not_o have_v salute_v every_o one_o man_n by_o man_n and_o therefore_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v the_o prime_a man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o second_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o usua_o give_v to_o ruler_n and_o judge_n whether_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a without_o the_o people_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o psalm_n 82_o 1._o god_n stand_v in_o the_o congation_n of_o the_o mighty_a the_o same_o word_n render_v there_o congregation_n be_v render_v the_o church_n elsewhere_o and_o by_o the_o congregation_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o judge_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o we_o find_v it_o take_v for_o the_o ruler_n by_o compare_v exod_a 20._o 18._o 19_o with_o deut_n 5._o 23._o 2_o chron_n 1._o 3._o where_o solomon_n take_v up_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o that_o congregation_n be_v expon_v v._n 2._o to_o have_v be_v chief-man_n and_o ruler_n so_o that_o usualy_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v from_o 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be_v a_o grant_n of_o power_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n 2_o that_o this_o grant_n be_v make_v there_o not_o only_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o these_o who_o shall_v succeed_v to_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o baptise_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o from_o this_o we_o retort_v the_o argument_n on_o themselves_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o these_o who_o peter_n do_v represent_v but_o so_o it_o be_v peter_n do_v represent_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v to_o they_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o argue_v three_o from_o this_o place_n that_o the_o grant_v of_o the_o key_n be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o peter_n confession_n v._n 16_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n now_o this_o confession_n belong_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o so_o also_o must_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o who_o hold_v out_o peter_n confession_n have_v no_o ground_n but_o their_o own_o assertion_n and_o 2._o we_o say_v it_o be_v false_a for_o this_o confession_n belong_v to_o all_o faithful_a woman_n and_o child_n as_o well_o as_o man_n who_o yet_o by_o our_o opposite_n own_o concession_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 5._o where_o the_o apostle_n command_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o
suppress_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v not_o christ_n perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n yea_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v nothing_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o necessity_n to_o have_v a_o church_n government_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o under_o the_o new_a the_o second_o argument_n we_o bring_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o native_a end_n of_o church_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a to_o wit_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 12._o to_o gain_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o offend_a brother_n to_o repentance_n matth_n 18._o 15._o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o corinth_n 5_o 5._o so_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v a_o spiritual_a end_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o divine_a original_a church_n government_n who_o end_n be_v 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this_o we_o shall_v reckon_v up_o five_o thing_n first_o that_o church_n officer_n have_v their_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n thess_n 5_o 12._o 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v a_o ruler_n or_o a_o officer_n with_o power_n to_o rule_v establish_v in_o god_n house_n what_o they_o say_v that_o by_o rule_v there_o be_v mean_v preach_v because_o minister_n guide_v people_n by_o preach_v be_v a_o frivolous_a exception_n and_o that_o because_o of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o rule_v be_v another_o thing_n and_o not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o their_o exception_n affirm_v but_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o clear_a place_n for_o it_o in_o heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o there_o be_v officer_n establish_v with_o power_n to_o rule_n and_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o submit_v and_o give_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o so_o there_o be_v ruler_n officer_n establish_v in_o god_n church_n second_o the_o court_n and_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n and_o for_o this_o see_v matth_n 18._o 17_o 18._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n the_o adversary_n be_v so_o shamless_a that_o they_o say_v by_o the_o church_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o complaint_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o here_o mean_v and_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o judicatory_a here_o mean_v be_v that_o whereof_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v member_n and_o therefore_o in_o five_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v whatever_o you_o to_o wit_v the_o apostle_n shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n give_v no_o power_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o sit_v in_o civil_a court_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o civil_a business_n the_o three_o substantial_a of_o church_n government_n that_o have_v warrant_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o subordination_n of_o lesser_a judicatory_n to_o great_a and_o this_o be_v warrant_v in_o act_n 15_o 2._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v up_o from_o antioch_n to_o a_o general_n council_n at_o jerusalem_n because_o the_o controversy_n in_o hand_n can_v not_o be_v end_v at_o antioch_n where_o there_o be_v a_o court_n with_o power_n they_o determine_v the_o question_n censure_v the_o schismatic_n give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o liar_n v._n 24._o the_o four_o substantial_a of_o this_o government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o censure_n 1._o by_o private_a admonition_n then_o more_o public_a matth_n 18._o 15._o the_o five_o thing_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o their_o censure_n which_o be_v not_o bodily_a as_o take_v way_n the_o life_n but_o spiritual_a to_o wit_n admonition_n reproof_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n matth_n 18_o 17_o let_v he_o he_o unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n and_o see_v he_o have_v do_v so_o what_o man_n dare_v alter_v it_o take_v any_o prudential_a way_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o pleasure_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o charge_n give_v to_o preserve_v all_o these_o inviolable_a till_o christ_n come_v 1_o tim_n 5._o 21._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n so_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n be_v unalterable_a by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o till_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o argument_n there_o be_v a_o four_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o last_o which_o be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o house_n without_o any_o particular_a government_n only_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o appoint_v what_o government_n they_o please_v it_o will_v reflect_v much_o on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n his_o vinyard_n his_o garden_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o law_n to_o govern_v no_o court_n to_o guide_v this_o kingdom_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v by_o who_o and_o how_o it_o please_v he_o best_o a_o king_n of_o clay_n will_v not_o do_v so_o with_o his_o kingdom_n much_o less_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n this_o for_o the_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n answer_v their_o objection_n iii_o the_o first_o be_v say_v they_o from_o 2_o tim_n 3_o 16._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o government_n we_o answer_v this_o same_o argument_n may_v as_o well_o strict_a against_o magistracy_n but_o second_o we_o say_v which_o we_o make_v already_o appear_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n hence_o their_o argument_n prove_v not_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n and_o be_v command_v by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o add_v to_o it_o but_o if_o they_o say_v the_o bare_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v enough_o we_o answer_v not_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o save_v soul_n yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a also_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o say_v for_o three_o reason_n 1._o to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o be_v pollute_v by_o the_o rush_a foreward_n of_o dog_n and_o scandalous_a person_n all_o the_o preach_a that_o can_v be_v to_o bid_v scandalous_a man_n keep_v back_o will_v not_o do_v then_o 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v infect_v by_o the_o contagion_n of_o scandalous_a man_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n therefore_o put_v the_o incestous_a man_n from_o among_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n
malice_n have_v set_v itself_o in_o some_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n or_o other_o to_o bear_v it_o down_o and_o god_n wisdom_n have_v still_o overshoot_v satan_n make_v use_n of_o his_o malice_n in_o oppose_a truth_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o intend_v most_o to_o obscure_a and_o darken_v satan_n first_o design_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o beat_v down_o that_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o christ_n divinity_n but_o after_o long_o debate_v this_o truth_n be_v full_o clear_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o several_a worthy_n who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o these_o age_n to_o mantain_n that_o so_o much_o oppose_v truth_n satan_n therefore_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o strong_a fort_n of_o christianity_n retire_v a_o little_a and_o labour_v next_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humanity_n but_o the_o truâ—h_v hereof_o the_o more_o it_o be_v oppose_v grow_v the_o bright_a the_o lord_n make_v light_n break_v up_o convince_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o hot_a debate_n satan_n retire_v a_o little_a further_o yet_o and_o bend_v his_o whole_a force_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n against_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o next_o against_o the_o distinction_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o satan_n not_o prevail_v this_o way_n either_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o undermine_v christ_n jesus_n in_o all_o his_o office_n 1._o by_o set_v up_o the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n against_o his_o prophetical_a office_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n against_o his_o priestly_a office_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o freewill_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o man_n conversion_n to_o god_n against_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o for_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o it_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o wrest_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n government_n from_o his_o own_o office-bearer_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o pope_n cardinal_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n but_o after_o long_o contest_v truth_n be_v now_o abundant_o clear_v and_o confirm_v in_o all_o these_o thus_o as_o one_o say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v be_v content_a to_o dispute_v his_o ground_n by_o inch_n with_o the_o devil_n until_o almost_o he_o have_v beat_v he_o out_o of_o all_o only_a satan_n have_v no_o will_n to_o quit_v it_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o he_o be_v now_o give_v his_o last_o and_o sore_a onset_a on_o which_o in_o a_o desperate_a way_n he_o be_v to_o venture_v all_o wherein_o his_o design_n be_v evident_a to_o cast_v all_o in_o a_o confusion_n first_o by_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o outward_a court_n of_o god_n house_n i_o mean_v the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n visible_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o rent_v and_o separation_n and_o next_o to_o deprive_v the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a and_o all_o her_o considerable_a member_n of_o all_o government_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n which_o confine_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n within_o the_o narrow_a circuit_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n whereby_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v leave_v as_o so_o many_o small_a boat_n in_o a_o storm_n to_o dash_v one_o against_o another_o have_v no_o intrinsical_a authoritative_a mean_a to_o make_v they_o steer_v a_o even_a course_n without_o rush_v one_o upon_o another_o thus_o satan_n aim_v to_o cast_v all_o in_o confusion_n that_o he_o may_v undo_v all_o what_o in_o former_a age_n he_o can_v not_o do_v in_o destroy_v gospel_n truth_n by_o piecemeal_n and_o one_o by_o one_o he_o intend_v now_o to_o do_v it_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o all_o at_o once_o for_o if_o once_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o ship_n be_v split_v and_o the_o rudder_n break_v the_o precious_a ware_n contain_v in_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v preserve_v now_o that_o satan_n main_a design_n be_v to_o deface_v these_o truth_n which_o be_v about_o the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o thereby_o all_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o confusion_n appear_v in_o that_o not_o only_o the_o method_n god_n have_v hitherto_o keep_v do_v point_n at_o it_o there_o be_v few_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n to_o clear_v but_o also_o the_o thing_n speak_v for_o itself_o the_o main_a speat_v of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n run_v direct_o contrary_a to_o these_o so_o that_o certain_o as_o god_n intend_v to_o clear_a truth_n in_o