of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o contrary_a that_o of_o the_o independent_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o it_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n &_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o out_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o 1._o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n &_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20._o 17._o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o life_n i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o
be_v mention_v make_v in_o that_o epistle_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n 1_o cor._n 14._o verse_n 34._o let_v the_o woman_n say_v the_o apostle_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n congregation_n and_o church_n be_v synonima_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n and_o depend_v all_o upon_o that_o stock_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n where_o verse_n the_o 1._o paul_n and_o timothy_n salute_v all_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o that_o epistle_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v all_o one_o and_o we_o meet_v also_o with_o many_o deacon_n all_o which_o prove_v to_o any_o understand_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n for_o one_o deacon_n will_v have_v serve_v for_o one_o congrgeation_n or_o assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n and_o that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o variety_n of_o teacher_n beside_o their_o good_a and_o godly_a bishop_n for_o paul_n say_v there_o be_v dog_n among_o they_o evil_a worker_n and_o those_o of_o the_o concision_n and_o he_o bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o beware_v of_o those_o chap._n 3._o verse_n 2._o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v worldly_a man_n that_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n who_o he_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n as_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o adays_o do_v chapter_n 4._o verse_n 18_o 19_o and_o give_v they_o in_o command_n to_o shun_v their_o example_n and_o only_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o such_o as_o walk_v as_o he_o do_v who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o many_o such_o teacher_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n and_o such_o as_o teach_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o sincere_o all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n where_o paul_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o which_o he_o wish_v be_v root_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o or_o destroy_v so_o that_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a counsel_n of_o a_o presbytery_n there_o for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o that_o by_o name_n my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v and_o this_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n revel_v the_o 2._o of_o the_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o elder_n to_o he_o act_v the_o 20._o verse_n 17._o in_o the_o which_o church_n there_o be_v such_o infinite_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o yea_o paul_n himself_o declare_v as_o much_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 20._o chap._n verse_n 20._o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n signify_v per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o therefore_o by_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v many_o congregation_n as_o in_o the_o forego_v discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o all_o reason_n indeed_o will_v persuade_v it_o have_v it_o not_o in_o word_n be_v specify_v for_o ephesus_n be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o a_o place_n of_o great_a traffic_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o whole_a year_n by_o who_o hand_n god_n wrought_v no_o small_a miracle_n so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o through_o other_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o that_o city_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a ch_z 19_o set_v down_o so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o very_a scholar_n and_o such_o as_o study_v curious_a art_n be_v also_o convert_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n the_o price_n of_o which_o amount_v to_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n in_o so_o much_o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v magnify_v and_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v or_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o mart_n town_n can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n together_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o madness_n to_o think_v so_o if_o the_o very_a diversity_n of_o their_o language_n and_o tongue_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o dissuade_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v they_o must_v understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o so_o many_o people_n of_o several_a language_n and_o dialect_n can_v never_o do_v by_o any_o one_o for_o it_o be_v then_o a_o miracle_n to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v confer_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o convert_v the_o nation_n such_o as_o be_v the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o prophet_n all_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o very_o seldom_o have_v the_o ordinary_a people_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o some_o select_a and_o choose_a one_o not_o upon_o all_o promiscuous_o buâ—_n upon_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v upon_o all_o then_o simon_n magus_n need_v not_o have_v offer_v money_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o those_o grace_n have_v be_v promiscuous_o give_v but_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o to_o some_o sortsof_n man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v distribute_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n make_v special_a choice_n of_o for_o so_o it_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 12._o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o common_a people_n have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o language_n they_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v have_v such_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n must_v necessary_o have_v divers_a place_n to_o meet_v in_o if_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o otherwise_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o we_o read_v of_o at_o the_o first_o plantationof_n this_o church_n the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 20._o that_o for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o paul_n teach_v they_o night_n and_o day_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n they_o have_v also_o timothy_n sometime_o among_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a teacher_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_n for_o 28._o who_o all_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o with_o a_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v that_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o have_v a_o commission_n likewise_o give_v they_o to_o oppose_v all_o false_a teacher_n which_o they_o faithful_o perform_v as_o the_o lord_n bear_v they_o witness_v revel_v the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o saying_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o government_n of_o
that_o church_n be_v whole_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n for_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n likewise_o and_o authority_n of_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o we_o far_o learn_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o although_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n govern_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n conclude_a his_o epistle_n send_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o those_o asian_a church_n rev._n the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v he_o who_o make_v the_o particular_a or_o singular_a church_n he_o write_v to_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o church_n not_o one_o only_a as_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n only_o he_o do_v make_v that_o one_o church_n to_o which_o he_o write_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o particular_a to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a classical_a or_o collegiate_n church_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o epiphonemicall_a conclusion_n to_o every_o church_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o in_o particular_a do_v speak_v of_o the_o same_o as_o of_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n of_o church_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la one_o church_n have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o be_v classical_o or_o collegiate_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la to_o the_o which_o argument_n the_o independent_o answer_v by_o deny_v of_o the_o assumption_n say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequentér_n as_o well_o as_o antecedentér_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o follow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o they_o cite_v junius_n his_o testimony_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o their_o denial_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n they_o produce_v also_o master_n bains_n his_o authority_n to_o as_o little_a end_n christ_n say_v he_o do_v not_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o church_n precede_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o collective_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o the_o member_n of_o each_o singular_a church_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n both_o several_o and_o joint_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o other_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o make_v to_o this_o argument_n page_n 133._o and_o if_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v never_o want_v answer_n and_o reply_v but_o we_o look_v for_o reason_n and_o not_o for_o word_n in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v deny_v our_o argument_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o gainsay_n the_o argument_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n and_o many_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o the_o other_o six_o church_n and_o true_o he_o grant_v the_o argument_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o antecedenter_v so_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o worâ—â—_n may_v be_v take_v antecedenter_n as_o well_o as_o consequenter_fw-la that_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o go_v before_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o follow_v viz_o both_o way_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o require_v and_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o argument_n i_o labour_v to_o prove_v for_o who_o ever_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n bid_v they_o watch_n that_o what_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o man_n so_o who_o ever_o yet_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o church_n there_o christ_n have_v as_o well_o reference_n not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o their_o example_n be_v forewarn_v lest_o they_o likewise_o offend_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v though_o primary_o principal_o and_o antecedenter_v he_o have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n assembly_n or_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n as_o first_o to_o those_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v yet_o call_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o other_o also_o as_o consist_v of_o many_o several_a company_n and_o several_a congregation_n yet_o be_v all_o combine_a together_o in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o subordinate_a to_o each_o of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v but_o for_o one_o church_n within_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v to_o they_o all_o several_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o number_n of_o multitude_n as_o to_o many_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o write_v to_o they_o all_o as_o particular_a and_o singular_a church_n because_o though_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yet_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o classical_a way_n and_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o those_o epistle_n shall_v as_o well_o be_v consider_v collective_o as_o the_o word_n angel_n now_o all_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o the_o very_a independent_a minister_n themselves_o hold_v that_o by_o angel_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o each_o of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o those_o several_a epistle_n may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o interpret_v collective_o for_o many_o minister_n then_o the_o word_n church_n also_o may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o for_o many_o church_n for_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o pastor_n and_o â—lock_n be_v relative_n and_o have_v reference_n one_o to_o another_o now_o if_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n than_o there_o must_v likewise_o be_v many_o flock_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o those_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o constitution_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n we_o find_v many_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n a_o whole_a college_n of_o they_o act_v the_o 20_o ver_fw-la 17_o and_o 28._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o that_o church_n so_o in_o the_o other_o six_o for_o in_o express_a word_n paul_n say_v that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n public_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o house_n which_o be_v by_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v to_o signify_v many_o several_a congregation_n in_o that_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o when_o the_o independent_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o shallow_a understanding_n know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o therefore_o several_a church_n even_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o same_o expression_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o that_o one_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o they_o have_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o meet_v place_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o have_v both_o public_o and_o private_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o city_n have_v obtain_v so_o much_o
epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 13._o 7._o remember_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o vers_fw-la 17._o obey_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o vers_n 24._o salute_v all_o they_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n here_o again_o he_o enjoin_v all_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o presbytery_n show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o their_o minister_n to_o rule_v and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o out_o of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n for_o they_o watch_v say_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n and_o in_o 1_o peter_z 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o say_v saint_n peter_n i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o taking_z the_o over_z sight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o saint_n james_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 14._o be_v any_o among_o you_o sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v in_o every_o church_n and_o every_o church_n be_v to_o submit_v itself_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o act_n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o brethren_n and_o act_v 21._o 17._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n say_v saint_n luke_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o city_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n namely_o of_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o in_o convent_v man_n before_o they_o upon_o occasion_n in_o admonish_v if_o any_o offend_v in_o suspend_v they_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigble_a in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o repentance_n in_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o again_o and_o in_o ordain_v of_o officer_n and_o in_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n where_o and_o within_o these_o limit_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v all_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n terminate_v and_o this_o they_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n joint_o and_o by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o exercise_v and_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v the_o order_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o establish_v and_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o people_n or_o the_o congregation_n be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o commission_n or_o have_v any_o power_n give_v they_o of_o rule_v for_o saint_n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n now_o paul_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o city_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o command_v timothy_n again_o and_o again_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o v._n 12_o 13._o i_o give_v thou_o charge_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n say_v he_o that_o thou_o keep_v this_o command_n without_o spot_n unblameable_a till_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o timothy_n and_o all_o minister_n in_o he_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n bind_v to_o maintain_v that_o government_n unblameable_a that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n by_o joint_a consent_n and_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n without_o their_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o when_o diotrephes_n assume_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytory_n &_o oppose_a john_n the_o presbyter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v his_o proceed_n and_o signify_v to_o the_o church_n epist_n 3._o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o word_n and_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n for_o he_o say_v s._n john_n content_v not_o himself_o only_o to_o prate_v malicious_o against_o we_o but_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o brethren_n nor_o suffer_v other_o but_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o he_o say_v saint_n john_n but_o for_o you_o say_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n follow_v not_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o to_o assume_v unto_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n that_o power_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o exercise_v only_o by_o the_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o which_o say_v saint_n john_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o shall_v call_v diotrephes_n the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o one_o of_o they_o do_v to_o i_o not_o long_o since_o whereas_o if_o the_o place_n be_v duâ—ly_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a govenment_n and_o for_o the_o which_o he_o be_v by_o saint_n john_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o in_o he_o all_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n into_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n but_o of_o this_o business_n when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v here_o make_v reply_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n his_o practice_n which_o be_v occasion_v as_o i_o relate_v before_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o discourse_n between_o i_o and_o a_o independent_a who_o affirm_v that_o diotriphes_n be_v the_o patriarch_n of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o which_o opinion_n of_o his_o mr_n knollys_n do_v seem_v to_o favour_n as_o by_o his_o word_n may_v appear_v but_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v the_o contrary_a
