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church_n bind_v earth_n loose_v 5,255 5 10.5190 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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the_o church_n he_o be_v to_o labour_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o satisfy_v his_o necessity_n but_o yet_o when_o there_o be_v a_o competent_a state_n in_o the_o people_n they_o be_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o labour_n and_o of_o their_o estate_n to_o relieve_v his_o want_n as_o the_o philippian_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n phil._n 4.10_o 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v for_o the_o care_n which_o they_o have_v in_o minister_a to_o he_o and_o sure_o the_o people_n lose_v nothing_o by_o this_o for_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v thus_o provide_v for_o they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o their_o calling_n without_o let_v to_o study_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n whereas_o else_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o it_o will_v be_v with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o cruel_a taskmaster_n in_o egypt_n they_o must_v be_v seek_v straw_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v brick_n to_o build_v withal_o they_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o the_o pelf_n of_o this_o world_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v building_n god_n house_n and_o they_o that_o neglect_v this_o duty_n be_v empty_a of_o all_o religion_n both_o for_o piety_n to_o god_n who_o minister_n they_o be_v and_o for_o charity_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o brethren_n because_o they_o do_v not_o strain_v themselves_o to_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o such_o as_o by_o god_n ordinance_n they_o be_v most_o bind_v unto_o and_o which_o do_v spend_v themselves_o and_o their_o time_n for_o other_o good_a and_o salvation_n so_o much_o of_o the_o three_o point_n for_o duty_n and_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n the_o four_o point_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n the_o proceed_n against_o offender_n for_o see_v in_o all_o church_n there_o be_v still_o some_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o some_o course_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v take_v against_o they_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v disburden_v either_o 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saviour_n command_v matth._n 18.15_o 16._o second_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v complaint_n must_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n as_o in_o vers_n 17._o which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o note_v out_o by_o letter_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o in_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o three_o consequent_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n separate_v from_o he_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o that_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o and_o this_o be_v it_o also_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.9_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o company_n with_o fornicator_n this_o be_v a_o suspending_a of_o they_o for_o a_o time_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o from_o communion_n in_o holy_a thing_n till_o the_o church_n have_v trial_n whether_o thereby_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n four_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v what_o must_v be_v do_v then_o why_o if_o they_o can_v cure_v they_o must_v cut_v off_o he_o must_v 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other_o way_n will_v not_o serve_v so_o also_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v inflict_v they_o deride_v it_o and_o make_v but_o a_o jest_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o the_o further_o from_o heaven_n for_o all_o that_o and_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v never_o near_o it_o well_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o abuse_n it_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o precious_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v dally_v in_o nor_o base_o esteem_v yea_o it_o be_v god_n own_o work_n and_o do_v where_o it_o be_v lawful_o proceed_v in_o and_o it_o be_v ratify_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o where_o it_o be_v abuse_v god_n will_v be_v avenge_v on_o the_o abuser_n to_o the_o full_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o curse_v causeless_a as_o solomon_n speak_v be_v like_o the_o fly_n of_o a_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n it_o leave_v no_o impression_n behind_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n god_n deride_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v their_o fearful_a sin_n that_o inflict_v it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v just_o suffer_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a stroke_n that_o can_v light_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o life_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o that_o only_o deprive_v we_o of_o temporal_a life_n this_o of_o eternal_a life_n a_o wound_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o they_o that_o have_v ●el●_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o this_o for_o a_o man_n sometime_o in_o that_o case_n can_v pray_v for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o can_v pray_v for_o himself_o yet_o he_o may_v and_o must_v and_o be_v pray_v for_o by_o the_o congregation_n these_o be_v neither_o in_o case_n
own_o free_a gift_n matth._n 16.19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o performance_n of_o more_o power_n be_v from_o he_o as_o derive_v from_o his_o own_o patent_n matth._n 28.18.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o be_v from_o his_o father_n joh._n 20_o 21.22_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o even_o send_v i_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o a_o more_o full_a increase_n of_o this_o power_n be_v from_o god_n too_o luke_n 24.49_o behold_v i_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o my_o father_n upon_o you_o but_o tarry_v you_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n until_o you_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o act_n 1.8_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o these_o place_n prove_v that_o the_o power_n which_o the_o church_n be_v endue_v withal_o be_v not_o humane_a but_o divine_a confer_v god_n himself_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o all_o power_n be_v from_o reas_n 1_o god_n rom._n 13.1_o and_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o from_o above_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v pilate_n he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o above_o if_o all_o power_n even_o the_o power_n which_o the_o wicked_a have_v be_v from_o god_n much_o more_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o church_n have_v from_o god_n too_o and_o that_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n so_o much_o the_o more_o immediate_o as_o the_o church_n be_v more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n than_o any_o other_o state_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o much_o the_o more_o right_o as_o christ_n be_v more_o right_o a_o spiritual_a king_n than_o a_o temporal_a as_o joh._n 18._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n &c_n &c_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o proper_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n more_o proper_o then_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o effectual_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v more_o magnify_v himself_o in_o church_n cause_n then_o in_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n this_o teach_v first_o that_o if_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n use_v 1_o which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v from_o god_n than_o we_o have_v the_o more_o and_o great_a assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o against_o all_o opposition_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n as_o gamaliel_n say_v act_v 5.38.39_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v destroy_v it_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n so_o direct_o it_o must_v needs_o stand_v most_o firm_o above_o all_o other_o power_n whatsoever_o second_o it_o teach_v the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o use_n 2_o more_o wary_a and_o careful_a in_o execute_v this_o power_n that_o they_o abuse_v not_o god_n own_o power_n to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o lust_n but_o that_o they_o use_v it_o to_o that_o end_n god_n have_v appoint_v it_o that_o be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n good_a three_o see_v this_o power_n be_v so_o direct_o from_o god_n than_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o more_o dutiful_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o of_o they_o that_o live_v under_o it_o else_o if_o we_o despise_v it_o we_o despise_v not_o man_n but_o god_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o etc._n etc._n but_o you_o will_v say_v quest_n be_v then_o the_o church_n to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n must_v all_o her_o say_n be_v believe_v all_o her_o law_n obey_v and_o all_o her_o proceed_n yield_v to_o as_o if_o they_o be_v god_n own_o proceed_n and_o so_o bind_v the_o conscience_n i_o answer_v answ_n no_o for_o sometime_o she_o say_v false_a thing_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o evil_a and_o therein_o we_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o her_o authority_n as_o that_o be_v usurp_v and_o not_o from_o god_n and_o as_o she_o therein_o betray_v some_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n and_o not_o exercise_v this_o divine_a power_n false_a but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v when_o she_o speak_v true_a or_o false_a when_o she_o do_v right_a or_o wrong_n i_o answer_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v both_o she_o and_o we_o the_o word_n to_o rule_v and_o measure_n thing_n by_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o she_o must_v go_v by_o in_o her_o proceed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v measure_v her_o proceed_n by_o but_o sometime_o the_o church_n enjoin_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a neither_o simple_o good_a nor_o bad_a neither_o simple_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v yield_v to_o for_o order_v sake_n as_o she_o have_v therein_o a_o general_a power_n from_o god_n but_o yet_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o they_o because_o the_o particular_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v from_o themselves_o &_o out_o of_o their_o own_o lawful_a liberty_n i_o note_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o some_o not_o only_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n but_o among_o we_o too_o stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n constitution_n in_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o be_v account_v as_o the_o constitution_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o you_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o order_n sake_n &_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o general_a power_n she_o have_v from_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n spiritual_a the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o often_o call_v a_o sword_n to_o smite_v or_o a_o sceptre_n to_o sway_v as_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v and_o what_o do_v it_o open_a and_o shut_v even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a power_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v to_o do_v about_o our_o body_n good_n and_o outward_a state_n the_o church_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o inward_a man_n temporal_a power_n and_o authority_n serve_v to_o maintain_v a_o temporal_a life_n begin_v and_o end_v here_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n maintain_v a_o spiritual_a life_n begin_v here_o but_o perfect_v and_o finish_v hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v temporal_a power_n rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n spiritual_a power_n rule_v only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n temporal_a power_n fight_v and_o defend_v itself_o by_o the_o material_a sword_n and_o worldly_a policy_n spiritual_a power_n renounce_v these_o and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n mat._n 26.52_o put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o his_o place_n for_o all_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n christ_n will_v not_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o sword_n spiritual_a power_n betake_v itself_o to_o better_a weapon_n to_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a weapon_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a mighty_a through_o god_n &c_n &c_n they_o be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a and_o that_o not_o of_o themselves_o nor_o through_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o use_v they_o but_o through_o god_n and_o what_o be_v these_o weapon_n they_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n faith_n repentance_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o sometime_o both_o these_o power_n do_v concur_v together_o in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a and_o sure_o than_o god_n work_n go_v happy_o forward_a and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n both_o for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o if_o we_o have_v grace_n so_o to_o use_v it_o but_o though_o they_o do_v sometime_o concur_v yet_o they_o be_v never_o confound_v though_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v yet_o they_o be_v distinguish_v they_o must_v each_o of_o they_o keep_v in_o it_o be_v own_o rank_n and_o manage_v their_o several_a charge_n by_o several_a administration_n the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o usurp_v on_o the_o temporal_a power_n for_o that_o be_v flat_o forbid_v matth._n 20.15_o 16._o the_o gentile_n reign_v over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n nor_o be_v the_o temporal_a power_n to_o usurp_v the_o
