_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n they_o follow_v not_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n jacob_n joshua_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o bless_a apostle_n who_o abhor_v all_o novelty_n and_o toleration_n and_o therefore_o they_o walk_v not_o upright_o with_o their_o god_n and_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o according_a to_o god_n own_o description_n of_o a_o true_a saint_n now_o whether_o therefore_o the_o ildependents_a by_o their_o practice_n can_v challenge_v this_o character_n to_o themselves_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a when_o they_o will_v have_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o now_o to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o character_n of_o a_o true_a saint_n he_o that_o work_v righteousness_n say_v the_o spirit_n they_o that_o make_v it_o their_o employment_n to_o render_v to_o every_o one_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13._o tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n custom_n to_o who_o custom_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a and_o they_o that_o will_v owe_v no_o man_n nothing_o but_o love_n and_o that_o love_v one_o another_o know_v that_o he_o that_o love_v fulfil_v the_o law_n they_o be_v saint_n proper_o so_o call_v v._o the_o 7._o in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o in_o god_n repute_n work_v righteousness_n they_o first_o give_v unto_o god_n his_o true_a worship_n and_o labour_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o religion_n only_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o can_v endure_v the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n neither_o will_v they_o connive_v at_o or_o indulge_v that_o any_o way_n of_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v permit_v where_o they_o have_v power_n and_o ability_n to_o hinder_v it_o but_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v for_o they_o know_v that_o that_o be_v not_o to_o work_v righteousness_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o give_v god_n his_o own_o for_o he_o appoint_v but_o one_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o challenge_v for_o his_o own_o so_o then_o they_o that_o set_v up_o any_o other_o but_o that_o or_o tolerate_v more_o or_o allow_v of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n they_o work_v not_o righteousness_n towards_o god_n for_o that_o be_v unjustice_n and_o a_o thing_n high_o displease_v unto_o his_o divine_a majesty_n as_o take_v his_o right_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n who_o be_v king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o substitute_v themselves_o in_o his_o place_n which_o be_v the_o great_a injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v the_o true_a saint_n indeed_o and_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a dare_v not_o attempt_v any_o such_o unjust_a thing_n for_o they_o work_v righteousness_n again_o the_o true_a saint_n in_o like_a manner_n work_v righteousness_n towards_o all_o man_n they_o yield_v all_o subjection_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o they_o give_v the_o magistrate_n their_o due_a honour_n and_o reverence_n yield_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n and_o veneration_n and_o they_o yield_v unto_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o their_o true_a honour_n and_o so_o be_v fulfiller_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o that_o malign_v their_o brethren_n and_o detract_v from_o their_o praise_n and_o hate_v they_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o rail_v of_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n by_o their_o daily_a traduce_v of_o they_o and_o assume_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o they_o unto_o themselves_o and_o all_o such_o as_o do_v assent_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n they_o do_v not_o work_v righteousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o god_n dialect_n they_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o nor_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a for_o it_o be_v great_a injustice_n to_o detract_v from_o any_o their_o due_a honour_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligible_a man_n whether_o or_o no_o those_o that_o write_v defamatory_n book_n and_o daily_o utter_v injurious_a and_o reproachful_a word_n against_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n traduce_v they_o before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o accuse_v they_o of_o injustice_n and_o of_o exercise_v a_o lawless_a and_o a_o arbitrary_a government_n over_o the_o people_n proclaim_v they_o tyrant_n and_o as_o bad_a as_o strafford_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n and_o that_o at_o pleasure_n can_v impeach_v any_o of_o the_o parliament_n and_o accuse_v they_o to_o the_o people_n as_o traitor_n and_o such_o as_o keep_v correspondency_n with_o the_o enemy_n and_o be_v betrayer_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o those_o that_o do_v allow_v of_o such_o man_n favour_v they_o and_o encourage_v they_o by_o their_o countenance_n or_o connivance_n i_o say_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o whether_o they_o that_o do_v or_o assent_v to_o such_o do_n do_v work_v righteousness_n when_o they_o do_v apparent_o
have_v hinder_v their_o activity_n as_o those_o that_o stone_a stephen_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o nimble_a leave_v their_o garment_n in_o other_o man_n keep_n when_o i_o see_v so_o â—ude_a a_o company_n and_o hear_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v combine_v themselves_o together_o by_o swear_v to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o many_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o that_o their_o business_n may_v go_v on_o the_o better_a and_o with_o the_o great_a success_n that_o while_o some_o of_o they_o be_v there_o act_v of_o their_o part_n in_o a_o disorderly_a and_o tumultuous_a manner_n other_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o city_n at_o a_o private_a humiliation_n a_o special_a day_n be_v set_v a_o part_n to_o seek_v god_n as_o they_o say_v that_o they_o may_v have_v justice_n do_v against_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o parliament_n that_o be_v not_o favourer_n of_o the_o ildependents_a as_o jezabell_n cause_v the_o elder_n of_o jezreell_a to_o call_v a_o fast_a when_o she_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o poor_a innocent_a naboth_n this_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v relate_v unto_o i_o by_o one_o of_o that_o company_n that_o not_o long_o after_o go_v out_o of_o the_o room_n who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n i_o know_v among_o they_o all_o but_o i_o not_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o concourse_n of_o uncivil_a people_n demand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o three_o part_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v up_o for_o the_o whole_a city_n will_v appear_v there_o in_o that_o business_n the_o day_n follow_v to_o demand_v justice_n against_o such_o and_o such_o as_o guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n but_o that_o now_o they_o be_v seek_v god_n and_o in_o private_a fast_n and_o that_o some_o be_v assemble_v in_o such_o a_o man_n house_n name_v the_o party_n in_o this_o formal_a manner_n thing_n be_v relate_v unto_o i_o as_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n know_v all_o which_o proceed_n i_o suppose_v be_v to_o do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n now_o when_o i_o have_v well_o view_v and_o consider_v all_o these_o man_n and_o see_v their_o complexion_n â—arre_o worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n and_o behold_v all_o their_o behaviour_n and_o see_v their_o incivility_n towards_o all_o man_n and_o especial_o towards_o myself_o who_o they_o causeless_o revile_v say_v that_o they_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o hang_v not_o long_o since_o and_o that_o i_o have_v live_v on_o their_o alm_n and_o that_o they_o have_v pray_v for_o my_o deliverance_n out_o of_o my_o trouble_n and_o that_o now_o i_o be_v come_v home_o with_o a_o vengeance_n unto_o they_o for_o i_o be_v turn_v a_o apostate_n and_o a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n pray_v for_o i_o and_o many_o other_o revile_v speech_n they_o use_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o honourable_a gentleman_n as_o they_o can_v all_o witness_n and_o that_o without_o give_v they_o any_o occasion_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n as_o the_o stander_n by_o be_v ready_a to_o depose_v i_o say_v i_o see_v this_o their_o disorderly_a behaviour_n and_o withal_o hear_v they_o with_o open_a mouth_n traduce_v the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o accuse_v they_o all_o of_o injustice_n affirm_v that_o their_o proceed_n be_v as_o tyrannical_a as_o those_o of_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n and_o not_o only_o say_v it_o but_o print_v it_o in_o a_o pamphlet_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v most_o shameful_o and_o false_o belie_v i_o as_o the_o whole_a parliament_n know_v in_o all_o which_o they_o do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n i_o in_o reply_v to_o that_o pamphlet_n in_o my_o just_a defence_n think_v it_o a_o abuse_n of_o gravity_n to_o use_v it_o upon_o such_o whible_a fellow_n and_o choose_v rather_o by_o way_n of_o merriment_n to_o answer_v they_o then_o serious_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o they_o and_o therefore_o call_v to_o mind_n some_o of_o their_o own_o expression_n against_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n as_o that_o he_o have_v get_v a_o blow_n with_o a_o french_a coulstaffe_n and_o that_o he_o look_v like_o the_o belly_n of_o a_o toad_n and_o remember_v also_o what_o they_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o cavalier_n that_o come_v with_o the_o king_n to_o the_o parliament_n that_o they_o look_v like_o so_o many_o fury_n and_o fiend_n out_o of_o hell_n and_o recollect_v withal_o what_o they_o have_v often_o speak_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o that_o they_o run_v from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o a_o other_o to_o get_v church_n preferment_n and_o regard_v nothing_o but_o their_o belly_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o enslave_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o tyrannical_o domineer_v over_o all_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o have_v pollute_v all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o their_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o heathenish_a and_o antichristian_a defilement_n and_o abomination_n and_o remember_v also_o many_o of_o martin_n expression_n against_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o his_o blasphemous_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o arraignment_n of_o mr._n persecution_n and_o his_o echo_n and_o his_o hue_n and_o cry_n the_o which_o book_n be_v entertain_v among_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o read_v with_o great_a delight_n they_o make_v themselves_o upon_o all_o occasion_n merry_a with_o they_o and_o especial_o with_o those_o expression_n wherein_o he_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o master_n simon_n synod_n with_o great_a ironteeth_n and_o such_o luxuriant_a tusk_n as_o one_o may_v pick_v they_o with_o a_o rowling-pin_n and_o i_o say_v i_o call_v to_o my_o remembrance_n all_o these_o their_o expression_n in_o which_o they_o great_o delight_v and_o please_v themselves_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o inveigh_v against_o the_o presbytery_n and_o study_v to_o make_v they_o all_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o of_o their_o own_o rhetoric_n which_o i_o do_v purposely_o to_o find_v out_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o cattle_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o partiality_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o indeed_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o unstable_a man_n in_o general_a who_o be_v win_v with_o a_o apple_n and_o lose_v with_o a_o nut_n and_o will_v praise_v and_o dispraise_n they_o know_v not_o for_o what_o and_o one_o day_n commend_v that_o in_o themselves_o which_o a_o other_o day_n they_o will_v condemn_v in_o any_o of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o at_o one_o time_n extol_v a_o man_n for_o that_o which_o upon_o a_o other_o occasion_n they_o will_v censure_v he_o for_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o aggravation_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o with_o what_o disguise_a aspect_n and_o hideous_a look_n and_o odd_a complexion_n they_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o room_n about_o the_o committee_n and_o how_o they_o grin_v at_o i_o with_o their_o tooth_n make_v i_o in_o the_o description_n of_o they_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n that_o they_o have_v former_o do_v of_o strafford_n and_o the_o cavalier_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o both_o in_o their_o countenance_n and_o action_n they_o parallel_v they_o and_o say_v they_o look_v like_o so_o many_o fury_n and_o like_o the_o belly_n of_o a_o toad_n and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v get_v a_o blow_n with_o a_o french_a coulstaffe_n and_o that_o one_o may_v pick_v some_o of_o their_o tooth_n with_o a_o bedstaff_n all_o which_o be_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o as_o they_o accuse_v the_o presbyter_n for_o belly_n god_n so_o they_o also_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o good_a cheer_n and_o that_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v with_o their_o superstition_n pollute_v the_o church_n so_o they_o do_v pollute_v they_o with_o their_o scummer_n and_o piss_v in_o they_o and_o that_o as_o they_o seek_v to_o enslave_v the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o the_o independets_n if_o they_o can_v but_o once_o attain_v the_o mastery_n will_v do_v no_o less_o and_o for_o this_o my_o so_o speak_v i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o language_n and_o dialect_n have_v often_o hear_v some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o greatness_n
church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v act_n the_o second_o that_o consist_v only_o of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n also_o of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v pag._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o those_o congregation_n that_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n though_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n within_o themselves_o and_o want_v discipline_n may_v be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o the_o church_n here_o of_o jorusalem_n be_v which_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n have_v no_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o dictinstion_n of_o officer_n &_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o it_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n &_o that_o because_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v draw_v these_o two_o infallibleconclusion_n the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o they_o want_v both_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o although_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n this_o first_o conclusion_n i_o say_v i_o infallible_o gather_v from_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o be_v that_o have_v both_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a performance_n if_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o all_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n of_o church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n for_o substance_n but_o all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v such_o as_o only_a glory_n in_o outward_a performance_n &_o consist_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n ergo._n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n &_o my_o brother_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o all_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o master_n hanserdo_v i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n ensue_a and_o after_o i_o have_v dispatch_v that_o work_n i_o will_v then_o in_o like_a manner_n reply_v to_o whatsoever_o either_o master_n knollys_n i._n s._n or_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o touch_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o large_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o my_o foregoing_a reason_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n speak_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a in_o they_o but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o proposition_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o jndependent_o assent_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o will_v then_o also_o faithful_o relate_v their_o own_o word_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n make_v against_o my_o argument_n or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n advantageous_a to_o their_o cause_n my_o second_o proposition_n 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 far_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 â—hose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o 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-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 place_n in_o the_o same_o story_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n to_o this_o proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n thus_o reply_v to_o which_o i_o also_o say_v he_o consent_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v neither_o bathe_v the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o therein_o i_o must_v manifest_v my_o dissent_n from_o the_o doctor_n opinion_n promise_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v sound_o prove_v it_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o reply_v to_o he_o and_o in_o do_v that_o insert_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o it_o with_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v and_o answer_v to_o they_o all_o in_o order_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o that_o shall_v without_o prejudice_n read_v my_o foregoing_a argument_n and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v write_v will_v conclude_v that_o master_n hanserdo_n be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o of_o as_o little_a honesty_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v credit_v in_o what_o either_o he_o say_v or_o write_v neither_o ought_v master_n knollys_n in_o this_o controversy_n especial_o when_o the_o debate_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o be_v both_o party_n witness_n jury_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o all_o wise_a man_n will_v gather_v and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o by_o scripture_n sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n abundant_o evince_v it_o all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o understand_a christian_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v grant_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o challenge_v master_n knollys_n his_o promise_n and_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o error_n and_o so_o relinquish_v his_o fond_a opinion_n of_o independency_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o can_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a saint_n as_o not_o keep_v his_o word_n for_o david_n describe_v a_o
shall_v desire_v all_o judicious_a christian_n due_o to_o consider_v both_o their_o expression_n for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o branch_n either_o of_o a_o vine_n or_o tree_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o s._n john_n and_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o roman_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o vine_n and_o root_n as_o drawing_z life_n and_o sap_n from_o they_o for_o be_v sever_v and_o cut_v off_o they_o do_v forthwith_o die_v and_o wither_v now_o then_o if_o according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n opinion_n and_o learning_n and_o if_o his_o simile_n be_v good_a that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o the_o several_a company_n in_o those_o several_a private_a house_n and_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v between_o either_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o vine_n or_o tree_n which_o ever_o depend_v upon_o their_o stock_n or_o root_n for_o sap_n and_o life_n and_o for_o the_o complete_n of_o they_o then_o i_o say_v by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o concession_n there_o be_v not_o only_o many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o they_o all_o of_o they_o be_v dependent_a of_o that_o one_o particular_a presbyterian_a church_n and_o be_v all_o subordinate_a unto_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a or_o no_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o christian_n as_o have_v not_o either_o mortgage_v their_o reason_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o their_o own_o possession_n or_o absolute_o sell_v the_o fee_n simple_a of_o their_o understanding_n and_o to_o all_o such_o i_o say_v as_o have_v not_o be_v prodigal_a in_o either_o of_o these_o kind_n or_o have_v not_o forfeit_v all_o their_o wit_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v beg_v for_o puny_n and_o fool_n i_o refer_v myself_o as_o most_o assure_a they_o will_v all_o say_v and_o affirm_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n with_o one_o stroke_n of_o this_o his_o photions_n hatchet_n have_v cut_v in_o two_o the_o long_a thread_n of_o all_o the_o alribiadian_n fluent_a and_o luxuriant_a rhetorication_n to_o usurp_v his_o own_o word_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o which_o they_o bind_v and_o tie_v up_o their_o ill-shrouded_n ill-dependency_n and_o by_o this_o have_v give_v a_o fatal_a stroke_n to_o that_o their_o hydra_n and_o indeed_o utter_o overthrow_v their_o whole_a congregationall_a fabric_n and_o the_o same_o they_o will_v conclude_v concern_v saint_n hanserdo_n yea_o i_o dare_v in_o this_o controversy_n between_o we_o make_v my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o mr_n knollys_n their_o great_a friend_n and_o my_o great_a enemy_n arbiter_n and_o judge_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o resolve_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v they_o never_o so_o adulterate_v they_o be_v yet_o resolve_v never_o to_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n except_o i_o say_v they_o be_v man_n desperate_o besot_v and_o dote_a upon_o their_o filthy_a and_o deform_a novelty_n be_v they_o i_o say_v much_o their_o friend_n and_o very_o much_o my_o enemy_n i_o dare_v leave_v the_o decide_n of_o this_o business_n and_o difference_n between_o we_o unto_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n and_o i_o shall_v rest_v most_o assure_v and_o be_v ever_o confident_a if_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v word_n be_v true_a and_o to_o be_v credit_v and_o if_o they_o both_o stand_v to_o what_o they_o have_v say_v to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n where_o they_o do_v communicate_v and_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n which_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n as_o they_o both_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v all_o accord_n judge_n and_o conclude_v that_o they_o both_o of_o they_o have_v overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n and_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o delucidate_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v dependent_a and_o presbyterianly_a and_o classical_o govern_v and_o withal_o by_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o hope_v that_o mr_n knollys_n himself_o will_v in_o time_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o error_n and_o will_v not_o hereafter_o so_o bold_o affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o especial_o when_o he_o shall_v deliberate_o read_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v that_o faithful_a brother_n and_o witness_n have_v write_v but_o as_o i_o accuse_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o mr_n knollys_n before_o of_o juggle_n and_o of_o indirect_a deal_n in_o this_o so_o serious_a and_o weighty_a a_o matter_n so_o here_o i_o will_v make_v it_o good_a for_o first_o they_o make_v all_o the_o believer_n of_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o read_v of_o act._n 2._o ver_fw-la 1._o to_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o so_o will_v persuade_v the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n which_o i_o affirm_v be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o they_o both_o so_o to_o betray_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n when_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n that_o there_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n of_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n all_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o when_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n and_o true_a worshipper_n from_o out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n at_o that_o time_n in_o that_o city_n second_o whereas_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n at_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o peter_n convert_v beside_o many_o other_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 47._o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v record_v in_o the_o four_o chap._n that_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o man_n more_o convert_v by_o another_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v story_v in_o the_o 5_o chap._n upon_o the_o miraculous_a and_o fearful_a death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n and_o through_o the_o other_o sign_n and_o wonder_v the_o apostle_n wrought_v that_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n &_o woman_n v._o 14._o mark_v i_o pray_v the_o expression_n it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v multitude_n now_o multitude_n among_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o all_o nation_n be_v ever_o take_v for_o turba_fw-la or_o agmen_fw-la a_o great_a company_n that_o be_v for_o a_o great_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n and_o here_o the_o word_n of_o god_n affirm_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o by_o that_o miracle_n and_o by_o those_o other_o wonder_n of_o the_o apostle_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n than_o be_v before_o be_v add_v to_o that_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v evident_a out_o of_o those_o word_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v far_o relate_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 7._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o whereas_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v witness_v that_o there_o be_v increase_v upon_o increase_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n and_o whereas_o in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v record_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n there_o &_o all_o inhabitant_n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o mr_n knollys_n in_o their_o enumeration_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o make_v they_o but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o grow_v say_v he_o from_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act_n 1._o 15._o to_o three_o thousand_o more_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 41._o and_o then_o in_o all_o five_o thousand_o chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 4._o and_o all_o these_o but_o one_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 8_o those_o place_n in_o matthew_n and_o mark_n and_o luke_n say_v he_o tell_v we_o of_o very_o many_o who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n but_o do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o
possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v and_o that_o they_o 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 do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v those_o three_o thousand_o convert_n unto_o we_o as_o not_o only_o skilful_a in_o the_o theory_n of_o church-fellowship_n but_o also_o exceed_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o it_o whether_o therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a also_o in_o that_o j._n s._n say_v it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v when_o the_o scripture_n report_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o impartial_a reader_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v give_v their_o verdict_n against_o i._n s._n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n fellowship_n that_o be_v omit_v by_o they_o and_o although_o i_o love_v not_o such_o as_o will_v groundless_o be_v suspicious_a as_o i._o s._n be_v here_o and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n yet_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o independnnt_n will_v never_o be_v induce_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o those_o three_o thousand_o and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v i_o continue_v in_o this_o belief_n for_o what_o i_o already_o know_v in_o their_o daily_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n they_o make_v notwithstanding_o so_o great_a a_o noy_n about_o therefore_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o upon_o all_o occasion_n not_o only_o to_o censure_v their_o christian_n brethren_n that_o live_v harmelesse_o by_o they_o but_o to_o suspect_v all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o christ_n death_n yea_o and_o to_o suspect_v even_o those_o three_o thousand_o also_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o adjudge_v both_o pastor_n and_o people_n to_o be_v all_o ignorant_a what_o church_n government_n and_o church_n fellowship_n be_v i_o leave_v it_o likewise_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prudent_a &_o advise_v reader_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a dependent_n thus_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n as_o well_o as_o the_o congregationall_a predicant_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o concern_v church_n fellowship_n when_o not_o withstand_v it_o be_v record_v of_o those_o minister_n that_o they_o reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o practise_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n act_v the_o 20._o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o the_o build_n up_o of_o believer_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i._o s._n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v still_o full_a of_o suspicion_n and_o yet_o never_o satisfy_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o confute_v their_o erroneous_a novelty_n for_o although_o i_o have_v sufficient_o confirm_v my_o first_o proposition_n and_o prove_v by_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v good_a christian_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o i._n s._n page_n 11._o say_n he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o scruple_n before_o instance_a and_o mr_n knollys_n in_o his_o 11._o page_n affirm_v the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v though_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o evident_o prove_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n such_o a_o brood_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o such_o man_n in_o all_o age_n that_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v christ_n the_o great_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n with_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o faithful_a minister_n can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o jew_n but_o they_o ever_o resist_v his_o spirit_n act_v 7._o neither_o can_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o satisfy_v all_o gainsayer_n but_o they_o will_v still_o be_v doubt_v among_o the_o which_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v with_o many_o of_o their_o fraternity_n may_v well_o be_v number_v but_o for_o all_o such_o christian_n as_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o from_o that_o satisfaction_n they_o will_v learn_v to_o abhor_v the_o error_n of_o all_o the_o sectary_n and_o straggler_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o decline_v &_o shun_v their_o company_n and_o fellowship_n and_o for_o all_o such_o as_o they_o be_v that_o will_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n i_o desire_v ever_o to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o not_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v ever_o scepticall_a and_o ever_o learning_n yet_o never_o attain_v or_o come_v to_o knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o other_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o for_o all_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o study_n to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v a_o company_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n from_o who_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v for_o all_o such_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 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 notwithstanding_o i_o say_v i_o have_v very_o little_a hope_n ever_o to_o satisfy_v any_o such_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v think_v to_o go_v about_o a_o impossible_a work_n if_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v it_o yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v sâ—e_v my_o fair_a deal_v with_o i._o s._n because_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n i_o will_v therefore_o add_v a_o few_o reason_n more_o or_o at_o least_o call_v some_o of_o the_o former_a brief_o to_o his_o mind_n which_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n will_v persuade_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o satisfy_v he_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v satisfy_v and_o content_v other_o and_o to_o the_o reason_n i_o shall_v produce_v i_o will_v also_o add_v some_o testimony_n of_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n or_o conviction_n at_o least_o all_o such_o as_o have_v read_v i._o s._n his_o learned_a work_n know_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o cut_v of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n before_o christ_n passion_n and_o ascension_n from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o calendar_n and_o roll_n of_o the_o saint_n absolute_o deny_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_n all_o this_o i_o say_v those_o that_o have_v read_v his_o scruple_n very_o well_o know_v they_o know_v likewise_o that_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o saint_n peter_n though_o he_o uncharitable_o say_v that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v so_o that_o here_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n we_o have_v a_o very_a ample_a congregation_n consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n person_n and_o in_o the_o same_o
chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n true_a believer_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n all_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o to_o those_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o these_o be_v without_o doubt_n great_a number_n they_o be_v indefinite_o set_v down_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o find_v a_o new_a addition_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o convert_v and_o withal_o i_o may_v tell_v i._o s._n that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n that_o the_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_n be_v all_o man_n likewise_o for_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n conceive_v of_o those_o convert_n but_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n for_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n say_v in_o terminis_fw-la that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o convert_n be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o publish_n and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o people_n ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v make_v know_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o to_o all_o their_o acquaintance_n and_o neighbour_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o their_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o nurtrature_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v then_o as_o docible_a and_o intelligible_a and_o as_o ready_a to_o give_v attendance_n unto_o wholesome_a and_o sound_a word_n and_o to_o embrace_v any_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o our_o giddy-headed_a people_n and_o woman_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v novelty_n especial_o we_o may_v with_o all_o reason_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v this_o that_o they_o will_v then_o be_v the_o soon_o persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n it_o come_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o with_o such_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n for_o the_o jew_n have_v often_o before_o desire_a sign_n and_o miracle_n say_v unto_o christ_n what_o sign_n she_o west_n thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o thou_o intimate_v that_o if_o he_o can_v show_v unto_o they_o any_o sign_n that_o then_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v in_o thou_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v thyself_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v persuade_v we_o that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o then_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n do_v daily_o gratify_v they_o with_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o that_o the_o very_a high_a priest_n and_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v upon_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n that_o no_o body_n can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a miracle_n i_o say_v therefore_o when_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concomitate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n it_o can_v be_v doubâ—ed_v but_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o be_v astonish_v to_o see_v those_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o yield_v the_o more_o credit_n unto_o their_o husbund_n and_o master_n instruction_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o many_o woman_n luke_n 23._o ver_fw-la 27_o 28._o that_o mourn_v for_o christ_n when_o they_o carry_v he_o to_o crucify_a and_o if_o we_o look_v also_o into_o the_o story_n of_o holy_a writ_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o woman_n that_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n &_o those_o honourable_a one_o which_o minister_v daily_o unto_o he_o now_o than_o if_o we_o believe_v which_o we_o ought_v in_o charity_n to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v but_o as_o many_o believe_a woman_n convert_v as_o man_n as_o we_o may_v for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a than_o we_o have_v already_o sixteen_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o the_o new_a stile_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n stand_v then_o at_o a_o stay_n for_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o dreadful_a death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o miracle_n believer_n say_v the_o text_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n now_o this_o word_n multitude_n as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o all_o language_n it_o ever_o signify_v some_o great_a company_n or_o some_o great_a assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n or_o a_o bad_a therefore_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o here_o many_o new_a great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n beside_o all_o those_o before_o specify_v and_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n v._n 7._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o four_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n which_o be_v beget_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o second_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n itself_o where_o be_v specify_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o in_o no_o small_a company_n in_o that_o very_a church_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n three_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o multiply_v great_o both_o the_o word_n have_v a_o great_a emphasis_n in_o they_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o great_o to_o show_v the_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o they_o as_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v say_v that_o the_o number_n can_v not_o be_v set_v down_o four_o it_o be_v say_v also_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n not_o a_o few_o but_o a_o great_a company_n also_o of_o the_o priest_n those_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o of_o these_o word_n have_v weight_n in_o it_o and_o be_v but_o a_o little_a ponder_v will_v create_v belief_n from_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n man_n that_o there_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o after_o their_o conversion_n infinite_n of_o people_n daily_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o preach_v of_o these_o priest_n also_o of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o harbour_v this_o opinion_n that_o now_o they_o be_v as_o diligent_a consider_v the_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o themselves_o to_o convert_v and_o bring_v man_n unto_o he_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o to_o dissuade_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v he_o this_o i_o conceive_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n bind_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v now_o convert_v will_v study_v to_o convert_v other_o for_o we_o see_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o andrew_n have_v find_v christ_n john_n 1._o he_o bring_v his_o brother_n simon_n to_o he_o and_o after_o christ_n have_v call_v philip_n unto_o he_o he_o find_v nathaniel_n bring_v he_o also_o unto_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v ever_o operative_a and_o fruitful_a and_o will_v loose_v no_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o gain_v friend_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v real_o and_o true_o convert_v they_o will_v ever_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v other_o yea_o they_o be_v bind_v unto_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o relate_v unto_o peter_n that_o the_o devil_n sought_n to_o winnow_v he_o as_o wheat_n and_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v add_v withal_o this_o lesson_n unto_o simon_n peter_n say_v when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n this_o duty_n lie_v not_o only_o upon_o simon_n peter_n but_o it_o
and_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v such_o multitude_n of_o simple_a people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n what_o multitude_n of_o people_n may_v all_o man_n think_v those_o learned_a rabbi_n those_o priest_n with_o all_o the_o apostle_n daily_o convert_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o their_o doctrine_n be_v so_o crown_v with_o so_o many_o miracle_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v never_o have_v deliver_v it_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o convert_v innumerable_a company_n yet_o common_a reason_n will_v persuade_v every_o man_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v convert_v many_o thousand_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o they_o all_o but_o when_o the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o matt._n 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o in_o jordan_n and_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n and_o when_o it_o far_o also_o record_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o miracle_n and_o say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o when_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n it_o relate_v the_o conversion_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n say_v that_o more_o multitude_n both_o of_o believer_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o these_o place_n witness_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o can_v not_o now_o be_v tell_v for_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o by_o three_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n and_o five_o thousand_o they_o 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believer_n and_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o no_o not_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o place_n or_o room_n spacious_a enough_o to_o contain_v the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o place_n can_v have_v hold_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o yet_o than_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v then_o have_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o for_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o see_v it_o that_o in_o one_o of_o our_o church_n here_o in_o london_n which_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v hold_v half_o ten_o thousand_o that_o half_a of_o they_o ordinary_o not_o well_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n though_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a pair_n of_o lung_n yea_o i_o hear_v man_n daily_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o minister_n preach_v they_o stand_v so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v not_o three_o thousand_o then_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v in_o less_o assembly_n where_o all_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v to_o edification_n and_o therefore_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v ever_o to_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a multitude_n especial_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n as_o i_o have_v quote_v say_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o relate_v that_o if_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v at_o last_o satisfy_v sir_n i._o s._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o or_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v say_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n but_o if_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o write_v will_v not_o satisfy_v his_o tender_a conscience_n and_o take_v his_o scruple_n out_o of_o his_o mind_n i_o shall_v now_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o a_o corollary_n desire_v he_o to_o hear_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n saint_n hanserdo_n two_o faithful_a brethren_n of_o his_o society_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o business_n it_o may_v be_v i._o s._n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o such_o approve_a witness_n and_o great_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v i_o can_v but_o often_o make_v mention_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n because_o all_o the_o illdependents_a judge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o honest_a man_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o believe_v also_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v a_o very_a venerable_a opinion_n of_o they_o both_o for_o their_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o erudition_n i_o entreat_v i._n s._n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n sapientum_fw-la octavum_fw-la it_o may_v be_v his_o word_n may_v satisfy_v his_o scrupulous_a and_o tender_a conscience_n who_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a book_n say_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o most_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a how_o es_a to_o communicate_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o page_z 10._o &_o 11._o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n thus_o they_o both_o declare_v their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n cencern_v the_o number_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o now_o then_o when_o there_o be_v but_o about_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n soul_n at_o the_o first_o and_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o at_o last_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n they_o be_v then_o force_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o company_n as_o have_v no_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a or_o day_n by_o day_n according_a to_o saint_n hanserdoe_v learning_n that_o be_v in_o innumerable_a place_n i_o say_v when_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o seraphical_a doctor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n and_o childhood_n of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v many_o ass_n bly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n how_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
may_v we_o suppose_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o 21._o chap._n of_o the_o act_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n there_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o must_v needs_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o mighty_a many_o of_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o believer_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n do_v both_o witness_n they_o then_o have_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v now_o great_a hope_n that_o not_o only_a mr_n knollys_n will_v confess_v the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n also_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o point_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v ratify_v not_o only_o by_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n but_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o will_v yet_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o more_o saint_n there_o then_o can_v or_o do_v daily_o all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n than_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gentleman_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o knight_n of_o the_o post_n whether_o i_o send_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v out_o of_o his_o grollery_n have_v for_o the_o gratify_a mr_n knollys_n and_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o all_o cordial_a and_o well_o affect_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o they_o there_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v either_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o to_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v judge_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o prime_a witness_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n by_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n mr_n henry_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v by_o name_n i_o shall_v again_o challenge_v mr_n knollys_n his_o promise_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n evince_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o grollish_a opinion_n of_o independency_n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o have_v do_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o two_o witness_n above_o specify_v i_o say_v again_o i_o challenge_v his_o promise_n and_o if_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v write_v will_v not_o abandon_v this_o his_o error_n i_o shall_v never_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o man_n of_o faith_n or_o common_a honesty_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o proclaim_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o he_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o resister_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o second_o proposition_n and_o come_v now_o to_o see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o three_o my_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v ordered_n 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_a council_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n some_o of_o which_o with_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o relate_v in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v first_o set_v down_o in_o my_o book_n call_v independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o which_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v unto_o and_o after_o i_o have_v faithful_o relate_v the_o argument_n i_o deduce_v from_o those_o several_a scripture_n by_o which_o i_o then_o make_v good_a my_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v also_o true_o set_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n to_o all_o those_o argument_n the_o place_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n with_o my_o argument_n gather_v from_o thence_o be_v these_o follow_v act_v 11._o 27._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 judaea_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_v 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 judaea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judaea_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 judaea_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 that_o be_v 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_n 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 to_o jerusalem_n from_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
pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a call_v intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbytery_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slight_v as_o the_o fag_n end_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o their_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a conncell_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o mayor_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 14._o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n the_o first_o vers_n 6_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n ch_n 5._o verse_n 1_o 2_o call_v himself_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o wrore_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_n although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n andpresident_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_o and_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n and_o so_o they_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselvesto_fw-la what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a
cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o independency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o their_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n or_o care_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o yea_o act._n 15._o 2._o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o verse_n 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o preebyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governor_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o their_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o set_v down_o that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o which_o have_v it_o only_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n will_v meet_v together_o for_o a_o salutation_n they_o do_v much_o more_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o specify_v that_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o consultation_n in_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o what_o they_o act_v upon_o deliberation_n and_o that_o be_v to_o advise_v paul_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v which_o council_n of_o they_o be_v not_o lax_n but_o restrictive_a and_o bind_a verse_n 23._o do_v therefore_o that_o which_o we_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o meet_v about_o act_n of_o government_n when_o they_o give_v a_o order_n and_o rule_v to_o paul_n himself_o how_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n follow_v their_o council_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o order_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o i_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o these_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o those_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n no_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n or_o judgement_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n it_o have_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 21._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n there_o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n the_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o they_o do_v also_o accord_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v presbyterian_o rule_v but_o withal_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v have_v their_o church_n govern_v after_o that_o manner_n but_o this_o be_v the_o debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n that_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o understand_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o conclusion_n or_o proposition_n and_o now_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o will_v faithful_o set_v down_o whâ—t_a master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o these_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o mr_n hanserdo_v who_o pag._n 11._o and_o 12._o thus_o repli_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o word_n of_o this_o scripture_n act_v 11._o ver_fw-la 27._o say_v he_o which_o the_o doctor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n be_v these_o ver_fw-la 30._o and_o send_v it_o viz._n the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_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 say_v the_o doctor_n we_o see_v that_o
person_n the_o three_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o state_n be_v this_o to_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n at_o pleasure_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestical_a upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o militia_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o those_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n this_o authority_n lie_v they_o be_v repute_v and_o indeed_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o that_o state_n the_o four_o essential_a property_n of_o superlative_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o any_o government_n or_o state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v a_o court_n of_o ultimate_a resort_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v fly_v for_o relief_n and_o to_o the_o which_o all_o appeal_v by_o all_o person_n from_o all_o part_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o all_o inferior_a court_n be_v make_v upon_o any_o unjustice_n do_v they_o there_o or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o grievance_n by_o any_o one_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o end_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n and_o difference_n or_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o authority_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v say_v to_o exercise_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a governor_n and_o moderator_n in_o that_o state_n the_o five_o and_o last_o paâ—t_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o press_v and_o stamp_v money_n and_o coin_n and_o set_v the_o valution_n upon_o they_o or_o any_o other_o money_n that_o be_v currant_n in_o their_o country_n or_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o have_v the_o exchequer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o they_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o tribute_n subsidy_n assessment_n custom_n benevolence_n and_o collection_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o the_o common_a relief_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n or_o state_n be_v send_v and_o who_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o wisdom_n in_o those_o man_n hand_n i_o say_v that_o this_o power_n â—esideth_v of_o dispose_v the_o treasury_n or_o revenue_n they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o ruler_n in_o that_o state_n as_o at_o this_o day_n it_o reside_v with_o all_o the_o former_a essential_a property_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o they_o only_o and_o be_v sole_o exercise_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o master_n knollys_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a court_n because_o the_o contribution_n collection_n and_o excise_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v now_o at_o their_o dispose_n i_o believe_v the_o great_a council_n will_v teach_v he_o a_o little_a more_o wit_n and_o all_o those_o his_o brethren_n that_o shall_v join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o argumentation_n a_o little_a better_a manner_n now_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o whatsoever_o can_v prove_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o secular_a government_n to_o be_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n which_o exercise_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o it_o that_o the_o government_n and_o sovereign_a power_n in_o that_o church_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n only_o so_o that_o it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o my_o argument_n will_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o master_n knolly_n fond_a cavil_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o these_o two_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o church_n be_v the_o only_a governor_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o follow_v the_o second_o truth_n that_o will_v result_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n both_o which_o master_n knollys_n vain_o deny_v will_v follow_v from_o my_o argument_n but_o for_o the_o far_a elucidation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o essential_a property_n and_o part_n of_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o show_v that_o they_o reside_v only_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o commit_v only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chapter_n the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
and_o officer_n much_o less_o in_o synod_n that_o employment_n belong_v whole_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n who_o god_n have_v make_v ruler_n in_o his_o church_n over_o they_o and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o heb._n 13._o and_o therefore_o that_o all_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n affect_v a_o independency_n and_o challenge_v their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n be_v all_o transgressor_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr_n knollys_n his_o vain_a jangle_n against_o my_o three_o proposition_n and_o now_o i_o will_v brief_o answer_v to_o what_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o who_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v but_o we_o distinguish_v say_v he_o between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a say_v he_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o ay_o the_o officer_n ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v ay_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v executative_a power_n as_o you_o demand_v pag._n 93._o but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o as_o those_o place_n allege_v by_o yourself_o show_v express_o act._n 15._o for_o though_o ver_fw-la 2._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o yet_o ver_fw-la 4._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o apostle_n and_o elder_n therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n also_o and_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n ver_fw-la 25._o import_v a_o multitude_n meet_v together_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o that_o multitude_n else_o it_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v convene_v and_o issue_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o only_a the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v mention_v as_o come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o question_n verse_n 6._o yet_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 22._o that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o therefore_o the_o church_n also_o come_v together_o to_o consult_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o cnmmittee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n i_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n ver_fw-la 23._o and_o so_o in_o ordination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ay_o election_n by_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a thus_o speak_v i._n s._n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o my_o three_o proposition_n the_o error_n of_o who_o expression_n shall_v i_o but_o only_o name_v they_o all_o several_o they_o will_v take_v up_o some_o time_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o paper_n but_o shall_v i_o undertake_v the_o full_a confutation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o discover_v all_o the_o impiety_n evil_a and_o wickedness_n that_o lie_v couch_v in_o these_o his_o word_n i_o may_v make_v a_o just_a volumn_n and_o spend_v some_o month_n in_o the_o employment_n for_o grosser_n error_n my_o eye_n never_o behold_v and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o contrary_a unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o church_n but_o to_o the_o very_a dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o the_o independent_o most_o shameful_o disthrone_v as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v god_n assist_v i_o while_o notwithstanding_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n of_o set_v he_o up_o king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n though_o the_o independent_o seem_v to_o hate_v popery_n their_o doctrine_n be_v popery_n itself_o only_o the_o upside_o of_o it_o turn_v down_o and_o the_o rear_v make_v the_o front_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o their_o tenant_n but_o that_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v more_o shameful_o erroneous_a as_o will_v be_v make_v evident_a and_o more_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o more_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o the_o which_o assertion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v a_o little_a more_o evident_o manifest_a i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o and_o examine_v some_o of_o the_o passage_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o to_o discover_v but_o half_a the_o error_n of_o it_o they_o will_v weary_v the_o reader_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o to_o speak_v but_o the_o verity_n he_o that_o shall_v have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o whible_n and_o unlearned_a fellow_n as_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n be_v have_v need_n to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o intolerable_a patience_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v with_o he_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o i._o s._n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o interfer_v tautology_n and_o great_a confusion_n crime_n he_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n to_o use_v some_o of_o his_o own_o language_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o if_o not_o contradiction_n and_o be_v not_o great_a of_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o a_o very_a catechumenos_fw-la and_o one_o that_o have_v as_o well_o need_v of_o instruction_n as_o of_o refutation_n for_o as_o much_o as_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a these_o thing_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o reader_n consideration_n and_o now_o i_o go_v to_o my_o work_n in_o assert_v say_v i_o s._n that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v that_o church_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o say_v he_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o i._o the_o officer_n ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v i._o â—_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n but_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a thus_o profound_a i._n s._n i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n here_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o grant_v and_o what_o he_o deny_v and_o how_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o juggle_v first_o he_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n and_o say_v that_o my_o argument_n hit_v not_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o as_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o assert_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v stay_v here_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ingenuity_n in_o he_o but_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o blast_v yea_o blow_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v former_o set_v up_o and_o that_o with_o a_o windy_a vain_a american_n distinction_n which_o he_o have_v borrow_v out_o of_o some_o of_o those_o monstrous_a pamphlet_n that_o come_v from_o thence_o call_v the_o way_n and_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v fraught_v with_o
his_o throne_n all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v i_o say_v make_v christ_n a_o pagent_n king_n and_o salute_v he_o with_o hail_n master_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o usurp_v some_o of_o their_o own_o rhetoric_n and_o learned_a elequence_n but_o indeed_o they_o disthrone_v he_o for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o disthrone_v a_o king_n if_o write_v of_o warn_v piece_n and_o pamphlet_n against_o king_n service_n and_z kings-honour_n be_v not_o and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o to_o disthrone_v a_o king_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o people_n name_n and_o to_o send_v out_o all_o their_o warrant_n and_o mandate_n in_o the_o people_n name_n and_o to_o command_v all_o their_o officer_n to_o manage_v all_o their_o employment_n in_o the_o people_n name_n never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o king_n in_o a_o public_a act_n of_o government_n be_v not_o all_o these_o action_n and_o passage_n to_o any_o rational_a creature_n a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o the_o king_n in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v either_o absolute_o disthron_v or_o be_v but_o a_o king_n to_o they_o in_o ludibry_a as_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o wicked_a jew_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o understand_a man_n will_v so_o conclude_v now_o when_o in_o all_o the_o new_a congregation_n those_o new_a gather_a church_n the_o ildependents_n there_o have_v such_o among_o they_o that_o write_v book_n and_o that_o with_o their_o approbation_n against_o jesu-worship_n that_o be_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o eternal_a king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o when_o every_o day_n in_o all_o their_o particular_a church_n they_o exercise_v all_o the_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o church_n and_o not_o in_o christ_n the_o king_n name_n and_o that_o against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o affirm_v and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v ever_o to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o 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essence_n person_n or_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n proper_o and_o peculiar_o due_a to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o any_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n to_o any_o creature_n or_o malicious_o or_o wicked_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o god_n his_o essence_n attribute_n word_n work_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o do_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n obstinate_o and_o wilful_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n when_o i_o study_v divinity_n be_v think_v blasphemy_n and_o worthy_a of_o severe_a punishment_n and_o those_o that_o perpetrate_v any_o of_o those_o crime_n be_v repute_v unworthy_a to_o live_v and_o proclaim_v blasphemer_n and_o man_n unsufferable_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o such_o kind_n of_o creature_n in_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o 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and_o that_o by_o their_o great_a rabbye_n and_o champion_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v in_o god_n dialect_n and_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n both_o old_a and_o new_a count_v abominable_a creature_n and_o man_n unholy_a and_o displease_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o actor_n and_o abetter_n and_o countenancer_n of_o all_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o wickedness_n be_v think_v equal_o guilty_a and_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n be_v denounce_v against_o they_o all_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a out_o of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o yet_o these_o great_a evil_n be_v count_v but_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o our_o independent_a master_n now_o than_o i_o say_v when_o the_o illdefendents_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o these_o crime_n as_o partly_o act_v they_o partly_o tolerate_v such_o as_o be_v both_o actor_n and_o abetter_n or_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o countenance_v they_o pretend_v they_o what_o they_o will_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o hope_v to_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o disthrone_v christ_n &_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o will_v not_o have_v he_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o so_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o that_o crime_n they_o lie_v to_o the_o presbyterian_o charge_n who_o they_o daily_o accuse_v to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n rule_v over_o they_o when_o notwithstanding_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v by_o god_n divine_a assistance_n set_v up_o christ_n king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o shall_v ever_o desire_v that_o all_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o praise_n may_v be_v give_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o that_o he_o may_v sole_o rule_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o such_o as_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n may_v be_v make_v his_o footstool_n in_o the_o number_n of_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sectary_n be_v and_o all_o such_o as_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n against_o i._n s._n which_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o to_o show_v how_o by_o their_o doctrine_n they_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o kingly_a dignity_n when_o they_o pretend_v they_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n which_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a blasphemy_n in_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v against_o i._o s._n that_o i_o undertake_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o by_o their_o doctrine_n they_o not_o only_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n but_o all_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n minister_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o power_n and_o leave_v they_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o horrid_a injustice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o sectary_n and_o independent_o to_o do_v which_o although_o i_o have_v brief_o prove_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v here_o again_o for_o the_o more_o full_a elucidation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o better_a set_v forth_o of_o the_o illdependent_a wickedness_n a_o little_a further_o expatiate_v in_o this_o business_n and_o answer_n to_o all_o that_o i._o s._n have_v material_o or_o with_o any_o colour_n to_o speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o cause_n where_o i_o presume_v he_o have_v speak_v as_o much_o as_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n think_v and_o conceive_v make_v for_o it_o and_o for_o which_o their_o vain_a and_o impious_a jangle_n they_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o dreadful_a account_n i_o undertake_v therefore_o now_o to_o prove_v
that_o by_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o not_o only_o rob_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o i_o make_v good_a before_o but_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o presbyter_n his_o minister_n and_o servant_n also_o of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o which_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o shall_v again_o brief_o consider_v and_o but_o take_v notice_n first_o what_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o that_o be_v all_o power_n in_o his_o church_n under_o he_o matth._n 28._o and_o mark_v 16._o i_o say_v if_o we_o shall_v due_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n christ_n special_a minister_n and_o servant_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o invest_v with_o all_o authority_n and_o guide_v in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v as_o his_o minister_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v also_o what_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o which_o minister_n likewise_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n and_o overseer_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o but_o due_o weigh_v all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o invest_v with_o plenary_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o god_n for_o 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honour_n dignity_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o be_v a_o double_a injustice_n first_n in_o take_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n that_o which_o be_v their_o due_a and_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o second_o in_o give_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o which_o pertain_v not_o to_o they_o and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n and_o with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o doctrine_n what_o he_o hold_v and_o believe_v concern_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n page_n 12._o in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o brethren_n jmposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a otherwise_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o complete_a according_a to_o his_o learning_n the_o people_n may_v do_v it_o thus_o i._n s._n speak_v there_o and_o in_o the_o 11_o page_n he_o grant_v it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n as_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v he_o come_v in_o with_o a_o but_o say_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o jnterest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o officer_n say_v he_o ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o that_o be_v in_o his_o dialect_n as_o he_o declare_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n go_v before_o the_o officer_n must_v exercise_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v do_v as_o the_o people_n shall_v direct_v they_o for_o their_o power_n be_v only_o the_o executive_a power_n they_o be_v only_o the_o executioner_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v neither_o elect_v any_o officer_n nor_o excommunicate_v any_o without_o they_o have_v the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n from_o the_o people_n for_o the_o radical_a and_o original_a power_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n and_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o to_o make_v they_o nothing_o but_o cypher_n in_o the_o church_n and_o most_o sacrilegious_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o power_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v they_o and_o to_o arrogate_v it_o and_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o injustice_n in_o the_o independent_o that_o can_v be_v commit_v against_o man_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o conscientious_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o whether_o such_o temerarious_a and_o bold_a impudent_a theive_v and_o church-robber_n ought_v not_o with_o great_a severity_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v proceed_v against_o for_o this_o their_o malefice_fw-la and_o unsufferable_a wickedness_n who_o do_v not_o only_o take_v from_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o they_o ought_v ever_o to_o have_v in_o great_a reverence_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n 5._o that_o honour_n power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o labour_v likewise_o now_o with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o take_v from_o they_o also_o that_o that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n his_o servant_n to_o give_v they_o viz._n their_o tithe_n and_o livelihood_n and_o all_o that_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v support_v themselves_o and_o their_o poor_a family_n which_o be_v as_o intolerable_a a_o in_o justice_n and_o ingratitude_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o can_v by_o mortal_a creature_n be_v commit_v which_o wickedness_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v suffer_v to_o go_v unpunished_a i_o most_o confident_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v take_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o righteousservant_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v pour_v down_o his_o plague_n both_o on_o they_o and_o all_o their_o complice_n and_o abettor_n and_o now_o i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a how_o they_o rob_v all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o power_n i_o will_v make_v it_o likewise_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n also_o be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o same_o predicament_n and_o that_o they_o deal_v no_o better_o with_o they_o who_o they_o have_v rob_v also_o and_o spoil_v of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o authority_n and_o count_v of_o they_o all_fw-mi no_o otherwise_o then_o of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a minister_n and_o but_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o executioner_n for_o we_o must_v take_v what_o i._o s._n speak_v in_o this_o business_n to_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o he_o be_v but_o their_o mouth_n and_o his_o book_n come_v forth_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o be_v esteem_v of_o as_o a_o goodly_a piece_n and_o he_o high_o honour_v among_o they_o for_o it_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 12._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n say_v he_o as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n