these_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o time_n to_o obscure_a truth_n in_o these_o this_o then_o be_v satan_n design_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o further_o this_o main_a design_n nor_o yet_o be_v short_a come_n in_o our_o duty_n against_o it_o of_o which_o direction_n i_o shall_v reckon_v three_o first_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v opinion_n and_o practice_n even_o though_o by_o we_o conceive_v just_a and_o lawful_a how_o far_o they_o may_v contribute_v for_o furtherance_n of_o that_o design_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n shall_v be_v more_o circumspect_a and_o spare_v at_o least_o in_o meddle_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o apostle_n paul_n gal._n 2._o 3._o will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n though_o circumcision_n at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a as_o appear_v from_o his_o circumcise_n of_o timothy_n act._n 16._o 3._o much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n the_o reason_n be_v v_o 4._o there_o be_v false_a brethren_n present_a who_o will_v have_v take_v advantage_n of_o that_o his_o practice_n to_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o their_o opposition_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o satan_n intend_v most_o to_o bear_v down_o at_o that_o time_n to_o wit_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o practice_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o which_o in_o some_o other_o case_n will_v have_v be_v necessary_a and_o that_o lest_o by_o that_o his_o practice_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v advantageous_a to_o satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v true_a truth_n remain_v still_o truth_n however_o satan_n abuse_v it_o yet_o see_v all_o grant_n that_o the_o vent_n of_o some_o truth_n at_o sometime_o be_v unseasonable_a and_o so_o for_o that_o time_n may_v be_v forbear_v and_o see_v it_o will_v seem_v that_o nothing_o make_v a_o truth_n more_o unseasonable_a than_o when_o it_o be_v know_v that_o satan_n will_v make_v bad_a use_n of_o it_o for_o bear_v down_o that_o truth_n which_o god_n intend_v main_o to_o clear_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o vent_n of_o such_o a_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v at_o least_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o much_o holy_a circumspection_n if_o not_o altogether_o forbear_v for_o that_o time_n for_o application_n of_o this_o direction_n i_o will_v not_o say_v much_o only_o i_o shall_v propose_v it_o to_o your_o serious_a thought_n whether_o or_o not_o the_o late_a proceed_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o tenet_n whereupon_o they_o be_v ground_v which_o for_o peace_n cause_n and_o from_o unwillingness_n to_o give_v the_o least_o occasion_n of_o irritation_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_n whether_o or_o not_o i_o say_v these_o even_o suppose_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o practice_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o opinion_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v unseasonable_a for_o the_o time_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v for_o lead_v people_n upon_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n such_o as_o the_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n quarrel_v the_o constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o our_o church_n i_o fear_v much_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o people_n not_o acquaint_v with_o subtle_a distinction_n to_o conceive_v that_o any_o corruption_n among_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v can_v make_v civil_a fellowship_n with_o they_o unlawful_a but_o it_o must_v make_v church_n fellowship_n especial_o communion-table_n fellowship_n with_o the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o much_o more_o unlawful_a but_o i_o forbear_v not_o be_v without_o hope_n but_o that_o brethren_n gracious_a and_o wise_a will_v ponder_v what_o they_o hold_v and_o what_o they_o practise_v when_o they_o see_v bad_a use_n make_v of_o it_o beyond_o their_o own_o intention_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n further_o i_o shall_v say_v for_o application_n chief_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v this_o such_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v eschew_v as_o may_v prove_v unjust_a and_o unnecessary_a irritation_n unto_o people_n to_o
trust_n act_n 17._o 11._o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o trust_n and_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v by_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o thess_n 1_o epistle_n ch_z 5._o v._n 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v say_v despise_v not_o prophecying_n so_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n whatever_o be_v their_o fair_a pretence_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o foul_a error_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o second_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o word_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o faith_n must_v have_v a_o infallible_a ground_n as_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v this_o doctrine_n reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v nothing_o try_v that_o come_v from_o the_o church_n but_o all_o take_v upon_o trust_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o swallow_v such_o monster_n of_o absurdity_n as_o the_o error_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n merit_n male_a and_o such_o like_a for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o but_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v out_o another_o duty_n that_o who_o ever_o hear_v any_o doctrine_n propon_v by_o one_o or_o other_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pass_v their_o judgement_n on_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n now_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v betwixt_o extreme_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o tyranny_n and_o these_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o confusion_n we_o will_v know_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n to_o be_v pass_v on_o doctrine_n public_a judgement_n and_o private_a judgement_n public_a judgement_n again_o be_v either_o peremptory_o absolute_a or_o limit_v a_o public_a peremptory_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v simple_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o none_o have_v this_o judgement_n but_o god_n himself_o second_o there_o be_v a_o public_a judgement_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o this_o be_v a_o public_a declare_v and_o hold_v out_o that_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n which_o do_v not_o bind_v absolute_o but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n and_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o public_a church_n judicatories_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n they_o be_v like_o the_o lyon-herauld_n set_v forth_o to_o proclaim_v the_o royal_a act_n if_o he_o proclaim_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o principal_a act_n it_o bind_v but_o if_o he_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o it_o bind_v not_o next_o there_o be_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a every_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v bind_v to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o what_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o by_o other_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a he_o may_v embrace_v it_o but_o if_o wrong_a he_o may_v reject_v it_o but_o his_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o other_o now_o this_o private_a judgement_n or_o this_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v necessary_a because_o all_o man_n may_v err_v council_n may_v err_v synod_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o their_o error_n will_v not_o excuse_v private_a christian_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o error_n say_v christ_n when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o private_a person_n to_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v and_o this_o much_o for_o guard_v against_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n but_o least_o this_o doctrine_n be_v abuse_v to_o cast_v at_o all_o public_a church_n judicatory_n we_o shall_v next_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o guard_v against_o sectarian_n confusion_n first_o although_o public_a church_n judicatory_n have_v not_o power_n to_o bind_v conscience_n yet_o when_o man_n be_v in_o a_o doubt_n concern_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n their_o judgement_n ought_v to_o have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o there_o be_v more_o gift_n exercise_v together_o but_o main_o because_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o commission_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o public_a church_n judicatory_n matth._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o public_a church_n judicatory_n a_o man_n ground_n will_v be_v well_o examine_v lâ—st_v if_o differ_v from_o these_o judicatories_n they_o also_o differ_v from_o truth_n and_o three_o when_o they_o differ_v they_o be_v to_o bear_v they_o at_o reverence_n although_o in_o such_o a_o point_n they_o shall_v err_v yet_o for_o their_o authority_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v this_o much_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o to_o church_n judicatories_n but_o no_o further_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n use_v 2._o it_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v lazy_a and_o can_v endure_v the_o trouble_n of_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v but_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n and_o have_v no_o more_o but_o such_o a_o man_n authority_n he_o be_v of_o that_o way_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v fire_n and_o flint_n tooth_n and_o nail_n for_o it_o as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o we_o have_v see_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o our_o time_n which_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v much_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o proceed_v to_o another_o doctrine_n doct._n x._o the_o next_o thing_n then_o that_o we_o observe_v be_v from_o what_o he_o say_v try_v etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o trial_n the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o right_a trial_n of_o doctrine_n be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o this_o point_n put_v we_o to_o give_v mark_n whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v what_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o necessary_o infer_v a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o other_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n follow_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n for_o the_o first_o that_o which_o make_v doctrine_n necessary_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n so_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v act_n 17._o the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o paul_n doctrine_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v isaâ—a's_n rule_n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n he_o will_v have_v all_o doctrine_n try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n all_o spirit_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o must_v be_v try_v that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o the_o word_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n i_o give_v only_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n first_o the_o heavy_a plague_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o add_v to_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o pretend_v a_o pure_a rule_n let_v he_o be_v say_v paul_n anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o there_o be_v another_o place_n which_o prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n according_a to_o this_o point_n in_o hand_n 2_o timoth._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o this_o in_o relation_n
church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
that_o be_v censure_v so_o in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 3._o 14_o note_n that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o 1_o cor_n 5._o 5._o excommunication_n serve_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o tame_v and_o mortify_v its_o lust_n and_o so_o although_o the_o word_n be_v only_o the_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o soul_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v exercise_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o word_n may_v work_v the_o better_a the_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n we_o have_v to_o establish_v a_o church_n government_n by_o divine_a right_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n practice_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o command_v give_v they_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v then_o shall_v be_v a_o rule_n now_o and_o they_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v then_o a_o pagan_a and_o so_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o case_n be_v now_o otherwise_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v turn_v christian._n we_o answer_v first_o by_o this_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n at_o least_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n now_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n institute_v by_o christ_n lay_v on_o a_o perpetual_a obligation_n except_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v set_v a_o period_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v only_o so_o long_o so_o if_o this_o argument_n of_o they_o have_v any_o force_n they_o must_v show_v from_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v this_o period_n for_o church_n government_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v only_o in_o force_n under_o a_o idolatrous_a pagan_a magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o shall_v cease_v under_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o no_o place_n of_o god_n word_n can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o tâ—is_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o command_n be_v give_v that_o which_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n 1_o timoth._n 6._o 14_o shall_v be_v keep_v to_o his_o