tongue_n and_o true_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n or_o about_o the_o text_n as_o there_o be_v not_o here_o i_o conceive_v it_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o man_n to_o insert_v sentence_n either_o of_o greek_a or_o latin_a except_o very_o var_o for_o it_o but_o pudder_n the_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o language_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n either_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a or_o roman_a father_n in_o all_o their_o write_n or_o sermon_n to_o use_v any_o but_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n without_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o and_o that_o with_o interpretation_n i_o say_v therefore_o those_o flash_n be_v except_v i_o have_v punctual_o set_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o any_o of_o my_o argument_n both_o here_o and_o every_o where_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o party_n may_v complain_v that_o i_o have_v not_o set_v down_o their_o word_n in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o so_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o he_o who_o hack_v and_o minse_v my_o argument_n at_o pleasure_n pick_v and_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o deal_v with_o either_o whole_o omit_v the_o other_o or_o slight_v of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n both_o of_o mr_n knollys_n j._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o wherein_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o candid_o with_o the_o people_n for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o delude_v they_o and_o mere_o play_v the_o juggler_n this_o large_a discourse_n of_o master_n knollys_n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v have_v but_o little_a substance_n in_o it_o it_o consist_v of_o absurdity_n and_o contradition_n and_o flat_a denial_n of_o that_o which_o he_o often_o grant_v in_o brief_a if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o due_o consider_v every_o passage_n of_o his_o answer_n with_o whathe_n grant_v in_o the_o three_o and_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o pamplet_n he_o will_v speedy_o perceive_v that_o while_o he_o labour_v to_o confute_v other_o he_o give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v that_o opinion_n which_o both_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n labour_n to_o maintain_v and_o withal_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_n he_o will_v the_o better_o discern_v into_o the_o futility_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o of_o his_o party_n that_o believe_v &_o take_v every_o word_n of_o he_o for_o a_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o destructive_a totheir_o own_a cause_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o i_o be_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n these_o be_v his_o word_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o deny_v in_o his_o answer_n and_o what_o he_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o error_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n first_o he_o deny_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v have_v a_o absolute_n jurisdiction_n within_o himself_o and_o have_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o particular_a congregation_n he_o deney_v also_o that_o saint_n john_n know_v any_o court_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o his_o time_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v these_o first_o because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v second_o it_o be_v not_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o his_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v and_o therefore_o how_o say_v god_n can_v the_o dâ—_n affirm_v that_o diotrephes_n asm_v theypower_v to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n &_o c_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n he_o say_v have_v he_o do_v so_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v convent_v before_o they_o which_o he_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o oppose_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n beside_o saint_n john_n will_v then_o have_v write_v rather_o to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o they_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n than_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o his_o evil_n that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o therefore_o when_o the_o presbytery_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n common_a council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v and_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n that_o he_o prat_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n now_o when_o neither_o of_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o presbytry_n nor_o by_o saint_n john_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o diotrephes_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o presbytry_n and_o that_o saint_n john_n then_o know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o in_o his_o time_n and_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v they_o good_a and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o affert_v that_o saint_n john_n wâ—it_n to_o the_o church_n and_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o that_o that_o congregation_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o assertion_n be_v because_o say_v he_o this_o church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o diotrephes_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n have_v over_o their_o member_n have_v thus_o brief_o set_v down_o what_o master_n knollys_n both_o deny_v and_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o each_o i_o shall_v now_o answer_v to_o every_o several_a branch_n in_o order_n and_o if_o i_o be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n i_o crave_v pardon_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o about_o the_o principle_n question_n now_o in_o debate_n but_o that_o it_o will_v give_v the_o more_o light_n to_o the_o wholo_fw-la follow_v discourse_n for_o answer_v therefore_o to_o his_o reason_n of_o my_o mistake_n in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n that_o diotrephes_n have_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o all_o the_o primative_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church_n by_o name_n in_o which_o diotrephes_n be_v presbyter_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 15._o and_o 20._o and_o 21._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o tit._n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o and_o the_o 1._o epist_n oâ—_n pet._n chap_n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o and_o the_o 13._o of_o the_o heb._n and_o saint_n james_n the_o 5._o and_o the_o 3._o epistle_n of_o saint_n john_n which_o master_n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_o evident_a from_o all_o those_o several_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o presbyter_n be_v fix_v with_o in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n with_o a_o special_a charge_n give_v they_o in_o common_a to_o look_v unto_o the_o flock_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v redeem_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n which_o word_n feed_v include_v the_o key_n to_o wit_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n and_o from_o the_o which_o charge_n they_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o among_o we_o daily_o do_v
therefore_o he_o do_v not_o again_o and_o again_o contradict_v himself_o and_o confirm_v my_o argument_n and_o fight_n against_o his_o own_o opinion_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a i_o shall_v also_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o these_o word_n of_o saint_n john_n wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v say_v he_o i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o saint_n johns_n time_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n otherwise_o shall_v st._n john_n have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n to_o have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n and_o to_o have_v punish_v and_o censure_v he_o but_o say_v mr_n knollys_n if_o diotrephes_n have_v affront_v the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_a saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n and_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v against_o he_o that_o he_o praâ—eâ—_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o thus_o mr_n knollys_n trifling_o cavil_v as_o if_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n have_v be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o as_o if_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o in_o that_o write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o also_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o in_o send_v unto_o they_o do_v not_o also_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n and_o presbyter_n in_o they_o when_o we_o learn_v from_o all_o those_o epistle_n and_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o seven_o church_n as_o of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n through_o the_o world_n lay_v only_o on_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n which_o mr_n knollys_n also_o assent_v unto_o say_v page_n 11._o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o in_o his_o write_v to_o the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n principal_o who_o be_v the_o officer_n in_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n who_o will_v in_o convenient_a time_n have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n though_o saint_n john_n have_v never_o come_v thither_o but_o he_o signify_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n make_v they_o retard_v their_o proceed_n against_o he_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o be_v a_o fellow-presbyter_n with_o they_o as_o peter_n be_v with_o those_o presbyter_n he_o writ_n unto_o 1_o epistle_n pet._n chap._n 5._o may_v have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n all_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v that_o saint_n john_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o whible_a question_n be_v vain_a and_o mere_o to_o delude_v the_o people_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o stupid_a or_o so_o unexperienced_a in_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o but_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o time_n in_o every_o corporation_n or_o committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n that_o know_v not_o if_o any_o alderman_n of_o any_o corporation_n or_o any_o commissioner_n of_o any_o committee_n shall_v affect_v a_o particular_a domination_n to_o himself_o over_o his_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n or_o over_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n whenas_o they_o be_v by_o their_o charter_n and_o commission_n to_o govern_v their_o several_a corporation_n hundred_o rape_n riding_n or_o wapentak_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a counsel_n and_o aggreement_n of_o they_o all_o so_o that_o no_o order_n make_v without_o their_o combine_a authority_n or_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o of_o force_n i_o say_v who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o if_o any_o of_o those_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n contrary_a unto_o their_o charter_n or_o commission_n shall_v not_o only_o assume_v unto_o himself_o a_o particular_a power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v thing_n by_o himself_o and_o of_o give_v law_n unto_o other_o and_o in_o bring_v in_o or_o put_v out_o either_o in_o the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n who_o they_o please_v and_o shall_v also_o use_v disgraceful_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n that_o any_o either_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corporation_n &_o committee_n with_o the_o commissioner_n in_o they_o and_o by_o that_o offend_v against_o their_o government_n and_o deserve_v thereby_o severe_o to_o be_v punish_v and_o who_o do_v not_o likewise_o know_v that_o if_o either_o any_o of_o the_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v understand_v of_o this_o their_o disorderly_a carriage_n and_o shall_v inform_v the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n of_o it_o by_o letter_n and_o say_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n by_o these_o his_o expression_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o there_o be_v both_o in_o the_o corporation_n and_o committee_n a_o stand_a court_n in_o which_o there_o be_v power_n at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o punish_n and_o censure_v of_o any_o such_o offender_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o he_o will_v so_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o withal_o will_v say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o commissioner_n information_n do_v no_o way_n impeach_v or_o hinder_v the_o proceed_n of_o that_o court_n or_o minorise_v its_o power_n but_o that_o it_o may_v go_v on_o to_o censure_v such_o as_o shall_v offend_v against_o their_o authority_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o other_o though_o that_o commissioner_n that_o inform_v against_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v present_a and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o it_o have_v a_o court_n and_o power_n within_o itself_o of_o proceed_v against_o diotrephes_n and_o will_v have_v use_v it_o against_o he_o whether_o s._n john_n have_v come_v or_o no_o although_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v against_o he_o till_o saint_n john_n come_v yea_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o good_a out_o of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o this_o i_o say_v it_o appear_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n in_o that_o church_n though_o mr_n knollys_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a peremptory_o assert_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o such_o court_n to_o appeal_v to_o and_o that_o i_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o appeal_n but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o m._n knollys_n to_o confute_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o contradict_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v both_o here_o and_o in_o all_o other_o of_o his_o answer_n as_o in_o their_o due_a place_n we_o shall_v see_v for_o what_o christian_a ever_o with_o deliberation_n do_v read_v the_o scripture_n that_o can_v believe_v that_o st._n john_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o presbytry_n in_o every_o church_n when_o m._n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o without_o doubt_n saint_n john_n know_v the_o government_n that_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o all_o church_n as_o well_o as_o mr_n knollys_n he_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o government_n god_n have_v appoint_v &_o establish_v in_o every_o church_n which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v which_o be_v a_o court_n to_o wit_n a_o company_n of_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n arm_v with_o power_n &_o authority_n from_o god_n himself_o within_o their_o several_a presbytry_n to_o order_n rule_n and_o govern_v the_o people_n under_o
this_o truth_n be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o wilful_o blind_v themselves_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v hourly_a experience_n furnish_v man_n with_o precedent_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o delinquent_n be_v find_v out_o they_o be_v not_o hail_v before_o the_o people_n but_o before_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a hew_v and_o cry_v that_o be_v send_v to_o any_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o his_o deputy_n and_o to_o such_o in_o that_o town_n or_o village_n as_o be_v in_o place_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o people_n trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o it_o yea_o they_o will_v ordinary_o say_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o place_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o business_n of_o state_n that_o they_o affirm_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n secular_a and_o in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n those_o in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o people_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o corporation_n a_o stand_a presbytery_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n and_o ruler_n in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n of_o they_o all_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n lay_v the_o which_o government_n they_o be_v ever_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a agreement_n with_o which_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o intermeddle_v for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v that_o order_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o each_o church_n and_o this_o all_o well-instructed_n christian_n know_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n not_o any_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v of_o oppose_a that_o government_n before_o diotrephes_n who_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o his_o temerity_n by_o st._n john_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a leave_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o howsoever_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o sant_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n steward_n and_o angel_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o place_n that_o the_o independent_o so_o much_o abuse_v howsoever_o paul_n epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o officer_n only_o and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n both_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o and_o the_o take_n of_o he_o in_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 2_o epistle_n and_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o punishment_n inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v not_o censure_v he_o or_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o but_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n and_o this_o agreeable_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n be_v mighty_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n in_o say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o 17._o so_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v he_o these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o double_a yea_o a_o treble_a fallacy_n for_o first_o he_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o which_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o for_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n and_o he_o only_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o by_o this_o he_o deceive_v the_o reader_n 2_o by_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o people_n the_o presbyter_n exclude_v and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n whereas_o indeed_o though_o in_o all_o those_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n yet_o it_o lay_v soe_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o they_o only_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o stand_v to_o their_o order_n so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o this_o business_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequiturâ—unc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o error_n that_o ensue_v from_o groundless_a principle_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a consequence_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o 1._o and_o 5._o say_v vers_n 5._o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o i_o assert_v do_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o good_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o ambassador_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n now_o or_o if_o any_o message_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o any_o corporation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n command_v such_o service_n from_o it_o to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o people_n in_o those_o corporation_n shall_v intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n but_o all_o sound_a understanding_n man_n will_v say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o grave_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o manage_v public_a affair_n and_o to_o the_o major_a and_o aldermèn_fw-fr and_o the_o common-council_n of_o each_o corporation_n to_o transact_v and_o order_v the_o public_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n in_o those_o several_a place_n that_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o they_o to_o order_v all_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n who_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v call_v and_o appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o as_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o take_v in_o according_a to_o divine_a authority_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o people_n in_o any_o church_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n now_o when_o master_n knollys_n by_o church_n understand_v a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o abuse_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o all_o those_o poor_a delude_a people_n that_o follow_v he_o yea_o he_o destroy_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o i_o s._n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n in_o every_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v often_o cite_v before_o and_o i_o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o
persbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v thus_o he_o but_o of_o these_o word_n in_o their_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n lay_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o only_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n as_o the_o steward_n over_o they_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o accusation_n and_o examine_v matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o proceed_v against_o offender_n by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n upon_o evidence_n and_o proof_n make_v against_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v sufficient_o evince_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o their_o minister_n and_o their_o fellow_n member_n as_o to_o censure_v they_o or_o to_o exercise_v any_o act_n of_o government_n over_o they_o neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n in_o write_v unto_o the_o colossian_n and_o bid_v they_o say_v to_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n investe_fw-ge the_o people_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o either_o presbyter_n or_o their_o fellow_n member_n for_o the_o power_n of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n with_o authority_n belong_v primary_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n show_v in_o the_o which_o all_o minister_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o several_a place_n who_o to_o admonish_v and_o how_o who_o to_o ordain_v and_o who_o to_o cast_v out_o and_o how_o to_o exercise_v all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n as_o those_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n and_o censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o minister_n be_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n judicial_o &_o authoritative_o not_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n which_o any_o christian_a upon_o just_a occasion_n observe_v all_o the_o vital_a circumstance_n of_o a_o well_o order_v reproof_n and_o action_n as_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n may_v do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n which_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n as_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n and_o man_n in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o the_o people_n do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n and_o only_a out_o of_o christian_a duty_n and_o not_o with_o any_o authority_n they_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o if_o their_o brethren_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o to_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o then_o to_o refer_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v and_o inform_v their_o several_a presbytery_n of_o it_o the_o people_n be_v confine_v within_o these_o limet_n only_o and_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v and_o go_v out_o of_o these_o bound_n whereas_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n by_o their_o place_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o order_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o which_o the_o people_n have_v not_o neither_o with_o any_o good_a reason_n will_v it_o follow_v if_o any_o private_a christian_a may_v admonish_v a_o minister_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o he_o for_o this_o one_o member_n and_o brother_n have_v not_o over_o another_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o another_o man_n servant_n as_o saint_n paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o although_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v coloss_n the_o 3._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o have_v rule_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o they_o because_o the_o scripture_n witness_v the_o contrary_a but_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o rebuke_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v and_o censure_n as_o ambassador_n steward_n and_o governor_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o over_o they_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n and_o end_n not_o only_o to_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v refractory_a and_o disorderly_a to_o punish_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o place_n as_o they_o be_v officer_n and_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n whereas_o other_o christian_n do_v their_o duty_n only_o out_o of_o love_n as_o brethren_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n so_o that_o what_o the_o people_n do_v either_o in_o admonish_v or_o exhort_v it_o be_v out_o of_o charity_n or_o what_o they_o do_v in_o choose_v of_o officer_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v either_o by_o denomination_n of_o they_o or_o in_o approve_v and_o assent_v unto_o what_o the_o presbytery_n do_v as_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n power_n to_o hinder_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o offender_n if_o he_o be_v prove_v scandalous_a or_o of_o receive_v any_o into_o the_o church_n or_o into_o any_o office_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v think_v fit_a and_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n for_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o these_o be_v all_o action_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o order_v thing_n in_o their_o hand_n which_o i_o affirm_v be_v never_o give_v to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o those_o place_n quote_v by_o mr_n knollys_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o people_n over_o either_o their_o minister_n or_o fellow-member_n be_v not_o for_o his_o purpose_n as_o bâ—ing_v misapply_v and_o abuse_v as_o they_o be_v daily_o by_o the_o independent_a brethren_n so_o that_o to_o all_o rational_a and_o understand_a man_n from_o this_o reproof_n of_o diotrephes_n give_v by_o s._n john_n and_o this_o his_o censure_v of_o he_o for_o usurp_a sole_a authority_n to_o himself_o and_o prate_v malicious_a word_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n he_o write_v to_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o as_o affect_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n within_o itself_o independent_a without_o any_o reference_n or_o relation_n to_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o do_v speak_v malicious_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o do_v cast_v out_o who_o they_o please_v and_o bring_v in_o who_o they_o will_v at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o do_v rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n all_o such_o violate_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o oppose_v that_o government_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o all_o church_n by_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n that_o diotrephes_n be_v and_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o will_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o it_o but_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v such_o the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o minister_n and_o congregation_n as_o give_v the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n either_o whole_o exclude_v the_o minister_n or_o join_v the_o people_n with_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o thus_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v be_v prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o enjoin_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o such_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v ergo_fw-la they_o be_v all_o prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o reply_v unto_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o congregationall_a practice_n there_o yet_o remain_v one_o whible_a cavil_n more_o in_o this_o his_o answer_n
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselvesto_fw-la what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a
of_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o five_o chapter_n to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o untain_v repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbytrie_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 12._o 1._o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o and_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n into_o council_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n
and_o the_o way_n have_v lose_v they_o both_o and_o be_v now_o turn_v seeker_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o their_o eternal_a shame_n and_o misery_n too_o if_o they_o speedy_o repent_v not_o for_o god_n in_o the_o 30._o of_o deut._n ver_fw-la 11._o say_v there_o this_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o heaven_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o for_o we_o to_o heaven_n and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o beyond_o the_o sea_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n for_o we_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v very_o nigh_o unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o see_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o this_o day_n life_n and_o good_a and_o death_n and_o evil_a now_o if_o in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n the_o truth_n be_v so_o near_o unto_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o unto_o his_o people_n that_o he_o have_v set_v it_o before_o their_o eye_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o they_o have_v then_o no_o need_n to_o run_v from_o land_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o sea_n to_o land_n to_o find_v it_o how_o much_o more_o obvious_a be_v it_o now_o may_v every_o rational_a man_n conclude_v when_o it_o be_v so_o glorious_o set_v forth_o and_o that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o how_o inexcusable_a will_v all_o such_o be_v find_v that_o complain_v the_o truth_n be_v not_o yet_o clear_a unto_o they_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o all_o man_n to_o hear_v any_o that_o have_v read_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n say_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o dark_a &_o the_o truth_n do_v not_o appear_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o man_n there_o be_v who_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o profess_v it_o that_o they_o be_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n and_o many_o have_v often_o say_v unto_o i_o when_o i_o have_v be_v in_o familiar_a discourse_n with_o they_o that_o as_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o make_v out_o unto_o they_o concern_v the_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v neither_o communicate_v with_o our_o assembly_n nor_o yet_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n now_o that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v wander_v and_o stray_v from_o the_o old_a way_n and_o those_o that_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o seek_v it_o may_v find_v it_o and_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o god_n to_o buy_v and_o purchase_v and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o clear_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o by-path_n of_o error_n that_o be_v still_o sceptic_n and_o doubt_v about_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n endeavour_v to_o be_v their_o guide_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o special_a assistance_n if_o they_o will_v bring_v docible_a heart_n and_o willing_a mind_n to_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o his_o word_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o that_o unerring_a line_n of_o the_o same_o they_o may_v speedy_o be_v lead_v and_o come_v into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o with_o it_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o life_n and_o death_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o dissipate_v and_o scatter_v those_o mist_n that_o have_v be_v cast_v before_o their_o eye_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v cloud_v and_o remove_v all_o those_o stumble_a block_n that_o have_v be_v put_v before_o they_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o howsoever_o it_o be_v think_v a_o difficult_a work_n yea_o a_o unpossible_a thing_n but_o to_o make_v the_o truth_n evident_o appear_v unto_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o right_a way_n from_o which_o some_o have_v wander_v and_o stray_v and_o other_o yet_o doubt_v of_o and_o i_o hope_v so_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o way_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o but_o to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o lose_v the_o eyesight_n of_o their_o reason_n or_o have_v not_o sacrifice_v themselves_o to_o error_n and_o vanity_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o presbyterian_a way_n may_v the_o more_o elucidate_o appear_v to_o every_o intelligible_a man_n i_o will_v here_o briesly_a state_n the_o question_n which_o be_v full_o handle_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o show_v what_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o put_v so_o many_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o keep_v and_o deter_v other_o from_o it_o and_o withal_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o rise_v of_o the_o independent_a tenant_n &_o show_v upon_o what_o as_o a_o foundation_n they_o lay_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o this_o their_o new_a babel_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a chimaera_n and_o fancy_n in_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v i_o be_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o discover_v to_o all_o those_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n those_o that_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o independent_o and_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n count_v we_o such_o saint_n as_o job_n will_v not_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n call_v we_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n proclaim_v we_o to_o be_v the_o enemy_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n for_o this_o be_v their_o language_n concern_v we_o all_o those_o i_o say_v pretend_v that_o they_o have_v both_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o independency_n and_o for_o these_o their_o unbrother_o proceed_n who_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o mother_n church_n consist_v of_o of_o no_o more_o believer_n at_o any_o time_n than_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o they_o teach_v withal_o that_o this_o church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o have_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n within_o itself_o independent_a without_o reference_n to_o any_o other_o church_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o may_v be_v no_o appeal_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o conceive_a wrong_n and_o they_o moreover_o affirm_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o conceit_a form_n of_o government_n be_v the_o true_a gospel_n form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o authority_n within_o themselves_o several_o that_o they_o imagine_v this_o church_n do_v though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n apiece_o yea_o few_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n who_o in_o this_o differ_v from_o all_o his_o brethren_n believe_a yea_o acknowledge_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o which_o he_o have_v overthrow_v their_o opinion_n while_o notwithstanding_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o maintain_v it_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o its_o due_a place_n whereas_o all_o the_o other_o independent_o as_o i_o say_v before_o confident_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n at_o first_o and_o last_o then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n now_o the_o presbyterian_o on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n as_o will_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n appear_v hold_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o pracinct_n and_o be_v all_o under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o â—nd_n
priest_n be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n relate_v there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o more_o congregation_n of_o the_o ordinary_a people_n and_o all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v yet_o reckon_v upon_o a_o new_a account_n and_o upon_o a_o new_a list_n so_o that_o there_o be_v numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o evident_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a business_n as_o the_o independent_o say_v and_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n between_o we_o for_o they_o have_v often_o say_v prove_v once_o but_o clear_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o we_o will_v grant_v you_o the_o day_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o shall_v brief_o add_v some_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o for_o to_o these_o that_o be_v daily_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n we_o hear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o of_o increase_n upon_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o believer_n for_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n verse_n 31._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n through_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o be_v multiply_v for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a now_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o chief_a church_n in_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o she_o also_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o disciple_n daily_o which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a speak_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o they_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n upon_o the_o miraculous_a death_n of_o herod_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n 24._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o great_a increase_n of_o '_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o exceed_o daily_a to_o multiply_v so_o that_o all_o these_o addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o omit_v many_o argument_n that_o i_o can_v produce_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o from_o the_o miracle_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o necessary_o call_v for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o one_o place_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_n may_v for_o ever_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a and_o abundan_o prove_v unto_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o if_o not_o numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v notice_n what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n speak_v unto_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o church_n must_v all_o necessary_o know_v not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o believer_n there_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o number_n of_o they_o now_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o pain_n and_o attention_n to_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v there_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o witness_n yea_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n there_o be_v james_n the_o apostle_n by_o name_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o synodian_o who_o witness_n be_v true_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o they_o give_v in_o this_o evidence_n to_o saint_n paul_n concern_v the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n here_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v there_o then_o of_o strong_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o church_n where_o there_o be_v able_a and_o learned_a minister_n it_o be_v ever_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v three_o strong_a brethren_n to_o one_o weak_a one_o at_o least_o more_o strong_a brethren_n then_o weak_a one_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a in_o that_o church_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n fix_a minister_n there_o and_o able_a preacher_n beside_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n and_o all_o painful_a and_o laborious_a that_o preach_v unto_o they_o night_n and_o day_n &_o instruct_v they_o all_o in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o with_o miracle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v also_o for_o a_o far_o strengthen_n of_o they_o in_o that_o their_o christian_a liberty_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o ratify_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v daily_o preach_v unto_o they_o all_o this_o their_o christian_a liberty_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o more_o thousand_o of_o strong_a christian_n then_o weak_a in_o that_o church_n yea_o our_o daily_a experience_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n witness_v unto_o saint_n paul_n concern_v this_o point_n verse_n 20._o thou_o see_v brother_n paul_n say_v they_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n speak_v of_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v nothing_o of_o stranger_n those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o place_n neither_o can_v they_o have_v say_v thou_o see_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inhabitant_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v here_o to_o day_n and_o go_v to_o morrow_n for_o than_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o they_o speak_v of_o inhabitant_n as_o by_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o of_o all_o these_o they_o assert_v these_o thing_n first_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o second_o that_o they_o be_v all_o believer_n disciple_n and_o very_o good_a christian_n yea_o very_a zealous_a one_o three_o they_o do_v witness_v that_o all_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v but_o weak_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o give_v saint_n paul_n counsel_n yea_o a_o order_n somewhat_o to_o connive_v at_o their_o weakness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o their_o favour_n the_o story_n be_v there_o full_o set_v down_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o more_o ten_o thousand_o of_o strong_a believer_n may_v any_o rational_a man_n suppose_v be_v then_o there_o in_o that_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o apostle_n forth_o most_o part_n and_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o able_a presbyter_n all_o miraculous_a teacher_n and_o assist_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sure_o a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n or_o place_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v hold_v their_o very_a body_n much_o less_o can_v a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n have_v hold_v they_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o have_v not_o absolute_o resolve_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n yea_o to_o wage_v war_n against_o heaven_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n there_o as_o in_o every_o house_n one_o so_o that_o for_o this_o point_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v it_o be_v now_o without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assert_v in_o many_o place_n make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o how_o in_o any_o ordinary_a man_n understanding_n can_v many_o congregation_n be_v one_o political_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o associate_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n there_o as_o this_o 21._o ch_z testify_v and_o the_o 15._o chap._n and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n all_o which_o have_v the_o government_n over_o that_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o wonder_n to_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v any_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o abundant_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v yet_o assert_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o scripture_n very_o common_a reason_n overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n in_o which_o there_o be_v never_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n who_o daily_o expect_v the_o messiah_n who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o he_o come_v have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n at_o his_o command_n to_o go_v and_o come_v at_o pleasure_n who_o powerful_a preach_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o satan_n be_v see_v fall_n down_o like_o iightning_n from_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o kingdom_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o by_o all_o who_o efficacious_a preach_n and_o miracle_n we_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o at_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o time_n beside_o daily_a addition_n add_v unto_o that_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v daily_o increase_v of_o believer_n upon_o increase_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n settle_v minister_n among_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v yet_o prevail_v to_o convert_v no_o more_o in_o future_a time_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n it_o seem_v a_o thing_n very_o incredible_a and_o true_o for_o any_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o error_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o against_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o have_v it_o record_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o very_a weak_a believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n beside_o the_o strong_a it_o be_v a_o open_a and_o wilful_a fight_v against_o god_n and_o a_o resist_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n for_o all_o these_o be_v convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o numberless_a multitude_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o thâ—s_n brigade_n of_o argument_n militate_v against_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n sectary_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v for_o ever_o serve_v to_o vanquish_v they_o all_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o field_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o every_o one_o a_o church_n or_o church_n several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o as_o all_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n do_v now_o here_o in_o london_n but_o all_o those_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o subordinate_a and_o be_v combine_v together_o make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n within_o that_o precinct_n the_o example_n of_o which_o mother-church_n be_v leave_v upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n for_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o concern_v the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o air_n and_o will_v soon_o vanish_v or_o be_v speedy_o blow_v away_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o breath_n of_o truth_n now_o my_o other_o company_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n they_o militate_v against_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o deny_v they_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v now_o though_o by_o their_o grant_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o day_n as_o in_o the_o follow_a skirmish_n will_v appear_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o sconce_n of_o error_n to_o which_o they_o have_v betake_v themselves_o can_v defend_v their_o cause_n i_o shall_v with_o one_o company_n at_o this_o time_n beat_v they_o out_o of_o that_o hold_n and_o full_o vanquish_v they_o in_o the_o pitch_a field_n it_o be_v record_v act._n 2._o v._n 42._o of_o all_o those_o new_a convert_n which_o be_v in_o many_o assembly_n &_o in_o many_o house_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n this_o very_a troop_n alone_o serve_v for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o what_o bulwark_n soever_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o to_o for_o shelter_n for_o if_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_a in_o all_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n with_o any_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v in_o they_o several_o whatsoever_o do_v make_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n than_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a so_o that_o to_o any_o rational_a man_n this_o question_n be_v also_o out_o of_o controversy_n for_o let_v any_o man_n but_o due_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o thâ—y_o each_o of_o they_o several_o may_v as_o true_o challenge_v the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v they_o communicate_v in_o whatsoever_o be_v essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o church_n a_o complete_a church_n or_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n by_o lawful_a minister_n can_v make_v any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o by_o this_o one_o company_n and_o by_o this_o very_a argument_n all_o the_o whible_a reserve_v of_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v and_o that_o place_n of_o truth_n maintain_v against_o they_o all_o viz._n that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o every_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o independent_a and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n within_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o truth_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o all_o sort_n of_o independent_o that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o some_o one_o college_n of_o presbyter_n make_v all_o of_o they_o within_o their_o precinct_n but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n which_o have_v neither_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n so_o that_o by_o all_o these_o encounter_n and_o frequent_a skirmish_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o host_n the_o general_n of_o all_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o have_v vanquish_v all_o the_o force_n both_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o and_o all_o the_o burtonian_a sectary_n and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v not_o only_o the_o field_n of_o truth_n but_o these_o
two_o sconce_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o main_a battle_n will_v be_v full_o make_v good_a and_o withal_o it_o will_v be_v maintain_v that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n that_o be_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n who_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a by_o all_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v who_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n it_o be_v that_o every_o congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v it_o great_a or_o small_a aught_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a church_n or_o body_n by_o itself_o exercise_v all_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v reference_n or_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o congregation_n for_o matter_n of_o government_n no_o far_o then_o please_v themselves_o and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n there_o be_v innumerable_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n for_o those_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o do_v affirm_v be_v but_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o entire_a church_n these_o be_v their_o word_n by_o all_o which_o it_o now_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o his_o appointment_n that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o some_o precinct_n shall_v all_o of_o they_o within_o that_o jurisdiction_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o in_o common_a which_o be_v indeed_o a_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a corporation_n and_o therefore_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n may_v without_o any_o offence_n or_o diviation_n from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v by_o i_o to_o any_o civil_a corporation_n as_o that_o of_o london_n or_o the_o like_a for_o though_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n spend_v much_o time_n and_o many_o word_n to_o no_o purpose_n about_o my_o simile_n yet_o it_o will_v stand_v for_o ever_o immovable_a and_o serve_v to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n for_o that_o very_a end_n i_o propound_v it_o viz._n to_o declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n yea_o by_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n pag_n the_o four_o of_o his_o pamphlet_n it_o be_v authorize_v for_o he_o there_o after_o much_o babble_n thus_o express_v himself_o concern_v this_o point_n when_o say_v he_o we_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o device_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o we_o may_v find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o they_o in_o thing_n here_o below_o which_o be_v make_v after_o they_o but_o we_o can_v fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a composure_n from_o these_o earthly_a thing_n thus_o j._n s._n speak_v there_o so_o that_o i_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n and_o original_a church_n find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o heavenly_a composure_n and_o that_o device_n of_o god_n as_o he_o grollish_o call_v it_o it_o be_v then_o no_o sin_n in_o i_o in_o i._o s._n his_o opinion_n to_o find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o thing_n below_o and_o therefore_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v have_v save_v all_o that_o labour_n they_o needless_o spend_v about_o that_o simile_n which_o will_v ever_o stand_v good_a against_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o the_o elucidating_a and_o clear_n of_o the_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o independent_o which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o and_o there_o before_o all_o the_o pother_n they_o make_v about_o that_o simile_n be_v but_o to_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o to_o vent_v their_o own_o vanity_n but_o from_o all_o this_o dispute_n that_o i_o may_v now_o speak_v something_o concern_v nationall_n church_n which_o the_o independent_o deny_v i_o far_a gather_v that_o if_o many_o hundred_o congregation_n be_v combine_v together_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o any_o great_a city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o any_o large_a jurisdiction_n may_v all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o may_v take_v its_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o city_n or_o place_n in_o which_o it_o be_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o thousand_o parish_n yea_o ten_o thousand_o all_o of_o they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n in_o what_o kingdom_n nation_n province_n country_n or_o commonwealth_n soever_o they_o be_v may_v not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o those_o several_a country_n be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o under_o some_o grand_a presbytery_n take_v their_o several_a name_n and_o denomination_n either_o from_o those_o respective_a nation_n or_o language_n and_o be_v call_v either_o the_o greek_a church_n or_o the_o hebrew_n church_n or_o the_o latin_a church_n or_o the_o french_a church_n or_o the_o dutch_a church_n etc._n etc._n or_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n ireland_n or_o or_o such_o a_o provincial_n church_n or_o such_o a_o nationall_n church_n i_o say_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o if_o all_o those_o several_a nation_n come_v in_o at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o of_o they_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v not_o as_o well_o from_o those_o several_a nation_n take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o nation_n as_o they_o may_v take_v it_o from_o jerusalem_n or_o from_o any_o other_o city_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o become_v nationall_n church_n i_o desire_v therefore_o any_o man_n to_o give_v i_o a_o good_a and_o solid_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n which_o he_o be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o natural_a posterity_n for_o he_o be_v only_o in_o that_o regard_n a_o father_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o challenge_v abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o spiritual_a parentage_n in_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o child_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o beleif_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o day_n abraham_n by_o faith_n see_v and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o believer_n do_v and_o therefore_o they_o likewise_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v call_v the_o child_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o abraham_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o call_v nationall_n church_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o with_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n deny_v for_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o glorious_a promise_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o gentile_n as_o that_o in_o isaiah_n 19_o for_o 23_o 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o day_n shall_v there_o be_v a_o highway_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o assyria_n and_o the_o assyrian_a shall_v come_v into_o egypt_n and_o the_o egyptian_a into_o assyria_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v serve_v with_o the_o assyrian_n in_o that_o day_n shall_v israel_n be_v the_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o with_o assyria_n even_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n here_o all_o these_o three_o nation_n be_v call_v three_o sister_n church_n if_o we_o mark_v the_o coherence_n and_o for_o far_a proof_n of_o nationall_n church_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v isaiah_n 55._o 5._o thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n which_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o which_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o both_o god_n call_v of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o nation_n answer_v to_o that_o call_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o gospel_n time_n psal_n 22._o 27
shadow_n of_o who_o wing_n i_o have_v ever_o find_v there_o be_v only_a safety_n who_o bless_a assistance_n in_o all_o calamity_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o may_v be_v most_o assize_v of_o his_o patronage_n now_o and_o his_o defence_n be_v my_o shield_n who_o cause_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o who_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n i_o contend_v for_o and_o howsoever_o in_o all_o my_o life_n in_o all_o humane_a learning_n i_o be_v never_o so_o wed_v to_o my_o own_o resolve_n but_o upon_o better_a reason_n i_o can_v easy_o be_v divorce_v from_o they_o yet_o in_o god_n matter_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o teach_v i_o that_o that_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o happiness_n then_o by_o that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o lambeslaine_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v count_v he_o anathema_n or_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v i_o there_o be_v a_o new_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o then_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o will_v account_v he_o accurse_v for_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o believe_v god_n and_o faith_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o bond_n without_o any_o either_o angelical_a or_o humane_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel'_v and_o father_n and_o whatsoever_o i_o find_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o cleave_v close_o to_o it_o against_o all_o humane_a reason_n suppose_v such_o man_n none_o of_o god_n nor_o faith_n true_a friend_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o bond_n except_o they_o have_v reason_n humane_a authority_n counsel_n and_o father_n and_o â—aine_a tradition_n join_v with_o they_o for_o surety_n again_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v i_o that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o a_o presbyterian_a one_o i_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o humane_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a submit_v myself_o to_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o be_v most_o confident_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v warrant_v in_o god_n word_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v the_o rule_n and_o square_n both_o of_o our_o faith_n manner_n and_o government_n and_o here_o i_o must_v mind_v all_o those_o that_o shall_v read_v this_o book_n that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n of_o i_o but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v once_o and_o again_o suffer_v for_o and_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v read_v my_o elenchus_n religionis_fw-la papisticiae_fw-la or_o my_o flagellum_fw-la pontificis_fw-la or_o my_o apology_n or_o any_o of_o my_o latin_a book_n in_o all_o those_o they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o my_o suffering_n be_v this_o and_o this_o only_a that_o i_o maintain_v that_o all_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o in_o those_o book_n i_o have_v clear_o and_o full_o through_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a yea_o in_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o bill_n of_o information_n put_v up_o against_o i_o in_o the_o star-chamber_n they_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n i_o give_v there_o of_o this_o my_o tenant_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n hrivie_a council_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o star-chamber_n so_o that_o i_o stand_v to_o my_o principle_n and_o be_o no_o starter_n and_o if_o then_o among_o god_n people_n it_o be_v think_v a_o opinion_n worthy_a the_o suffering_n for_o and_o my_o christian_a brethren_n deem_v i_o worthy_a of_o honour_n for_o it_o and_o afford_v i_o their_o prayer_n and_o show_v i_o and_o i_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n many_o courtesy_n when_o we_o find_v little_a favour_n from_o our_o own_o brethren_n which_o their_o humanity_n i_o must_v never_o forget_v but_o with_o all_o due_a thankfulness_n for_o ever_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v if_o then_o this_o my_o opinion_n be_v think_v orthodox_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o applause_n i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o a_o truth_n than_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n now_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a then_o it_o be_v good_a now_o for_o the_o change_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v change_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o truth_n but_o this_o my_o opinion_n i_o learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n the_o warrant_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o practice_n this_o word_n therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o my_o christian_a brethren_n in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o question_n now_o agitate_a among_o god_n people_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n concern_v church-government_n to_o take_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o with_o those_o noble_a bâ—reans_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o either_o side_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scrigture_n and_o i_o entreat_v they_o also_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o passion_n which_o religion_n have_v no_o need_n of_o and_o all_o vainglory_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a call_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o with_o a_o virgin_n judgement_n not_o ravish_v with_o any_o previous_a or_o anticipate_v opinion_n to_o come_v and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o consider_v and_o examine_v which_o of_o those_o two_o opinion_n the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n now_o sacrifice_v themselves_o unto_o be_v the_o offering_n that_o will_v best_o endure_v the_o firy-tryall_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15._o viz._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a or_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a both_o now_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o acceptabl_a service_n and_o best_a please_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o that_o that_o oblation_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a that_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n only_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v about_o the_o rule_n in_o decide_v of_o this_o coutroversie_n and_o make_v the_o write_a word_n the_o rule_n they_o agree_v also_o about_o the_o material_n both_o acknowledge_v a_o presbytery_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o about_o the_o mould_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o offering_n i_o will_v therefore_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o show_v wherein_o we_o differ_v and_o then_o set_v down_o my_o own_o opinion_n with_o my_o reason_n and_o after_o endeavour_n to_o be_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o rejoice_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a question_n between_o we_o they_o call_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o our_o brethren_n they_o term_v independent_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viâ—_n whether_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a dependent_a or_o presbyterian_a independent_a the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n or_o christian_a assembly_n common_o call_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o due_a and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n discipline_n right_o execute_v and_o all_o other_o performance_n which_o make_v for_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o assembly_n likewise_o they_o have_v all_o such_o officer_n and_o help_n of_o government_n as_o in_o their_o several_a place_n be_v right_o employ_v may_v serve_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o and_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o preservation_n ofall_v as_o presbyter_n do_v preach_v and_o rule_v and_o deacon_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n i_o say_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v whether_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n may_v be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n or_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o one_o presbytery_n or_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o many_o