run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n 1_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o his_o opinion_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v but_o a_o committee_n and_o only_o prepare_v the_o business_n and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o can_v not_o without_o the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v ratify_v the_o decree_n make_v in_o that_o council_n he_o in_o the_o same_o page_n produce_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o fond_a conceit_n say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n for_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n withal_o say_v he_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o import_v a_o multitude_n meet_v together_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o that_o multitude_n else_o it_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v convene_v about_o and_o issue_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o verse_n 22._o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o therefore_o the_o church_n also_o come_v together_o to_o consult_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n etc._n etc._n thus_o worshipful_a i._n s._n say_v and_o unsayes_a determine_v and_o conclude_v and_o then_o go_v from_o his_o resolution_n again_o affirm_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n also_o and_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v with_o one_o accord_n together_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n and_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n as_o if_o he_o have_v forget_v himself_o he_o come_v in_o with_o his_o perhaps_o as_o a_o man_n doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o his_o opinion_n and_o altogether_o in_o uncertainty_n say_v that_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o dispute_n while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o here_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o he_o make_v it_o suspicious_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v present_a there_o or_o not_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n discretion_n and_o wisdom_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o brethren_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v but_o as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o for_o the_o church_n assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o so_o he_o learned_o conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o all_o this_o his_o babble_n that_o they_o be_v all_o there_o and_o they_o be_v not_o there_o where_o can_v any_o man_n find_v this_o creature_n and_o what_o man_n of_o understanding_n be_v he_o that_o shall_v behold_v the_o levity_n vanity_n rashness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o this_o fellow_n to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a catechumenos_fw-la and_o that_o one_o have_v need_v to_o instruct_v he_o instead_o of_o confute_v he_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o any_o man_n unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a these_o be_v i._o s._n his_o wise_a expression_n concern_v i_o in_o his_o 16._o page_n which_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o may_v not_o fit_o be_v apply_v to_o himself_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a who_o while_o he_o will_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o understand_v not_o neither_o what_o he_o say_v nor_o whereof_o he_o affirm_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v there_o scarce_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n appear_v upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o learning_n a_o more_o unlearned_a payr_n of_o wicked_a trifler_n then_o this_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o i._o s._n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v first_o positive_o set_v down_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o all_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o he_o after_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v present_a there_o or_o no_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n the_o second_o that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o vote_n and_o concurrence_n without_o which_o there_o have_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o council_n as_o he_o prattle_v and_o without_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v ratify_v his_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o say_v he_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o conclude_v the_o ambassador_n of_o france_n and_o swede_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o city_n of_o london_n entertain_v they_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v as_o well_o send_v unto_o the_o city_n of_o london_n as_o to_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n again_o the_o city_n of_o london_n assent_v unto_o whatsoever_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n accord_v unto_o to_o gratify_v those_o ambassador_n after_o they_o have_v make_v they_o acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v ergo_fw-la all_o the_o city_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o citizen_n have_v not_o only_o their_o vote_n and_o concurrence_n in_o those_o great_a business_n and_o be_v judge_n also_o in_o the_o parliament_n but_o they_o be_v altogether_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o that_o the_o parliament_n can_v have_v ratify_v nothing_o without_o they_o will_v not_o all_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v any_o man_n thus_o argue_v gather_v that_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v make_v such_o inference_n from_o such_o premise_n and_o shall_v so_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v craze_a in_o his_o brain_n or_o else_o a_o very_a ninnie_n and_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdoe_v dispute_v and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o man_n he_o understand_v by_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n agree_v and_o according_a with_o hanserdo_v in_o this_o sottish_a opinion_n who_o hold_v that_o by_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o vote_n in_o that_o counsel_n and_o ratify_v the_o decree_n without_o the_o which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v valid_a whereas_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o hanserdo_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o impossibility_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o that_o by_o multitude_n there_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v some_o choice_n and_o select_a man_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v who_o be_v call_v prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v furnish_v with_o good_a store_n and_o of_o which_o that_o great_a council_n only_o consist_v and_o who_o debate_v and_o argue_v con_fw-mi and_o pro_fw-la about_o the_o business_n in_o controversy_n which_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o seven_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v peter_n rise_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 12._o verse_n for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o then_o all_o the_o multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o give_v audience_n to_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o james_n after_o they_o have_v hold_v their_o peace_n give_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o church_n assent_v so_o that_o out_o of_o all_o these_o word_n it_o necessary_o and_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o brethren_n there_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o the_o common_a people_n man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v brethren_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o sister_n
be_v exclude_v who_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n permit_v to_o vote_n in_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o there_o for_o woman_n be_v part_n of_o the_o multitude_n neither_o be_v the_o weak_a brethren_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1._o and_o this_o be_v accord_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a i._o s._n that_o confident_a disputant_n who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o from_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n there_o be_v neither_o woman_n nor_o weak_a brethren_n there_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o concession_n the_o weak_a be_v not_o admit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o in_o the_o council_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n and_o church_n and_o multitude_n there_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v necessary_o to_o understand_v the_o learned_a and_o godly_a prophet_n minister_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n chief_a and_o eminent_a one_o such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v and_o with_o they_o be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o other_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n with_o those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o antioch_n which_o be_v all_o consider_v together_o make_v up_o a_o great_a number_n and_o multitude_n all_o the_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n v._o 3._o the_o scripture_n there_o speak_v synecdochical_o and_o take_v a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v of_o all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v do_v that_o synod_n consist_v and_o not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n w_z ch_n be_v not_o member_n fit_a for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o order_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n much_o less_o to_o woman_n &_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o synecdochical_o as_o before_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o eminent_a minister_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v commissioner_n there_o and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elders_n he_o which_o yet_o be_v more_o evident_a from_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o only_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o voter_n in_o that_o synod_n which_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o the_o full_a dispute_n on_o both_o side_n for_o none_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n that_o have_v not_o full_o hear_v the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n on_o both_o side_n which_o i._o s._n acknowledge_v the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v nor_o can_v judge_v of_o because_o they_o be_v intricate_a ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n nor_o give_v their_o voice_n there_o upon_o no_o term_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o full_o &_o understand_o hear_v now_o the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v neither_o can_v they_o have_v understand_v if_o they_o have_v hear_v both_o which_o i._o s._n accord_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o weak_a brethren_n can_v be_v mean_v much_o less_o the_o sister_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o with_o deliberation_n weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ponder_v and_o consider_v of_o very_a reason_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v every_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o none_o can_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n but_o such_o as_o have_v hear_v the_o plead_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o controversy_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n which_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o such_o as_o sylas_n and_o judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v verse_n 6._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o none_o but_o they_o that_o manage_v the_o disputation_n and_o hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n be_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n which_o all_o the_o people_n neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v do_v neither_o may_v we_o conceive_v of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v any_o raw_a head_a boy_n or_o giddy_a brain_a creature_n or_o minor_n in_o it_o or_o any_o such_o as_o be_v ever_o run_v out_o and_o in_o for_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o that_o great_a council_n be_v like_o a_o pigeon_n house_n where_o they_o be_v continual_o flutter_v out_o and_o flutter_v in_o for_o that_o council_n consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o be_v holy_a grave_a and_o approve_v all_o prophet_n such_o as_o sylas_n judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v such_o as_o for_o gravity_n and_o experience_n be_v think_v fit_a companion_n to_o sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o consultation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o council_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o venerable_a precious_a godly_a and_o staid_a man_n of_o who_o we_o can_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n think_v that_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o synod_n negligent_o or_o to_o the_o half_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o sit_v close_o and_o diligent_o to_o the_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o session_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o that_o as_o they_o meet_v altogether_o at_o a_o set_a hour_n or_o time_n so_o that_o they_o continue_v and_o keep_v together_o in_o consultation_n and_o dispute_n as_o long_o as_o any_o other_o sit_v and_o till_o they_o in_o their_o wisdom_n by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o agreement_n think_v fit_a to_o sit_v to_o the_o full_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o till_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v be_v it_o few_o or_o more_o day_n or_o week_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o record_v how_o long_o the_o council_n continue_v yet_o we_o read_v not_o where_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n but_o that_o they_o sit_v altogether_o in_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o commissioner_n till_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o dispute_v and_o none_o but_o they_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v but_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n above_o specify_v viz_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o weak_a brethren_n nor_o the_o sister_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n from_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o go_v upon_o to_o raise_v and_o make_v such_o conclusion_n as_o he_o do_v which_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o the_o take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o god_n notwithstanding_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o for_o as_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o account_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o a_o committee_n only_o to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o which_o as_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o assent_v unto_o the_o decree_n they_o have_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o divest_v the_o apostle_n of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v it_o and_o place_n it_o upon_o the_o people_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n perpetrate_v against_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o and_o as_o this_o deal_n and_o proceed_v of_o i._o s._n be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o apostle_n so_o this_o his_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o divine_a
and_o humane_a learning_n yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o for_o this_o i._o s._n his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o church_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o decree_n valid_a and_o bind_a whereas_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n ratify_v those_o decree_n and_o so_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o presbyter_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n but_o as_o apostles_n stle_v with_o a_o transcendent_a power_n and_o be_v only_o the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o that_o session_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n which_o say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o and_o therefore_o their_o presence_n only_o as_o apostles_n make_v their_o decree_n bind_v which_o opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o howsoever_o it_o be_v very_o erroneous_a as_o i_o have_v often_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v point_v blank_a against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o i._o s._n who_o place_n all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n rob_v both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n his_o brethren_n they_o place_v all_o authority_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o deprive_v the_o presbyter_n of_o it_o and_o count_v they_o but_o ordinary_a man_n and_o not_o infallible_o there_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o which_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o they_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o these_o man_n be_v but_o babel_n builder_n who_o tongue_n and_o language_n be_v divide_v and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n for_o they_o be_v diametrical_o fight_v one_o against_o ano_fw-la there_o so_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o those_o man_n that_o begin_v once_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o truth_n like_o the_o midianitâ—s_v they_o destroy_v one_o a_o other_o but_o this_o have_v general_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v that_o study_n to_o invent_v engine_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o truth_n yet_o all_o the_o vapour_n of_o their_o brain_n can_v so_o much_o as_o cloud_v so_o bright_a â—_o sun_n but_o it_o will_v evermore_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o dazzle_a of_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o see_v the_o people_n general_o so_o harden_v by_o obstinacy_n that_o they_o can_v yet_o discern_v into_o the_o craft_n and_o juggle_n of_o the_o illdefendents_a predicant_o who_o while_o they_o give_v the_o people_n or_o church_n power_n and_o interest_n to_o humour_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o as_o hatred_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o build_v up_o their_o diana_n temple_n of_o independency_n hope_v by_o raise_v it_o to_o ruin_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v and_o in_o fine_a by_o this_o mean_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o mâ—â—re_a anarchy_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o howsoever_o the_o illdefendents_a seek_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o this_o their_o snuff_v at_o it_o they_o make_v it_o burn_v the_o bright_a as_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n have_v do_v by_o their_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o have_v reply_v to_o what_o both_o these_o gentleman_n master_n hanserdo_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o three_o proposition_n i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o four_o which_o i_o will_v first_o set_v down_o with_o their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o then_o make_v my_o reply_n as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o all_o their_o former_a cavil_v and_o i_o will_v go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o order_n first_o answer_v to_o hanserdo_v and_o then_o to_o i._o s._n my_o four_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n for_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o mother_n church_n must_v give_v a_o example_n of_o government_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n now_o then_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o mother_n church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n and_o by_o her_o first_o constitution_n be_v consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o mother_n church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o that_o misprision_n and_o mistake_n that_o she_o be_v consist_v of_o but_o as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n they_o take_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o imitation_n and_o teach_v all_o their_o several_a congregation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n among_o themselves_o independent_a and_o to_o govern_v with_o as_o absolute_a a_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o the_o which_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o appeal_n as_o all_o that_o know_v their_o tenant_n can_v witness_v so_o that_o this_o last_o proposition_n be_v strengthen_v both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n need_v no_o further_a proof_n now_o to_o this_o my_o four_o proposition_n and_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n thus_o repli_v page_n 14._o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n but_o the_o doctor_n know_v that_o the_o brethren_n deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o a_o common_a council_n consistory_n college_n or_o court_n of_o presbyter_n and_o this_o they_o have_v not_o grant_v neither_o have_v the_o doctor_n prove_v and_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o proposition_n touch_v the_o first_o question_n this_o be_v all_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o this_o my_o last_o proposition_n in_o the_o which_o answer_v of_o he_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v what_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n grant_v and_o assent_v unto_o and_o what_o both_o he_o and_o they_o all_o deny_v at_o least_o as_o he_o say_v for_o he_o personate_v they_o all_o he_o grant_v in_o behalf_n of_o they_o all_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v but_o by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o master_n hanserdo_n reckon_v before_o his_o host_n for_o i._o s._n be_v one_o of_o the_o brethren_n and_o yet_o he_o page_n 13._o assert_v that_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o bind_o presidentiall_a now_o what_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n deny_v if_o mr_n knollys_n be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n be_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n second_o they_o deny_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v prove_v it_o that_o all_o the_o brethren_n deny_v as_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o my_o brother_n burton_n none_o of_o tne_v mean_a of_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v it_o yea_o he_o not_o only_o grant_v it_o but_o by_o argument_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o mr_n hanserdo_v in_o this_o also_o his_o assertion_n
esteem_v of_o to_o be_v godly_a as_o walk_v unblamable_o be_v also_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n before_o they_o know_v they_o yet_o after_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o be_v first_o by_o their_o mean_n seduce_v from_o our_o church_n after_o some_o time_n they_o fall_v from_o their_o congregation_n also_o into_o wicked_a and_o desperate_a opinion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o become_v so_o profane_a and_o beastly_a yea_o so_o atheistical_a as_o it_o will_v exceed_v ordinary_a belief_n to_o relate_v and_o true_o if_o i_o have_v not_o very_o good_a witness_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v beside_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o because_o if_o occasion_n serve_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v many_o precedent_n of_o fearful_a apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o that_o be_v their_o scholar_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n i_o be_o the_o willing_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o i_o may_v arm_v all_o man_n with_o some_o caution_n in_o read_v their_o pamphlet_n which_o they_o write_v against_o the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o never_o deal_v candid_o neither_o with_o they_o nor_o with_o their_o own_o brethren_n for_o first_o they_o either_o whole_o dissuade_v they_o from_o read_v our_o book_n or_o else_o by_o their_o emissary_n and_o rail_a libel_n they_o most_o shameful_o vilify_v and_o belie_v they_o so_o that_o they_o come_v prejudicate_v to_o they_o and_o then_o they_o send_v their_o own_o putrid_a and_o corrupt_a scribble_n among_o those_o of_o their_o fraternity_n who_o they_o miserable_o cozen_v and_o abuse_v with_o their_o fraudulent_a juggle_n and_o that_o against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o piety_n and_o common_a honesty_n to_o the_o disturbance_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a i_o say_v to_o speak_v before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o question_n and_o several_a query_n arise_v from_o it_o concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o their_o answer_n unto_o they_o wherein_o they_o rather_o trifle_v then_o dispute_n as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o my_o reply_n unto_o they_o first_o set_v down_o the_o question_n full_o with_o all_o my_o query_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o all_o the_o material_n of_o their_o fond_a cavil_n and_o evasion_n with_o their_o silly_a responsal_n to_o they_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v set_v down_o god_n method_n and_o the_o apostle_n practise_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o then_o reply_v to_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n deduce_v from_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v add_v many_o more_o precedent_n and_o they_o undeniable_a one_o of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v of_o member_n and_o that_o into_o church_n form_v after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n according_a to_o their_o own_o description_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o all_o without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o now_o require_v of_o their_o member_n and_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n evident_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o minister_n use_v but_o one_o way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a presbyterian_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n i_o say_v by_o thegrace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v clear_o elucidate_v this_o truth_n that_o god_n use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o method_n in_o gather_v his_o people_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o ought_v to_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n have_v thus_o set_v down_o what_o order_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o officer_n viz._n whether_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o already_o congregat_v assembly_n of_o `_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principal_a of_o they_o into_o a_o church-fellowship_n peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o and_o admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o society_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o question_n branch_v itself_o into_o these_o several_a query_n the_o first_o whether_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n there_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v ever_o leave_v their_o own_o ordinary_a charge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o whereto_o they_o be_v fix_v with_o a_o command_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a way_n or_o a_o new_a bear_v truth_n or_o a_o new_a light_n do_v run_v about_o and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n well_o