second_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n second_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v worse_o under_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o pagan_a magistrate_n if_o so_o be_v that_o under_o the_o one_o they_o have_v a_o intrinsical_a power_n to_o purge_v and_o keep_v his_o church_n free_a from_o scandal_n but_o not_o under_o the_o other_o will_v not_o this_o be_v hard_o three_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n do_v exercise_v government_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v take_v from_o common_a equity_n and_o so_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n we_o find_v this_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o where_o a_o command_n be_v give_v to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n the_o reason_n give_v be_v first_o the_o good_a of_o the_o man_n soul_n verse_n 5._o second_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o infection_n vers_fw-la 6._o now_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o see_v to_o these_o at_o all_o time_n we_o come_v to_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o word_n of_o use_n and_o it_o serve_v 1._o to_o reprove_v those_o who_o think_v debate_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n useless_a and_o of_o no_o value_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o say_v they_o what_o be_v the_o government_n and_o who_o govern_v if_o sin_n be_v punish_v and_o the_o word_n preach_v i_o answer_v '_o it_o be_v of_o much_o moment_n for_o from_o what_o be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o part_n of_o his_o word_n and_o they_o who_o evert_v it_o or_o give_v way_n to_o the_o evert_n of_o it_o give_v way_n to_o evert_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o to_o the_o bring_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n own_o house_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o the_o royal_a diadem_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o who_o have_v get_v good_a of_o truth_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v for_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a truth_n the_o question_n be_v concern_v châ—ists_n kingdom_n if_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o distinct_a from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v â—is_n own_o law_n office-bearer_n court_n censure_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o his_o word_n or_o if_o all_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o that_o purpose_n be_v to_o scraâ—ched_a out_o and_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v what_o law_n rule_n court_n he_o please_v in_o christ_n house_n so_o it_o be_v a_o point_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v avow_v and_o a_o point_n of_o truth_n worth_a the_o suster_n for_o and_o which_o some_o have_v suffer_v for_o and_o boast_v in_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v this_o advantage_n beyond_o other_o truth_n that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o it_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a point_n he_o be_v accuse_v on_o by_o pâ—late_n and_o he_o avow_v it_o luke_n 23._o 3._o that_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n though_o not_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o point_n be_v chief_o lay_v to_o christ_n charge_n in_o john_n 18._o 33._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o and_o this_o be_v the_o pâ—int_n that_o be_v drive_v home_o by_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n john_n 19_o it_o be_v his_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o cross_n jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v the_o point_n that_o straighten_a pilate_n most_o and_o put_v he_o to_o it_o to_o make_v christ_n suffer_v joh._n 19_o so_o this_o point_n have_v this_o advantage_n that_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n christ_n suffer_v as_o a_o martyr_n for_o it_o shall_v any_o then_o think_v it_o a_o little_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o may_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n the_o second_o use_n if_o so_o be_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o those_o entrust_v with_o it_o such_o as_o minister_n and_o elder_n will_v discharge_v it_o as_o service_n to_o god_n so_o as_o to_o be_v countable_a to_o he_o tâ—ere_o shall_v be_v a_o other_o frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o man_n be_v in_o church_n judicatories_n than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o civil_a judicatories_n these_o be_v ordinance_n of_o man_n their_o of_o god_n and_o require_v more_o than_o a_o common_a frame_n of_o spirit_n alas_o we_o may_v say_v for_o the_o unministerial_a like_o carriage_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o through_o us_o out_o altogether_o a_o three_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v that_o see_v church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o you_o that_o be_v people_n shall_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v not_o tâ—us_o look_v on_o it_o may_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v the_o hedge_n from_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v god_n know_v what_o we_o will_v be_v we_o be_v evil_a now_o but_o if_o people_n get_v leave_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v much_o worse_o you_o see_v what_o you_o be_v with_o it_o but_o know_v not_o what_o you_o will_v be_v without_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o erastian_n doctrine_n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o second_o head_n of_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o here_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n among_o themselves_o some_o give_v he_o all_o power_n to_o dispense_v all_o church_n ordinance_n and_o this_o as_o a_o magistrate_n without_o a_o call_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n other_o again_o content_v themselves_o to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o only_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n law_n to_o inflict_v church_n censure_n and_o herein_o they_o also_o differ_v some_o put_v this_o power_n whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n other_o conjunct_o with_o the_o minister_n a_o three_o place_v it_o in_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n and_o in_o churchman_n but_o as_o
the_o magistrate_n have_v much_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n but_o he_o have_v no_o church-power_n proper_o so_o call_v that_o belong_v only_o to_o christ_n own_o officer_n second_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n take_v this_o assertion_n what_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n we_o deny_v it_o to_o he_o only_o as_o a_o magistrate_n for_o so_o we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v prove_v a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n otherwise_o if_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v choose_v a_o elder_a he_o have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n only_o we_o say_v as_o a_o magistrate_n he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n ii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v our_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o 1_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o all_o these_o place_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o warrant_v give_v to_o any_o of_o church_n government_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o any_o of_o they_o only_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o apostle_n minister_n and_o elder_n so_o in_o matth_n 16._o 19_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v give_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o matth_n 18._o 17._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o 〈…〉_z be_v etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o in_o timoth_n and_o titus_n the_o scope_n of_o which_o epistle_n be_v to_o instruct_v minister_n concern_v the_o right_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n what_o be_v speak_v there_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o minister_n succeed_v to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v he_o have_v no_o right_a from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v challenge_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v but_o a_o usurpation_n and_o intrude_a unto_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v no_o right_a our_o second_o argument_n be_v if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n government_n belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a we_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n then_o it_o shall_v belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n for_o whatever_o belong_v to_o one_o as_o such_o belong_v to_o all_o such_o now_o this_o have_v many_o absurdity_n follow_v on_o it_o for_o by_o this_o rule_n heathen_a magistrate_n may_v have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v church_n governor_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n then_o second_o woman_n may_v be_v church_n governor_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n in_o some_o case_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n yea_o three_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o child_n not_o come_v to_o age_n may_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n when_o magistracy_n go_v by_o succession_n now_o child_n can_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o that_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o deputy_n but_o by_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o a_o three_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o if_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o they_o must_v be_v church_n officer_n if_o any_o thing_n make_v a_o man_n a_o church_n officer_n than_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n will_v do_v it_o for_o state_n government_n and_o state_n officer_n be_v relata_fw-la and_o have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o so_o must_v church_n government_n and_o church_n officer_n have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n be_v no_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o because_o among_o all_o that_o roll_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o christ_n reckon_v up_o his_o officer_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ephes_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o roll_n verse_n 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o in_o rome_n 12_o 6_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o other_o roll_n of_o church_n officer_n but_o no_o word_n of_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v etc._n etc._n but_o neither_o in_o this_o place_n or_o any_o other_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n only_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n mutter_v somewhat_o of_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o that_o by_o government_n there_o mention_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o refute_v for_o the_o text_n speak_v evident_o of_o such_o governor_n as_o the_o church_n have_v at_o that_o time_n and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o for_o above_o 200_o year_n after_o so_o by_o government_n can_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o the_o rule_v elder_a who_o be_v often_o speak_v of_o in_o other_o place_n our_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o government_n within_o herself_o and_o according_o do_v exercise_v it_o near_o 300_o year_n before_o any_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a and_o so_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n within_o herself_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o which_o be_v not_o controvert_v to_o wit_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n a_o christian_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o that_o all_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n within_o herself_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o they_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n power_n also_o to_o dispense_v censure_n as_o excommunication_n 1_o cor_n 5._o 4_o 5_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v power_n to_o relax_v from_o excommunication_n so_o 2_o cor_n 2_o 6._o where_o paul_n command_v to_o relax_v the_o excommunicate_a man_n from_o that_o sentence_n sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o v_o 7._o so_o that_o contrariwise_o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o forgive_v he_o etc._n etc._n four_o they_o have_v synod_n meet_v together_o make_v bind_a canon_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n act_n 15._o the_o synod_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n meet_v together_o determine_v a_o controversy_n and_o censure_v those_o who_o have_v trouble_v the_o church_n thus_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o discipline_n within_o herself_o long_o before_o any_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o church_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o that_o because_o if_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v right_a to_o dispense_v this_o power_n as_o undoubted_o she_o have_v than_o they_o must_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o christ_n take_v this_o right_n from_o she_o and_o