presbyter_n together_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o it_o be_v to_o depend_v and_o to_o which_o in_o all_o weighty_a business_n they_o be_v to_o appeal_v for_o any_o injury_n or_o conceive_a wrong_n or_o scandal_n or_o for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o church-discipline_n upon_o incorrigable_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n as_o admonition_n for_o give_v offence_n suspension_n from_o the_o ordinance_n till_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n or_o if_o obstinate_a excommunion_n or_o whether_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n be_v they_o never_o so_o small_a several_o or_o consider_v a_o part_n and_o by_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v full_a and_o plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o this_o or_o any_o other_o great_a council_n or_o presbytery_n for_o transact_v or_o determine_v all_o difference_n about_o faith_n or_o manner_n among_o themselves_o or_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o grievance_n or_o abuse_n or_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o the_o party_n offend_v conceive_v they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o injury_n or_o wrong_n do_v they_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o two_o presbyter_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n have_v a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o as_o ample_a authority_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18._o and_o to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o question_n which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v propound_v it_o in_o a_o simile_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n well_o know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o government_n of_o this_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n and_o of_o many_o other_o great_a city_n through_o the_o kingdom_n be_v call_v corporation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v majestracy_n and_o have_v in_o they_o a_o secular_a or_o civil_a signory_n or_o presbytry_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a principality_n and_o this_o government_n by_o which_o all_o citizen_n and_o inhabitant_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v as_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n who_o only_o by_o such_o other_o officer_n as_o they_o shall_v elect_v and_o choose_v be_v to_o manage_v and_o exercise_v this_o government_n so_o that_o all_o particular_a citizen_n and_o all_o the_o company_n of_o several_a tradesman_n be_v in_o their_o particular_a ward_n precinct_n and_o fellowship_n by_o their_o constitution_n and_o charter_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o counsel_n and_o be_v to_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o they_o upon_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n or_o conceive_v wrong_v or_o when_o it_o concern_v the_o common_a good_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o stand_v unto_o their_o arbitrement_n now_o then_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v as_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o these_o several_a corporation_n whether_o the_o company_n in_o each_o city_n where_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v all_o their_o officer_n and_o exercise_v also_o a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o jurisdiction_n among_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n or_o alderman_n or_o common-counsel_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n among_o their_o several_a company_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o one_o be_v never_o so_o much_o injure_v and_o damnify_v by_o any_o unjust_a act_n and_o whether_o these_o several_a company_n and_o several_a assembly_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o make_v but_o one_o corporation_n under_o one_o civil_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-counsel_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propound_v that_o every_o one_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o question_n now_o as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n have_v its_o several_a porporation_n through_o all_o pounty_n and_o the_o which_o porporation_n although_o they_o have_v their_o several_a pompany_n in_o they_o yet_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o a_o civil_a presbytery_n and_o common-counsel_n and_o every_o company_n in_o they_o make_v not_o a_o several_a porporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o a_o several_a city_n but_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o common-counsel_n or_o presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o common_a affair_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o take_v away_o and_o remove_v of_o common_a grievance_n and_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n to_o the_o common-counsel_n the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n and_o if_o they_o find_v no_o justice_n there_o nor_o satisfaction_n have_v their_o redress_n and_o appeal_v to_o some_o general_a court_n or_o some_o supreme_a judicature_n as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o redress_n and_o determine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o these_o several_a church_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scrupture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o several_a corporation_n and_o association_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o so_o many_o several_a company_n in_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o presbytery_n or_o common-counsel_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o several_a precinct_n though_o they_o be_v consistent_a of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o according_a to_o the_o several_a hundred_o or_o division_n assign_v to_o each_o presbytery_n and_o all_o these_o several_a association_n to_o be_v grovern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o abuse_n or_o enormity_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o counsel_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n and_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o several_a corporation_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o regulate_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n according_a only_o to_o who_o law_n they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n divide_v into_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n corporation_n or_o precinct_n in_o imitation_n as_o near_o now_o as_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o law_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o their_o government_n doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o the_o several_a church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o particular_a corporation_n or_o association_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o those_o several_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o which_o likewise_o they_o have_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n within_o their_o precinct_n than_o it_o must_v
more_o evident_a than_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v viz._n that_o diotrephes_n be_v the_o primate_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n at_o large_a to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o their_o calumniate_a tongue_n who_o ordinary_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o keep_v from_o the_o world_n their_o argument_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o delude_v the_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o in_o ignorance_n his_o word_n therefore_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o argument_n be_v these_o now_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n say_v he_o whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o saint_n john_n say_v verse_n the_o 9_o i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o see_v no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n so_o confident_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v his_o particular_a congregation_n now_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v plain_o that_o the_o doctor_n can_v expound_v those_o brethren_n and_o their_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o this_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n delcare_v except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 8_o oughts_z to_o be_v receive_v and_o ver_fw-la 10_o who_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v how_o then_o do_v the_o doctor_n say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o who_o joint_n and_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o brethren_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o brethren_n a_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o may_v be_v transact_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n unless_o the_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n conjoint_o consent_v unto_o it_o let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v that_o d_o otrephe_n oppose_v the_o brethren_n and_o forbid_v they_o that_o will_v have_v receive_v those_o who_o saint_n john_n say_v vers_fw-la the_o 8._o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o verse_n 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o no_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow_n saint_n diotrephes_n love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o he_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o the_o doctor_n can_v have_v urge_v this_o scripture_n against_o the_o domineer_a prelate_n and_o why_o shall_v he_o marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v it_o against_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o diotrephes_n do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n or_o that_o he_o do_v affront_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v for_o have_v diotrephes_n do_v so_o why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o then_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v tather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n before_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n then_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o hiâ—_n evil_a that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o st_n john_n will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n of_o grave_n solid_a learned_a religious_a and_o wise_a divine_n and_o minister_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n and_o common-council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v or_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n that_o he_o prate_v against_o we_o the_o presbyter_n with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o know_v any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n neither_o classical_a nor_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a those_o appeal_v he_o mention_v page_n 10_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytry_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o that_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n i_o only_o ask_v the_o doctor_n how_o he_o can_v prove_v those_o appeal_n by_o scripture_n and_o if_o he_o can_v whether_o that_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n especial_o if_o they_o may_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o these_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n might_n archipus_fw-la coloss_n 4._o 17._o and_o if_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytry_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytry_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o say_v more_o touch_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o answer_n unto_o the_o three_o question_n and_o therefore_o pass_v by_o the_o objection_n with_o his_o answer_n mention_v page_n 19_o to_o the_o 29._o unto_o its_o due_a place_n i_o shall_v desire_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o doctor_n proof_n of_o his_o first_o proposition_n which_o he_o labour_v first_o by_o produce_v such_o scripture_n as_o he_o conceive_v make_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o thence_o frame_v and_o form_v his_o argument_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n in_o way_n of_o reply_n speak_v to_o my_o argument_n concern_v diotrephes_n and_o of_o his_o intention_n what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o his_o word_n at_o large_a omit_v only_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_a text_n which_o he_o school-boy-like_a scrible_v to_o little_a other_o purpose_n than_o to_o show_v his_o own_o vanity_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o ignorant_a people_n that_o he_o be_v somebody_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o kind_n of_o learning_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o of_o his_o fraternity_n general_o despise_v and_o contemn_v i_o have_v therefore_o omit_v they_o especial_o have_v learn_v this_o lesson_n from_o saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 19_o rather_o to_o speak_v five_o word_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n that_o i_o may_v teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a
leave_v the_o poor_a sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o say_v when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v when_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o which_o master_n knollys_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v there_o his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o very_o common_a reason_n will_v dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o any_o man_n that_o if_o any_o great_a grazier_n have_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o many_o several_a walk_n and_o place_n of_o pasturage_n to_o feed_v they_o in_o and_o have_v several_a pastor_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o not_o a_o few_o shepherd_n can_v feed_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o give_v they_o all_o a_o charge_n in_o common_a of_o look_v to_o his_o sheep_n and_o feed_v they_o although_o all_o those_o several_a pastor_n be_v to_o have_v a_o general_a care_n of_o all_o those_o sheep_n that_o have_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o several_a walk_n and_o graze_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v his_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o special_a for_o he_o must_v not_o be_v idle_a over_o the_o which_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o particular_a inspection_n and_o care_n for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v the_o flock_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o his_o master_n pleasure_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o other_o fellow_n pastor_n or_o their_o flock_n all_o this_o i_o say_v good_a reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v confirm_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n all_o who_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a all_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o confess_v for_o all_o those_o church_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o govern_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o common_a council_n of_o their_o elder_n this_o presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o ward_n or_o walk_v commit_v unto_o his_o care_n and_o that_o elder_a have_v such_o a_o circuit_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n and_o a_o three_o elder_n have_v such_o a_o precinct_n commit_v to_o his_o cure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n with_o this_o proviso_n always_o that_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o sheep_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v order_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a presbyter_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o well_o regulate_v way_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v if_o every_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n and_o every_o particular_a congregation_n under_o they_o several_o will_v have_v govern_v as_o please_v themselves_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o college_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o diotrephes_n here_o for_o which_o he_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n john_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytry_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o they_o master_n knollys_n himself_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o same_o do_v accord_n who_o cite_v my_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o my_o book_n deduce_v from_o they_o four_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o set_v down_o after_o i_o have_v relate_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o before_o say_v he_o the_o doctor_n come_v to_o prove_v his_o four_o particular_a proposition_n he_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o several_a presbyter_n and_o produce_v divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o two_o sheet_n be_v spend_v whole_o in_o prove_v thereof_o from_o the_o 12_o page_n to_o the_o 29._o these_o word_n mr_n knollys_n quote_v out_o of_o my_o book_n now_o hear_v his_o answer_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v only_o prove_v first_o that_o in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n for_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o that_o thou_o ordain_v elder_n city_n by_o city_n tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o second_o that_o as_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v the_o 20._o ver_fw-la 25._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o philippy_n etc._n etc._n three_o that_o those_o several_a church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o 17._o 24._o who_o be_v their_o guide_v obey_v your_o guide_v four_o that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n god_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o four_o conclusion_n master_n knolleys_n gather_v out_o of_o my_o argument_n but_o with_o all_o add_v say_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n be_v dependent_a upon_o a_o supreme_a judicature_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o church_n this_o say_v mr._n knollys_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v his_o expression_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v prove_v first_o etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n the_o four_o conclusion_n now_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o place_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n in_o so_o speak_v all_o which_o shall_v â—t_a be_v grant_v as_o if_o he_o do_v i_o a_o great_a courtesy_n and_o favour_n to_o yield_v unto_o i_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a woâ—ds_n declare_v o_o be_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o truth_n sufficient_o ev_v need_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v except_o he_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o have_v perspicuous_o and_o in_o foe_n maul_v term_n set_v own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o college_n &_o presbyte_v ie_fw-fr of_o elder_n orda_fw-mi n_v and_o constitute_v in_o very_a church_n or_o city_n who_o be_v to_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a congreâ—ations_n within_o their_o â—râ—cin_n â—s_v w_z ch_n m_n knollys_n himself_o consent_v unto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o 4_o conclusion_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v any_o time_n of_o deny_v or_o not_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a jestament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o be_v so_o many_o several_a eccle_n aâ—â—icall_a corpo_fw-it ation_n and_o that_o all_o those_o scripture_n i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v right_o apply_v and_o allege_v now_o have_v be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o business_n be_v in_o question_n and_o agitation_n for_o mr_n knollys_n to_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o dislike_n and_o gainsaying_n but_o when_o he_o confirm_v what_o i_o prove_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o his_o four_o conclusion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o man_n to_o say_v all_o which_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v when_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n these_o be_v
his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o consenâ—s_v to_o that_o i_o have_v write_v to_o be_v true_a to_o wit_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o to_o be_v govern_v that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o several_a presbyter_n be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyteram_fw-la so_o that_o if_o every_o congregat_n on_o and_o particular_a assembly_n than_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_a also_o of_o that_o congregation_n as_o be_v but_o a_o chieâ—e_a member_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o by_o mr_n knollys_n his_o own_o concession_n from_o which_o grant_n of_o he_o i_o shall_v now_o likewise_o deduce_v these_o ensue_a conclusion_n which_o will_v necessary_o follow_v out_o of_o his_o word_n and_o all_o of_o they_o fatal_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n the_o first_o that_o the_o people_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o the_o people_n and_o church_n though_o presbyterate_v as_o they_o speak_v have_v not_o the_o government_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o as_o never_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n nor_o never_o have_v be_v make_v steward_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o either_o receive_v in_o member_n or_o cast_v out_o offender_n for_o all_o these_o be_v act_n of_o government_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n who_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o grant_v and_o by_o this_o he_o overthrow_v all_o that_o which_o afterward_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o which_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a have_v power_n over_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n that_o of_o necessity_n follow_v out_o of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n but_o more_o of_o this_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o follow_v out_o of_o his_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o government_n be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o one_o elder_a with_o his_o congregation_n but_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o elder_n that_o be_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n to_o wit_n the_o court_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o they_o and_o they_o only_a joint_o and_o together_o have_v the_o power_n both_o to_o question_v convent_n and_o censure_n for_o m._n knollys_n say_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n but_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n according_a to_o that_o of_o s._n john_n if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v diotrephes_n like_v endeavour_v to_o alter_v this_o government_n and_o assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o other_o elder_n and_o from_o the_o presbyter_n or_o to_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o or_o join_v they_o in_o commission_n with_o the_o elder_n or_o to_o arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o or_o to_o their_o particular_a congregation_n a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o and_o a_o independency_n from_o they_o and_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o disgrace_n and_o prate_v against_o the_o presbyter_n and_o labour_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n at_o pleasure_n to_o cast_v out_o who_o they_o will_v out_o of_o their_o congregation_n or_o to_o bring_v in_o who_o they_o please_v upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a lordly_a dominion_n among_o themselves_o over_o their_o congregation_n and_o the_o several_a member_n in_o they_o all_o such_o be_v guilty_a of_o diotrephes_n his_o sin_n and_o offend_v in_o like_a manner_n and_o be_v equal_o to_o be_v blame_v as_o