mediator_n who_o we_o have_v there_o be_v the_o cherubin_n and_o have_v not_o we_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o our_o good_a there_o be_v god_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o mercy-seat_n and_o have_v not_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o instruct_v we_o 25._o there_o be_v a_o table_n and_o have_v not_o we_o a_o solemn_a invitation_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o the_o faithful_a pro._n 9.1.2_o there_o be_v the_o shewbread_n a●_n what_o figure_v that_o but_o god_n people_n because_o they_o always_o and_o before_o god_n last_o there_o be_v the_o golden_a candlestick_n with_o seven_o branch_n which_o signify_v the_o manifold_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o if_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o glorious_a be_v shadow_v under_o the_o law_n how_o much_o more_o glorious_a be_v it_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n make_v the_o comparison_n in_o hebr._n 12._o show_n plain_o that_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a then_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o 22_o 23_o and_o 24_o verse_n he_o say_v but_o you_o be_v come_v to_o mount_n sinai_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o celestial_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o company_n of_o innumerable_a angel_n and_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a and_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v better_a thing_n then_o that_o of_o abel_n see_v how_o glorious_a the_o church_n be_v here_o for_o here_o be_v whatsoever_o may_v make_v up_o a_o perfect_a glory_n and_o thus_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a be_v god_n church_n look_v upon_o she_o which_o way_n soever_o you_o will_v either_o within_o or_o without_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o she_o within_o why_o then_o it_o be_v say_v ps_n 45.13_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o if_o without_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o psalm_n her_o garment_n be_v all_o of_o broider_a gold_n you_o shall_v see_v her_o glory_n further_o in_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o in_o her_o profession_n second_o in_o her_o practice_n three_o practice_n in_o her_o order_n four_a in_o her_o unity_n first_o in_o her_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a profession_n for_o they_o renounce_v and_o disclaim_v all_o other_o religion_n and_o profess_v the_o only_a pure_a and_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v glorious_a and_o beautiful_a for_o they_o be_v religious_a to_o god_n wise_a to_o themselves_o charitable_a to_o their_o brethren_n merciful_a to_o all_o depend_v on_o god_n believe_v in_o christ_n obey_v his_o spirit_n pray_v blessing_n exhort_v instruct_v comfort_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o their_o way_n have_v and_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o filthiness_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o offer_v their_o soul_n and_o body_n a_o clean_a pure_a and_o glorious_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n order_n so_o their_o practice_n be_v glorious_a three_o for_o their_o order_n they_o be_v glorious_a and_o gracious_a psalm_n 68.24_o 25._o they_o have_v see_v o_o god_n thy_o go_n the_o go_n of_o my_o god_n and_o my_o king_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o singer_n go_v before_o the_o player_n of_o instrument_n after_o in_o the_o midst_n be_v the_o maid_n play_v with_o the_o timbrel_n this_o be_v but_o in_o a_o shadow_n much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o the_o true_a church_n cant_n 4.2_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n which_o go_v up_o in_o good_a order_n from_o the_o wash_n now_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o spiritual_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o orderly_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n but_o when_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o own_o rank_n not_o be_v rebellious_a nor_o meddle_v in_o other_o man_n business_n not_o loose_v nor_o negligent_a in_o their_o own_o place_n but_o every_o one_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n impose_v on_o he_o the_o superior_n they_o rule_v with_o modesty_n the_o underling_n they_o obey_v reverent_o and_o christ_n himself_o as_o their_o king_n keep_v they_o all_o within_o their_o compass_n the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 12._o in_o the_o whole_a chapter_n speak_v of_o this_o order_n show_v what_o a_o excellent_a thing_n it_o be_v even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v the_o foot_n say_v to_o the_o head_n i_o be_o above_o thou_o or_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o no_o but_o every_o member_n keep_v his_o rank_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v the_o office_n impose_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n rom._n 12.3_o 4._o unity_n etc._n etc._n four_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o unity_n psal_n 122.2_o 3._o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v or_o at_o unity_n together_o in_o itself_o meaning_n that_o god_n church_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n who_o member_n be_v all_o knit_v together_o by_o a_o near_a union_n be_v one_o body_n have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n ephes_n 4_o 5_o 6._o have_v a_o sweet_a and_o love_a communion_n all_o of_o they_o with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o each_o of_o they_o with_o another_o behold_v say_v the_o prophet_n what_o a_o goodly_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o 2_o 3._o so_o the_o church_n you_o see_v be_v bless_v and_o beautiful_a for_o the_o unity_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n for_o they_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n one_o for_o another_o they_o rejoice_v for_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o mourn_v for_o the_o hurt_n one_o of_o another_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n why_o they_o be_v so_o beautiful_a and_o reas_n 1_o glorious_a be_v many_o the_o first_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o because_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n psal_n 144.15_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n they_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n he_o promise_v and_o perform_v to_o they_o that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o give_v they_o many_o token_n of_o his_o love_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v his_o by_o covenant_n and_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bless_v and_o glorious_a because_o god_n be_v their_o lord_n second_o christ_n be_v they_o and_o they_o be_v he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reas_n 2_o cant._n 6.2_o i_o be_o my_o welbeloved_n and_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v i_o and_o together_o with_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v they_o all_o thing_n rome_n 8.32_o christ_n be_v they_o and_o whatsoever_o else_o may_v make_v for_o their_o blessedness_n or_o glory_n be_v confer_v with_o he_o jesus_n christ_n be_v present_a in_o his_o church_n and_o he_o enlighten_v they_o with_o his_o glory_n revel_v 21.9_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v glorious_a he_o wash_v they_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v gracious_a he_o clothe_v they_o with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v beautiful_a he_o cover_v and_o impute_v not_o their_o sin_n therefore_o they_o be_v bless_v psal_n 32.1_o 2._o yea_o they_o be_v his_o own_o body_n therefore_o as_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o man_n else_o so_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o three_o god_n spirit_n he_o teach_v they_o a_o gracious_a carriage_n reas_n 3_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n he_o bridle_v they_o from_o sin_n he_o quicken_v they_o to_o righteousness_n he_o supply_v and_o help_v their_o want_n and_o infirmity_n their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v cleanse_v sanctify_a and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a four_o they_o be_v most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a because_o reas_n 4_o all_o the_o live_a member_n of_o the_o
church_n so_o that_o in_o joh._n 21._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v three_o time_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o slight_a ground_n be_v this_o to_o build_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o and_o if_o they_o ask_v then_o why_o christ_n shall_v thus_o press_v it_o upon_o peter_n so_o often_o the_o father_n answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o special_a charge_n bind_v to_o duty_n not_o any_o universal_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n press_v thrice_o upon_o he_o for_o his_o former_a threefold_a denial_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v else_o the_o charge_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o peter_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n 16.18_o matth._n 16.18_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o peter_n than_o it_o be_v either_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n or_o upon_o his_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n for_o then_o when_o he_o die_v the_o church_n must_v have_v fail_v too_o therefore_o the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o peter_n confession_n or_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o of_o that_o christ_n which_o he_o confess_v christ_n build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o confession_n etc._n etc._n peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o rock_n in_o make_v know_v the_o church_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o rock_n as_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o his_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o peter_n person_n and_o if_o it_o have_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o pope_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n as_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o leave_v his_o headship_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o none_o other_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o then_o christ_n never_o give_v peter_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n this_o headship_n second_o it_o as_o christ_n never_o do_v give_v it_o so_o he_o say_v express_o he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o to_o reign_v one_o over_o another_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v he_o so_o that_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o have_v but_o a_o conceit_n of_o superiority_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v it_o to_o any_o of_o they_o further_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o isai_n 48.11_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o and_o as_o christ_n never_o give_v this_o nor_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o so_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o wield_v or_o sway_v it_o it_o no_o more_o than_o any_o one_o temporal_a governor_n can_v rule_v all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n no_o this_o power_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o overreach_v in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n second_o christ_n they_o overreach_v as_o far_o in_o say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o head_n they_o mean_v they_o will_v say_v only_o a_o ministerial_a head_n under_o christ_n here_o be_v some_o show_n of_o modesty_n but_o ask_v they_o further_o what_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o head_n and_o then_o they_o bewray_v themselves_o for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n through_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o rule_v counsel_n to_o order_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o inflict_v other_o penalty_n upon_o offender_n yea_o whatsoever_o concern_v either_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o all_o such_o cause_n they_o say_v lie_v in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a supreme_a head_n if_o by_o head_n they_o mean_v only_o some_o chief_a governor_n the_o name_n head_n in_o that_o sense_n may_v agree_v to_o some_o one_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n in_o other_o