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a person_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o say_v they_o this_o command_n be_v give_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n because_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o elder_n only_o as_o also_o the_o command_n be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o reproof_n in_o v_o 2._o and_o you_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o mourn_v etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v more_o reprove_v than_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n belong_v to_o other_o than_o these_o in_o answer_v this_o argument_n we_o shall_v first_o retort_v it_o on_o themselves_o for_o if_o so_o be_v the_o argument_n hold_v good_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n for_o if_o the_o command_n be_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n than_o they_o be_v not_o except_v and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o to_o who_o the_o reproof_n be_v give_v than_o it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o doubtless_o woman_n and_o child_n mourn_v no_o more_o than_o the_o man_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v also_o now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o against_o themselves_o and_o so_o the_o two_o main_a pillar_n whereon_o they_o build_v their_o argument_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o like_a latitude_n with_o the_o reproof_n but_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o point_n that_o all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n know_v that_o god_n use_v to_o give_v command_v indefinite_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v apply_v to_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o those_o person_n to_o who_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a calling_n interest_n or_o relation_n the_o command_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v make_v this_o clear_a from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o 31._o where_o paul_n speak_v general_o to_o the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n you_o may_v all_o prophecy_n one_o by_o one_o etc._n etc._n the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o and_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n mind_n that_o all_o to_o who_o he_o writ_n shall_v do_v this_o but_o only_o they_o who_o have_v ability_n and_o a_o call_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o precede_a 12_o chap._n 29._o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v than_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v to_o esteem_v high_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o work_n sake_n for_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v for_o the_o people_n so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o yet_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o but_o only_o by_o some_o to_o wit_n the_o church_n officer_n and_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o he_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o same_o case_n in_o hand_n to_o wit_n the_o relax_a of_o the_o incestous_a man_n from_o excommunication_n and_o say_v he_o sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o now_o he_o do_v not_o say_v inflict_v of_o all_o as_o they_o will_v make_v the_o word_n bear_v but_o inflict_v of_o many_o yea_o as_o the_o learned_a observe_v the_o word_n many_o signify_v the_o chief_a one_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v matth_n 12._o 41_o a_o great_a than_o ionas_n so_o paul_n explain_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o but_o the_o chief_a one_o to_o wit_n the_o ruler_n by_o who_o the_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o now_o for_o answer_v their_o objection_n iv._o in_o the_o nixt_a place_n we_o shall_v come_v and_o apply_v the_o whole_a purpose_n to_o a_o threefold_a use._n and_o the_o first_o be_v see_v this_o error_n as_o we_o have_v now_o make_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o will_v have_v you_o suspect_v fair_a pretence_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o there_o be_v no_o error_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n than_o this_o have_v it_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n say_v they_o shall_v not_o they_o judge_v other_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o that_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n have_v and_o so_o we_o need_v to_o stumble_v the_o less_o at_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o say_v they_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n numb-16_a 3._o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o private_a christian_n that_o you_o will_v do_v your_o duty_n and_o second_o content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n and_o first_o do_v your_o duty_n whereof_o many_o come_v short_a doubtless_o many_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v cast_v off_o all_o care_n see_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o officer_n thereof_o minister_n and_o elder_n nay_o but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n although_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o believer_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o to_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v even_o their_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o private_a christian_n that_o when_o your_o private_a admonition_n do_v not_o the_o business_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o delate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v this_o matth_n 16._o where_o christ_n institute_n this_o order_n v_o 16._o 1._o to_o tell_v thy_o brother_n private_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v bring_v two_o or_o three_o more_o witness_n with_o thou_o then_o if_o that_o do_v it_o not_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o every_o church_n member_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v even_o their_o minister_n and_o elder_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o when_o slack_a and_o when_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o tell_v it_o to_o other_o and_o we_o will_v charge_v you_o to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o usual_o you_o do_v a_o second_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n we_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o practice_n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v a_o doctrine_n on_o trust_n from_o minister_n though_o apostle_n nay_o not_o from_o angel_n though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v galat._n 1._o 8._o and_o private_a christian_n come_v short_a of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n also_o many_o seek_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o what_o minister_n preach_v it_o be_v a_o loose_a ground_n for_o you_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o second_o as_o you_o will_v make_v conscience_n of_o your_o duty_n so_o you_o will_v content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n you_o will_v look_v on_o church_n officer_n and_o reverence_n they_o you_o be_v not_o to_o say_v what_o be_v more_o in_o they_o than_o in_o ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o be_v as_o fit_a as_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o be_v god_n ordinance_n appoint_v by_o the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o he_o who_o reproach_v they_o reproach_v his_o ordinance_n and_o break_v down_o the_o hedge_n appoint_v by_o god_n the_o three_o use_n be_v direct_v to_o church_n officer_n those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v instruct_v with_o this_o power_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n you_o shall_v so_o carry_v yourselves_o in_o your_o place_n as_o not_o to_o tempt_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o despise_v your_o office_n when_o the_o lord_n people_n hear_v of_o a_o elder_a to_o be_v a_o tipler_n or_o a_o swearer_n it_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o they_o to_o despise_v both_o that_o elder_a and_o his_o office_n many_o sure_o in_o this_o be_v stumble_v block_n to_o people_n as_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o people_n abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v weight_n
find_v in_o act_n 15._o 4._o and_o act_n 21._o 15_o 18._o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n now_o they_o be_v not_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o do_v meet_v in_o one_o common_a judicatory_a the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o by_o our_o opposite_n who_o prove_v their_o particular_a eldership_n from_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o in_o act_n 20._o 28._o mention_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n from_o whence_o they_o reason_v thus_o ephesus_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n we_o read_v there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v that_o church_n in_o common_a they_o must_v give_v we_o liberty_n to_o reason_n that_o same_o way_n thus_o we_o find_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o particular_a church_n we_o find_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v of_o this_o church_n or_o these_o church_n in_o common_a but_o three_o to_o make_v this_o argument_n yet_o strong_a not_o only_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n but_o we_o find_v they_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a for_o proof_n of_o this_o see_v act_n 11_o 30._o the_o contribution_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o supply_v of_o the_o saint_n be_v send_v to_o the_o elder_n now_o what_o the_o elder_n shall_v do_v with_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o a_o place_n like_o it_o act_n 4._o 35._o 37._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_v so_o doubtless_o the_o contribution_n be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v have_v distribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n further_o we_o find_v this_o more_o clear_a act_n 21._o 18._o they_o meet_v together_o and_o judicial_o set_v down_o a_o way_n to_o paul_n for_o remove_v of_o a_o church_n scandal_n by_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a and_o purify_n himself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o five_o 23._o do_v therefore_o this_o etc._n etc._n so_o we_o see_v their_o elderships_n meeting_n together_o for_o remove_v a_o scandal_n we_o find_v a_o three_o place_n to_o confirm_v this_o act._n 15._o 2._o 4_o we_o shall_v afterward_o make_v use_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n only_o this_o much_o at_o present_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v the_o elder_n meet_v and_o make_v bind_v act_n to_o the_o church_n under_o they_o so_o we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o first_o point_n that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n the_o main_a thing_n our_o opposite_n flee_v to_o at_o the_o last_o be_v this_o that_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n in_o act_n 8._o and_o that_o they_o have_v one_o government_n above_o they_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o infer_v a_o government_n by_o presbytry_n for_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n before_o the_o dispersion_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o few_o a_o number_n that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v one_o common_a government_n then_o by_o elder_n it_o infer_v not_o a_o presbytry_n but_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n only_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o this_o for_o answer_v they_o grant_v to_o we_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v a_o common_a eldership_n over_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o second_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o there_o even_o after_o the_o dispersion_n and_o we_o have_v also_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v elder_n over_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o whatever_o be_v before_o the_o dispersion_n yet_o even_o from_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o dispersion_n second_o we_o answer_v they_o can_v hardly_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o dispersion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v not_o of_o elder_n until_o act._n 11._o but_o when_o they_o be_v first_o institute_v we_o read_v not_o three_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o elder_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v they_o in_o common_a for_o they_o be_v also_o elder_n so_o they_o call_v themselves_o 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 1._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 1._o but_o second_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o what_o they_o do_v in_o these_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v it_o as_o elder_n for_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostles_n be_v not_o imitable_a now_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v imitable_a such_o as_o ordain_v of_o officer_n distribute_v of_o alms._n again_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostle_n one_o of_o they_o may_v do_v it_o alone_o but_o here_o they_o do_v it_o in_o collegio_fw-la act._n 6._o and_o reserve_v the_o people_n part_n of_o election_n to_o they_o now_o they_o never_o meet_v together_o to_o write_v scripture_n nor_o seek_v the_o people_n concurrence_n for_o any_o act_n mere_o apostolic_a so_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o so_o the_o church_n even_o then_o be_v under_o one_o common_a eldership_n and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n ¶_o ii_o there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytery_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n so_o also_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v church_n judicatories_n above_o presbytery_n as_o they_o be_v above_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n i._o for_o understand_v the_o question_n these_o synod_n or_o great_a meeting_n of_o church_n officer_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n some_o make_v up_o of_o several_a presbytery_n and_o these_o be_v provincial_a synod_n such_o as_o common_o we_o have_v twice_o a_o year_n or_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a synod_n within_o a_o nation_n and_o these_o be_v general_a assembly_n or_o three_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a church_n of_o several_a nation_n or_o commissioner_n from_o they_o and_o these_o be_v call_v universal_a council_n or_o general_a synod_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n now_o all_o these_o differ_v from_o presbytery_n not_o only_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o ample_a but_o also_o in_o this_o that_o the_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v the_o common_a ordinary_a way_n of_o government_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n but_o synod_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v more_o rare_a and_o upon_o particular_a emergent_a as_o act._n 15._o that_o synod_n be_v call_v upon_o a_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o trouble_v other_o church_n about_o second_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o great_a synod_n the_o provincial_a synod_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o universal_a council_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o nature_n and_o kind_n but_o only_o in_o less_o and_o more_o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o every_o one_o of_o they_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n in_o the_o general_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o every_o kind_n in_o particular_a for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o in_o thing_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_a general_n rule_n be_v sufficient_a or_o a_o rule_n for_o one_o particular_a which_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n as_o matth_n 18._o christ_n set_v down_o the_o way_n of_o walk_v in_o private_a scandal_n speak_v