assumer_n unto_o themselves_o of_o that_o power_n which_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o presbytery_n now_o when_o all_o the_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n they_o may_v just_o with_o diotrephes_n be_v censure_v and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o necessary_o follow_v from_o mr._n knollys_n his_o word_n the_o three_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o yet_o make_v all_o of_o they_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o one_o church_n for_o so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o church_n that_o saint_n john_n write_v unto_o where_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n as_o master_n knollys_n confess_v in_o the_o which_o every_o elder_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n as_o well_o as_o diotrephes_n for_o they_o be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n they_o each_o of_o they_o several_o have_v their_o congregation_n likewise_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o kind_n of_o government_n diotrephes_n oppose_v or_o refuse_v obedience_n unto_o and_o affect_v a_o supremacy_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n independent_a from_o the_o presbytery_n be_v just_o blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n in_o that_o he_o prate_v against_o the_o presbyter_n with_o malicious_a word_n so_o that_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v these_o three_o position_n be_v clear_o manifest_v which_o master_n knollys_n deny_v viz_o the_o first_o that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o second_o that_o he_o affect_v a_o absolute_a jurisdicton_n within_o himself_o and_o to_o have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n for_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o that_o prate_v malicious_a word_n against_o the_o presbytery_n before_o the_o three_o that_o the_o church_n that_o saint_n john_n write_v unto_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o saint_n john_n do_v then_o acknowledge_v a_o court_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n both_o classical_a and_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o all_o which_o master_n knollys_n notwithstanding_o do_v peremptory_o deny_v but_o for_o the_o full_a elucidation_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v first_o make_v all_o these_o proposition_n good_a from_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n and_o then_o i_o will_v prove_v those_o several_a appeal_n i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o and_o after_o that_o evident_o evince_v that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n in_o any_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a babble_n in_o m._n knollys_n to_o say_v that_o if_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n be_v to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o then_o saint_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v methodical_o handle_v and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o answer_v whatsoever_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o other_o argument_n in_o their_o due_a place_n and_o for_o proof_n that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o master_n knollys_n say_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o wave_v the_o reason_n above_o specify_v from_o that_o nigh_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v so_o much_o urge_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o i_o say_v wave_v all_o those_o reason_n i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v believe_v himself_o and_o perhaps_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v give_v more_o credit_n to_o he_o who_o they_o account_v very_o learned_a then_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o they_o will_v due_o consider_v and_o ponder_v his_o expression_n they_o will_v then_o perceive_v not_o only_o his_o error_n but_o how_o palpable_o he_o everywhere_o contradict_v himself_o and_o wound_v their_o cause_n and_o evert_v their_o opinion_n while_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o diotrephes_n say_v he_o oppose_v the_o brethren_n and_o forbid_v they_o
that_o will_v have_v receive_v they_o yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o ver_fw-la 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o but_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o nâ—_n say_v he_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow_n elder_n or_o fellow_n saint_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o in_o master_n knollys_n his_o opinion_n diotrephes_n be_v a_o saint_n saint_n diotrephes_n therefore_o let_v he_o be_v even_o such_o another_o saint_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v diotrephes_n say_v he_o love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v the_o doctor_n marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v this_o place_n against_o the_o court_n of_o preshyters_n thus_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o answer_v most_o malicious_o and_o wicked_o calumniate_v his_o brethren_n and_o labour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n be_v like_o diotrephes_n in_o affect_v supremacy_n over_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o enrage_v the_o people_n against_o they_o when_o it_o be_v they_o themselves_o that_o will_v bring_v all_o man_n under_o their_o slavery_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a in_o their_o several_a congregation_n within_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o diotrephes_n but_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v synonimae_n in_o his_o dialect_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o evident_a from_o his_o word_n page_n the_o 7._o which_o be_v these_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n writ_n to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o these_o be_v master_n knollys_n formal_a expression_n out_o of_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o and_o that_o diotrophe_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n among_o they_o for_o so_o master_n knollys_n do_v in_o express_a term_n acknowledge_v and_o in_o so_o speak_v contradict_v himself_o and_o vindicate_v i_o from_o the_o error_n he_o accuse_v i_o of_o who_o affirm_v i_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n say_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v and_o yet_o here_o he_o assert_v that_o saint_n john_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n for_o i_o once_o and_o again_o and_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n he_o charge_v i_o with_o page_n 6_o and_o page_n 7._o by_o which_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o contentiousnesse_n and_o restlessness_n of_o the_o creature_n spirit_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n who_o contradict_v himself_o at_o every_o hand_n but_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n all_o the_o which_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o diotrephes_n aspire_v to_o the_o primacy_n among_o they_o and_o seek_v to_o stand_v singular_a by_o himself_o with_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o be_v independent_a and_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o reference_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n become_v a_o offender_n by_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o severe_o reprove_v by_o saint_n john_n for_o his_o so_o do_v in_o oppose_v his_o brethren_n in_o take_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o what_o member_n he_o please_v by_o his_o sole_a and_o absolute_a authority_n all_o which_o mr_n knollys_n accord_v to_o whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o whether_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o affront_v a_o court_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n see_v we_o read_v of_o none_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n before_o he_o and_o whether_o those_o that_o now_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o congregation_n within_o themselves_o independent_a be_v not_o rather_o like_o diotrephes_n than_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o government_n in_o common_a according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o consider_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o palpable_o contradict_v himself_o in_o all_o this_o his_o discourse_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o oppose_v the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v whether_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o mere_o to_o trifle_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o intelligible_a man_n i_o conceive_v that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n when_o they_o shall_v well_o consider_v my_o argument_n and_o mr_n knollys_n his_o reply_n unto_o it_o will_v say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o a_o offender_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v say_v wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o we_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v saint_n john_n himself_o and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n for_o he_o include_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o diotrephes_n prate_v against_o and_o oppose_v now_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o elder_a for_o so_o he_o call_v himself_o and_o mr_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o and_o confess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n and_o against_o all_o those_o do_v diotrephes_n prate_v with_o malicious_a word_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o authority_n which_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o gainsay_v yea_o he_o affirmrth_n it_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow-saint_n he_o will_v be_v primate_n say_v he_o and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o do_v it_o not_o then_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o mr_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o that_o affront_v the_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o speak_n of_o malicious_a word_n against_o they_o &_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o take_n in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n and_o rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n and_o with_o a_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n within_o himself_o in_o his_o congregation_n and_o violate_v that_o order_n of_o government_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n judgement_n to_o assume_v that_o authority_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o open_o to_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o to_o affront_v all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v i_o be_o confident_a all_o intelligible_a christian_n will_v say_v there_o be_v never_o any_o opposition_n of_o any_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n if_o this_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o he_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n in_o formal_a word_n whether_o
they_o and_o to_o convent_v any_o offender_n before_o they_o and_o to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n if_o the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n such_o a_o power_n be_v every_o presbytery_n invest_v with_o through_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o this_o mr_n knollys_n have_v acknowledge_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o this_o his_o pamphlet_n &_o in_o this_o his_o very_a answer_n concern_v diotrephes_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o and_o all_o this_o s._n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o he_o be_v both_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o member_n that_o the_o presbytery_n rule_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n make_v their_o address_n as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o better_a rectify_v of_o abuse_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n and_o appeal_v always_o unto_o they_o and_o never_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o particular_n as_o first_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o direction_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n but_o to_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o guide_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o fact_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n when_o they_o have_v purloin_v the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v order_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o price_n of_o those_o possession_n that_o be_v sell_v shall_v be_v lay_v down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o that_o distribution_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_n contrary_a to_o this_o order_n ananias_n keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n saphira_n his_o wife_n also_o be_v privy_a to_o it_o hereupon_o the_o people_n appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n than_o lie_v and_o who_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o do_v for_o that_o their_o delinquency_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v act_n the_o 5._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o church_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o of_o this_o proceed_n saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a again_o when_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o this_o abuse_n they_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o of_o the_o act_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o people_n who_o order_v that_o business_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n among_o they_o to_o which_o the_o people_n assent_v this_o also_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o other_o church_n have_v power_n to_o send_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o other_o minister_n into_o any_o other_o place_n to_o preach_v or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 8_o and_o act_n 14_o &_o 15._o for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o preach_v among_o the_o people_n there_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v except_o the_o presbitry_n have_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o they_o we_o see_v also_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o the_o presbitry_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o the_o presbitry_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o likewise_o send_v their_o decree_n by_o their_o minister_n through_o all_o city_n and_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o minister_n again_o s._n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n lay_v not_o in_o the_o people_n hand_n for_o we_o read_v act_n the_o 9_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o &_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n st_n paul_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n lie_v and_o declare_v unto_o they_o how_o matter_n be_v they_o admit_v he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n &_o their_o good_a like_n for_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o these_o proceed_n saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o council_n to_o appeal_v to_o in_o all_o church_n yea_o saint_n john_n know_v also_o that_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n convent_v they_o before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 11._o chap._n and_o 21._o where_o peter_n be_v call_v before_o the_o presbytery_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n there_o which_o he_o do_v all_o with_o show_n there_o be_v there_o a_o stand_a court_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n the_o presbytry_n give_v saint_n paul_n a_o order_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o the_o weak_a one_o which_o he_o follow_v all_o which_o show_v that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v s._n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o &_o therefore_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o where_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o presbyter_n there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v that_o which_o to_o any_o understand_a man_n be_v as_o evident_a a_o and_o clear_a as_o almost_o any_o other_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o when_o mr_n knollys_n have_v prove_v it_o himself_o in_o formal_a word_n in_o many_o place_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o he_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n establish_v in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v those_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o in_o express_a term_n page_n the_o seven_o say_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n may_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o verse_n 17._o in_o these_o word_n he_o confess_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o which_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o court_n there_o for_o judgement_n and_o censure_n and_o inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o court_n or_o magistracy_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n beside_o for_o further_a illustration_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o its_o member_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v over_o its_o member_n now_o all_o man_n that_o have_v read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o plenary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o both_o to_o convent_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o with_o the_o severe_a punishment_n those_o that_o do_v public_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n now_o if_o that_o church_n that_o st._n john_n write_v unto_o be_v equal_a in_o power_n to_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o that_o
of_o colosse_n and_o to_o all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n as_o mr_n knollys_n confess_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v then_o these_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o argumentation_n the_o first_o that_o saint_n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o that_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n diotrephes_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o contradict_v himself_o for_o in_o the_o six_o page_n he_o affirm_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o any_o such_o court_n 2_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n w_n ch_n whole_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a so_o that_o one_o church_n have_v not_o one_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o another_o church_n another_o manner_n of_o government_n peculiar_a unto_o itself_o and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v alike_o by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n and_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v but_o each_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o there_o several_a presbytry_n and_o last_o that_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o saint_n diotrephes_n labour_v to_o violate_v in_o assume_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n both_o he_o and_o all_o these_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o all_o well_o order_v church_n and_o christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v for_o proof_n that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o which_o mr_n knollys_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n these_o appeal_v master_n knollys_n say_v i_o can_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n although_o the_o have_a recourse_n by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_n to_o superior_n and_o from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o be_v so_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v also_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o understand_a man_n yet_o master_n knollys_n peremptory_o assert_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n never_o so_o perspicuous_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n therefore_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o such_o as_o with_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a line_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n add_v something_o more_o full_o and_o distinct_o to_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n page_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o mention_v page_n 10._o and_o sufficient_o evince_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o unerring_a word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v also_o ratify_v the_o use_n of_o appeal_n by_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o willing_o do_v in_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v do_v again_o and_o again_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o only_o because_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v good_a that_o appeal_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o proof_n ofthi_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 15._o wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o appeal_v high_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o appeal_v yet_o high_o tell_v it_o then_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o precinct_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o appeal_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n and_o for_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o new-testament_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o old_a to_o begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n which_o we_o find_v record_v after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o question_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n whereas_o by_o conjoynt_v argrement_n it_o be_v appoint_v and_o order_v among_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v common_a and_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n they_o shall_v bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o also_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o very_a expression_n signify_v and_o denote_v what_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o in_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o as_o all_o the_o carriage_n of_o that_o business_n do_v abundant_o prove_v i_o say_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o it_o be_v find_v out_o that_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n have_v not_o deal_v faithful_o in_o that_o business_n nor_o according_a to_o public_a agreement_n but_o have_v consent_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o brethren_n and_o by_o that_o have_v scandalize_v the_o gospel_n the_o church_n or_o people_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o this_o abuse_n take_v not_o the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n unto_o themselves_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o well_o know_v their_o place_n then_o and_o that_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o they_o appeal_v therefore_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v their_o complaint_n unto_o they_o and_o exhibit_v their_o article_n against_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n whereupon_o they_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o apostle_n as_o delinquent_n peter_n then_o be_v there_o precedent_n and_o chief_a judge_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a sentence_v they_o both_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n with_o death_n by_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o a_o appeal_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o it_o plenary_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o punish_v of_o all_o offender_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n and_o therefore_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o to_o this_o court_n of_o presbyter_n be_v all_o appeal_v ever_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o precinct_n as_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o other_o precedent_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o have_v a_o second_o appeal_n upon_o a_o other_o public_a