affect_v former_o to_o their_o several_a minister_n as_o of_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v as_o who_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o feed_v they_o still_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o say_v the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o there_o be_v precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o any_o true_a minister_n so_o do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a time_n that_o any_o believe_a christian_n be_v in_o great_a number_n congregat_v from_o 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may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o second_o quere_z the_o three_o be_v whether_o for_o make_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n or_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v requisite_a the_o four_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o 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the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n or_o officer_n so_o that_o if_o they_o gain_v say_v it_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o allow_v of_o it_o the_o most_o voice_n carry_v the_o business_n this_o be_v the_o five_o querie_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o which_o as_o of_o all_o the_o former_a the_o brethren_n in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n hold_v for_o orthodox_n and_o think_v all_o these_o thing_n require_v of_o any_o that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o member_n the_o last_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o practice_n and_o preach_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n after_o this_o manner_n be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o whether_o church_n and_o assembly_n thus_o congregat_v be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o only_a christ_n rule_v and_o reign_v as_o king_n and_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o fashion_n be_v no_o true_a congregat_v church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o brethren_n as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v if_o i_o have_v fail_v in_o any_o thing_n in_o state_v the_o question_n or_o in_o any_o of_o these_o query_n the_o brethren_n must_v pardon_v i_o for_o i_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n many_o of_o they_o teach_v not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o assembly_n but_o in_o every_o pulpit_n through_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o come_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o if_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o may_v blame_v their_o own_o practice_n and_o teacher_n and_o thank_v themselves_o also_o that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o almost_o three_o year_n though_o it_o have_v be_v again_o and_o again_o desire_v at_o their_o hand_n they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o set_v down_o the_o model_n of_o their_o government_n and_o what_o they_o will_v have_v with_o all_o the_o appertainance_n belong_v unto_o it_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v be_v out_o of_o doubt_n what_o therefore_o i_o find_v practise_v among_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o the_o most_o approve_a for_o integrity_n and_o what_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v without_o any_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n specify_v and_o now_o according_a to_o my_o method_n propound_v i_o will_v set_v down_o their_o answer_n to_o what_o all_o of_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o several_a branch_n and_o parcel_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n only_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v refer_v every_o cavil_n they_o make_v against_o my_o several_a query_n and_o argument_n to_o their_o right_a place_n whereas_o i_o say_v before_o they_o have_v in_o a_o confuse_a and_o disorderly_a way_n by_o snatch_n answer_v to_o what_o they_o think_v themselves_o best_a able_a to_o deal_v with_o eitherwho_o pass_v by_o the_o main_a argument_n with_o silence_n or_o slight_v of_o they_o with_o contempt_n wherein_o i_o shall_v in_o their_o due_a place_n discover_v their_o dishonest_a deal_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o hear_v first_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n say_v concern_v i_o about_o this_o second_o question_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o page_n 14._o and_o this_o question_n say_v he_o the_o doctor_n branch_v into_o six_o quary_z wherein_o the_o judicious_a reader_n may_v perceive_v the_o doctor_n through_o misinformation_n i_o conceive_v have_v mistake_v the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n which_o he_o partly_o acknowledge_v thus_o mr_n knollys_n speak_v i._o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 15_o 16._o the_o second_o question_n say_v he_o be_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o officer_n propose_v by_o he_o 1._o in_o the_o chaos_n it_o seem_v 2._o orderly_a as_o he_o suppose_v draw_v forth_o into_o six_o query_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v there_o be_v not_o interfere_v tautology_n and_o great_a confusion_n the_o nature_n in_o which_o the_o thing_n be_v viz._n of_o quarie_z incourage_v i_o rather_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o for_o that_o i_o hope_v the_o doctor_n will_v not_o be_v great_a of_o his_o own_o sense_n but_o take_v a_o answer_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o those_o that_o know_v the_o way_n better_o than_o himself_o who_o it_o seem_v be_v but_o a_o catechumenos_fw-la therein_o i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o instruct_v he_o instead_o of_o refute_v he_o for_o as_o much_o as_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a thus_o speak_v learn_v i_o s_o for_o my_o brother_n burtons_n good_a opinion_n of_o i_o and_o his_o kind_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o i_o i_o shall_v in_o their_o place_n record_v they_o with_o my_o due_a thanks_o to_o he_o for_o the_o same_o but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n accuse_v i_o of_o ignorance_n in_o the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n and_o say_v that_o i_o have_v partly_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o conceive_v that_o this_o mistake_n in_o i_o arise_v from_o a_o misinformation_n in_o all_o he_o say_v he_o play_v the_o vain_a man_n for_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v from_o their_o daily_a practice_n all_o that_o i_o there_o set_v down_o and_o know_v the_o question_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a live_n and_o can_v at_o any_o time_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o master_n knollys_n know_v not_o the_o independent_o principle_n and_o so_o far_o as_o their_o new_a light_n have_v illuminate_v the_o world_n so_o far_o i_o know_v of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o i_o acknowledge_v and_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o why_o do_v not_o mr_n knollys_n in_o this_o place_n if_o i_o be_v mistake_v honest_o show_v i_o my_o error_n and_o why_o do_v he_o not_o as_o beseem_v a_o christian_a and_o a_o man_n true_o fear_v god_n now_o set_v down_o full_o and_o plain_o what_o their_o way_n be_v that_o all_o man_n may_v know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o these_o ungodly_a man_n be_v not_o so_o honest_a as_o to_o set_v down_o their_o way_n and_o yet_o they_o pretend_v other_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o when_o notwithstanding_o they_o know_v it_o better_o than_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o step_n of_o hanserdo_n do_v i._o s_n tread_v in_o accuse_v i_o of_o interfering_n tautology_n and_o great_a confusion_n and_o that_o i_o be_o great_a in_o my_o own_o sense_n and_o that_o i_o be_o but_o a_o cateshumenos_n and_o that_o he_o know_v the_o way_n better_o than_o myself_o and_o that_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o instruct_v i_o instead_o of_o refute_v i_o for_o as_o much_o as_o to_o he_o it_o seem_v unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a thus_o this_o wretched_a man_n trample_v upon_o i_o for_o my_o ignorance_n and_o vapour_n at_o no_o allowance_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o keep_v not_o his_o promise_n with_o i_o to_o instruct_v i_o or_o to_o show_v i_o my_o error_n wherein_o he_o proclaim_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o very_a unworthy_a creature_n that_o i_o say_v no_o more_o for_o it_o have_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o have_v ingenuous_o here_o show_v unto_o i_o my_o fail_n if_o i_o be_v in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o have_v true_o and_o upright_o set_v down_o what_o their_o way_n be_v see_v he_o affirm_v he_o know_v it_o so_o well_o that_o all_o man_n may_v at_o last_o be_v undeceive_v if_o in_o error_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a and_o one_o true_o fear_v god_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o which_o i_o can_v think_v or_o believe_v i._n s._n to_o be_v so_o long_o as_o he_o fond_o boast_v of_o himself_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o promise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o have_v read_v his_o wicked_a pamphlet_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o band_n of_o iniquity_n where_o they_o find_v nothing_o but_o brutish_a impiety_n and_o apparent_a ignorance_n for_o he_o himself_o though_o a_o great_a teacher_n know_v not_o neither_o what_o he_o say_v nor_o whereof_o he_o affirm_v who_o be_v as_o apparent_o nescient_fw-la as_o hanserdo_v of_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n and_o have_v need_v himself_o to_o be_v positive_o principled_a before_o he_o be_v polemical_o exercise_v but_o whereas_o j._n s._n accuse_v i_o to_o be_v a_o catechumenos_fw-la in_o their_o principle_n i_o will_v undertake_v this_o upon_o my_o life_n before_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o i_o know_v the_o
well_o see_v and_o that_o without_o spectacle_n that_o by_o these_o stone_n he_o hurl_v at_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o cast_v up_o dust_n yea_o dirt_n thus_o in_o their_o face_n to_o usurp_v his_o own_o expression_n pa._n 13._o that_o he_o show_v his_o want_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o we_o compare_v our_o congregation_n and_o church_n at_o every_o turn_n to_o the_o popish_a and_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o gather_v out_o of_o people_n from_o among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o gather_v man_n and_o woman_n from_o out_o of_o their_o idolatricall_a and_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o why_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n do_v he_o bring_v his_o instance_n from_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o jew_n at_o every_o turn_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o so_o deal_v in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o his_o brethren_n and_o must_v serious_o repent_v for_o this_o uncharitable_a deal_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o second_o of_o james_n and_o through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o peregrination_n ever_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o there_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o scandal_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o their_o tradition_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v yea_o and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o all_o synagogue_n whersoever_o they_o journy_v yea_o christ_n himself_o command_v all_o his_o follower_n the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o pharisee_n matth._n 23._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o without_o doubt_n they_o do_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o s_n paul_n in_o the_o 10._o to_o the_o hebrew_n blame_v those_o that_o do_v leave_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o from_o christian_a assembly_n and_o mould_v themselves_o into_o separate_a congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a holiness_n and_o pure_a partake_n in_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o all_o straggler_n all_o such_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a christ_n command_v the_o man_n out_o of_o who_o he_o have_v cast_v the_o devil_n and_o that_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o abide_v among_o they_o still_o and_o he_o ever_o send_v all_o those_o leper_n he_o cure_v to_o the_o priest_n he_o never_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n neither_o do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o godly_a minister_n do_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o blame_v it_o in_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o independent_o go_v against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v high_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o have_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a practice_n a_o great_a deal_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o to_o answer_v for_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v time_n with_o time_n we_o may_v believe_v it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v among_o we_o under_o the_o prelate_n reign_n and_o power_n those_o godly_a and_o powerful_a minister_n such_o as_o my_o reverend_a tutor_n master_n richard_n rogers_n mr_n john_n rogers_n of_o dedham_n and_o mr_n dod_n and_o other_o when_o they_o sometime_o go_v to_o visit_v their_o friend_n through_o city_n and_o country_n by_o their_o preach_n they_o gain_v many_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o many_o town_n and_o village_n where_o after_o they_o have_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o ministry_n convert_v they_o they_o leave_v they_o still_o abide_v in_o their_o several_a parish_n enjoin_v they_o diligent_o and_o careful_o to_o wait_v upon_o their_o minister_n there_o dissuade_v they_o from_o separation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n they_o come_v out_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o hear_v he_o upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o never_o leave_v their_o own_o synagogue_n and_o their_o own_o minister_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o so_o they_o go_v out_o to_o hear_v christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o then_o return_v home_o again_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a dwell_v place_n and_o they_o have_v christ_n command_n to_o do_v this_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o record_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o the_o christian_n relinquish_v the_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o which_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n paul_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o serious_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a and_o pharisaical_a separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n the_o lord_n will_v show_v at_o last_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o i_o affirm_v it_o they_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n for_o all_o these_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burtons_n instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n gather_v of_o christian_a church_n from_o out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v unchristianlyand_n and_o deceitful_o do_v to_o delude_v his_o fellow_n so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o aver_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n for_o any_o christian_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o they_o exercise_v at_o that_o time_n nothing_o but_o the_o moral_a worship_n in_o their_o synagogue_n have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n daily_o read_v and_o interpret_v unto_o they_o act_v 15._o 21._o and_o to_o those_o synagogue_n that_o unerring_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o do_v send_v all_o the_o people_n and_o their_o several_a city_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o moses_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v infer_v to_o make_v good_a their_o wicked_a separation_n from_o we_o and_o their_o gather_n of_o their_o church_n out_o of_o our_o christian_a and_o believe_a assembly_n which_o i_o be_o ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n that_o i_o propound_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o of_o already_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v befool_v himself_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n how_o little_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o divinity_n when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o a_o common_a place_n wherein_o every_o child_n may_v learn_v as_o much_o and_o far_o more_o than_o he_o can_v teach_v he_o and_o this_o answer_n to_o my_o brother_n burton_n concern_v gather_n of_o christian_a church_n out_o of_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o unwarrantable_a separation_n may_v serve_v to_o the_o same_o objection_n wheresoever_o the_o reader_n shall_v meet_v with_o it_o as_o page_z 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o first_o quaerie_n concern_v gather_n church_n out_o of_o church_n but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n conceive_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o christian_a assembly_n who_o he_o say_v do_v not_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n into_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a congregation_n they_o can_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o not_o make_v his_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o reformation_n or_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v necessary_o depend_v for_o the_o form_n and_o law_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wait_v on_o man_n and_o thereupon_o propound_v a_o query_n to_o i_o page_n 19_o think_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o better_a to_o justify_v their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o gratify_v my_o brother_n desire_n and_o answer_v to_o his_o demand_n and_o then_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o reply_v to_o what_o
he_o and_o his_o complice_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o five_o other_o query_n but_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n oowne_a word_n which_o be_v these_o p._n 19_o see_v say_v he_o we_o have_v all_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o every_o one_o to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o this_o reformation_n tell_v i_o now_o brother_n say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n worth_a the_o while_n for_o our_o reverend_n and_o learned_a assembly_n serious_o to_o take_v into_o debate_n whether_o the_o general_a tie_v up_o of_o man_n to_o wait_v necessary_o on_o the_o synod_n for_o its_o final_a resolution_n about_o church_n government_n be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o diminution_n at_o least_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v not_o a_o trench_a upon_o a_o fundamental_a heresy_n as_o also_o a_o inhibition_n restrain_v every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n minister_n master_n etc._n etc._n from_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o so_o necessitate_v a_o violation_n of_o our_o covenant_n or_o a_o dangerous_a retard_v of_o the_o work_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o subtle_a bait_n and_o cunning_a snare_n wherewith_o he_o catch_v and_o draw_v into_o his_o net_n many_o ignorant_a yet_o well_o mean_v tender_a heart_a christian_n whereas_o reformation_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o full_a power_n thereof_o have_v be_v settle_v long_o since_o have_v not_o independent_o study_v way_n to_o molest_v our_o peace_n in_o oppose_v the_o settle_n of_o church_n government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o they_o have_v and_o do_v labour_n to_o withstand_v with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o great_a subtlety_n by_o which_o mean_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n increase_v and_o strengthen_v their_o party_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a way_n and_o give_v a_o inlet_n to_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n without_o interruption_n but_o this_o practice_n of_o independent_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v all_o enter_v into_o for_o when_o we_o covenant_v for_o reformation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v thereby_o engage_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a god_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n earnest_o to_o seek_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n job_n 9.4_o able_a to_o overpower_v the_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n yea_o of_o the_o great_a king_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o by_o his_o wisdom_n can_v advise_v counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o by_o his_o mighty_a and_o omnipotent_a work_n and_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n can_v enforce_v and_o compel_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o royal_a command_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o universal_a reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o church_n in_o its_o full_a power_n according_a to_o his_o sacred_a word_n and_o divine_a will_n and_o whereas_o we_o have_v all_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o all_o under_o our_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o strict_o bind_v every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o special_a to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n by_o forsake_v every_o sinful_a way_n and_o evil_a practice_n that_o we_o or_o they_o have_v former_o walk_v delight_v and_o continue_v in_o whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n unto_o anger_n isaiah_n 1._o 4._o and_o hereby_o magistrate_n minister_n parent_n master_n of_o family_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o under_o their_o charge_n frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v all_o holy_a duty_n with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o doâ—_n not_o suffer_v any_o to_o wander_v and_o straggle_v abroad_o into_o dangerous_a way_n and_o by-path_n and_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o blasphemous_a tenant_n for_o if_o they_o let_v they_o walk_v where_o they_o please_v it_o show_v but_o little_a care_n take_v to_o reform_v and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o happiness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o covenant_n where_o we_o have_v bind_v ourselves_o every_o one_o to_o reform_v one_o and_o all_o under_o our_o charge_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v every_o one_o to_o labour_n to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o this_o reformation_n but_o our_o covenant_n do_v not_o therefore_o bind_v every_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o set_v up_o and_o follow_v what_o government_n seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o rather_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o boundless_a spirit_n our_o covenant_n give_v no_o such_o liberty_n to_o any_o for_o be_v this_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o couâ—nant_n when_o it_o bind_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n this_o be_v to_o covenant_n against_o sin_n formality_n and_o tyranny_n and_o to_o vow_v for_o unlawful_a libertisâ—e_n prophanesse_n and_o a_o anarchy_n which_o will_v bring_v inevitable_a confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n for_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n heresy_n unwarrantable_a corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a new_a opinion_n will_v then_o be_v broach_v maintain_v and_o disperse_v abroad_o without_o either_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o man_n as_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o all_o these_o deadly_a and_o destroy_a heresy_n will_v be_v disseminated_a and_o divulge_v under_o pretext_n that_o their_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o that_o they_o come_v near_o and_o walk_v more_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n than_o other_o do_v although_o their_o foot_n tread_v not_o in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o commandment_n but_o walk_v in_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o therefore_o such_o disorderly_a walking_n as_o these_o be_v a_o deformation_n of_o religion_n not_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n which_o we_o have_v all_o enter_v into_o but_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o i_o relate_v before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o diminution_n at_o least_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o wait_v on_o the_o synod_n for_o its_o final_a resolution_n for_o church_n government_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o magistrate_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o reformation_n and_o to_o settle_v that_o church_n government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n or_o a_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o it_o out_o of_o holy_a writ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o godly_a prince_n be_v there_o record_v for_o their_o example_n and_o encouragement_n to_o go_v on_o undauntedly_n in_o the_o work_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 8._o to_o the_o 16._o v._o 2_o chro._n 17._o the_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 29._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 30._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 31._o 31._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 34._o etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n 23._o to_o the_o 24._o ver_fw-la ezr._n 9_o neh._n 9_o so_o that_o god_n word_n be_v the_o absolute_a rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o this_o their_o undertake_n and_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o our_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o will_v all_o be_v aid_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o further_o they_o in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n now_o wherein_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n that_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v ground_v on_o scripture_n can_v a_o better_a course_n be_v take_v then_o authority_n have_v appoint_v namely_o by_o call_v together_o a_o assembly_n of_o minister_n man_n skilful_a in_o the_o original_a tongue_n learn_v in_o all_o other_o science_n and_o approve_v to_o be_v godly_a pious_a zealous_a orthodox_n man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v selfe-denying_a man_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o have_v humble_v themselves_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n implore_v his_o divine_a assistance_n illumination_n and_o direction_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n for_o the_o reform_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o sacred_a will_n and_o for_o these_o