nothing_o of_o public_a scandal_n not_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v mean_v that_o public_a scandal_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o but_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v serve_v for_o these_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o synod_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o bound_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v extend_v whether_o of_o one_o province_n or_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o a_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o number_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n the_o independent_o and_o we_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n for_o meet_v of_o synod_n only_o we_o differ_v about_o their_o power_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o division_n or_o scandal_n synod_n may_v meet_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a only_o they_o say_v that_o synod_n have_v no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o command_v other_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o embrace_v their_o determination_n we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v instance_n this_o in_o act_n 1_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n which_o be_v do_v by_o no_o particular_a church_n for_o here_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o paroch-church_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n here_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n from_o galilie_o v_a 14._o some_o from_o jerusalem_n v._n 15._o this_o meeting_n do_v a_o church_n business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o do_v represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o behoove_v to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v take_v act_n 15._o where_o this_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v hold_v forth_o clear_o the_o history_n be_v plain_a a_o difference_n arise_v in_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n this_o can_v be_v compose_v in_o antioch_n itself_o so_o they_o send_v up_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n meeting_n or_o judicatory_a here_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o be_v clear_a v_o 6._o second_o consider_v that_o this_o judicatory_a be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a presbytery_n we_o see_v that_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o v_a 6._o and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o antioch_n act_n 15._o 2_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o now_o that_o these_o be_v commissioner_n and_o have_v voice_n appear_v from_o act_n 16._o 4._o where_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v be_v ascrive_v to_o all_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v present_a it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v other_o commissioner_n there_o also_o from_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o they_o be_v join_v with_o antioch_n in_o the_o letter_n v._n 23._o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v except_o that_o as_o they_o be_v alike_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n as_o antioch_n be_v so_o they_o have_v their_o commissioner_n there_o as_o antioch_n have_v and_o therefore_o these_o act_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n so_o the_o meeting_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o presbytry_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o three_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o this_o meeting_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n make_v bind_v act_n unto_o other_o absent_a church_n who_o be_v present_a only_o in_o their_o commissioner_n and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o first_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o five_o 19_o 20_o second_o they_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n v_o 28._o the_o word_n that_o be_v turn_v there_o a_o burden_n signify_v a_o law_n or_o a_o decree_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o act_n 16._o 4._o there_o their_o conclusion_n be_v call_v decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elâ—ers_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o do_v make_v act_n bind_v other_o congregation_n three_o we_o find_v they_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o censure_n on_o the_o false_a prophet_n five_o 24._o they_o call_v they_o liar_n a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o censure_v they_o not_o with_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o know_v they_o be_v become_v incorrigible_o obstinate_a according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v by_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v clear_o a_o pattern_n for_o great_a synod_n a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n and_o these_o make_n bind_a law_n to_o other_o church_n who_o be_v absent_a in_o their_o person_n and_o only_o present_a in_o their_o commissioner_n iii_o their_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o who_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o determine_v and_o so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o our_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o man_n want_v that_o assistance_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v make_v against_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o for_o they_o hold_v that_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n so_o if_o their_o argument_n hold_v against_o we_o in_o the_o one_o it_o must_v hold_v also_o against_o they_o in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v also_o elder_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o elder_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o act_v as_o elder_n here_o it_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o objection_n but_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o willing_o submit_v act_n 15._o 4_o now_o in_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o meâ—_n and_o so_o sure_o here_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n second_o the_o apostle_n all_o along_o go_v not_o on_o that_o way_n as_o when_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o they_o state_n the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o in_o five_o 7._o now_o when_o they_o write_v scripture_n they_o do_v not_o use_v advice_n nor_o do_v they_o debate_v what_o they_o shall_v conclude_v but_o speak_v all_o as_o immediate_o inspire_v but_o here_o they_o debate_n and_o â—aving_a find_v truth_n by_o force_n of_o reason_n they_o conclude_v as_o any_o other_o assembly_n upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n in_o five_o 25._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v any_o thing_n as_o apostle_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v determine_v the_o question_n full_o that_o nothing_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o here_o for_o peter_n v_o 6_o give_v his_o judgement_n that_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a indeed_o yet_o it_o speak_v not_o full_o to_o the_o point_n until_o james_n add_v somewhat_o to_o wit_n that_o however_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o to_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n they_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v &c_n &c_n v_a 20._o and_o therefore_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n intend_v to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n yet_o do_v not_o speak_v full_o to_o the_o point_n which_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o that_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o pen_v scripture_n four_o because_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o act_n 15._o 22._o 23._o act._n 16._o 4._o act._n 21._o 25._o now_o
the_o difference_n which_o they_o like_v best_a and_o hence_o arise_v contest_v jangle_n and_o matter_n of_o rent_v the_o church_n now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o independency_n leave_v for_o prevent_v of_o this_o five_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n leave_v no_o remedy_n to_o a_o congregation_n want_v a_o minister_n for_o trial_n of_o the_o next_o that_o come_v who_o trial_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o people_n by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o how_o slight_a that_o trial_n will_v be_v any_o may_v judge_v how_o few_o parish_n can_v try_v a_o minister_n in_o his_o ability_n if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o preach_v convince_v gainsayer_n watch_v against_o raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v remee_v in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n according_a to_o paul_n rule_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o that_o minister_n be_v ordain_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n from_o five_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n other_o defect_n also_o may_v be_v instance_a but_o these_o may_v suffice_v our_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o matth._n 18._o 16._o 17._o 18._o where_o jesus_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o private_a scandal_n or_o deal_v with_o a_o offend_a brother_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o gain_v a_o offend_a brother_n how_o much_o more_o for_o gain_v a_o offend_a church_n it_o be_v above_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o church_n may_v offend_v walk_v inoder_o wrest_v justice_n now_o sure_o god_n care_n must_v be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o of_o one_o member_n so_o that_o our_o consequence_n hold_v but_o we_o assume_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o heal_v the_o scandal_n of_o a_o offend_a congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o complean_v to_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n above_o they_o this_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o censure_v them-themselves_a they_o can_v be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o proportion_n for_o by_o that_o same_o rule_n that_o private_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v complean_v of_o to_o that_o eldership_n whereof_o they_o be_v part_n so_o the_o eldership_n be_v to_o be_v complean_v of_o to_o that_o presbytry_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o part_n and_o if_o the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o private_a christian_a be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o the_o one_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o just_a power_n of_o the_o eldership_n take_v away_o by_o the_o other_o our_o three_o argument_n be_v from_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v before_o that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v forth_o government_n by_o presbytry_n over_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o synod_n over_o presbytry_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o that_o the_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v still_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o the_o way_n then_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v by_o presbytry_n and_o synod_n it_o be_v prove_v before_o so_o we_o have_v only_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v so_o now_o and_o to_o clear_v this_o consequence_n consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v record_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n rome_n 15._o 4._o 2._o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n a_o promise_n of_o who_o presence_n they_o have_v with_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n and_o if_o so_o than_o their_o practice_n must_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o generation_n follow_v 1_o cor_n 11._o 1._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o etc._n etc._n 3._o we_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n as_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o give_v the_o people_n liberty_n in_o choise_v their_o own_o deacon_n act._n 7._o we_o argue_v that_o the_o people_n may_v choice_n their_o own_o officer_n yet_o and_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o have_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 15._o we_o argue_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v rule_v elder_n yet_o so_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o have_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n we_o argue_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v they_o yet_o and_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n act_n 27._o we_o argue_v therefore_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v it_o on_o that_o day_n yet_o now_o if_o so_o be_v that_o their_o practice_n shall_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n why_o not_o also_o in_o church_n government_n by_o presbytry_n and_o synod_n especial_o see_v that_o we_o have_v make_v out_o that_o their_o practice_n be_v as_o clear_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n a_o four_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n now_o have_v these_o same_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o that_o government_n which_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v and_o a_o law_n or_o practice_n be_v still_o bind_v so_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n remain_v now_o the_o reason_n that_o move_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o submit_v to_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v first_o because_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytry_n as_o say_v be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o particular_a congregation_n now_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o yet_o second_o in_o act_n 15._o there_o arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o antioch_n and_o because_o the_o controversy_n can_v be_v compose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a church_n of_o antioch_n therefore_o it_o be_v refer_v unto_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o many_o presbytry_n all_o concern_v in_o it_o so_o there_o be_v business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o presbytry_n yet_o and_o some_o that_o can_v