scandal_n which_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n where_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o particular_a congregation_n assume_v not_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o hand_n of_o redress_v the_o abuse_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o right_n to_o the_o government_n but_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n who_o order_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o joint_a consent_n to_o which_o all_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o the_o acts._n the_o three_o appeal_n we_o find_v act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n saint_n paul_n forth_o with_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o know_v have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v know_v his_o cause_n unto_o they_o they_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellow-ship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n of_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o and_o therefore_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o appeal_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n whether_o to_o fly_v to_o wit_v the_o to_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n or_o debar_v from_o any_o church-priviledge_n by_o they_o for_o they_o only_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a or_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v three_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mother-church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o abuse_n so_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n this_o truth_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v plenary_a power_n over_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o can_v call_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o a_o account_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o act_n where_o peter_n be_v convent_v &_o questionedbefore_n they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o which_o he_o willing_o yield_v unto_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o question_v any_o yea_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n can_v send_v the_o very_a apostle_n &_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n or_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o see_v they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a act_n the_o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o and_o therefore_o all_o these_o example_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o every_o church_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n if_o there_o arise_v any_o controversy_n and_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o and_o if_o there_o arise_v any_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o church_n or_o between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n about_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n than_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o those_o controversy_n to_o counsel_n and_o synod_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v so_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o due_a deliberation_n serious_o examine_v the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v and_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o learning_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v shall_v ever_o dare_v say_v that_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n whereas_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o this_o of_o appeal_n yea_o this_o method_n of_o deal_v and_o manner_n of_o handle_v of_o business_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o government_n under_o the_o very_a heathen_n and_o paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n to_o caesar_n tribunal_n and_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a where_o we_o know_v they_o have_v appeal_n from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o nay_o if_o christian_n now_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o sure_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o either_o the_o jewish_a or_o ethnic_n kingdom_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o all_o reason_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n matth._n the_o 13._o and_o beside_o the_o precedent_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v appeal_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v and_o ratify_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o brief_o set_v down_o may_v satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n but_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n or_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o must_v say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a cavil_n of_o master_n knollys_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v these_o appeal_n say_v he_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o that_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o the_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o fond_a cavil_n have_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o to_o any_o solid_a man_n and_o true_o have_v not_o i_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o trifle_a creature_n as_o he_o be_v in_o serious_a business_n who_o count_v every_o word_n he_o scrible_v a_o oracle_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v by_o it_o with_o silence_n as_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o all_o his_o other_o wrangle_n be_v except_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o principle_n nor_o no_o good_a learning_n but_o for_o answer_v all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_o know_v that_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o settle_a belief_n that_o all_o church_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o same_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o be_v hear_v that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n gal._n 1._o and_o this_o word_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o my_o opinion_n no_o church_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n be_v independent_a and_o therefore_o all_o such_o church_n and_o counsel_n as_o have_v not_o either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a and_o idle_a fantasy_n and_o affect_v independency_n in_o my_o opinion_n they_o in_o so_o order_v their_o church_n do_v not_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n now_o when_o the_o
independent_a government_n be_v such_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o that_o government_n only_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o have_v both_o precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o god_n word_n upon_o which_o they_o depend_v and_o this_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o not_o that_o which_o master_n knollys_n will_v grollish_o put_v upon_o i_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o piece_n of_o nonsense_n of_o he_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o his_o answer_n and_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n in_o any_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o have_v and_o for_o instance_n produce_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n understand_v by_o church_n the_o people_n who_o he_o say_v have_v power_n over_o the_o member_n miserable_o mistake_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a soul_n by_o it_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v to_o those_o that_o can_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v or_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v in_o matter_n of_o government_n either_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a for_o if_o man_n do_v once_o but_o right_o understand_v what_o a_o church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o new-testament_n and_o consider_v withal_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o by_o saint_n paul_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o governor_n and_o ruler_n be_v compare_v unto_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o eye_n ear_n hand_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o other_o member_n in_o the_o body_n and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o head_n and_o other_o more_o noble_a part_n and_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o direction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n some_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o other_o to_o be_v rule_v in_o it_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v for_o none_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v their_o station_n unless_o they_o by_o violence_n be_v cut_v off_o as_o all_o rational_a creature_n do_v very_o well_o know_v for_o the_o head_n be_v ever_o the_o head_n the_o eye_n be_v ever_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n be_v ever_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n be_v ever_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n for_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n &c_n &c_n intimate_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n and_o help_v in_o government_n in_o the_o church_n every_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o station_n to_o wit_n they_o that_o be_v once_o apostle_n teacher_n or_o governor_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n ever_o so_o to_o be_v and_o never_o lose_v their_o place_n but_o always_o to_o the_o day_n of_o their_o death_n remain_v and_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o where_o saint_n paul_n say_v 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 for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o come_v all_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o of_o those_o true_a minister_n be_v at_o any_o time_n degrade_v or_o lose_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o their_o title_n or_o of_o their_o authority_n but_o as_o god_n have_v put_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n so_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o several_a church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n ordain_v as_o act_v the_o 14._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o the_o people_n and_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v command_v to_o obey_v their_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o heb._n 13._o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v we_o find_v likewise_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o precedent_n of_o all_o other_o church_n that_o the_o people_n there_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o assume_v not_o the_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n but_o apply_v themselves_o and_o make_v their_o address_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o they_o order_v every_o thing_n according_a as_o they_o think_v good_a and_o that_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n we_o find_v further_o that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o question_v any_o offender_n for_o the_o censure_a and_o punish_v of_o they_o for_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o excommunication_n it_o be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o office_n and_o not_o by_o the_o multitude_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o cor._n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 6._o a_o place_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o the_o independent_o sufficient_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o censure_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inflict_v by_o all_o the_o people_n but_o by_o such_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n lay_v which_o be_v the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o many_o or_o of_o many_o and_o true_o if_o we_o will_v but_o due_o read_v the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o they_o and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v only_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a church_n through_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n as_o the_o ruler_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o to_o obey_v again_o if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 2._o &_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o epistle_n christ_n write_v unto_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o several_a church_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n lay_v and_o who_o have_v both_o the_o praise_n of_o well_o do_v and_o blame_v of_o any_o evil_a either_o commit_v or_o tolerate_v by_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o steward_n and_o guide_n of_o those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o all_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o malversation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n in_o they_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o not_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n
and_o they_o only_a in_o every_o church_n have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o more_o noble_a member_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o man_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o that_o office_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o keep_v himself_o in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o at_o large_a rom._n 12._o ver_fw-la 6._o have_v gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_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 ministry_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o find_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o office_n he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o wait_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_v they_o be_v ever_o to_o rule_v and_o the_o other_o that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v every_o member_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o station_n in_o this_o mystical_a body_n the_o magistrate_n and_o parent_n and_o master_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o rank_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o place_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o whether_o subject_n child_n or_o servant_n they_o be_v likewise_o to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o to_o obey_v all_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v their_o place_n for_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o teach_v we_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o 7._o of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o corinth_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o circumcision_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o yield_a of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obey_n of_o those_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o and_o the_o honour_v of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o our_o power_n be_v that_o that_o commend_v any_o man_n unto_o god_n especial_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o reverence_v of_o our_o godly_a minister_n and_o painful_a pastor_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 12._o know_v they_o which_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n for_o god_n have_v make_v they_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o people_n their_o flock_n they_o father_n and_o the_o people_n child_n beget_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o bvilder_n and_o the_o people_n the_o stone_n lay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o build_n they_o steward_n and_o the_o people_n domestics_n under_o they_o and_o their_o conduct_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o until_o they_o by_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o eminent_a ability_n be_v remove_v to_o a_o high_a calling_n or_o else_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 7._o ver_fw-la 20._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v once_o specify_v his_o mind_n in_o this_o business_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n he_o reiterate_v this_o precept_n say_v brethren_n let_v every_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v therein_o abide_v with_o god_n so_o that_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o master_n or_o parent_n of_o family_n for_o either_o of_o they_o i_o say_v to_o leave_v their_o call_n in_o their_o particular_a place_n of_o rule_v and_o for_o either_o the_o flock_n under_o the_o pastor_n or_o subject_n under_o the_o magistrate_n or_o servant_n and_o child_n in_o the_o several_a family_n under_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n to_o offer_v to_o take_v the_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n in_o either_o church_n state_n or_o family_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o leave_v their_o calling_n and_o so_o to_o transgress_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v enjoin_v the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o each_o of_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n and_o station_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v find_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o violator_n of_o that_o order_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n in_o both_o now_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o have_v enjoin_v all_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o rule_v and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_n and_o yield_v double_a honour_n unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n they_o be_v ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n god_n appoint_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o shall_v rule_v in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o too_o too_o many_o have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o now_o the_o church_n and_o state_n be_v imbroyl_v with_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v learn_v but_o this_o lesson_n to_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v he_o will_v know_v that_o the_o magistrate_n place_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclersiasticall_a be_v to_o command_v and_o that_o the_o subject_n and_o people_n place_n under_o they_o in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n be_v to_o obey_v they_o will_v understand_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o kingdom_n commonwealth_n corporation_n or_o in_o any_o province_n and_o country_n or_o church_n that_o howsoever_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o each_o of_o those_o government_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o and_o rule_v and_o order_v of_o they_o respective_o belong_v and_o pertain_v only_o to_o those_o in_o authority_n as_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o republic_n howsoever_o the_o embasladour_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v send_v into_o such_o a_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n about_o business_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o whole_a country_n yet_o none_o but_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n or_o the_o state_n have_v the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o the_o people_n and_o subject_n under_o they_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o those_o high_a affair_n for_o they_o be_v arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la and_o appertain_v not_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o every_o corporation_n howsoever_o the_o letter_n or_o mandate_n from_o either_o king_n parliament_n or_o state_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o several_a county_n hundred_o or_o corporation_n or_o city_n yet_o the_o lieutenant_n governor_n sheriff_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-councell_n in_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n what_o they_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v by_o either_o letter_n or_o mandate_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o several_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v according_a to_o the_o several_a exigence_n of_o the_o time_n as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o direct_n of_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o several_a county_n or_o hundred_o or_o corporation_n in_o general_a do_v not_o invest_v all_o the_o people_n with_o power_n or_o join_v they_o in_o commission_n with_o the_o magistrate_n of_o those_o respective_a place_n but_o leave_v the_o transact_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o those_o only_a in_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n which_o the_o people_n be_v not_o yea_o