case_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n etc._n etc._n but_o never_o in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v this_o transcendent_a power_n by_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o power_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 23.8_o 10._o how_o then_o can_v the_o pope_n determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n no_o say_v they_o for_o he_o do_v it_o but_o under_o christ_n but_o he_o do_v it_o of_o himself_o if_o the_o pope_n in_o controversy_n will_v take_v christ_n book_n and_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n therein_o and_o in_o humility_n and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v examine_v every_o cause_n and_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v do_v many_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v right_o as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o so_o honour_v his_o master_n and_o do_v good_a service_n to_o the_o church_n but_o first_o he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n but_o mingle_v with_o the_o word_n and_o use_v his_o own_o canon_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n as_o that_o he_o presume_v the_o truth_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o chair_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o any_o of_o his_o sentence_n likewise_o he_o be_v sinister_o affect_v to_o the_o truth_n frame_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o according_o he_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v second_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o former_a course_n yet_o his_o reach_n be_v not_o infinite_a he_o can_v judge_v right_o in_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o no_o one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o every_o pope_n in_o particular_a must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o he_o must_v be_v as_o christ_n be_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v do_v it_o yet_o they_o have_v fellow_n paul_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n can_v do_v this_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n be_v without_o any_o fellow_n yea_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o apostle_n own_o doctrine_n and_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v peter_n successor_n only_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n he_o take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n even_o to_o be_v christ_n &_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v very_a antichrist_n yea_o and_o he_o not_o only_o take_v upon_o he_o christ_n office_n but_o he_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o he_o also_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o except_v against_o we_o and_o say_v do_v you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o for_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o you_o yourselves_o make_v the_o king_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v how_o do_v we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v no_o but_o we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o see_v god_n religion_n maintain_v answ_n and_o to_o see_v the_o
of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o require_v of_o they_o both_o that_o be_v to_o that_o which_o they_o both_o require_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n 2.42_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n for_o many_o other_o be_v assign_v and_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o not_o upon_o these_o property_n afore_o mention_v for_o they_o be_v not_o essential_a nor_o better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o these_o be_v therefore_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o infallible_a mark_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n look_v into_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o business_n our_o saviour_n send_v his_o apostle_n about_o it_o be_v to_o plant_v and_o erect_v visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v do_v go_v say_v he_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n first_o they_o must_v teach_v the_o word_n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v second_o go_v and_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o though_o but_o one_o be_v name_v as_o that_o be_v of_o most_o special_a use_n for_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o plant_v church_n yet_o figurative_o the_o other_o be_v intend_v for_o so_o you_o shall_v find_v be_v their_o practice_n act._n 2.41_o 42._o where_o it_o be_v say_v not_o only_o that_o they_o do_v baptize_v but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n also_o there_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n too_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n in_o this_o for_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n part_v to_o deliver_v it_o and_o the_o people_n to_o receive_v it_o so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o what_o else_o be_v they_o to_o do_v vers_fw-la 20._o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v at_o least_o profession_n of_o obedience_n as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v let_v they_o profess_v at_o least_o that_o they_o will_v obey_v you_o else_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o and_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o your_o foot_n as_o a_o witness_n against_o they_o the_o word_n be_v so_o precise_a for_o every_o particular_a in_o the_o observation_n and_o that_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o contain_v such_o a_o absolute_a description_n of_o the_o office_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o the_o intendment_n be_v the_o erect_n and_o settle_v of_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v wheresoever_o these_o three_o be_v perform_v there_o let_v the_o world_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o from_o time_n to_o time_n wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v affirm_v in_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n to_o that_o which_o they_o do_v both_o require_v be_v the_o most_o infallible_a and_o chief_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n another_o evangelist_n report_v the_o same_o commission_n speak_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n though_o not_o in_o such_o precise_a term_n mark_n 16.15_o 16._o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n as_o before_o and_o there_o be_v profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o for_o if_o they_o believe_v they_o must_v obey_v this_o point_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o also_o betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separation_n and_o likewise_o among_o divine_n therefore_o we_o will_v see_v further_a proof_n of_o it_o there_o be_v other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o avouch_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n yet_o not_o so_o pregnant_o as_o these_o do_v joh._n 10.4_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o go_v before_o his_o sheep_n that_o be_v before_o his_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o do_v christ_n go_v before_o his_o people_n he_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o the_o word_n be_v there_o express_o name_v my_o voice_n and_o under_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v figurative_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o they_o hear_v it_o and_o follow_v he_o there_o be_v obedience_n our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o shepherd_n in_o that_o country_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o tune_v a_o voice_n to_o their_o sheep_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o know_v do_v all_o follow_n now_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o word_n and_o his_o sacrament_n be_v part_n thereof_o therefore_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n the_o answer_n be_v ready_a they_o that_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n and_o follow_v he_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o answer_n be_v where_o the_o word_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o at_o least_o profess_a to_o be_v obey_v the_o like_a speech_n be_v in_o the_o 27._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n so_o likewise_o in_o ephes_n 5.26_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n through_o the_o word_n apply_v these_o word_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o water_n that_o be_v baptism_n and_o under_o that_o sacrament_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v imply_v and_o there_o be_v profession_n of_o obedience_n for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n answerable_a unto_o these_o assertion_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n look_v into_o paradise_n gen._n 2.16_o 17._o there_o be_v the_o word_n god_n commandment_n give_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o eat_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n verse_n 9_o purposely_o to_o signify_v and_o to_o seal_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n if_o they_o do_v obey_v and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o obedience_n acknowledge_v in_o that_o they_o accept_v of_o their_o estate_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o condition_n if_o any_o doubt_n of_o this_o it_o be_v plain_o lay_v down_o gen._n ●_o 4_o where_o the_o woman_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n so_o there_o be_v their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n so_o you_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o paradise_n before_o the_o fall_n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n out_o of_o paradise_n after_o the_o fall_n gen._n 3.15_o there_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o gen._n 4.3_o 4._o there_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v cain_n and_o abel_n offer_v sacrifice_n which_o be_v representation_n of_o christ_n own_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n in_o that_o they_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n their_o father_n teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o that_o he_o teach_v both_o cain_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n for_o than_o they_o be_v both_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o here_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n profess_v to_o they_o both_o and_o so_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n likewise_o that_o in_o gen._n 9_o from_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n in_o noah_n time_n after_o the_o flood_n there_o be_v god_n covenant_n make_v with_o noah_n so_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o there_o be_v the_o bow_n set_v in_o the_o cloud_n there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o three_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n too_o for_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n which_o intend_v obedience_n on_o noah_n part_n for_o else_o how_o be_v it_o a_o covenant_n if_o it_o be_v not_o condescend_v to_o on_o both_o part_n and_o so_o also_o in_o abraham_n time_n gen._n 17_o 4_o 7.10.23_o in_o the_o 4._o and_o 7._o verse_n
it_o be_v not_o in_o she_o to_o devise_v she_o own_o government_n if_o christ_n therefore_o have_v not_o provide_v for_o she_o in_o this_o case_n but_o have_v leave_v she_o to_o herself_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o she_o have_v never_o hit_v on_o the_o right_a way_n or_o if_o she_o have_v she_o can_v have_v have_v no_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n nor_o hope_v of_o blessing_n in_o the_o course_n because_o still_o she_o will_v have_v be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n so_o let_v we_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n our_o good_a god_n that_o have_v so_o merciful_o and_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o affirmative_a point_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v scripture_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n the_o negative_a position_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v unto_o to_o observe_v for_o order_v every_o particular_a this_o be_v a_o negative_a position_n as_o you_o see_v must_v be_v content_a with_o negative_a proof_n for_o see_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o government_n in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a or_o not_o and_o see_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n then_o though_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a place_n to_o confirm_v it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o many_o together_o will_n i_o say_v no_o many_o lay_v all_o together_o will_v not_o they_o that_o pretend_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n must_v instance_n in_o some_o such_o place_n in_o the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v prove_v else_o the_o contrary_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v true_a and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o refutation_n of_o such_o allegation_n be_v the_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o position_n therefore_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o negative_a position_n first_o i_o say_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v or_o prescribe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o part_n of_o discipline_n nay_o