be_v not_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o which_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o my_o forego_n discourse_n as_o for_o j._n s._n he_o answer_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n as_o all_o that_o shall_v read_v his_o word_n may_v well_o perceive_v which_o be_v these_o i_o answer_v say_v he_o no_o question_n but_o the_o purge_n and_o purify_n of_o church_n ordinance_n and_o fellowship_n which_o some_o contend_v for_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o a_o high_a throne_n visible_a to_o the_o world_n then_o by_o some_o other_o way_n he_o be_v etc._n etc._n now_o which_o hither_o this_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o query_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o judge_v of_o but_o from_o his_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o church-fellowship_n be_v pollute_v there_o christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n but_o in_o all_o the_o new_a congregation_n christ_n ordinance_n be_v pollute_v and_o church-fellowship_n contaminate_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v ergo_fw-la christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o there_o on_o his_o throne_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o all_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o query_n but_o now_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o god_n method_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o the_o manner_n they_o use_v in_o make_v member_n in_o every_o church_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o method_n our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o use_v in_o gather_v of_o their_o congregation_n that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o may_v all_o be_v undeceive_v in_o this_o business_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n and_o i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o christ_n commission_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o order_n that_o god_n himself_o use_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o his_o election_n and_o for_o the_o congregate_a of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o fold_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v that_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o i_o conceive_v that_o god_n order_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v follow_v then_o any_o other_o new_o find_v way_n but_o to_o begin_v with_o christ_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 21._o verse_n 19_o 20._o go_v you_o therefore_o say_v christ_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amen_n and_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o mark_n verse_n 15_o 16._o he_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o in_o the_o 26._o of_o the_o act_n saint_n paul_n after_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversion_n to_o king_n agrippa_n he_o likewise_o make_v know_v unto_o he_o the_o commission_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v verse_n 15_o 16._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o i_o say_v who_o be_v thou_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v i_o be_o jesus_n who_o thou_o persecute_v but_o rise_v and_o stand_v upon_o thy_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n both_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o which_o i_o will_v appear_v unto_o thou_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o people_n and_o from_o the_o gentile_n unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o i_o whereupon_o i_o be_v not_o disobedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n but_o show_v first_o unto_o they_o of_o damascus_n and_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o through_o all_o the_o coast_n of_o judea_n and_o then_o to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n out_o of_o these_o several_a place_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o observe_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v set_v they_o how_o far_o they_o shall_v go_v in_o their_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o beyond_o which_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o and_o appear_v to_o they_o in_o and_o for_o the_o which_o they_o have_v his_o word_n and_o warrant_n and_o so_o long_o 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 what_o condition_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v â—aith_n &_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_o 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 communion_n and_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 and_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o scruple_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o three_o observation_n out_o of_o the_o commission_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n i_o must_v wait_v here_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o motion_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n pen_n which_o as_o it_o march_v along_o make_v now_o and_o then_o some_o whible_a incursion_n into_o my_o quarter_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v my_o force_n be_v ever_o in_o a_o readiness_n and_o that_o i_o be_o always_o willing_a to_o fight_v he_o wheresoever_o i_o meet_v he_o and_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n also_o may_v see_v how_o ready_a i_o be_o to_o gratify_v his_o desire_n who_o page_n 7._o say_v come_v on_o brother_n let_v you_o and_o i_o try_v it_o out_o by_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o sword_n i_o will_v here_o skirmish_v a_o little_a with_o he_o to_o breathe_v he_o and_o then_o go_v after_o he_o in_o the_o 15._o page_z of_o his_o book_n he_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o reconcile_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o he_o conceive_v i_o make_v for_o say_v he_o page_z 101._o of_o your_o book_n you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 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 pr_v ofession_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 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 concern_v paul_n act_v 9_o 26_o 27._o now_o here_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n i_o observe_v first_o a_o notable_a contradiction_n to_o what_o
have_v ever_o pretend_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o yea_o and_o challenge_v a_o right_n unto_o it_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v they_o and_o which_o be_v more_o they_o have_v by_o usurpation_n get_v this_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o have_v thus_o attain_v unto_o their_o design_n be_v back_v with_o great_a friend_n some_o tobiass_n and_o sanballet_n they_o begin_v to_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o make_v fortification_n in_o their_o brain_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n in_o their_o fantasy_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v a_o independent_a church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o god_n service_n and_o pretend_v that_o this_o church_n be_v the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o example_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o that_o all_o church_n through_o the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v after_o that_o model_n and_o be_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o many_o sanballat_n and_o tobiess_n much_o strengthen_v as_o i_o say_v before_o they_o begin_v to_o insult_v and_o to_o give_v law_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o to_o gather_v and_o set_v up_o church_n after_o their_o own_o model_n and_o be_v much_o assure_v of_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o bad_a defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n fling_v and_o cast_v their_o glove_n to_o all_o their_o enemy_n assemble_v and_o not_o assemble_v whereupon_o i_o be_v a_o commander_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a army_n and_o take_v up_o the_o glove_n come_v out_o against_o they_o and_o by_o divine_a assistance_n reduce_v this_o place_n and_o take_v it_o from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v sometime_o unjust_o detain_v from_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o who_o indeed_o it_o belong_v by_o the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n and_o succession_n i_o say_v i_o have_v by_o conquest_n take_v this_o strong_a city_n from_o the_o independent_a 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terrible_o treacherous_a and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v general_n and_o commander_n any_o long_o in_o so_o great_a a_o army_n as_o that_o of_o the_o illdependents_a yea_o this_o their_o decline_a battle_n with_o i_o make_v i_o bold_o conclude_v of_o they_o that_o they_o deal_v unmanly_a on_o all_o side_n for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o or_o a_o right_n unto_o it_o why_o do_v they_o not_o now_o engage_v themselves_o in_o her_o quarrel_n and_o fight_v for_o she_o especial_o when_o all_o their_o army_n lie_v in_o the_o field_n certain_o it_o have_v be_v much_o for_o all_o their_o honour_n now_o to_o have_v show_v their_o valour_n and_o therefore_o they_o all_o of_o they_o not_o strike_v a_o stroke_n proclaim_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n their_o want_n both_o of_o animosity_n and_o all_o heroical_a virtue_n and_o their_o want_n also_o of_o honesty_n in_o that_o they_o pretend_v a_o right_n unto_o that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a title_n or_o claim_n to_o and_o for_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o fight_v in_o that_o they_o amuse_v the_o people_n and_o stir_v up_o faction_n on_o every_o side_n and_o all_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o groundless_a combustion_n in_o church_n &_o state_n tell_v the_o people_n that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n which_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereupon_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o relinquish_v this_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o presbyter_n they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o then_o ever_o the_o prelate_n do_v and_o they_o teach_v they_o far_o that_o this_o right_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n who_o when_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n as_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n have_v not_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o govern_v they_o but_o the_o people_n also_o be_v join_v with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n both_o in_o elect_v of_o officer_n and_o in_o receive_v in_o of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o offender_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o wish_v all_o the_o people_n to_o stand_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o liberty_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a these_o and_o such_o like_a unsound_a principle_n they_o season_v the_o people_n with_o for_o the_o enrage_v of_o they_o against_o the_o presbyter_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o new-found_a way_n of_o independency_n and_o labour_v continual_o by_o shift_n and_o juggle_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o any_o 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to_o the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o johns_n gather_v in_o of_o people_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n gather_v by_o he_o be_v not_o formedinto_o christian_a church_n these_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 16._o and_o that_o those_o church_n only_o which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n unto_o all_o christian_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o say_v if_o we_o visit_v they_o we_o shâ—ll_v find_v that_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 2._o which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o all_o church_n and_o thereupon_o conclude_v and_o so_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o receive_v in_o and_o admit_v of_o member_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n can_v be_v a_o example_n &_o pattern_n to_o the_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o that_o argument_n by_o such_o turn_n and_o evasion_n as_o these_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o those_o congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v by_o he_o not_o be_v in_o a_o gospel-form_n nor_o mould_v up_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n can_v be_v bind_o presidential_a and_o therefore_o for_o our_o imitation_n he_o affirm_v we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o that_o one_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o which_o
say_v my_o brother_n burton_n the_o people_n have_v authority_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o those_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n only_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o minister_n of_o govern_v by_o and_o not_o that_o of_o the_o baptist_n and_o by_o this_o their_o craft_n and_o juggle_n and_o by_o these_o fallacious_a mean_n and_o unwarrantable_a way_n my_o brother_n burton_n hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n with_o all_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o illdependent_a predicant_o have_v prepossess_v the_o people_n with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n against_o their_o faithful_a minister_n as_o if_o they_o affect_v a_o lordly_a power_n over_o they_o and_o more_o than_o prelatical_a they_o have_v i_o say_v by_o this_o craft_n so_o infatuate_v they_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o leave_v a_o ear_n open_a in_o many_o of_o they_o to_o hear_v the_o just_a defence_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v or_o read_v what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o and_o against_o all_o their_o calumny_n which_o wickedness_n and_o deceitful_a deal_n of_o the_o ildependents_n itinetary_a preacher_n be_v unexcusable_a but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n not_o only_o carp_n at_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n but_o likewise_o at_o those_o i_o bring_v of_o the_o eunuch_n of_o paul_n of_o cornelius_n of_o lydia_n and_o of_o the_o gaoler_n mr._n knollys_n also_o join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o good_a service_n and_o skirmish_n the_o which_o after_o that_o both_o himself_o and_o absurdo_fw-la know-lesse_a for_o so_o he_o may_v true_o be_v call_v have_v spend_v their_o breath_n and_o strength_n to_o evade_v and_o yet_o perceive_v evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o so_o apparent_o perspicuous_a as_o it_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n they_o cry_v out_o that_o those_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n and_o not_o bind_v because_o those_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o admit_v or_o receive_v member_n into_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o those_o example_n be_v not_o for_o our_o imitation_n we_o look_v only_o for_o the_o example_n of_o such_o church_n as_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o gospel-form_n and_o into_o the_o mould_n of_o the_o new_a testament-form_n now_o what_o a_o height_n of_o wickedness_n be_v it_o in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trifle_v for_o the_o delude_n of_o the_o simple_a people_n and_o to_o pretend_v unto_o they_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o christ_n church_n one_o way_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o another_o of_o admit_v member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o 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this_o mean_n be_v delude_v and_o miserable_o abuse_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a imposture_n or_o deceit_n in_o any_o that_o pretend_v unto_o religion_n and_o honesty_n then_o that_o in_o these_o man_n when_o they_o say_v in_o their_o writing_n upon_o all_o occasion_n produce_v we_o some_o example_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n wherein_o any_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o minister_n sole_a authority_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o without_o those_o condition_n we_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o our_o church_n and_o then_o you_o do_v some_o thing_n can_v there_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a deceit_n in_o any_o man_n than_o this_o of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o such_o example_n produce_v when_o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v set_v that_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o damascus_n both_o 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and_o fair_a deal_n in_o they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v utter_v such_o word_n and_o have_v there_o be_v but_o any_o christian_a honesty_n and_o love_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o have_v pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o damascus_n unsaluted_a and_o without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o fall_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o then_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v my_o fair_a deal_n with_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o delude_a people_n i_o will_v in_o this_o place_n to_o gratify_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o absurdo_fw-la know-lesse_a set_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o example_n of_o the_o two_o mother_n church_n in_o their_o gospel-form_n viz._n that_o of_o jerusalem_n &_o samaria_n that_o so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n the_o truth_n 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of_o witness_n for_o the_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o gather_v church_n and_o for_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o look_v into_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o he_o shall_v find_v at_o the_o first_o admission_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n take_v in_o and_o make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o where_o the_o people_n have_v no_o voice_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v sometime_o in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n neither_o be_v it_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n
of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v require_v there_o neither_o have_v the_o people_n any_o hand_n in_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n manage_v the_o whole_a business_n for_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o admit_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n be_v these_o only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o new_a model_n nor_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a congregation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n let_v i_o tell_v the_o illdependents_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n have_v then_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o make_v such_o condition_n if_o ever_o any_o have_v for_o they_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n have_v say_v howsoever_o these_o soul_n be_v not_o miracle_n proof_n but_o that_o they_o be_v wound_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o they_o and_o by_o the_o sermon_n of_o peter_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o by_o and_o by_o to_o confide_v in_o they_o and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o church_n fellowship_n unless_o they_o will_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o unless_o also_o they_o will_v make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o public_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v also_o into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n for_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n of_o membership_n and_o that_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n that_o these_o condition_n may_v have_v be_v require_v by_o any_o it_o may_v then_o especial_o have_v be_v because_o all_o those_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n in_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o peter_n tell_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v all_o be_v well_o suspect_v that_o howsoever_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v all_o strike_v into_o a_o tremble_a condition_n yet_o that_o they_o can_v not_o judge_v upon_o so_o short_a a_o time_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o have_v urge_v all_o the_o former_a condition_n and_o chief_o because_o they_o have_v our_o saviour_n own_o example_n fresh_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o second_o of_o john_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o man_n which_o have_v be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n although_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o i_o say_v in_o that_o regard_n when_o christ_n will_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v much_o more_o have_v pretend_v in_o all_o these_o regard_n that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o confide_v in_o these_o man_n until_o they_o have_v have_v better_a experience_n of_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n but_o when_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o none_o of_o all_o the_o disciple_n so_o much_o as_o urge_v any_o condition_n upon_o they_o beyond_o the_o commission_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n to_o wit_n repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o all_o church_n that_o they_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o that_o propound_v other_o condition_n do_v no_o less_o then_o accuse_v the_o apostle_n of_o injustice_n and_o imprudency_n as_o of_o take_v that_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n from_o the_o people_n and_o of_o so_o sudden_o and_o without_o any_o deliberation_n admit_v of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n which_o ought_v according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n ever_o to_o be_v do_v with_o great_a caution_n who_o say_v in_o his_o 14._o page_n multa_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la add_v moreover_o that_o in_o thing_n weighty_a we_o can_v be_v too_o wary_a in_o regard_n they_o look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n and_o in_o regard_n also_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o provident_a care_n for_o prevent_a inconvenience_n and_o scandal_n see_v turpius_fw-la ejiciâ—ur_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la admittitur_fw-la hospes_fw-la it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o guest_n to_o be_v keep_v out_o then_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o all_o which_o his_o expression_n and_o by_o their_o daily_a practice_n they_o do_v no_o less_o then_o proclaim_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o so_o prudent_a in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o accuse_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n of_o deficiency_n why_o do_v they_o not_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o why_o do_v they_o impose_v new_a law_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o other_o condition_n then_o either_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o or_o his_o holy_a apostle_n do_v which_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o blasphemous_a wickedness_n both_o in_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n that_o exercise_n this_o new_a government_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o conscientious_a and_o solid_a christian_n this_o one_o example_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n for_o all_o church_n imitation_n for_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n but_o i_o will_v produce_v other_o admission_n in_o the_o same_o church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o want_n of_o witness_n to_o corroborate_v this_o truth_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n beside_o this_o first_o admission_n in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n of_o member_n upon_o addition_n for_o they_o be_v daily_o add_v say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o former_a condition_n for_o we_o learn_v of_o no_o other_o viz._n of_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v here_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o walk_v sometime_o before_o their_o admission_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n nothing_o of_o bring_v in_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n nothing_o of_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n while_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n who_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o rule_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o before_o it_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n fine_a white_a finger_n which_o he_o say_v in_o his_o learned_a epistle_n that_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n will_v not_o have_v he_o foul_a with_o i_o i_o say_v while_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n church_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o before_o it_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n finger_n and_o into_o the_o paw_n and_o clutch_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o precious_a one_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o that_o heavy_a burden_n of_o those_o condition_n they_o have_v most_o arrogant_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o which_o in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o have_v not_o only_o put_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o a_o combustion_n but_o most_o blasphemous_o this_fw-mi throne_a christ_n prefer_v their_o own_o vain_a tradition_n before_o his_o most_o holy_a law_n and_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n name_n and_o enslave_v his_o people_n while_o notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v they_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o they_o preach_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o people_n which_o be_v most_o impious_o to_o juggle_v on_o all_o side_n but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o precedent_n of_o admit_v member_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o have_v it_o record_v verse_n 4._o that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o into_o the_o communion_n
example_n of_o gather_a church_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n whereas_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v but_o one_o way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n whether_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o a_o extraordinary_a for_o they_o that_o be_v make_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o those_o likewise_o that_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v member_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o as_o for_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n i_o have_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o foregoing_a example_n and_o the_o primitive_a practice_n that_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n only_o of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n and_o christ_n require_v no_o more_o and_o for_o the_o extraordinary_a way_n if_o it_o be_v evince_v that_o that_o be_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n than_o all_o man_n may_v see_v into_o what_o a_o desperate_a condition_n of_o rebellion_n all_o the_o independent_o have_v by_o their_o new_a way_n plunge_v themselves_o into_o and_o may_v withal_o well_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o those_o cavil_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n make_v against_o my_o follow_a argument_n now_o that_o they_o may_v see_v how_o and_o upon_o what_o condition_n all_o christian_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a their_o pain_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v all_o direct_v in_o what_o they_o do_v by_o the_o special_a command_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o far_o more_o worthy_a of_o imitation_n than_o our_o independent_o practice_n now_o we_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 assemble_v 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 their_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 jsaiah_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 a_o certain_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 any_o church_n or_o without_o consult_v with_o any_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_n 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 this_o form_a church_n &_o that_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n and_o he_o be_v receive_v immediate_o among_o the_o disciple_n at_o damascus_n without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o so_o much_o as_o any_o scruple_n and_o straightway_o he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v both_o ordain_v and_o put_v in_o office_n without_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o business_n but_o only_o stand_v amaze_v and_o say_v be_v not_o this_o he_o that_o destroy_v they_o which_o call_v on_o this_o name_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o come_v hither_o for_o that_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o bind_v unto_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n when_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n they_o only_o admit_v member_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o these_o our_o day_n wherein_o people_n have_v get_v itch_a ear_n and_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o humour_n such_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n they_o teach_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v forth_o new_o bear_v light_n to_o the_o darken_n of_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o a_o confusion_n