be_v end_v in_o one_o presbytry_n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v synod_n for_o compose_v of_o these_o thing_n yet_o and_o see_v the_o apostle_n extraordinarly_a assist_v one_o whereof_o may_v have_v compose_v the_o controversy_n will_v nevertheless_o have_v a_o synodical_a convention_n for_o end_v controversy_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v it_o who_o gift_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o it_o remain_v clear_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o that_o point_n be_v bind_v to_o we_o now_o argument_n four_o there_o be_v no_o pattern_n of_o such_o a_o independent_a congregation_n by_o precept_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n where_o one_o particular_a congregation_n with_o one_o pastor_n and_o their_o eldership_n do_v exercise_n or_o may_v exercise_v all_o church_n government_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o that_o independent_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a first_o a_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n by_o one_o congregation_n second_o by_o precept_n and_o practice_n ordination_n be_v to_o be_v by_o more_o pastor_n than_o one_o as_o act_n 1._o 13._o act._n 6._o 2._o act_n 13._o 13._o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o so_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v by_o pastor_n and_o many_o pastor_n and_o so_o can_v be_v by_o a_o single_a congregation_n where_o there_o be_v require_v and_o shall_v be_v say_v they_o but_o one_o pastor_n as_o to_o what_o they_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a man_n we_o answer_v corinth_n be_v a_o presbyterial_a church_n and_o second_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v independent_o for_o if_o a_o controversy_n have_v arisen_a about_o it_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v end_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o recourse_n to_o a_o synod_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v act_v 15._o argument_n five_o if_o so_o be_v that_o congregation_n be_v independent_a and_o no_o benefit_n of_o appeal_n allow_v to_o the_o party_n grieve_v then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o great_a slavery_n than_o the_o jewish_a but_o
this_o be_v absurd_a for_o christian_n be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o great_a liberty_n as_o appear_v from_o galat._n 4._o 1._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o clear_v the_o first_o proposition_n we_o lie_v down_o these_o thing_n first_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o may_v be_v make_v out_o from_o several_a place_n we_o take_v one_o 2_o chron_n 19_o 8._o where_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a v_o 10._o the_o matter_n they_o handle_v come_v to_o they_o from_o other_o judicatories_n and_o deut_n 17._o 8._o show_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_a be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o the_o inferior_a court_n but_o find_v too_o hard_o to_o be_v judge_v there_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o refuge_n for_o the_o party_n wrong_v by_o the_o inferior_a court_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o refuge_n leave_v to_o christian_n we_o may_v certain_o say_v the_o state_n of_o christiansis_n most_o hard_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o tyrannical_a sentence_n of_o the_o unjust_a eldership_n and_o no_o power_n to_o right_v they_o when_o the_o oppress_a jew_n may_v appeal_v to_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a we_o may_v further_o argue_v from_o this_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a government_n that_o be_v neither_o ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a but_o moral_a that_o be_v bind_v to_o we_o for_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v all_o alike_o and_o be_v not_o abrogate_v but_o this_o that_o there_o be_v subordination_n of_o judicatories_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o grieve_a party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v moral_a not_o ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o supremacy_n in_o judgement_n so_o the_o papist_n argue_v ill_a from_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o the_o pope_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n for_o thing_n of_o hard_a knowledge_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o oppress_a party_n be_v typical_a of_o nothing_o but_o moral_a and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o forbid_v party_n to_o be_v judge_n which_o will_v natural_o follow_v if_o there_o be_v not_o subordination_n of_o court_n yea_o further_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o this_o law_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o pattern_n upon_o the_o mount_n but_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o jethro_n and_o by_o he_o give_v to_o moses_n exod._n 18._o 22._o it_o shall_v be_v that_o every_o great_a matter_n they_o shall_v bring_v unto_o thou_o &c_n &c_n iii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v their_o objection_n many_o whereof_o we_o have_v take_v off_o in_o the_o first_o two_o head_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o those_o that_o be_v frivolous_a as_o indeed_o the_o most_o part_n be_v we_o shall_v only_o pitch_v on_o these_o that_o â—eem_v to_o carry_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n and_o whereof_o they_o boast_v most_o their_o first_o objection_n be_v from_o matth_n 18._o 17._o this_o church_n say_v they_o be_v a_o parochial_a church_n and_o christ_n mind_n be_v that_o the_o business_n shall_v be_v here_o end_v without_o any_o appeal_n from_o it_o answer_v christ_n mean_v not_o only_o a_o particular_a singular_a congregation_n but_o also_o if_o not_o main_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n for_o first_o the_o particular_a church_n can_v sometime_o heal_v the_o distemper_n as_o when_o it_o be_v divide_v or_o when_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v scandalous_a as_o oft_o may_v fall_v out_o by_o give_v a_o wrong_a sentence_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n have_v mean_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v complean_v to_o and_o in_o no_o case_n a_o judicatory_a above_o they_o than_o his_o remedy_n shall_v have_v come_v short_a in_o cure_v the_o disease_n for_o which_o he_o intend_v it_o which_o to_o say_v be_v no_o small_a imputation_n to_o jesus_n christ._n second_o christ_n here_o allude_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o obstinate_a to_o be_v repute_v as_o a_o heathen_a the_o same_o which_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o speech_n tell_v the_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o understand_v if_o he_o have_v not_o allude_v to_o the_o jewish_a judicatory_a beside_o which_o they_o know_v no_o judicatory_a for_o such_o offence_n as_o christ_n speak_v of_o to_o they_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v give_v its_o name_n to_o christ._n now_o as_o we_o clear_v before_o the_o judicatories_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v to_o be_v complain_v to_o for_o scandal_n be_v not_o only_o these_o who_o be_v in_o their_o single_a synagogue_n or_o congregation_n but_o also_o superior_a court_n to_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v from_o the_o lesser_a court_n three_o christ_n mean_v here_o of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o as_o we_o have_v already_o clear_v be_v presbyterial_a church_n or_o judicatories_n have_v the_o oversight_n of_o many_o congregation_n now_o sure_a these_o be_v the_o first_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o power_n of_o government_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n in_o that_o place_n their_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o the_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o presbytry_n lay_v on_o a_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n and_o subjection_n upon_o particular_a congregation_n equal_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v in_o bondage_n it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o lord_n bishop_n than_o under_o a_o number_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n in_o presbytry_n or_o synod_n for_o answer_v we_o make_v no_o other_o subjection_n here_o than_o what_o the_o independent_o themselves_o make_v for_o they_o make_v ten_o in_o a_o congregation_n subject_a to_o five_o hundred_o and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o five_o hundred_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o ten_o so_o make_v we_o many_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o elder_n convene_v in_o a_o presbytry_n what_o more_o subjection_n be_v there_o in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o second_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a comparison_n to_o compare_v bishop_n tyranny_n with_o presbytry_n for_o 1._o the_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v humane_a this_o be_v divine_a 2._o the_o bishop_n be_v but_o one_o man_n do_v by_o himself_o alone_o govern_v and_o that_o ad_fw-la arbitratum_fw-la nor_o have_v he_o any_o to_o answer_v to_o but_o here_o more_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v join_v together_o who_o be_v by_o mutual_a advice_n to_o rule_n god_n people_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o government_n by_o the_o bishop_n be_v altogether_o extrinsical_a to_o or_o without_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o bishop_n be_v none_o of_o their_o member_n nor_o yet_o choose_v by_o they_o but_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o they_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o member_n and_o commissioner_n from_o those_o same_o very_a church_n where_o they_o govern_v and_o so_o it_o be_v whole_o intrinsical_v 4._o we_o say_v government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tyrannical_a as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a remedy_n against_o church_n tyranny_n because_o it_o be_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n for_o all_o these_o who_o be_v oppress_v in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n for_o if_o in_o the_o independent_a government_n one_o be_v wrong_v he_o must_v sit_v with_o it_o till_o christ_n come_v and_o right_v he_o neighbour_n church_n may_v advise_v and_o request_v but_o the_o congregation_n advise_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o follow_v it_o but_o hâ—â—e_v when_o the_o eldership_n do_v wrong_a there_o be_v a_o refuge_n to_o a_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o to_o a_o synod_n etc._n etc._n object_n 3._o government_n by_o presbytery_n lay_v upon_o minister_n and_o elder_n the_o charge_n of_o other_o flock_n than_o these_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n make_v they_o overseer_n to_o wit_n the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o these_o church_n because_o they_o govern_v they_o answer_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o all_o these_o congregation_n in_o particular_a and_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a so_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v particular_o to_o catechise_v to_o visit_v etc._n etc._n only_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o and_o as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o the_o court_n with_o other_o and_o this_o be_v
under_o a_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o before_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n also_o to_o discharge_v himself_o in_o namely_o all_o the_o duty_n pertain_v to_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n or_o paroch_n to_o which_o he_o come_v although_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n we_o say_v second_o he_o may_v also_o swear_v to_o do_v these_o duty_n but_o three_o to_o bind_v this_o on_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n so_o as_o if_o they_o take_v it_o not_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n we_o say_v it_o be_v will_n worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n either_o by_o practice_n or_o precept_n in_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n we_o may_v easy_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n never_o take_v this_o way_n to_o gather_v a_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n be_v the_o four_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o receive_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v right_a to_o these_o outward_a privilege_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o they_o hold_v in_o this_o point_n be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v all_o visible_a church_n dissolve_v and_o then_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o these_o wherein_o none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o admit_v to_o partake_v of_o church_n privilege_n so_o as_o to_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o minister_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o those_o who_o have_v evident_a positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o not_o only_o evident_a to_o the_o minister_n and_o a_o few_o more_o but_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o congregation_n must_v be_v convince_v so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v attain_v unto_o that_o he_o have_v grace_n or_o else_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o which_o rule_n they_o model_n congregation_n but_o there_o be_v never_o a_o congregation_n since_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o earth_n so_o constitute_v except_o their_o own_o for_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v cast_v out_o the_o two_o part_n and_o of_o some_o congregation_n leave_v ten_o part_n and_o take_v but_o the_o eleven_o leave_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o pagan_n without_o baptise_v their_o child_n or_o admit_v themselves_o to_o any_o church_n privilege_n this_o be_v what_o they_o hold_v as_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n take_v those_o assertion_n first_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o man_n indeed_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n so_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n if_o he_o have_v it_o not_o and_o all_o the_o privilege_n he_o enjoy_v will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a without_o it_o we_o say_v in_o this_o respect_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o so_o ought_v to_o have_v grace_n that_o none_o of_o they_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a