nor_o many_o place_n confer_v and_o lay_v all_o together_o do_v not_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o in_o general_a there_o be_v proof_n enough_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o in_o the_o former_a point_n but_o not_o for_o any_o particular_a form_n in_o every_o particular_a etc._n etc._n as_o there_o be_v no_o place_n that_o affirm_v or_o prescribe_v this_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o i_o say_v further_o there_o be_v no_o example_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v intend_v any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o every_o particular_a either_o they_o will_v have_v give_v it_o in_o express_a charge_n particular_o or_o at_o least_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o notorious_a pattern_n of_o it_o in_o some_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o in_o scripture_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o best_a church_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o best_a provide_v for_o in_o that_o case_n yet_o these_o have_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n whereunto_o they_o be_v precise_o bind_v first_o for_o corinth_n there_o be_v more_o write_v to_o that_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o outward_a government_n than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n yea_o almost_o as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a no_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o in_o many_o particular_n it_o be_v well_o provide_v for_o in_o all_o it_o be_v not_o by_o writing_n for_o some_o the_o apostle_n respite_v till_o his_o presence_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o other_o thing_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v so_o then_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a by_o writing_n for_o herself_o much_o less_o be_v it_o so_o provide_v for_o as_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v thereby_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church-order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o lord_n own_o commandment_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o yes_o they_o be_v to_o they_o of_o that_o church_n so_o far_o as_o be_v direct_o enjoin_v they_o but_o not_o to_o all_o church_n else_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o it_o be_v then_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o that_o way_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a for_o itself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o particular_n profitable_a if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v than_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o the_o overseer_n of_o that_o church_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o therefore_o not_o those_o particular_n i_o answer_v sure_o particular_n be_v profitable_a and_o therefore_o this_o church_n have_v enough_o in_o general_a whereby_o they_o may_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o all_o particular_n this_o place_n prove_v the_o former_a position_n well_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n whole_o in_o the_o general_a but_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a though_o they_o have_v some_o to_o measure_v the_o rest_n by_o yea_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a matter_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n than_o in_o any_o other_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n impose_v on_o timothy_n a_o charge_n of_o perpetuity_n as_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o spot_n until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o then_o that_o government_n which_o he_o charge_v he_o withal_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a i_o answer_v first_o that_o that_o commandment_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n second_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o government_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o personal_a to_o timothy_n that_o he_o shall_v keep_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v and_o also_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o those_o particular_a thing_n there_o command_v which_o come_v far_o short_a of_o every_o particular_a that_o they_o shall_v perpetual_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o charge_n he_o give_v timothy_n last_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o 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still_o new_a occasion_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n daily_o which_o if_o they_o be_v foresee_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n as_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o civil_a law_n be_v there_o ever_o that_o the_o best_a head_n have_v be_v lay_v together_o to_o devise_v that_o be_v sufficient_a at_o the_o first_o for_o every_o particular_a but_o by_o new_a occasion_n still_o increase_v for_o particular_a cause_n yea_o but_o though_o man_n can_v not_o yet_o god_n can_v have_v provide_v for_o that_o but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yet_o it_o prescribe_v not_o for_o every_o particular_a what_o be_v to_o
that_o it_o do_v not_o suffice_v that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n where_o most_o need_n be_v and_o last_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o government_n they_o speak_v nothing_o of_o he_o neither_o do_v they_o interpret_v any_o of_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o ruler_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n though_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o err_v in_o these_o particular_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n which_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v to_o observe_v as_o prescribe_v to_o it_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n the_o sixteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v propound_v five_o principal_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v upon_o touch_v church-government_n as_o namely_o first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasion_v in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n rule_n in_o god_n word_n for_o it_o and_o last_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n i_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o four_o former_a as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o church-government_n now_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o five_o namely_o that_o if_o god_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o prescript_n form_n in_o his_o word_n for_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o resolution_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v former_o speak_v for_o whereas_o every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v her_o particular_a government_n and_o the_o word_n have_v not_o prescribe_v any_o one_o set_a form_n for_o all_o church_n to_o observe_v in_o every_o particular_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o observation_n of_o the_o former_a lecture_n therefore_o every_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o general_a form_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o oft_o as_o necessity_n require_v must_v make_v the_o best_a supply_n and_o provision_n for_o themselves_o herein_o that_o they_o can_v howbeit_o because_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o first_o observation_n of_o the_o former_a lecture_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o licentious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o as_o if_o they_o may_v ordain_v and_o do_v what_o they_o list_v but_o they_o must_v careful_o see_v that_o whatsoever_o provision_n they_o make_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o those_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n which_o the_o word_n afford_v i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o here_o to_o define_v what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n what_o not_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n too_o curious_a for_o i_o and_o too_o tedious_a for_o you_o that_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o enquiry_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n every_o one_o for_o itself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v the_o church_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o special_a use_n for_o this_o purpose_n both_o to_o instruct_v the_o church_n what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o what_o be_v not_o as_o also_o to_o help_v and_o direct_v they_o what_o to_o take_v and_o what_o to_o leave_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o case_n of_o government_n wherein_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o particular_a warrant_n for_o each_o particular_a case_n from_o the_o word_n yet_o because_o i_o will_v fain_o inform_v you_o thorough_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a to_o know_v i_o will_v god_n will_v enlarge_v my_o discourse_n far_o than_o i_o think_v to_o have_v do_v and_o labour_n to_o rip_v it_o up_o from_o the_o very_a bottom_n principal_n the_o whole_a form_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o conceive_v consist_v of_o three_o principal_n or_o pillar_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o first_o of_o some_o action_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n second_o of_o some_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o three_o of_o some_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o these_o person_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o action_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o once_o you_o can_v tell_v these_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n second_o by_o who_o it_o must_v be_v do_v and_o three_o how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n and_o with_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v you_o may_v sit_v down_o well_o satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o this_o point_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o all_o these_o point_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n either_o to_o be_v too_o intricate_a or_o too_o tedious_a too_o intricate_a if_o i_o shall_v handle_v they_o joint_o all_o together_o or_o too_o tedious_a if_o i_o shall_v frame_v a_o several_a discourse_n for_o each_o particular_a by_o itself_o to_o prevent_v both_o i_o will_v first_o propound_v they_o all_o in_o a_o general_a view_n by_o themselves_o and_o then_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_a duty_n fit_v they_o with_o their_o officer_n and_o law_n that_o so_o any_o man_n of_o understanding_n may_v learn_v thereby_o to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n first_o principal_a we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o duty_n or_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n haply_o i_o shall_v not_o touch_v they_o all_o but_o i_o will_v labour_v to_o touch_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a and_o those_o to_o which_o all_o 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it_o for_o the_o more_o palpable_a assurance_n of_o ou●_n increase_v in_o it_o and_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o they_o both_o that_o they_o may_v be_v effectual_a and_o powerful_a for_o edification_n first_o for_o the_o word_n order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o it_o may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n first_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v extant_a and_o how_o must_v they_o be_v extant_a sure_o in_o their_o own_o original_a language_n because_o if_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o the_o translation_n we_o may_v run_v to_o the_o original_a so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o original_a language_n and_o in_o what_o copy_n sure_o the_o best_a that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o what_o then_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v these_o language_n they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o nation_n who_o language_n be_v not_o the_o mother-tongue_n what_o must_v be_v do_v then_o sure_o we_o must_v get_v the_o most_o faithful_a and_o best_a translation_n that_o be_v and_o when_o they_o be_v get_v what_o must_v the_o church_n see_v to_o be_v do_v with_o they_o first_o some_o of_o these_o copy_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o a_o safe_a and_o secret_a place_n that_o if_o desolation_n shall_v come_v yet_o the_o write_a word_n may_v be_v preserve_v so_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n 2_o chron._n 34.14_o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n own_o hand_n be_v find_v in_o a_o secret_a place_n where_o no_o doubt_n it_o have_v be_v lay_v up_o by_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o be_v preserve_v from_o that_o common_a havoc_n which_o be_v in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o some_o copy_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o safe_a and_o secret_a place_n yea_o but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o extant_a
peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o other_o minister_n to_o administer_v it_o which_o we_o bless_v etc._n etc._n the_o three_o duty_n be_v prayer_n act._n 6.4_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.16_o there_o the_o manner_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n accompany_v he_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o say_v amen_n the_o four_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v that_o they_o be_v a_o example_n to_o their_o flock_n of_o holiness_n in_o life_n so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o elder_n to_o who_o he_o write_v 1_o pet._n 5.3_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o tim_n 4.12_o the_o five_o duty_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a so_o it_o be_v intend_v james_n 5.14_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n their_o six_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n both_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v for_o that_o also_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o joh._n 20.23_o be_v say_v also_o to_o all_o true_a minister_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o all_o in_o the_o ministry_n and_o none_o else_o the_o seven_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v care_n over_o the_o poor_a i_o urge_v it_o not_o so_o much_o that_o they_o shall_v distribute_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o that_o be_v needful_a too_o where_o great_a occasion_n be_v not_o hinder_v by_o it_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n all_o be_v bring_v and_o lay_v at_o their_o foot_n and_o they_o do_v distribute_v it_o till_o they_o have_v great_a business_n in_o hand_n but_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o see_v it_o perform_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n both_o collection_n and_o distribution_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o eight_o and_o last_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v continual_o resident_a and_o attendant_n over_o their_o charge_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n the_o very_a name_n overseer_n intend_v so_o much_o that_o they_o must_v be_v continual_o resident_a over_o the_o flock_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o they_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o visit_v and_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v act._n 15.36_o and_o they_o do_v long_o to_o be_v with_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 1.11_o and_o when_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o it_o they_o bewail_v it_o as_o satan_n work_n therein_o so_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o thes_n 2.8_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o come_v themselves_o they_o supply_v their_o bodily_a absence_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o deputy_n as_o also_o by_o letter_n but_o no_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v thus_o excuse_v himself_o but_o they_o be_v continual_o bind_v to_o be_v resident_a and_o the_o danger_n be_v exceed_o great_a when_o the_o pastor_n be_v absent_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 15.12_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v absent_a some_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n that_o teach_v error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o among_o we_o be_v too_o apparent_a and_o lamentable_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o those_o in_o authority_n may_v force_v they_o that_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o charge_n to_o be_v resident_a upon_o it_o so_o much_o for_o presbyter_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o come_v to_o doctor_n doctor_n i_o find_v the_o word_n use_v in_o ephes_n 4.11_o and_o we_o expound_v it_o teacher_n which_o have_v two_o signification_n first_o i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o teach_v the_o word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n second_o sometime_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o instruct_v scholar_n special_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o after_o in_o other_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o some_o ancient_a writer_n the_o question_n concern_v doctor_n be_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n this_o whether_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n as_o a_o several_a officer_n from_o the_o pastor_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o i_o say_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o doctor_n be_v necessary_a in_o both_o sense_n general_o in_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n as_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n he_o be_v necessary_a in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n yea_o and_o further_o i_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o congregation_n a_o doctor_n in_o who_o be_v the_o word_n o●_n knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o pastor_n in_o who_o be_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mislike_v but_o that_o this_o must_v be_v so_o of_o necessity_n that_o we_o deny_v for_o howsoever_o the_o gift_n be_v diverse_a the_o doctor_n to_o teach_v and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n the_o pastor_n to_o apply_v it_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v and_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o scripture_n that_o teach_v and_o preach_v concur_v together_o in_o the_o same_o officer_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o matth._n 9.35_o that_o he_o go_v about_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 15.35_o that_o they_o continue_v preach_v and_o teach_v at_o antioch_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6.2_o require_v this_o in_o timothy_n that_o he_o teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o this_o be_v general_o require_v of_o all_o preach_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o that_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o teach_v and_o apply_v and_o every_o minister_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o a_o doctor_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n howsoever_o than_o they_o be_v diverse_a gift_n yet_o common_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o that_o which_o they_o allege_v eph._n 4.11_o make_v direct_o against_o they_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n there_o have_v mean_v to_o have_v make_v they_o diverse_a office_n he●_n will_v have_v disjoin_v they_o with_o the_o same_o note_n of_o difference_n as_o he_o do_v the_o other_o and_o have_v say_v and_o some_o pastor_n and_o some_o teacher_n but_o in_o that_o he_o conjoin_v they_o together_o and_o say_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n he_o make_v they_o to_o be_v as_o one_o now_o 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by_o christ_n only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v impart_v to_o other_o without_o their_o open_a wrong_n i_o will_v deliver_v my_o judgement_n brief_o and_o free_o in_o this_o case_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o at_o all_o or_o if_o there_o be_v such_o they_o be_v only_o by_o practice_n not_o by_o institution_n or_o if_o they_o be_v by_o institution_n yet_o they_o be_v for_o that_o present_a dispensation_n and_o not_o perpetual_a or_o last_o if_o they_o be_v perpetual_a yet_o our_o church_n be_v not_o destitute_a in_o that_o case_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o at_o all_o for_o first_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v their_o elder_n
in_o their_o synagogue_n &_o that_o these_o be_v translate_v from_o they_o though_o this_o be_v probable_a and_o likely_a enough_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o conjecture_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v sure_a ground_n to_o erect_v a_o church-officer_n upon_o second_o there_o be_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o church_n so_o govern_v three_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o they_o be_v scarce_o and_o few_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o scan_v it_o or_o to_o make_v shift_n against_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o expound_v of_o govern_v elder_n beside_o minister_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o just_a exception_n and_o also_o it_o may_v admit_v many_o interpretation_n to_o the_o contrary_a agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o 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act._n 6._o yet_o afterward_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v act._n 8.5_o 38._o though_o he_o do_v that_o rather_o as_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n than_o a_o deacon_n for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v act._n 21_o 8._o that_o philip_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o afterward_o the_o deacon_n baptize_v which_o save_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o better_o learn_v i_o think_v they_o rather_o usurp_v than_o have_v any_o right_n to_o it_o by_o office_n or_o other_o warrant_n for_o it_o yet_o in_o succeed_a age_n they_o have_v general_o a_o degree_n of_o the_o ministry_n answerable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n who_o teach_v and_o look_v to_o the_o treasury_n too_o and_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o favour_v it_o 1_o tim._n 3.13_o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v minister_v well_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o strange_a nor_o much_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o among_o us._n but_o admit_v they_o be_v only_o employ_v in_o church-treasury_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a original_n of_o they_o yet_o either_o they_o be_v only_o for_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o so_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o erection_n act._n 6._o calvin_n in_o act_n 21.8_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v in_o every_o congregation_n or_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a we_o have_v churchwarden_n and_o collector_n answerable_a to_o they_o though_o not_o so_o gift_v as_o they_o be_v in_o act._n 6._o that_o may_v be_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o time_n that_o afford_v not_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v or_o of_o the_o chooser_n of_o they_o that_o make_v not_o better_a choice_n and_o also_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o choose_v by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o either_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a in_o this_o case_n or_o else_o be_v omit_v that_o be_v also_o the_o chooser_n fault_n but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o retain_v the_o office_n and_o not_o the_o title_n this_o be_v to_o subject_a god_n ordinance_n to_o your_o own_o invention_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o have_v his_o matter_n moderate_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o chancery_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o my_o lord_n chancellor_n who_o the_o king_n appoint_v but_o by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o choose_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n you_o will_v have_v this_o matter_n of_o church-treasury_n order_v and_o yet_o not_o by_o deacon_n who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_n about_o word_n so_o long_o as_o we_o retain_v the_o thing_n itself_o there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n for_o the_o name_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v deacon_n in_o the_o six_o place_n we_o come_v to_o widow_n widow_n of_o these_o we_o may_v read_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o act._n 6.1_o and_o 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o be_v mean_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o where_o they_o be_v call_v helper_n and_o rom._n 12.8_o shower_n of_o mercy_n you_o shall_v have_v my_o judgement_n brief_o in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n well_o understand_v and_o compare_v together_o do_v prove_v only_o thus_o much_o first_o that_o in_o many_o church_n there_o be_v then_o such_o widow_n second_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v three_o that_o where_o they_o be_v so_o relieve_v there_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o attend_v the_o sick_a to_o wash_v the_o saint_n foot_n and_o such_o like_a as_o occasion_v require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o the_o church-government_n be_v defective_a that_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v in_o geneva_n they_o have_v rather_o poor_a man_n than_o woman_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n they_o have_v no_o such_o use_n of_o widow_n 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nature_n it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o he_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v christ_n lieutenant_n within_o his_o lawful_a dominion_n why_o may_v not_o he_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n in_o church-businesse_n it_o be_v god_n own_o promise_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o his_o church_n themselves_o by_o officer_n be_v nurse_n and_o their_o authority_n and_o countenance_n be_v like_o breast_n or_o dug_n to_o cherish_v and_o feed_v and_o hatch_v up_o the_o church_n withal_o and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n upon_o all_o the_o faithful_a 1_o tim._n 2.2_o that_o they_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n that_o they_o
officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n must_v have_v a_o good_a warrant_n the_o best_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a true_a and_o sound_a warrant_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o word_n for_o see_v he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v instrument_n and_o servant_n under_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o their_o place_n first_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v into_o careful_o and_o diligent_o second_o we_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n both_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o also_o for_o willing_a conformablenesse_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v right_o consult_v and_o walk_v with_o god_n when_o we_o have_v take_v advice_n from_o his_o word_n for_o every_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v a_o comfortable_a answer_n from_o he_o in_o prayer_n for_o encouragement_n therein_o and_o do_v so_o proceed_v in_o it_o because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o as_o every_o creature_n so_o every_o business_n we_o go_v about_o be_v true_o sanctify_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o be_v when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o a_o warrant_n for_o it_o and_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o it_o warrant_v here_o therefore_o in_o god_n word_n first_o we_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n for_o the_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o at_o least_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o doer_n that_o he_o or_o they_o be_v authorise_v at_o least_o allow_v by_o god_n to_o deal_v in_o it_o three_o a_o warrant_n must_v be_v have_v hence_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n that_o it_o be_v command_v or_o at_o least_o permit_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n the_o matter_n we_o be_v now_o to_o insist_v on_o be_v the_o warrant_n for_o the_o caution_n condition_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o principal_a either_o a_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n or_o second_o a_o inferior_a warrant_n of_o a_o low_a degree_n derive_v from_o it_o the_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o either_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n or_o example_n by_o way_n of_o precept_n and_o that_o be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_a each_o precise_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o bind_v law_n example_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o as_o the_o word_n commend_v they_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a extraordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o certain_a time_n place_n and_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n of_o mathias_n by_o lot_n act._n 1._o and_o these_o end_v where_o they_o begin_v and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v propound_v as_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n ordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v common_o practise_v as_o gather_v for_o the_o saint_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 16.1_o that_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n so_o he_o ordain_v among_o they_o also_o etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o where_o there_o be_v like_o occasion_n second_o the_o warrant_n from_o a_o inferior_a or_o low_a degree_n warrant_n as_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o principal_a these_o be_v young_a in_o year_n as_o not_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o some_o near_a age_n after_o and_o mean_a in_o authority_n as_o be_v ratify_v by_o man_n not_o so_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o these_o also_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n first_o precept_n and_o they_o be_v common_o call_v tradition_n or_o constitution_n i_o mean_v not_o tradition_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v very_o 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and_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o but_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v general_a as_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n etc._n etc._n make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o such_o particular_n only_o as_o natural_o proceed_v from_o thence_o be_v inform_v by_o sound_a consequence_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o scripture_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o example_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o precept_n be_v of_o because_o those_o be_v absolute_o to_o be_v embrace_v yet_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o fashion_v ourselves_o unto_o always_o observe_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o time_n place_n person_n occasion_n and_o such_o other_o necessary_a circumstance_n for_o to_o apply_v that_o to_o one_o church_n in_o one_o state_n and_o at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v in_o another_o church_n in_o another_o state_n and_o at_o another_o time_n be_v absurd_a well_o then_o if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o principal_a warrant_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o god_n word_n then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o inferior_a warrant_n we_o must_v see_v what_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o writer_n that_o have_v speak_v of_o church-government_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o of_o these_o we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a if_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n by_o constitution_n or_o practice_n but_o in_o the_o late_a and_o corrupt_a time_n i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n now_o be_v may_v as_o well_o devise_v particular_n of_o their_o own_o as_o follow_v they_o yea_o and_o better_o so_o long_o as_o they_o measure_v their_o particular_n fit_o and_o wise_o by_o those_o in_o the_o word_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o precedent_n in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v safe_a enough_o to_o build_v on_o they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o misapplyed_n nor_o mistake_v i_o speak_v still_o of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n not_o of_o faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v many_o constitution_n and_o example_n in_o those_o church_n and_o some_o differ_v from_o other_o take_v the_o best_a that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v near_a to_o the_o word_n and_o have_v best_a precedent_n of_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o such_o as_o that_o their_o condition_n &_o state_n may_v best_o agree_v with_o we_o this_o point_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n some_o have_v go_v too_o far_o in_o esteem_v too_o high_o of_o it_o some_o have_v come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o it_o first_o some_o esteem_n too_o high_o of_o these_o impious_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o word_n whereas_o there_o be_v two_o main_a difference_n first_o because_o those_o in_o the_o word_n be_v certain_o true_a we_o know_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n second_o as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o so_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n first_o haply_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v at_o least_o in_o those_o time_n and_o by_o those_o person_n for_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o thing_n not_o true_a or_o second_o yet_o they_o may_v err_v for_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n other_o come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a they_o esteem_v
by_o we_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v against_o we_o we_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o look_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v liberty_n in_o for_o the_o first_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v against_o we_o that_o we_o have_v freedom_n from_o for_o the_o son_n have_v make_v we_o free_a john_n 8.36_o first_o god_n justice_n be_v agianst_a we_o to_o hurt_v we_o and_o to_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v sinner_n and_o god_n be_v just_o and_o hate_v sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o stand_v before_o he_o but_o that_o we_o have_v this_o privilege_n by_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v full_o satisfy_v for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o we_o be_v free_v from_o this_o danger_n so_o that_o now_o to_o we_o in_o christ_n god_n be_v a_o merciful_a father_n not_o a_o just_a judge_n yea_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o the_o full_a for_o we_o we_o may_v reverent_o challenge_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o can_v punish_v we_o have_v punish_v one_o for_o we_o and_o so_o christ_n merit_n be_v all-sufficient_a have_v purchase_v all_o good_a thing_n for_o we_o so_o that_o now_o justice_n be_v for_o we_o to_o give_v we_o that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n not_o against_o we_o to_o give_v we_o our_o own_o deserve_n second_o the_o law_n be_v against_o we_o and_o like_o saul_n breathe_v out_o threaten_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n say_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o this_o thou_o shall_v die_v but_o this_o be_v satisfy_v too_o christ_n take_v on_o he_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o redeem_v we_o from_o it_o galat._n 3.13_o next_o to_o the_o law_n come_v sin_n that_o have_v defile_v we_o and_o expose_v we_o to_o god_n wrath_n and_o keep_v we_o under_o as_o slave_n and_o servant_n that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n here_o be_v our_o privilege_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o cleanse_v we_o and_o free_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o filth_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o we_o the_o guilt_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o and_o the_o dominion_n be_v end_v so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o reign_v in_o we_o rom._n 6._o after_o sin_n come_v death_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o death_n have_v seize_v on_o we_o for_o her_o own_o we_o death_n destroy_v he_o that_o have_v power_n of_o death_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o set_v we_o at_o liberty_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15.56.57_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o victory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n afterward_o come_v in_o hell_n for_o her_o share_n and_o open_v her_o mouth_n to_o swallow_v we_o down_o quick_a hell_n that_o house_n of_o horror_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o right_a the_o house_n of_o our_o perpetual_a habitation_n and_o abode_n but_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v triumph_v for_o we_o over_o hell_n and_o condemnation_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n rom._n 8.1_o last_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o force_n he_o have_v finger_v we_o and_o get_v we_o within_o his_o clutch_n and_o wrap_v we_o up_o in_o chain_n and_o fetter_n as_o his_o captive_n and_o bondslave_n christ_n jesus_n he_o come_v and_o lose_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3.8_o he_o break_v these_o chain_n and_o subdue_v satan_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n psalm_n 124.7_o the_o snare_n be_v break_v and_o we_o be_v deliver_v these_o be_v great_a and_o rare_a privilege_n i_o will_v have_v you_o wise_o to_o consider_v of_o they_o for_o who_o so_o be_v wise_a will_v ponder_v on_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o know_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o this_o liberty_n and_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v again_o in_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v for_o we_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v freedom_n into_o we_o have_v bold_a access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o entrance_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 5.2_o ephes_n 2.18_o we_o may_v go_v bold_o and_o safe_o to_o god_n and_o tell_v he_o our_o want_n and_o beg_v supply_v we_o may_v talk_v familiar_o with_o he_o as_o a_o man_n do_v with_o his_o neighbour_n as_o job_n speak_v we_o may_v come_v unto_o god_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o father_n and_o my_o maker_n despise_v not_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n so_o we_o may_v go_v to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o say_v with_o thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n he_o by_o sight_n we_o by_o faith_n so_o likewise_o we_o may_v go_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o sanctifier_n and_o comforter_n and_o i_o be_o thy_o temple_n suffer_v not_o satan_n to_o defile_v i_o with_o sin_n so_o likewise_o we_o may_v have_v free_a access_n to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o all_o god_n promise_n and_o we_o may_v lay_v our_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o challenge_v they_o for_o our_o own_o so_o likewise_o we_o may_v also_o reach_v out_o our_o hand_n to_o all_o the_o creature_n as_o be_v our_o peculiar_a right_n and_o last_o when_o we_o be_v on_o our_o deathbed_n we_o may_v with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o with_o stephen_n sweet_o and_o comfortable_o commend_v our_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o say_v into_o thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n for_o thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a privilege_n that_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o we_o be_v assault_v with_o many_o sore_a temptation_n we_o may_v throw_v they_o all_o from_o we_o and_o safe_o commend_v our_o soul_n into_o god_n hand_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o privilege_n but_o this_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o desire_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o eight_o privilege_n be_v the_o power_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o we_o to_o admit_v or_o reject_v to_o bind_v or_o loose_v etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o itself_o in_o the_o eight_o general_a head_n follow_v the_o last_o sort_n of_o privilege_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o future_a certainty_n certainty_n i_o say_v matter_n of_o future_a certainty_n not_o of_o possibility_n that_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n possibility_n be_v for_o man_n as_o that_o the_o son_n shall_v have_v this_o and_o this_o after_o his_o father_n decease_n and_o yet_o the_o son_n may_v be_v disappoint_v many_o way_n but_o with_o god_n future_a possibility_n be_v undoubted_a certainty_n they_o be_v as_o sure_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v they_o already_o now_o these_o be_v first_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n now_o we_o have_v they_o but_o in_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13.9.12_o but_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o perfection_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o you_o will_v say_v be_v common_a to_o the_o wicked_a too_o it_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v rise_v too_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o judgement_n psalm_n 1.5_o they_o shall_v rise_v to_o condemnation_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 5.29_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o to_o lie_v still_o the_o grave_n be_v better_a than_o hell_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o privilege_n to_o they_o to_o rise_v three_o we_o shall_v stand_v dreadless_a and_o fearless_a before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n alas_o now_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o every_o qualm_n how_o shall_v we_o stand_v dreadless_a then_o i_o answer_v then_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n to_o be_v our_o father_n in_o christ_n we_o shall_v know_v that_o our_o peace_n be_v make_v beforehand_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cover_v we_o and_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o we_o this_o be_v it_o that_o will_v make_v we_o stand_v dreadless_a whereas_o the_o wicked_a for_o want_v of_o this_o shall_v tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o call_v to_o the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o the_o hill_n to_o cover_v they_o last_o we_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a glory_n life_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n enjoy_v the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o bless_a
in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o if_o man_n be_v never_o before_o baptize_v then_o though_o they_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v baptism_n but_o whether_o have_v the_o church_n power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o be_v member_n no_o sure_o compel_v faith_n can_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o yet_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n he_o by_o his_o authority_n may_v and_o must_v compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o outward_a mean_n else_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o of_o our_o subjection_n so_o do_v josiah_n cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 34.32_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o they_o have_v power_n to_o repel_v and_o keep_v out_o and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v plain_a act_v 8.36.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n say_v the_o eunuch_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v etc._n etc._n as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o faith_n be_v want_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v to_o keep_v from_o baptism_n and_o so_o from_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o what_o shall_v child_n do_v then_o i_o answer_v they_o if_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v pre-supposed_n to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v as_o gen._n 17.7_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o there_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o act_n 3.29_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a husband_n etc._n etc._n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a and_o therefore_o where_o child_n be_v tender_v by_o faithful_a parent_n to_o the_o church_n they_o must_v admit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v power_n and_o that_o be_v to_o baptism_n mark_v 10.13.14_o as_o it_o be_v with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o that_o be_v male_n be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o so_o you_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o person_n that_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o either_o to_o admit_v or_o repel_v they_o second_o out_o they_o have_v power_n over_o person_n as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o and_o that_o either_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o as_o in_o reu._n 3.11_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o 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be_v believe_v beside_o the_o word_n gal._n 1.8_o reas_n 6_o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v answerable_a to_o this_o both_o of_o teacher_n and_o learner_n the_o teacher_n they_o have_v refer_v the_o people_n still_o for_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o light_a in_o they_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n say_v peter_n to_o cornelius_n refer_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o learner_n act_n 17.11_o 12._o the_o man_n of_o berea_n seach_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o paul_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o paul_n be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v special_o guide_v by_o the_o 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high_a their_o reach_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v exalt_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v repute_v the_o only_a true_a save_a faith_n because_o their_o church_n teach_v it_o so_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v go_v down_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lift_v up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yet_o except_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v it_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n church_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o position_n many_o of_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o esop_n fable_n oh_o horrible_a blasphemy_n there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o a_o better_a kind_n that_o be_v more_o modest_a that_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v as_o the_o time_n alter_v other_o there_o be_v that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o true_a without_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o reject_v or_o allow_v scripture_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o romish_a church_n and_o by_o that_o the_o pope_n harken_v how_o blasphemous_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v against_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o canon_n babylon_n and_o against_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n a_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a strumpet_n that_o set_v such_o a_o brazen_a face_n and_o belch_v out_o such_o whorish_a filthy_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n the_o very_a name_n of_o these_o position_n be_v refutation_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o any_o christian_n judgement_n answer_v to_o come_v to_o their_o best_a position_n in_o this_o controversy_n position_n 1_o first_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o you_o see_v by_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n be_v high_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o high_a judge_n speak_v open_o and_o plain_o in_o in_o the_o word_n and_o secret_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n 1._o joh._n 2_o 20_o 27._o you_o have_v anoyntment_n from_o that_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o again_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o be_v not_o man_n send_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o inquire_v at_o their_o mouhe_n mal._n 2.7_o and_o be_v not_o the_o priest_n the_o high_a judge_n then_o answ_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o for_o the_o law_n not_o for_o their_o own_o judgement_n whereto_o if_o they_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o say_n but_o god_n law_n but_o haply_o they_o can_v deliver_v no_o other_o but_o god_n law_n that_o be_v flat_o contradict_v verse_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o fall_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v the_o judge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 17.8_o 12._o but_o he_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o verse_n 11._o so_o that_o except_o they_o will_v arrogate_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_n nor_o judge_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o position_n of_o they_o be_v this_o position_n 2_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o law_n and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v according_a the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v it_o not_o otherwise_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n that_o be_v as_o they_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 23_o 2_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n
and_o this_o rule_n hold_v as_o well_o for_o the_o church_n now_o as_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n there_o must_v also_o be_v the_o same_o power_n so_o the_o point_n be_v plain_a that_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v certain_a outward_a rite_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o some_o reas_n 1_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o church_n no_o religion_n can_v possible_o be_v carry_v without_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n now_o who_o shall_v ordain_v these_o but_o themselves_o as_o best_o know_v their_o own_o state_n as_o in_o a_o private_a family_n who_o shall_v ordain_v order_n for_o it_o but_o those_o of_o the_o family_n second_o no_o right_n be_v universal_a to_o hold_v every_o reas_n 2_o where_o in_o all_o church_n no_o that_o be_v impossible_a because_o diverse_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a state_n and_o therefore_o every_o church_n must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v ceremony_n for_o themselves_o three_o no_o ceremony_n be_v perpetual_a in_o one_o and_o the_o reas_n 3_o same_o church_n every_o church_n in_o time_n differ_v from_o itself_o by_o the_o change_n of_o occasion_n and_o state_n and_o then_o the_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v before_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o now_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v as_o their_o state_n shall_v require_v last_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o ordain_v reas_n 4_o certain_a rite_n the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o under_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o particular_a but_o the_o church_n now_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o of_o he_o if_o any_o say_v it_o be_v let_v they_o show_v where_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o give_v the_o church_n now_o power_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o this_o kind_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o use_v 1_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o take_v their_o liberty_n herein_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v bound_v and_o bridle_v that_o they_o go_v not_o too_o far_o either_o for_o multitude_n unprofitablenesse_n superstiton_n or_o the_o like_a the_o limit_n and_o bound_n therefore_o that_o every_o church_n be_v to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o in_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o be_v these_o first_o they_o must_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o god_n word_n second_o they_o must_v have_v no_o opinion_n of_o god_n worship_n place_v in_o they_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o the_o cross_n if_o the_o church_n so_o enjoin_v they_o it_o make_v they_o unlawful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v so_o heretofore_o by_o the_o papist_n that_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n now_o take_v away_o the_o abuse_n and_o the_o thing_n may_v still_o be_v impose_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o do_v all_o to_o god_n glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o four_o they_o must_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o