of_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o five_o chapter_n to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o untain_v repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbytrie_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 12._o 1._o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o and_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n into_o council_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n
not_o speedy_o repent_v for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o relinquish_v their_o ungodly_a unchristian_a and_o unbrother_o practise_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n will_v show_v his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o he_o will_v vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o he_o avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o that_o speedy_o luke_n 17._o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o impious_a cavil_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o hanserdo_v now_o for_o that_o instance_n that_o master_n knollys_n bring_v it_o quite_o overthrow_v their_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v point_n bank_n against_o it_o and_o their_o practice_n for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o true_a believer_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o extreme_a refuge_n upon_o just_a offence_n yet_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judge_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o business_n according_a to_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n so_o that_o those_o that_o complain_v may_v not_o be_v both_o plaintiff_n and_o judge_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o know_v a_o maxim_n that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o beside_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o we_o never_o read_v inall_n the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o disciple_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o question_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellow_n ship_n or_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o but_o paul_n &_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a enemy_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a persecutor_n and_o be_v then_o ignorant_a of_o his_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o upon_o 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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 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 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 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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 grollery_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 phatisee_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 &_o eleganter_fw-la 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 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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-shepherd_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 and_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 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saint_n and_o account_v all_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n tell_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sermon_n that_o they_o come_v over_o from_o beyond_o the_o sea_n think_v that_o they_o will_v have_v set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v embrace_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o will_v have_v establish_v his_o government_n and_o have_v go_v on_o in_o a_o church-way_a and_o have_v set_v up_o the_o way_n of_o god_n but_o they_o find_v it_o otherwiise_v that_o they_o deny_v &_o disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n and_o persecute_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n so_o that_o they_o can_v find_v more_o favour_n from_o moderate_a papist_n and_o common_a protestant_n than_o from_o they_o by_o which_o their_o deal_n say_v the_o brethren_n they_o have_v so_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o god_n people_n affection_n from_o they_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o 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thought_n of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o less_o esteem_n of_o the_o other_o for_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a they_o exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o every_o of_o their_o several_a church_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v malicious_a or_o self_n will_v or_o corrupt_v or_o heretical_a as_o it_o happen_v many_o time_n and_o by_o their_o learning_n or_o eloquence_n or_o great_a ability_n of_o wit_n and_o scholarship_n or_o by_o their_o wealth_n or_o power_n the_o congregation_n perhaps_o consist_v of_o many_o poor_a people_n and_o it_o may_v be_v ignorant_a who_o aâ—e_v relieve_v by_o they_o and_o who_o favour_n they_o dare_v not_o so_o feit_z if_o they_o prevail_v with_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o common_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v like_o a_o company_n of_o wild_a goose_n who_o which_o way_n soever_o their_o their_z leader_n fly_v they_o all_o follow_v i_o say_v if_o they_o do_v once_o deliver_v a_o man_n to_o satan_n and_o will_v not_o by_o any_o art_n of_o persuasion_n be_v induce_v to_o reverse_v their_o unrighteous_a sentence_n the_o innocent_a and_o wrong_a man_n must_v live_v under_o this_o doom_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n without_o any_o remedy_n and_o must_v be_v hold_v by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v after_o that_o new_a model_n to_o who_o their_o sentence_n be_v give_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o shun_v according_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o absolve_v or_o help_v he_o and_o from_o which_o he_o have_v no_o benefit_n or_o appeal_v and_o this_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n that_o either_o will_n or_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o this_o rigour_n to_o my_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o low_a country_n in_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o english_a there_o and_o in_o some_o here_o in_o england_n among_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o make_v so_o many_o several_a sect_n for_o when_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o one_o congregation_n for_o some_o particular_a opinion_n in_o the_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o the_o other_o church_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o profession_n can_v not_o absolve_v they_o nor_o dare_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o without_o a_o attestation_n from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v of_o their_o christian_a walk_v among_o they_o or_o until_o they_o have_v g_o when_fw-mi satisfaction_n to_o that_o church_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v member_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v bring_v unto_o conceive_v that_o the_o wrong_n be_v they_o who_o complain_v as_o unjust_o excommunicate_v neither_o will_v they_o relinquish_v their_o opinion_n as_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o they_o find_v other_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n join_v themselves_o into_o a_o new_a society_n and_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o rent_n and_o division_n we_o now_o see_v every_o where_n for_o when_o they_o be_v upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o difference_n in_o opinion_n cast_v out_o than_o they_o congregate_v a_o new_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o turn_v pastor_n the_o which_o bless_a be_v god_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o germany_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v see_v since_o the_o first_o reformation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n by_o the_o common-council_n of_o their_o presbyter_n where_o they_o find_v such_o brotherly_a deal_n and_o where_o they_o have_v their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o conceive_v wrong_a or_o injury_n and_o have_v right_a and_o justice_n do_v they_o make_v they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o manner_n of_o government_n without_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n and_o true_o if_o thing_n be_v but_o mature_o weigh_v all_o man_n will_v ready_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o reproach_n to_o belay_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n neither_o will_v they_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o way_n of_o disdain_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v more_o call_v presbyterian_o then_o the_o independent_a minister_n for_o they_o also_o be_v presbyterian_o and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o profess_v in_o their_o writing_n that_o they_o contend_v for_o the_o ancient_a presbytery_n so_o that_o they_o also_o be_v presbyterian_o as_o well_n as_o the_o other_o and_o if_o the_o one_o be_v make_v hateful_a and_o formidable_a to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o solid_a man_n the_o other_o also_o may_v be_v make_v as_o odious_a and_o hateful_a for_o if_o that_o odium_fw-la and_o hatred_n they_o bring_v upon_o the_o presbytery_n be_v for_o the_o only_a fear_n they_o have_v conceive_v the_o presbyter_n will_v lord_n it_o too_o much_o over_o they_o and_o that_o only_o i_o say_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o so_o terrify_v the_o people_n from_o that_o government_n let_v all_o man_n here_o consider_v and_o compare_v each_o kind_n of_o presbytery_n together_o both_o that_o of_o the_o dependent_a and_o that_o of_o the_o independent_a for_o if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n in_o the_o infancy_n and_o very_o first_o beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o their_o government_n assume_v unto_o every_o several_a congregation_n and_o presbytery_n of_o they_o a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n and_o if_o they_o already_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o and_o proclaim_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o congregation_n profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o they_o be_v once_o establish_v by_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o assembly_n and_o if_o now_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o several_a assembly_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a believer_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v admit_v member_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o propound_v without_o either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o their_o so_o do_v which_o be_v the_o great_a tyranny_n of_o the_o world_n how_o will_v these_o man_n lord_n it_o if_o their_o government_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o parliament_n it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v that_o godly_a christian_n and_o people_n of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o holy_a conversation_n against_o who_o they_o have_v no_o exception_n either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v member_n upon_o their_o own_o condition_n yet_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v join_v member_n only_o because_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o this_o very_a reason_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o not_o admission_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v their_o church_n over_o burden_v with_o poor_a and_o other_o desire_v that_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o congregation_n and_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o assembly_n to_o entreat_v this_o favour_n that_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v among_o they_o for_o answer_v it_o be_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v baptize_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v infant_n of_o their_o join_a member_n which_o be_v their_o practice_n and_o wish_v they_o first_o to_o be_v make_v join_v membert_n in_o one_o of_o their_o church_n whereupon_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o congregation_n fit_a for_o they_o to_o join_v to_o than_o to_o that_o pastor_n assembly_n that_o have_v give_v they_o this_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v join_v member_n for_o answer_n it_o be_v reply_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o which_o he_o be_v pastor_n consist_v of_o great_a personage_n knight_n lady_n and_o rich_a merchant_n and_o such_o people_n as_o they_o be_v but_o poor_a can_v not_o walk_v so_o suitable_o with_o they_o withal_o he_o say_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n wherefore_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o other_o congregation_n among_o poor_a people_n where_o they_o may_v better_o walk_v and_o more_o comfortable_o in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o so_o that_o the_o last_o news_n i_o hear_v of_o this_o business_n be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v neither_o baptize_v nor_o the_o poor_a man_n admit_v to_o be_v joint_a member_n of_o that_o congregation_n
he_o kill_v a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v and_o forewarn_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a creature_n as_o we_o may_v see_v exod._a 21._o 28_o 29._o where_o the_o lord_n thus_o speak_v if_o a_o ox_n gore_v a_o man_n or_o a_o woman_n that_o they_o die_v than_o the_o ox_n shall_v be_v sure_o stone_v and_o his_o flesh_n shall_v not_o be_v eat_v but_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o ox_n shall_v be_v quit_v but_o if_o the_o ox_n be_v wont_a to_o push_v with_o his_o horn_n in_o time_n past_a and_o it_o have_v be_v testify_v unto_o his_o owner_n and_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v he_o in_o but_o that_o he_o have_v kill_v a_o man_n or_o a_o woman_n the_o ox_n shall_v be_v stone_v and_o his_o owner_n also_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o say_v if_o the_o wilful_a tolerate_n of_o but_o a_o mischievous_a creature_n to_o go_v loose_a after_o his_o owner_n be_v inform_v of_o the_o dangerousnesse_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o owner_n himself_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n if_o he_o kill_v either_o a_o man_n or_o a_o woman_n after_o it_o how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o think_v the_o lord_n will_v severe_o punish_v those_o man_n that_o will_v suffer_v heresy_n and_o most_o dangerous_a and_o blasphemous_a opinion_n and_o idolatry_n to_o go_v at_o liberty_n which_o with_o their_o horn_n push_v man_n into_o hell_n itself_o to_o the_o destroy_v both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o the_o poor_a people_n for_o in_o the_o five_o of_o the_o galatian_n it_o be_v say_v that_o heresy_n and_o idolatry_n etc._n etc._n be_v among_o those_o sin_n that_o send_v man_n to_o perdition_n and_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o the_o deadliness_n of_o all_o sin_n but_o especial_o of_o those_o there_o name_v and_o god_n have_v often_o teach_v we_o in_o his_o holy_a law_n how_o much_o he_o detest_v all_o false_a religion_n and_o false_a worship_n and_o by_o a_o special_a edict_n exod._n 22._o verse_n 20._o have_v inform_v we_o say_v he_o that_o sacrifice_v unto_o any_o god_n save_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n so_o that_o we_o can_v pretend_v ignorance_n and_o here_o be_v no_o exception_n of_o either_o person_n or_o sex_n and_o the_o same_o law_n be_v reiterated_a in_o many_o more_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o especial_o deuter_n 13._o where_o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v spend_v about_o the_o punishment_n of_o idolater_n and_o such_o as_o set_v up_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o for_o the_o moral_a law_n many_o of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o as_o i_o can_v out_o of_o several_a of_o their_o writing_n prove_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v not_o alterable_a but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n now_o it_o be_v then_o and_o if_o they_o grant_v this_o as_o they_o do_v they_o must_v likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o and_o penalty_n be_v also_o in_o force_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v death_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o be_v by_o the_o same_o law_n death_n nâ—w_o or_o else_o either_o god_n be_v changeable_a or_o the_o law_n be_v alter_v both_o which_o i_o have_v yet_o so_o good_a opinion_n of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v not_o assert_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v necessary_o yield_v unto_o this_o if_o god_n and_o his_o moral_a worship_n or_o law_n be_v the_o same_o and_o unalterable_a they_o must_v i_o say_v then_o also_o accord_v unto_o this_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o religion_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v suffer_v but_o severe_o be_v proceed_v against_o yeâ—_n christ_n himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatiria_n and_o laodicâ—a_n rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o as_o i_o prove_v before_o show_v by_o threaten_v such_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o those_o church_n for_o but_o connive_v at_o and_o tolerate_v of_o idolatry_n and_o those_o other_o filthy_a abomination_n there_o and_o by_o threaten_v with_o all_o their_o destruction_n and_o the_o kill_n of_o they_o and_o their_o child_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o remove_n from_o they_o the_o candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n the_o great_a punishment_n that_o can_v happen_v to_o people_n to_o be_v leave_v in_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v moreover_o with_o temporal_a misery_n i_o say_v all_o these_o commination_n and_o threat_n sufficient_o declare_v unto_o all_o advise_a christian_n that_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v not_o alter_v his_o mind_n but_o that_o that_o law_n be_v still_o in_o force_n that_o be_v make_v by_o he_o to_o his_o people_n of_o old_a yea_o he_o have_v far_a declare_v unto_o hiâ—_n people_n matth._n 5._o 17._o 19_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o change_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v teach_v the_o break_n of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o holy_a law_n shall_v be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o by_o all_o those_o his_o holy_a law_n make_v unto_o his_o people_n of_o old_a and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a servant_n and_o prophet_n he_o have_v declare_v how_o much_o he_o detest_v and_o abhor_v the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n often_o reiterated_a but_o he_o have_v also_o declare_v his_o displeasure_n by_o the_o punishment_n and_o immediate_a judgement_n he_o lay_v upon_o idolater_n as_o that_o before_o mention_v in_o the_o two_o and_o thirty_o of_o exodus_fw-la where_o moses_n from_o the_o lord_n verse_n 32._o say_v who_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n side_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n gather_v themselves_o together_o unto_o he_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n put_v every_o man_n his_o sword_n by_o his_o side_n and_o go_v out_o from_o gate_n to_o gate_n through_o the_o camp_n and_o slay_v every_o man_n his_o brother_n and_o every_o man_n his_o companion_n and_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n here_o we_o find_v according_a to_o that_o of_o deut._n the_o thirteen_o that_o in_o god_n quarrel_n and_o for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o his_o honour_n we_o may_v neither_o spare_v brother_n companion_n or_o nigh_a alye_n so_o that_o if_o god_n will_v not_o then_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n he_o will_v now_o much_o less_o endure_v it_o among_o we_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v so_o often_o manifest_v his_o displeasure_n against_o we_o as_o we_o may_v see_v also_o number_v the_o â—5_n where_o it_o be_v record_v how_o much_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o people_n for_o go_v into_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o for_o their_o eat_n and_o bow_v down_o to_o their_o god_n and_o for_o join_v themselves_o with_o baalpeor_n for_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o moses_n take_v all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n and_o hang_v they_o up_o before_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o fierce_a anger_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v turn_v away_o from_o israel_n and_o moses_n say_v unto_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n sâ—ay_v yâ—â—_n every_o one_o his_o man_n that_o be_v join_v unto_o baalpeor_n verse_n 2._o 3_o 4_o 5._o this_o precedent_n also_o we_o have_v of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o a_o toleration_n of_o any_o false_a religion_n or_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n so_o that_o all_o such_o as_o pleâ—d_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n show_v that_o they_o have_v either_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a zeal_n for_o god_n yea_o certain_o they_o show_v themselves_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o thus_o violate_v his_o law_n and_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o that_o will_v have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n set_v up_o every_o where_o and_o all_o religion_n 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say_v i_o weigh_v all_o these_o thing_n when_o i_o write_v against_o erroneous_a and_o peace_n disturb_v way_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v my_o duty_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v i_o your_o fellow_n sufferer_n from_o fall_v at_o odds_o with_o you_o as_o you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v page_n 2._o that_o in_o reprove_v sin_n for_o which_o i_o have_v sacred_a writ_n to_o be_v my_o warrant_n levit_fw-la 19_o 17._o i_o give_v a_o reverential_a honour_n to_o the_o person_n and_o to_o manifest_v my_o respect_n unto_o yourself_o because_o a_o sufferer_n i_o bring_v not_o your_o name_n upon_o the_o theatre_n error_n i_o confute_v the_o danger_n of_o misapply_v scripture_n i_o declare_v and_o reprehend_v and_o so_o by_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n i_o ever_o shall_v and_o will_v not_o connive_v with_o any_o that_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v a_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o error_n and_o faction_n but_o so_o tender_a i_o be_v of_o your_o repute_n and_o at_o so_o vast_a a_o distance_n from_o 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country_n when_o it_o come_v forth_o one_o have_v peruse_v it_o brief_o and_o love_o reprove_v you_o and_o write_v against_o many_o unworthy_a reproach_n and_o slander_n contain_v therein_o and_o i_o shall_v now_o again_o take_v a_o note_n of_o they_o and_o then_o clear_a those_o false_a account_n wherewith_o you_o have_v so_o deep_o charge_v i_o which_o consist_v of_o several_a particular_n viz._n you_o account_v i_o one_o that_o have_v but_o fair_a flourish_n of_o holiness_n page_n 17._o a_o adversary_n to_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o a_o open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 18._o a_o scandalous_a walker_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 20._o worse_o than_o a_o heathen_a a_o base_a and_o barbarous_a man_n pag._n 21._o one_o of_o the_o great_a incendiary_n in_o the_o land_n pag._n 25._o a_o dishonest_a man_n of_o a_o serpentine_a practice_n pag._n 28._o a_o hollow-hearted_a man_n of_o a_o shallow_a brain_n a_o man_n 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the_o great_a and_o deep_o charge_v you_o have_v bring_v against_o i_o wound_v truth_n through_o my_o side_n upon_o the_o due_a deliberation_n thereof_o i_o plain_o perceive_v without_o dishonour_v god_n and_o be_v cruel_a to_o myself_o i_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a for_o that_o my_o taciturnity_n may_v cause_v truth_n &_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o censorious_a spirit_n to_o vote_v i_o guilty_a of_o those_o malversation_n wherewith_o you_o so_o sly_o &_o unjust_o have_v accuse_v i_o all_o which_o my_o soul_n hate_v and_o ever_o do_v utter_o abhor_v therefore_o although_o i_o be_v forward_a to_o pity_v your_o passion_n and_o more_o desirous_a to_o pass_v by_o your_o miscarriage_n then_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o or_o divulg_v the_o weakness_n and_o too_o too_o gross_a fail_n of_o you_o my_o brother_n yet_o your_o charge_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o publish_v in_o print_n it_o necessitate_v i_o to_o reply_v 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some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a tie_n of_o friendship_n between_o you_o and_o he_o yet_o you_o have_v bridle_v up_o your_o fury_n against_o his_o person_n although_o you_o say_v in_o your_o appendix_n he_o rank_n your_o word_n under_o the_o head_n of_o his_o first_o section_n contain_v divers_a seditious_a scandalous_a libellous_a passage_n against_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o parliament_n synod_n and_o temporal_a magistrate_n in_o general_a etc._n etc._n now_o here_o be_v exceed_o great_a wrong_n do_v unto_o you_o if_o your_o word_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o may_v you_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n i_o be_o persuade_v you_o will_v pronounce_v they_o not_o guilty_a notwithstanding_o you_o do_v not_o revile_v vilify_v and_o false_o accuse_v the_o author_n thereof_o but_o on_o i_o you_o have_v let_v loose_v your_o fury_n and_o have_v fall_v upon_o i_o so_o passionate_o who_o be_v once_o a_o fellow_n sufferer_n with_o you_o that_o it_o have_v sad_a the_o spirit_n grieve_v the_o heart_n and_o give_v great_a offence_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a who_o walk_v in_o that_o old_a way_n and_o the_o know_a path_n of_o holiness_n which_o god_n word_n do_v plain_o direct_v and_o lead_v they_o into_o and_o contrariwise_o you_o have_v open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o give_v cause_n of_o rejoice_v to_o such_o as_o be_v without_o by_o your_o bitter_a expression_n and_o false_a accusation_n bring_v against_o i_o one_o of_o your_o quondam_a fellow_n sufferer_n but_o pag._n 26._o you_o please_v to_o say_v that_o i_o have_v much_o exaggerated_a vilification_n upon_o the_o independent_o and_o notorious_a be_v that_o i_o say_v in_o my_o postscript_n pag_n 68_o as_o by_o experience_n i_o know_v not_o any_o independent_a in_o england_n two_o only_o except_v that_o do_v not_o as_o malicious_o and_o implacable_o hate_v the_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o the_o mortal_a enemy_n they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o brother_n i_o answer_v i_o vilify_v none_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o i_o see_v you_o take_v such_o great_a exception_n at_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o your_o own_o tenant_n or_o make_v it_o appear_v you_o be_v not_o the_o only_a saint_n for_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o there_o but_o what_o the_o profess_a judgement_n of_o those_o independent_o i_o know_v i_o still_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o their_o practice_n incit_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o independent_o that_o differ_v from_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n i_o know_v they_o not_o then_o only_o except_v as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o for_o those_o independent_o who_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o be_v true_o godly_a yet_o