without_o it_o this_o we_o deny_v it_o be_v ill_o reason_v from_o unanswerableness_n to_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o forfeiture_n of_o privilege_n for_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n so_o as_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o have_v it_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o lawful_a magistrate_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o magistrate_n although_o he_o have_v not_o grace_n second_o we_o do_v willing_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o people_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n our_o practice_n come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o that_o care_n take_v to_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v our_o practice_n be_v indeed_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n but_o our_o rule_n which_o we_o shall_v hold_v out_o as_o 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right_a of_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a we_o find_v this_o from_o the_o apostle_n practise_v act_n 2._o 41._o where_o the_o way_n be_v how_o they_o receive_v man_n to_o be_v church_n member_n it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v baptise_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n v_o last_o so_o in_o act._n 8_o 38._o the_o eunuch_n be_v receive_v by_o baptism_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o saul_n act_n 9_o 18._o and_o lydia_n act._n 16_o 15._o second_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o jew_n right_a of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o right_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a for_o baptism_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o place_n with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o be_v for_o our_o 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often_o if_o any_o man_n have_v ear_n to_o hear_v etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v not_o suppose_v that_o there_o have_v be_v in_o they_o blind_a obdurate_a carnal_a hearer_n three_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n galatia_n thessalonica_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o since_o christ_n day_n never_o one_o of_o they_o be_v such_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o can_v be_v right_o see_v neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n do_v follow_v it_o we_o bring_v a_o four_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o can_v be_v a_o right_a rule_n of_o gather_v church_n that_o will_v hold_v out_o a_o number_n of_o gracious_a soul_n from_o be_v member_n but_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o will_v do_v so_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o right_a rule_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n none_o will_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o second_o that_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o many_o true_o gracious_a we_o prove_v it_o for_o first_o there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v grace_n that_o for_o want_v of_o part_n they_o can_v express_v the_o thing_n they_o have_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v evidence_n of_o grace_n to_o other_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o some_o so_o proud_a some_o so_o passionate_a so_o worldly_a so_o talkative_a so_o imprudent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v grace_n in_o they_o three_o the_o way_n of_o some_o be_v so_o hide_v or_o rather_o god_n way_n in_o they_o so_o hide_v that_o for_o any_o thing_n people_n can_v see_v in_o they_o they_o be_v nothing_o different_a from_o natural_a civilian_n and_o yet_o many_o of_o such_o will_v make_v clear_a and_o satisfy_a discovery_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o they_o at_o their_o death_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n then_o appear_v that_o be_v long_o under_o ground_n 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in_o search_v hence_o that_o which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o he_o the_o last_o year_n will_v be_v no_o church_n to_o he_o this_o and_o so_o this_o rule_n of_o they_o keep_v the_o church_n in_o a_o continual_a hazard_n of_o be_v rend_v of_o separate_v after_o separate_n while_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o this_o have_v make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o all_o their_o church_n rend_v and_o one_o part_n to_o excommunicate_v another_o yea_o hence_o many_o of_o that_o way_n cast_v off_o all_o church_n at_o last_o and_o turn_v seeker_n cast_v off_o all_o serve_a god_n with_o other_o all_o use_n of_o public_a mean_n only_o serve_v god_n apart_o and_o by_o themselves_o
or_o where_o profane_a or_o wicked_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v in_o it_o the_o godly_a be_v bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o not_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o mix_a multitude_n and_o because_o they_o hold_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o live_v in_o any_o church_n where_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o whole_a ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v bind_v to_o separate_a from_o that_o church_n and_o to_o make_v up_o a_o church_n of_o their_o own_o by_o gather_v out_o so_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a that_o be_v in_o it_o as_o they_o can_v get_v and_o make_v a_o little_a congregation_n of_o their_o own_o choose_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o some_o one_o or_o two_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o so_o they_o set_v up_o a_o church_n against_o a_o church_n a_o church_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a error_n it_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n long_v since_o in_o the_o four_o century_n or_o something_o more_o than_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o donatist_n a_o kind_n of_o heretic_n arise_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o do_v teach_v the_o same_o very_a thing_n against_o who_o the_o godly_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o time_n do_v write_v yet_o because_o this_o error_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n more_o than_o ordinary_a it_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o well_o mind_v people_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v drive_v out_o by_o force_n of_o argument_n till_o the_o lord_n do_v leave_v the_o mantainer_n of_o this_o error_n to_o fall_v into_o other_o vile_a abomination_n for_o all_o their_o pretence_n of_o strictness_n which_o make_v all_o other_o to_o loathe_v they_o and_o before_o it_o can_v be_v get_v root_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o trouble_v the_o church_n almost_o 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congregation_n where_o there_o be_v abuse_n of_o that_o kind_n tolerate_v he_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o his_o place_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o they_o he_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n to_o admonish_v these_o who_o be_v wicked_a and_o scandalous_a and_o if_o his_o admonition_n do_v no_o good_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o delate_v they_o to_o the_o eldership_n that_o they_o may_v be_v censure_v if_o they_o be_v censure_v it_o be_v well_o he_o have_v gain_v his_o point_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o censure_v or_o not_o so_o full_o as_o he_o will_v he_o be_v to_o regrate_a the_o matter_n to_o god_n and_o mourn_v for_o it_o but_o four_o we_o hold_v that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o stay_v in_o that_o congregation_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o keep_v back_o from_o god_n worship_n as_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o from_o any_o part_n of_o service_n in_o itself_o lawful_a because_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n join_v with_o he_o in_o it_o far_o less_o be_v he_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o draw_v away_o a_o number_n with_o he_o to_o set_v up_o a_o little_a church_n for_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o question_n we_o be_v to_o debate_v about_o the_o separatist_n say_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o communion_n if_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o be_v profane_a or_o wicked_a and_o that_o lest_o he_o be_v defile_v with_o they_o we_o say_v if_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n be_v lawful_a and_o pure_a in_o itself_o he_o sin_n in_o keep_v back_o from_o it_o notwithstanding_o that_o other_o join_v with_o he_o in_o it_o who_o the_o church_n officer_n shall_v keep_v back_o we_o grant_v indeed_o when_o the_o service_n be_v not_o pure_a and_o lawful_a in_o its_o self_n as_o for_o example_n when_o communion_n can_v be_v have_v except_o the_o people_n kneel_v and_o so_o worship_v the_o bread_n in_o that_o case_n every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v back_o that_o will_v keep_v himself_o free_a of_o sin_n not_o because_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n go_v to_o the_o table_n but_o because_o the_o ordinance_n be_v go_v about_o in_o a_o sinful_a way_n but_o our_o question_n be_v concern_v worship_n in_o itself_o lawful_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o communion_n be_v administrate_v by_o a_o minister_n lawful_o call_v when_o that_o table_n gesture_n which_o christ_n himself_o use_v be_v keep_v at_o it_o when_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o his_o command_n what_o godly_a person_n shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n when_o scandalous_a person_n one_o or_o more_o be_v suffer_v to_o come_v to_o the_o table_n we_o hold_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o be_v there_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o come_v forward_o and_o the_o wicked_a man_n be_v there_o defile_v only_o the_o worship_n to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o those_o who_o come_v in_o honesty_n this_o much_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o have_v clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o our_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o that_o the_o godly_a shall_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o lawful_a command_a duty_n because_o wicked_a man_n have_v their_o hand_n at_o they_o arg_n i._n our_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o christ_n time_n any_o who_o know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a corrupt_a church_n in_o christ_n time_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n their_o preacher_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v debauch_v person_n they_o pervert_v the_o law_n the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a and_o when_o the_o preacher_n be_v such_o you_o may_v judge_v what_o the_o people_n be_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o lawful_a worship_n for_o first_o christ_n himself_o come_v yearly_o up_o to_o the_o feast_n at_o jerusalem_n second_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o command_v his_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o that_o upon_o the_o contrair_a he_o forbid_v they_o to_o stumble_v at_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o to_o come_v to_o the_o lawful_a worship_n as_o matth_n 23._o 1._o 2._o then_o speak_v jesus_n to_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o lawful_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v but_o godless_a man_n that_o go_v about_o it_o what_o they_o preach_v according_a
to_o the_o word_n do_v that_o and_o for_o their_o wicked_a life_n follow_v they_o not_o in_o it_o arg_n ii_o our_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n many_o corrupter_n and_o graceless_a man_n that_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n both_o of_o the_o preacher_n and_o people_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o find_v that_o the_o godly_a do_v loathe_v the_o lawful_a worship_n or_o keep_v back_o from_o it_o because_o of_o that_o yea_o we_o find_v the_o lord_n command_v they_o to_o join_v in_o the_o lawful_a worship_n and_o when_o they_o will_v separate_a he_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o we_o shall_v make_v this_o appear_v from_o three_o or_o four_o time_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o first_o be_v moses_n time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o profane_a man_n in_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n as_o you_o will_v find_v deut_n 32._o only_o remember_v this_o all_o along_o that_o the_o point_v we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o keep_v profane_a man_n in_o the_o church_n we_o show_v those_o shall_v be_v remove_v but_o the_o question_n be_v when_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o what_o the_o godly_a shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n if_o they_o shall_v turn_v back_o and_o leave_v that_o church_n i_o say_v we_o find_v deut_n 32._o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_a sound_n they_o corrupt_v themselves_o their_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o child_n yet_o we_o never_o read_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o godly_a do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o command_a worship_n because_o such_o be_v at_o it_o yea_o on_o the_o contrair_a we_o find_v they_o join_v with_o they_o deut_n 29._o moses_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o yea_o deut_n 1â—_n 6._o 7._o 8._o the_o lord_n command_v the_o people_n to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o shall_v choose_v to_o place_v his_o name_n and_o go_v about_o the_o lawful_a command_a duty_n though_o doubtless_o there_o will_v be_v many_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o the_o second_o time_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o take_v to_o prove_v the_o point_n be_v in_o joshua_n time_n there_o be_v then_o great_a mixture_n of_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v from_o joshua_n 24._o 14._o 23._o he_o bid_v they_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n so_o there_o be_v number_n of_o they_o corrupt_v in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n v_o 23._o that_o joshua_n conveen_v they_o altogether_o to_o a_o solemn_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o on_o that_o subject_a now_o sure_o joshua_n will_v not_o have_v do_v this_o if_o so_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v defile_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o