offence_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v the_o church_n must_v be_v wary_a herein_o for_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a yet_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23_o 32._o five_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 26._o last_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o as_o in_o exod._n 28.40_o aaron_n son_n must_v have_v coat_n and_o girdle_n and_o bonnet_n make_v they_o for_o glory_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n do_v aim_v at_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o end_n also_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o the_o last_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v that_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o resist_v not_o this_o power_n or_o the_o thing_n thereby_o ordain_v bridle_v thyself_o from_o dislike_n special_o from_o refusal_n yet_o yield_v with_o some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n take_v such_o a_o course_n whereby_o thou_o may_v obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o offend_v the_o weak_a herein_o be_v wisdom_n yet_o rather_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n though_o with_o offence_n for_o here_o disobedience_n be_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o offend_v the_o weak_a and_o indeed_o in_o this_o case_n i_o give_v none_o offence_n because_o my_o hand_n be_v bind_v and_o i_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o do_v otherwise_o but_o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v then_o to_o be_v do_v must_v he_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n no_o first_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v second_o they_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n three_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v overbear_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n till_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o simple_o unlawful_a or_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a scandal_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o then_o in_o disobey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o disobey_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n except_o i_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a now_o in_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o do_v but_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o my_o conscience_n be_v doubtful_a of_o now_o shall_v i_o run_v into_o a_o know_a sin_n because_o i_o will_v avoid_v a_o sin_n only_o fear_v so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o this_o point_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v the_o eyghth_n point_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o six_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n you_o may_v remember_v that_o 9_o point_n be_v propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o whereof_o we_o have_v already_o handle_v 8._o of_o they_o and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nine_o and_o that_o be_v the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o knnow_v of_o those_o congreagtion_n that_o profess_v not_o christianity_n we_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o pagan_n that_o profess_v heathenish_a religion_n no_o christian_n the_o jew_n that_o profess_v the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o gospel_n the_o turk_n that_o profess_v that_o abominable_a idol_n mahomet_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n these_o we_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o be_v utter_o exclude_v from_o the_o outward_a name_n of_o a_o church_n as_o be_v assembly_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n they_o have_v no_o christ_n not_o somuch_o as_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a assembly_n that_o be_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v have_v be_v so_o plain_o and_o full_o deliver_v that_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v easy_o apply_v itself_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o those_o that_o be_v religious_a &_o judicious_a but_o yet_o because_o diverse_a christian_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a condition_n differ_v one_o from_o another_o as_o well_o in_o time_n as_o in_o place_n and_o because_o the_o chief_a reach_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n both_o in_o teacher_n &_o hearer_n be_v this_o to_o see_v how_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o stand_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o for_o your_o better_a direction_n both_o to_o help_v your_o judgement_n concern_v other_o church_n and_o to_o settle_v your_o resolution_n church_n touch_v the_o goodness_n and_o soundness_n of_o this_o church_n that_o we_o live_v in_o i_o will_v endeavour_v god_n will_v to_o make_v application_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o to_o all_o church_n in_o general_a so_o more_o particular_o to_o this_o church_n of_o we_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o either_o be_v or_o have_v be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v twofold_a first_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n and_o so_o some_o be_v eastern_a and_o the_o
they_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o graceless_a devotion_n in_o th●t_a mind_n where_o knowledge_n have_v not_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o balance_n conscience_n and_o therein_o try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n and_o that_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o bring_v sound_a comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a gospel_n that_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o agree_v direct_o with_o christ_n spiritual_a office_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n anoint_v i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a &c_n &c_n and_o matth._n 11.28_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o church_n bring_v sound_a comfort_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o popish_a religion_n do_v not_o so_o but_o rather_o purposely_o afflict_v man_n conscience_n then_o comfort_v they_o terrify_v they_o with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n nourish_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o law_n again_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v the_o false_a rule_n see_v this_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n set_v the_o conscience_n at_o rest_n as_o have_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v set_v plain_o before_o we_o in_o god_n book_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wander_v after_o uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o must_v trust_v unto_o and_o the_o absolute_a command_n of_o scripture_n convince_v the_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o both_o together_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_n true_o to_o frame_v himself_o thereunto_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o certain_a state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n second_o if_o all_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n rule_n and_o not_o of_o man_n free_a will_n than_o we_o be_v singular_o comfort_v in_o that_o all_o our_o thought_n desire_n and_o work_n be_v not_o our_o own_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a but_o they_o be_v god_n own_o do_n and_o they_o be_v the_o action_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o three_o rule_n if_o justification_n be_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n than_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o and_o then_o we_o have_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v ground_v not_o on_o the_o sand_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o on_o the_o immovable_a rock_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o he_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n rule_n we_o have_v assurance_n to_o be_v hear_v john_n 16.23_o and_o 1_o john_n 5.14_o 15._o and_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n deny_v his_o own_o son_n or_o we_o for_o his_o sake_n whereas_o if_o we_o have_v other_o advocat_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o hear_v we_o yea_o of_o many_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v saint_n or_o no_o or_o if_o they_o do_v hear_v we_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o can_v help_v we_o yea_o we_o have_v no_o sound_a warrant_n to_o pray_v to_o saint_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o such_o a_o unwarrantable_a course_n &_o so_o fare_v the_o worse_a for_o sodo_v among_o man_n rule_n five_o if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o image_n than_o we_o have_v assurance_n that_o we_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o after_o the_o true_a and_o right_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o god_n religion_n from_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whereas_o if_o we_o worship_v in_o or_o by_o a_o image_n we_o do_v still_o suspect_v whether_o we_o do_v well_o or_o no_o for_o even_o nature_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v abhor_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v repute_v a_o material_a substance_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v god_n be_v please_v rule_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o resemble_v six_o if_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o the_o lord_n death_n in_o our_o communion_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v effectual_o settle_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o wine_n in_o our_o stomach_n work_v a_o answerable_a correspondency_n by_o the_o thing_n signify_v rule_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o last_o if_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n plain_o deliver_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v see_v into_o they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o dark_o as_o they_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n than_o we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v john_n 4._o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n whereas_o they_o poor_a soul_n go_v on_o in_o the_o dark_a not_o know_v whither_o they_o go_v so_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o we_o be_v down_o weight_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v just_o reprove_v for_o censure_v our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n because_o we_o have_v a_o false_a religion_n whereas_o they_o be_v the_o false_a and_o we_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n second_o it_o be_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o separatist_n signify_v they_o be_v very_o clamorous_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o but_o i_o purpose_v god_n willing_a brief_o to_o answer_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o exception_n and_o to_o let_v all_o their_o bitter_a clamour_n alone_o their_o first_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n they_o say_v it_o have_v a_o false_a constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o false_a church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a consequence_n and_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o frog_n and_o mouse_n and_o other_o creature_n generate_v of_o putrefaction_n and_o yet_o be_v true_a frog_n though_o they_o be_v not_o produce_v by_o natural_a generation_n and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n can_v raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o true_a constitution_n so_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a and_o the_o antecedent_n be_v false_a too_o for_o our_o constitution_n through_o god_n mercy_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a constitution_n signify_v sometime_o the_o state_n which_o a_o thing_n be_v frame_v unto_o as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o state_n condition_n or_o dispensation_n which_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v endue_v with_o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v each_o of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o body_n in_o a_o borrow_a sense_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o we_o be_v true_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o have_v the_o word_n sacrament_n ministry_n and_o government_n and_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o what_o need_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o act_n whereby_o we_o be_v so_o constitute_v as_o thereby_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o example_n when_o i_o come_v into_o a_o strange_a place_n that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n and_o there_o i_o see_v people_n corporation_n civil_a assembly_n law_n and_o order_n and_o a_o general_a profession_n of_o obedience_n thereunto_o shall_v not_o i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a city_n though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v found_v and_o gather_v but_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o that_o sense_n also_o man_n be_v true_o call_v and_o gather_v among_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n but_o say_v they_o they_o be_v not_o so_o gather_v at_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v first_o if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o now_o