and_o that_o their_o were_z more_o precious_a church_n in_o that_o street_n then_o in_o all_o england_n beside_o and_o he_o do_v confident_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_v no_o soon_o pass_v from_o he_o but_o turn_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n i_o see_v many_o of_o the_o independent_o go_v into_o the_o nagshead_n a_o tavern_n a_o little_a above_o coleman-streete_n there_o they_o call_v their_o parliament_n and_o make_v committee_n and_o chayre-man_n for_o prepare_v of_o business_n for_o the_o great_a council_n and_o for_o the_o advise_v of_o they_o what_o to_o do_v and_o there_o they_o order_n how_o they_o will_v deal_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o meeting_n house_n also_o whither_o the_o saint_n resort_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o consult_v together_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n &_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a drink_a school_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o they_o say_v they_o be_v all_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o they_o must_v have_v a_o pure_a drink_a school_n but_o pass_v from_o toleration-streete_n and_o leave_v their_o drink_a school_n and_o they_o together_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o practice_n and_o what_o master_n knollys_n say_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o approve_a gift_n come_v to_o sojourn_v in_o this_o city_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o daily_o 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 i_o demand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o independent_o now_o whether_o or_o no_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o those_o gift_a man_n preach_v they_o have_v not_o a_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o gather_a church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o he_o have_v not_o there_o â—n_v his_o meeting_n house_n a_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o they_o have_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n among_o they_o they_o have_v not_o a_o church_n or_o congregation_n there_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v none_o of_o they_o deny_v it_o yea_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o as_o many_o place_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v that_o in_o all_o those_o they_o have_v a_o several_a church_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n &_o this_o very_a reason_n will_v dictate_v unto_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o this_o city_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o they_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o every_o house_n not_o only_o because_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o but_o because_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v convince_v he_o of_o it_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n every_o man_n will_v conclude_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o that_o the_o saint_n break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o because_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o yea_o and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o master_n knollys_n from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o mr_n knollys_n notwithstanding_o do_v wicked_o deny_v affirm_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o so_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o and_o fight_n against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v severe_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o wicked_a impostor_n and_o deceiver_n and_o aught_o indeed_o to_o be_v throw_v out_o of_o all_o their_o congregation_n as_o a_o juggler_n and_o a_o false_a prophet_n have_v thus_o evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v by_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v also_o many_o assembly_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o undertake_v because_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v say_v that_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o before_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o several_a assembly_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o waste_v and_o scatter_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o after_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o can_v never_o be_v evince_v and_o make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o we_o must_v ever_o look_v upon_o the_o first_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o it_o be_v original_o and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o not_o what_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o through_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n and_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n for_o government_n of_o church_n be_v often_o change_v from_o their_o primordiall_a state_n through_o many_o casualty_n as_o it_o happen_v often_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reformation_n thing_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o original_a pattern_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o by_o occasion_n they_o vary_v and_o change_v through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o she_o be_v in_o her_o youth_n and_o in_o she_o most_o flourish_a age_n we_o shall_v find_v she_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o many_o assembly_n and_o all_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o a_o presbytery_n which_o must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n government_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o will_v in_o our_o reformation_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o first_o constitution_n but_o because_o i_o say_v they_o think_v it_o so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v now_o god_n willing_a make_v it_o evident_a and_o not_o only_o after_o the_o persecution_n but_o even_o in_o and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o first_o out_o of_o that_o very_a place_n our_o brethren_n bring_v against_o we_o and_o by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a the_o place_n be_v in_o the_o 8._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4._o in_o these_o word_n and_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n and_o samaria_n except_o the_o apostle_n verse_n 3_o as_o for_o saul_n he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n from_o whence_o the_o brethren_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_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 believer_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_n 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 multiplication_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
send_v to_o samaria_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n the_o 8._o and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n by_o that_o church_n there_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v send_v again_o to_o antioch_n syria_n &_o galatia_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dependent_a as_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o m._n knollys_n be_v altogether_o in_o error_n in_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a neither_o be_v that_o true_a also_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n any_o far_a than_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o there_o be_v a_o special_a caution_n &_o caveat_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a christ_n but_o also_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o who_o bid_v all_o the_o gentile_n beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o any_o as_o come_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o decree_n yea_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n gal_n 1._o verse_n 7_o 8._o give_v they_o and_o all_o christian_n a_o special_a charge_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v account_v he_o accurse_v and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 10._o and_o 11._o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a apostle_n although_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o enjoin_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o they_o warn_v all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n though_o they_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v not_o according_a to_o sound_a word_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n peter_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n and_o command_v they_o withal_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n nor_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n jude_n in_o his_o and_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o be_v commend_v for_o discover_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n by_o all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o proof_n and_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o christ_n who_o minister_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v and_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n apocalyp_v the_o 2._o verse_n 1._o who_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n as_o well_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v they_o and_o who_o preserve_v and_o protect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a what_o man_n can_v do_v against_o they_o as_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n sufficient_o declare_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o master_n knollys_n fond_o say_v who_o be_v their_o fellow_n servant_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o transaction_n of_o all_o the_o business_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o much_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o council_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o i_o say_v in_o my_o argument_n and_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o by_o god_n assistance_n more_o abundant_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o master_n knollys_n who_o think_v all_o man_n shall_v take_v for_o a_o oracle_n every_o word_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o pen_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o never_o so_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o just_a control_n as_o that_o other_o of_o his_o expression_n be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a error_n for_o peter_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o satan_n neither_o when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o when_o he_o temporize_v among_o the_o galatian_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n church_n as_o he_o erroneous_o and_o ignorant_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n revel_v 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o who_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 2_o cor._n 4._o ver_fw-la 5._o that_o they_o preach_v not_o themselves_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o themselves_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n his_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n if_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o his_o church_n and_o his_o house_n as_o paul_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o timothy_n aver_v ch_n 3._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o where_o he_o say_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o therefore_o i_o say_v church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o special_a prohibition_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o lord_n it_o over_o his_o people_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v over_o they_o that_o be_v their_o subject_n how_o then_o can_v mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n church_n every_o man_n i_o conceive_v that_o have_v any_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o with_o deliberation_n shall_v read_v mr_n knollys_n scribble_n will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o sacred_a thing_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o frontless_a man_n and_o without_o all_o shame_n he_o will_v never_o have_v publish_v so_o many_o error_n and_o so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o will_v he_o ever_o have_v say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v unto_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n in_o my_o first_o book_n that_o they_o act_v in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n but_o because_o mr_n knollys_n be_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v about_o that_o point_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n if_o not_o to_o he_o at_o least_o to_o other_o i_o will_v here_o prove_v that_o point_n a_o little_a more_o full_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v brief_o also_o answer_v mr_n knollys_n his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o fufferage_n and_o vote_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o that_o whole_a business_n do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n but_o as_o presbyter_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o ordinary_a counsel_n and_o synod_n for_o first_o paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o barnabas_n though_o both_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o be_v at_o that_o time_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ver_fw-la 2._o as_o servant_n of_o that_o presbytery_n who_o willing_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o act_v as_o
apostle_n and_o not_o as_o member_n for_o that_o present_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o antioch_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n by_o command_n and_o appointment_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o great_a than_o those_o that_o send_v they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n all_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v against_o peter_n supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act_n 8._o 14._o send_v he_o and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n have_v authority_n over_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n &_o disputation_n with_o they_o that_o 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 elder_n about_o this_o question_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n every_o one_o may_v observe_v these_o conclusion_n follow_v first_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n use_v not_o any_o transcendent_a extraordinary_a and_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o that_o difference_n which_o they_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v then_o and_o there_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o put_v forth_o their_o apostolical_a power_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la say_fw-la that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n and_o disputation_n with_o they_o intimate_v by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v if_o they_o have_v act_v there_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n to_o prove_v that_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n act_v there_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o that_o church_n but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v send_v as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o the_o same_o command_v lay_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o if_o they_o of_o antioch_n have_v look_v upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o extraordinary_a messenger_n endue_v with_o apostolical_a authority_n they_o will_v have_v make_v some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o certain_a other_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n but_o send_v they_o all_o with_o equal_a authority_n and_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o message_n and_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o of_o antioch_n in_o this_o employment_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o those_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v as_o well_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o run_v the_o text_n they_o be_v all_o send_v unto_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o as_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commission_n writ_n or_o charter_n and_o govern_v with_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o text_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o whole_a debate_n act_v as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o according_o v._o 6._o so_o they_o do_v decree_n and_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 22._o 23._o and_o act._n 16._o 4._o they_o be_v call_v also_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o act._n 21._o the_o presbyter_n say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v manifest_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o in_o that_o synod_n sit_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o sit_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n or_o writ_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o name_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a rashness_n in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o confute_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n many_o argument_n more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o be_v no_o more_o then_o guide_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o more_o which_o be_v this_o in_o that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n dispute_v con_n and_o pro_fw-la argue_v and_o reason_v what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o have_v dispatch_v the_o business_n and_o by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o they_o will_v have_v decide_v the_o matter_n and_o either_o have_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v or_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o we_o write_v be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n dictate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v never_o have_v go_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o it_o or_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o
same_o word_n be_v use_v matth._n 19_o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n now_o say_v he_o we_o know_v that_o a_o man_n cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n by_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o so_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v say_v why_o not_o so_o unto_o christ_n he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o we_o be_v marry_v only_o unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n husband_n and_o we_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o to_o another_o neither_o do_v any_o christian_a yet_o ever_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o will_v be_v join_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o house_n and_o family_n and_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o must_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n unto_o their_o king_n christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v enter_v into_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n this_o i_o say_v all_o man_n accord_v unto_o when_o man_n be_v first_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o this_o covenant_n i_o say_v all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o family_n must_v take_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v after_o they_o be_v baptize_v enter_v into_o another_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o by_o that_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n i_o affirm_v there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n either_o of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o mystery_n in_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o employ_v so_o much_o for_o we_o know_v the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 29._o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o philip_n go_v near_o and_o join_v thyself_o to_o this_o chariot_n where_o the_o word_n join_v in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o which_o word_n philip_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o he_o must_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n no_o more_o ought_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o conceive_v that_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n that_o by_o that_o he_o will_v have_v take_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n of_o church_n fellowship_n this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o to_o amuse_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o deceive_v they_o by_o tainter_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o stretch_v they_o beyong_a their_o native_a signification_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o their_o occasion_n that_o they_o may_v juggle_v the_o better_a to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trisle_v about_o word_n till_o they_o lose_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o their_o poor_a soul_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o word_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v use_v metaphorical_o as_o be_v take_v from_o joiner_n and_o craft_n man_n that_o join_v many_o thing_n together_o by_o glue_n and_o â—o_o ordinary_a discourse_n it_o intimate_v a_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a as_o a_o branch_n to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o as_o when_o mason_n join_v stone_n together_o or_o carpenter_n timber_n to_o make_v a_o house_n but_o that_o this_o word_n join_v shall_v always_o employ_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n to_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n when_o any_o man_n take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o it_o and_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o it_o i_o affirm_v there_o be_v not_o one_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o any_o command_n that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v do_v it_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a will-worship_n and_o one_o of_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o detestation_n because_o they_o make_v it_o one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o part_n of_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o very_a form_n of_o a_o church_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o batch_n of_o their_o own_o leven_a by_o which_o they_o have_v of_o late_a much_o sour_v the_o truth_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o i_o say_v now_o again_o that_o christian_n be_v to_o swear_v fealty_n only_o to_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o his_o own_o house_n and_o church_n and_o who_o voice_n be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o who_o law_n be_v only_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o listen_v unto_o &_o we_o swear_v no_o allegiance_n or_o fealty_n to_o the_o church_n for_o we_o be_v all_o his_o servant_n &_o domestics_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o impose_v law_n upon_o each_o other_o or_o to_o enter_v in_o to_o any_o covenant_n among_o ourselves_o without_o a_o special_a command_n from_o christ_n and_o as_o when_o steward_n of_o prince_n or_o nobleman_n take_v any_o in_o to_o their_o master_n family_n they_o swear_v they_o only_o to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o never_o hear_v that_o the_o servant_n enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o or_o join_v or_o unite_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n one_o to_o cleave_v unto_o another_o such_o proceed_n among_o servant_n will_v never_o be_v allow_v or_o tolerate_v among_o man_n it_o will_v be_v think_v rather_o a_o conspiracy_n or_o a_o confederation_n to_o do_v mischief_n if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o when_o those_o man_n enter_v in_o to_o a_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n yea_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o country_n that_o when_o servant_n begin_v once_o to_o combine_v together_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o by_o secret_a covenant_n they_o have_v always_o plot_v mischief_n and_o therefore_o there_o have_v be_v special_a care_n use_v to_o prevent_v such_o conspiracy_n and_o all_o man_n may_v well_o perceive_v by_o this_o their_o covenant_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n what_o it_o tend_v to_o if_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n prevent_v not_o their_o design_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o be_v christ_n domestics_n and_o his_o church_n and_o be_v his_o house_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o it_o and_o our_o king_n we_o be_v to_o smite_v our_o covenant_n only_o with_o he_o and_o to_o swear_v fealty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o only_o and_o his_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o malachi_n the_o first_o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o reverence_n if_o i_o be_v a_o lord_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o obey_v i_o not_o we_o be_v only_o therefore_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n or_o to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n now_o then_o when_o the_o independent_o impose_v this_o their_o covenant_n upon_o the_o people_n as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o their_o new_a church_n without_o enter_v in_o to_o this_o conspiracy_n i_o say_v by_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o dis-throne_n christ_n in_o prefer_v their_o own_o law_n before_o he_o wherein_o they_o commit_v a_o detestable_a wickedness_n and_o this_o shâ—ll_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o four_o quere_z and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o five_o of_o woman_n vote_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o election_n to_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n thus_o reply_v page_n 15._o we_o say_v he_o tie_v not_o the_o key_n to_o woman_n girdle_n and_o i._n s._n page_n 19_o but_o as_o for_o this_o of_o woman_n vote_v in_o the_o church_n say_v he_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o i_o know_v thus_o he_o for_o answer_v to_o both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o of_o which_o and_o those_o the_o