godly_a to_o stay_v with_o the_o wicked_a when_o about_o worship_n the_o three_o time_n be_v in_o elijah_n time_n 1_o king_n 18._o we_o find_v at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v some_o godly_a seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n we_o find_v also_o a_o atheistical_a multitude_n in_o verse_n 29._o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n halt_a betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n they_o will_v neither_o say_v that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n nor_o that_o baal_n be_v their_o god_n and_o yet_o elijah_n call_v all_o together_o to_o a_o solemn_a worship_n a_o solemn_a sacrifice_n that_o be_v go_v about_o verse_n 36._o and_o there_o be_v preach_v and_o pray_v to_o that_o purpose_n now_o sure_o if_o so_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o that_o godless_a multitude_n which_o elijah_n can_v not_o get_v reform_v in_o a_o haste_n have_v profane_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o seven_o thousand_o godly_a elijah_n will_v never_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o that_o sin_n a_o four_o time_n be_v from_o solomon_n time_n to_o hezekiah_n there_o be_v great_a corruption_n tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n then_o as_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o high-place_n as_o be_v clear_a through_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n and_o there_o be_v much_o profanity_n of_o life_n in_o that_o time_n which_o also_o appear_v from_o the_o frequent_a sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v separate_v from_o the_o lawful_a worship_n because_o of_o that_o mixture_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o read_v they_o do_v join_v with_o they_o in_o every_o lawful_a duty_n 2_o chron._n 15._o asa_n gather_v all_o together_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o isaias_n jeremiah_n and_o the_o rest_n preach_v to_o they_o pray_v with_o they_o now_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n have_v pollute_v the_o service_n to_o they_o than_o isaias_n his_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o join_v with_o the_o people_n in_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v defile_v to_o he_o a_o five_o instance_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o samuel_n 2._o 16._o eli_n son_n the_o priest_n be_v profane_a man_n whereupon_o the_o godly_a begin_v to_o abhor_v the_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 17._o wherefore_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o young_a man_n be_v very_o great_a before_o the_o lord_n for_o man_n abhor_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v little_a wonder_n they_o do_v so_o for_o in_o verse_n 22._o we_o find_v the_o priest_n be_v so_o godless_a that_o they_o do_v lie_v with_o woman_n that_o assemble_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n little_a wonder_n then_o that_o the_o godly_a do_v loath_a and_o withdraw_v but_o do_v the_o lord_n approve_v of_o their_o withdraw_n notwithstanding_o of_o that_o reason_n no_o we_o see_v in_o verse_n 24._o where_o eli_n the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o his_o son_n say_v he_o nay_o my_o son_n for_o it_o be_v no_o good_a report_n that_o i_o hear_v you_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o transgress_v their_o abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n that_o have_v their_o hand_n at_o it_o be_v call_v a_o transgress_a you_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o transgress_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o godly_a provide_v they_o come_v honest_o themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o wicked_n presence_n shall_v not_o keep_v they_o away_o there_o be_v a_o exception_n which_o our_o opposite_n have_v against_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o say_v that_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v impossible_a there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n to_o join_v with_o the_o service_n be_v then_o annex_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o so_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o case_n under_o the_o new_a we_o may_v answer_v several_a thing_n unto_o this_o as_o first_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v defile_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o godly_a than_o the_o godly_a have_v be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n even_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o church_n to_o join_v with_o better_a to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n visible_a than_o to_o be_v in_o it_o if_o we_o must_v sin_v by_o abide_v in_o it_o but_o to_o answer_v more_o brief_o we_o shall_v find_v instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o make_v separation_n unlawful_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a which_o instance_n shall_v make_v up_o our_o three_o argument_n arg_n iii_o our_o three_o argument_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v a_o profane_a multitude_n 1_o cor_n 3_o 4._o we_o find_v there_o be_v schismatic_n in_o it_o chap_n v_o five_o 1._o we_o find_v incest_n be_v tolerate_v chap._n 6_o five_o 1._o we_o find_v there_o be_v man_n of_o contentious_a spirit_n go_v to_o law_n before_o infidel_n yea_o in_o that_o chapter_n we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o plead_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o fornication_n and_o chap_n 11._o we_o find_v there_o be_v drunkard_n among_o they_o and_o such_o drunkenness_n as_o be_v most_o abominable_a for_o some_o come_v drink_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n v_o 21._o and_o chap_n 15._o we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o infect_v with_o a_o dangerous_a heresy_n the_o deny_v of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o so_o a_o number_n of_o very_o offensive_a thing_n be_v
that_o the_o apostle_n john_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o whorish_a rome_n and_o be_v command_v all_o god_n people_n to_o separate_a from_o the_o antichristian_a church_n now_o let_v any_o judge_n if_o that_o be_v not_o loose_a reason_v we_o be_v command_v to_o separate_a from_o rome_n who_o have_v overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n worship_n the_o creature_n instead_o of_o the_o creator_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o christ_n true_a and_o pure_a church_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o so_o be_v profane_a man_n be_v keep_v in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a consequence_n obj._n iii_o their_o three_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la â—_o 11._o but_o now_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v our_o ordinary_a meat_n with_o wicked_a man_n and_o far_o more_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sin_n that_o scandalous_a and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v partly_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o minister_n and_o partly_o through_o abound_a corruption_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v to_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v as_o to_o this_o place_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v true_a every_o tender_a christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o use_v familiar_a society_n with_o fornicator_n but_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o forbid_v as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a at_o all_o time_n to_o eat_v with_o they_o for_o even_o paul_n himself_o eat_v with_o heathen_n act_n 27._o 35._o so_o the_o thing_n here_o forbid_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v not_o use_v intimate_fw-la society_n with_o wicked_a man_n yet_o so_o as_o when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o eschew_v it_o be_v lawful_a both_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o as_o put_v the_o case_n we_o can_v not_o get_v it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o follow_v paul_n practice_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o it_o be_v in_o minister_n power_n to_o hold_v they_o back_o if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o private_a christian_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o debarr_v they_o and_o so_o can_v get_v eat_v with_o they_o eschew_v without_o neglect_v of_o a_o duty_n be_v bind_v to_o separate_a obj._n iu._n their_o four_o objection_n be_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 6_o know_v you_o not_o that_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n scandalous_a man_n infect_v the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v infect_v infect_v the_o worship_n and_o so_o if_o i_o come_v to_o the_o worship_n it_o be_v infect_v to_o i_o and_o i_o do_v sin_n now_o this_o be_v a_o consequence_n far_o from_o paul_n word_n a_o little_a leaven_n say_v he_o leaven_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o cast_v out_o the_o incestous_a man_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o he_o be_v not_o put_v out_o cast_v out_o yourselves_o as_o for_o that_o they_o say_v that_o profane_a man_n infect_v the_o worship_n it_o be_v without_o ground_n it_o be_v true_a profane_a man_n ofttimes_o infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v but_o they_o do_v not_o infect_v the_o worship_n for_o the_o way_n that_o profane_a man_n infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v be_v not_o physical_a as_o the_o pest_n infect_v every_o thing_n it_o touch_v but_o they_o infect_v by_o their_o evil_a example_n and_o so_o a_o profane_a man_n may_v infect_v another_o man_n but_o by_o his_o evil_a example_n can_v infect_v the_o worship_n because_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o evil_a example_n as_o a_o man_n be_v and_o so_o if_o i_o can_v keep_v myself_o from_o follow_v their_o example_n the_o worship_n be_v pure_a and_o clean_a to_o i_o obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v say_v they_o my_o come_n to_o the_o table_n with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n so_o i_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n &_o say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o better_a for_o i_o to_o withdraw_v we_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o plausible_a argument_n to_o deter_v people_n that_o be_v tender_a but_o when_o try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v weak_a for_o if_o so_o be_v this_o argument_n do_v hold_v for_o separate_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o will_v conclude_v also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hear_v preach_v with_o they_o for_o our_o hear_n preach_a with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o our_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o and_o the_o wicked_a man_n profane_v the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v be_v pollute_v which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o speak_v by_o his_o preach_v to_o profane_a multitude_n for_o in_o that_o he_o countenance_v they_o therefore_o second_o for_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n we_o say_v worship_v with_o they_o be_v not_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o hold_v they_o out_o but_o not_o otherwise_o thou_o do_v say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o be_v serve_v god_n do_v the_o command_v duty_n but_o not_o to_o their_o hypocritical_a way_n in_o do_v of_o it_o do_v christ_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o pharisee_n way_n of_o hear_v although_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o so_o neither_o do_v thou_o but_o as_o be_v already_o say_v thou_o approve_v of_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v the_o command_a duty_n but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v impenitent_o thou_o by_o thy_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n approve_v it_o not_o this_o for_o their_o objection_n iv._o for_o use_v our_o first_o be_v this_o to_o regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o occasion_n give_v to_o this_o error_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n profane_a and_o wicked_a and_o that_o people_n walk_v not_o like_o their_o holy_a call_v we_o may_v regrate_a that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o elder_n do_v not_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n do_v not_o labour_v to_o find_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o and_o debarr_v they_o from_o communion_n but_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v purge_v out_o other_o their_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v purge_v out_o as_o scandalous_a themselves_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o rent_n the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v man_n arise_v among_o ourselves_o under_o pretence_n of_o pious_a strictness_n to_o cast_v at_o our_o worship_n we_o behove_v to_o say_v just_o be_v the_o lord_n although_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o excuse_n but_o a_o fearful_a sin_n to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o carriage_n rent_n and_o undo_v the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o use_v ii_o the_o second_o use_n be_v that_o you_o will_v not_o think_v all_o alike_o guilty_a that_o may_v incline_v to_o this_o error_n of_o separate_n from_o lawful_a worship_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v some_o pious_o strict_a that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n loath_a at_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o but_o in_o wicked_a man_n company_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n because_o they_o can_v live_v without_o the_o ordinance_n therefore_o they_o incline_v to_o make_v up_o a_o little_o church_n of_o good_a man_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o devil_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o zeal_n to_o make_v they_o dishonour_n god_n by_o run_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a now_o although_o the_o humour_n of_o such_o shall_v not_o be_v give_v way_n to_o yet_o those_o who_o incline_v this_o way_n from_o a_o desire_n of_o strictness_n be_v much_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o error_n it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o have_v be_v more_o carry_v on_o by_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n than_o any_o true_a love_n to_o holiness_n itself_o it_o have_v be_v usual_o find_v in_o heady_a man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o rupture_n in_o tâ—e_v church_n that_o