that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v by_o lest_o he_o shall_v glory_v i_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o will_v therefore_o say_v something_o to_o that_o and_o conclude_v this_o point_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o all_o his_o other_o fond_a answer_n to_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o encounter_v with_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o babble_n if_o say_v he_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n &_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n rather_o chatter_v than_o dispute_v in_o make_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o therefore_o for_o answer_n let_v mr_n knollys_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o transgression_n in_o saint_n john_n against_o the_o presbyter_n in_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o himself_o for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o universal_a pastor_n tie_v to_o no_o one_o place_n or_o flock_n but_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o which_o lie_v primary_o and_o principal_o upon_o they_o who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o speak_v in_o and_o by_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o man_n thought_n word_n action_n and_o government_n and_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n have_v no_o less_o authority_n and_o power_n over_o this_o church_n wherein_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o in_o and_o over_o all_o other_o church_n than_o s._n paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v in_o all_o church_n now_o if_o s._n paul_n can_v give_v a_o law_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o for_o the_o carry_v of_o themselves_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o their_o assembly_n and_o sharp_o reproove_v offender_n in_o that_o church_n and_o if_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a and_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o they_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o transgression_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n but_o with_o the_o very_a good_a like_n and_o allowance_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o write_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o the_o church_n than_o i_o say_v saint_n john_n transgress_v not_o at_o all_o in_o use_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n over_o diotrephes_n in_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o for_o this_o he_o may_v well_o do_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n without_o any_o offence_n as_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n for_o what_o he_o do_v he_o do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o christ_n himself_o who_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a if_o not_o a_o impious_a thing_n in_o master_n knollys_n to_o draw_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o a_o fantasy_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n in_o that_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o saint_n john_n and_o another_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o will_v make_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v none_o and_o infer_v that_o saint_n john_n take_v more_o upon_o he_o than_o he_o ought_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v no_o transgression_n in_o any_o other_o presbyter_n if_o he_o have_v write_v so_o to_o any_o presbytery_n under_o which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o fellow_n presbyter_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o any_o miscarriage_n in_o either_o pastor_n or_o member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o elder_a and_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o will_v assume_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o himself_o than_o become_v a_o presbyter_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o both_o to_o witness_v to_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o know_v of_o such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o fellow_n judge_n and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o common_a council_n of_o elder_n which_o saint_n john_n do_v who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o censure_v such_o a_o offender_n and_o in_o his_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o rather_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v gather_v for_o by_o such_o word_n he_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n or_o council_n there_o where_o offender_n be_v both_o to_o be_v question_v and_o censure_v for_o such_o a_o expression_n if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o manife_v that_o he_o be_v a_o judge_n there_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o with_o other_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o all_o cause_n there_o and_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v by_o the_o mutual_a and_o joint_a accord_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v manage_v by_o any_o one_o single_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v never_o give_v the_o key_n unto_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o follow_v and_o not_o that_o which_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o intimate_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o any_o judicious_a christian_a upon_o due_a deliberation_n will_v say_v the_o same_o and_o will_v conclude_v that_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o so_o write_v be_v no_o offender_n though_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v transact_v by_o the_o joint_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v judicious_a may_v plain_o behold_v the_o futility_n in_o both_o the_o answer_n and_o cavil_v of_o this_o man_n and_o well_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v never_o cut_v out_o for_o a_o disputant_n or_o ever_o fit_v for_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n who_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o own_o mind_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n in_o both_o and_o violate_v all_o order_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o make_v the_o head_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o foot_n the_o head_n and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n or_o rather_o seventy_o for_o every_o ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o prove_v a_o church_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o so_o much_o disorder_n and_o discrepancy_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o pretend_v divine_a authority_n for_o its_o particular_a government_n as_o he_o will_v advise_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n for_o never_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v there_o such_o practiceâ—_n in_o any_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n of_o all_o government_n for_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a church_n be_v they_o never_o so_o slender_a and_o small_a assume_v a_o absolute_a soveranity_n unto_o themselves_o independent_a from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o presbytry_n from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n be_v one_o never_o so_o much_o wrong_v and_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o free_a state_n and_o republic_n every_o one_o of_o they_o rule_v within_o themselves_o as_o absolute_a magistracy_n and_o therefore_o upon_o all_o occasion_n if_o any_o difference_n arise_v between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o those_o church_n or_o between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o often_o they_o do_v as_o other_o country_n and_o commonweal_n send_v their_o ambassador_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o state_n affair_n
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o sâ—ake_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbyter_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27._o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v 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in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20._o 29._o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o whatsoever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o dayall_a committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o rape_n wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a council_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o council_n and_o just_a command_n in_o the_o
lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20._o 21._o and_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o then_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 to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o 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 and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o judicature_n in_o those_o time_n in_o censure_a man_n manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v and_o administer_v by_o a_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o learned_a experience_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n consistory_n or_o college_n of_o able_a man_n for_o government_n choose_v and_o select_v out_o of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n by_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o their_o ability_n the_o which_o assembly_n and_o company_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o do_v represent_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n christ_n do_v establish_v the_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o apostle_n this_o representative_a body_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o privilege_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v now_o all_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n nor_o by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v but_o by_o a_o assembly_n senate_n council_n or_o presbytery_n of_o understand_a man_n assign_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n &_o this_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o several_a presbytery_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n in_o judas_n his_o place_n and_o in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o emninent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o abitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o
the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o name_n be_v jairus_n here_o be_v a_o special_a ecce_fw-la add_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o a_o great_a man_n and_o one_o in_o authority_n come_v unto_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o a_o public_a way_n and_o one_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n so_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o people_n in_o every_o synagogue_n be_v govern_v and_o command_v by_o their_o ruler_n and_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o commission_n but_o stand_v to_o their_o determination_n as_o all_o man_n use_v to_o do_v in_o court_n of_o judicature_n that_o appeal_v unto_o they_o for_o justice_n and_o this_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ruler_n among_o they_o be_v among_o christian_n sometime_o call_v presbyter_n sometime_o guide_n sometime_o ruler_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n be_v appoint_v over_o all_o christian_a church_n as_o so_o many_o corporation_n to_o which_o all_o the_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o and_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o submission_n in_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o bless_a word_n for_o that_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n both_o of_o their_o command_a and_o of_o the_o people_n obey_v and_o this_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o rule_v all_o assembly_n and_o particular_a congregation_n under_o it_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o general_a in_o way_n of_o proof_n that_o all_o church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o college_n or_o assembly_n of_o presbyter_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v in_o order_n the_o four_o proposition_n or_o conclusion_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act._n 8._o and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o every_o branch_n of_o it_o i_o will_v first_o produce_v such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o make_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o thence_o frame_v and_o form_v my_o argument_n mat._n 3._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o 5_o 6._o in_o those_o day_n come_v john_n the_o baptist_n preach_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o judaea_n and_o say_v repent_v you_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n then_o go_v out_o to_o he_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o â—udaea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n the_o baptism_n of_o john_n as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o preach_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o baptise_a all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o into_o jesus_n christ_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19_o ver_fw-la 4._o he_o have_v his_o commission_n also_o from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o baptise_a christ_n himself_o he_o preach_v also_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v many_o honourable_a testimony_n from_o christ_n himself_o as_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o bright_a shine_a light_n and_o that_o he_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o many_o other_o encomium_n and_o praise_n do_v christ_n give_v of_o he_o to_o ratify_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o elias_n that_o be_v to_o come_v before_o the_o messiah_n and_o all_o the_o people_n own_v and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o man_n send_v of_o god_n and_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o he_o and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o and_o be_v baptise_a of_o he_o in_o these_o word_n we_o find_v that_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o turn_v christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v believer_n for_o which_o way_n soever_o the_o word_n jerusalem_n be_v take_v it_o signify_v a_o numberless_a multitude_n of_o man_n or_o a_o innumerable_a company_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n she_o be_v a_o most_o populous_a city_n the_o historian_n that_o write_v of_o that_o age_n relate_v that_o she_o have_v sometime_o in_o she_o no_o less_o than_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o hundred_o thousand_o but_o let_v it_o be_v take_v that_o these_o be_v but_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v a_o vast_a multitude_n and_o yet_o seldom_o be_v there_o less_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o belief_n may_v be_v have_v to_o historian_n for_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o metropolis_n city_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v then_o great_a expectation_n as_o we_o may_v read_v luke_n 19_o 11._o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v immediate_o appear_v and_o all_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n where_o they_o be_v scatter_v now_o repair_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o return_v into_o their_o own_o country_n expect_v the_o messiah_n so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o there_o be_v infinite_n of_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n by_o jerusalem_n here_o metonimycal_o the_o place_n be_v take_v for_o the_o people_n now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o city_n go_v out_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n old_a and_o young_a with_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v in_o great_a earthquake_n or_o some_o pestilence_n or_o inundation_n that_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v a_o city_n and_o to_o seek_v some_o other_o habitation_n or_o of_o some_o great_a part_n but_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o john_n baptist_n in_o that_o large_a sense_n and_o expression_n so_o that_o in_o this_o place_n it_o must_v be_v take_v synecdochycal_o and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o great_a part_n or_o a_o chief_a part_n for_o the_o whole_a as_o when_o a_o city_n be_v say_v to_o entertain_v a_o king_n or_o to_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v a_o king_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v principal_o of_o the_o chief_a officer_n as_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o the_o common-council_n and_o all_o their_o several_a company_n and_o chief_a captain_n and_o commander_n with_o all_o their_o magnificence_n so_o that_o in_o this_o notion_n the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o ordinary_a citizen_n be_v not_o think_v on_o or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o number_v as_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlem_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o inquire_v where_o they_o shall_v find_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o for_o they_o have_v see_v his_o star_n it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o herod_n hear_v these_o thing_n he_o and_o all_o jerusalem_n be_v trouble_v with_o he_o here_o by_o all_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v all_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o courtier_n for_o the_o common_a people_n be_v glad_a of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o day_n they_o have_v long_o look_v for_o and_o rejoice_v at_o but_o herod_n be_v a_o usurper_n and_o a_o tyrant_n and_o all_o his_o noble_n peer_n and_o great_a man_n be_v confederate_a with_o he_o and_o adjutor_n in_o his_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n and_o conceive_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o earthly_a monarch_n and_o that_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o will_v not_o only_o pull_v down_o the_o usurper_n but_o likewise_o call_v all_o they_o in_o question_n as_o guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n and_o cut_v they_o of_o as_o complice_n and_o abettor_n this_o make_v they_o tremble_v and_o fear_v and_o because_o it_o
after_o now_o if_o moses_n do_v his_o work_n perfect_o as_o he_o do_v and_o baptize_v those_o perfect_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n as_o paul_n assert_v 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o do_v all_o he_o do_v in_o perfection_n and_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v perfect_o consummate_v his_o ministry_n than_o john_n the_o baptist_n also_o do_v the_o like_a for_o christ_n say_v that_o among_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n than_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v there_o be_v not_o one_o more_o faithful_a and_o that_o do_v his_o work_n more_o complete_o and_o with_o more_o perfection_n which_o christ_n own_o word_n in_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n do_v yet_o more_o full_o declare_v vers_fw-la 15._o saying_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n now_o if_o the_o baptist_n do_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o his_o ministry_n than_o he_o do_v it_o complete_o and_o make_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o perfect_a complete_a and_o consummate_v christian_n for_o he_o in_o his_o office_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o imperfection_n as_o i._o s._n say_v in_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n than_o he_o do_v not_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o then_o christ_n word_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a which_o be_v a_o high_a point_n of_o blasphemy_n to_o think_v much_o more_o to_o say_v and_o print_v as_o i._n s._n do_v for_o he_o that_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o his_o office_n do_v it_o perfect_o and_o complete_o but_o john_n do_v so_o ergo_fw-la all_o those_o that_o he_o baptize_v be_v complete_a christian_n i_o demand_v therefore_o of_o i._o s._n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o of_o all_o the_o independent_o whether_o christ_n be_v well_o baptize_v or_o no_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o presum_fw-la they_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_o baptize_v and_o if_o christ_n himself_o be_v well_o baptize_v than_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v also_o well_o baptize_v and_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a christian_n for_o john_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o baptize_v and_o he_o obey_v god_n command_n in_o this_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o that_o also_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n &_o by_o the_o apostle_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n be_v as_o perfect_a christian_n as_o any_o that_o be_v baptize_v after_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o baptize_v than_o christ_n be_v not_o well_o baptize_v which_o be_v high_a impiety_n to_o affirm_v neither_o will_v i_o ever_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o john_n baptist_n do_v not_o know_v as_o well_o how_o to_o make_v complete_a christian_n as_o i._o s._n or_o as_o any_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n for_o i_o know_v john_n be_v send_v of_o god_n for_o this_o work_n and_o that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o it_o and_o i_o know_v also_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o ministry_n to_o the_o death_n and_o fear_v not_o the_o face_n of_o herod_n nor_o of_o any_o mortal_a creature_n for_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n ascertani_v unto_o i_o but_o that_o our_o independent_a minister_n be_v ever_o send_v of_o god_n and_o bid_v to_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n and_o to_o preach_v up_o their_o congregationall_a way_n or_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o doubt_v it_o for_o first_o i_o know_v that_o they_o run_v backward_o and_o forward_o to_z and_o fro_o before_o they_o be_v ever_o send_v and_o that_o they_o preach_v that_o they_o be_v never_o command_v from_o god_n and_o that_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v preach_v andstood_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n many_o of_o they_o run_v away_o and_o desert_v it_o and_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o it_o as_o john_n baptist_n do_v but_o like_o those_o hireling_n christ_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o ten_o when_o they_o see_v the_o wolf_n come_v cowardly_o run_v away_o and_o leave_v their_o poor_a flock_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o those_o beast_n and_o many_o of_o they_o now_o have_v leave_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v desert_v their_o charge_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n act_v 20._o vers_fw-la 28._o who_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o that_o i_o can_v name_v i_o great_o doubt_v whether_o the_o independent_a minister_n be_v ever_o send_v of_o god_n but_o for_o john_n i_o know_v he_o be_v and_o i_o know_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o make_v those_o he_o baptise_a perfect_a christian_n i_o know_v likewise_o that_o he_o make_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o and_o that_o jerusalem_n come_v out_o and_o be_v baptise_a also_o which_o when_o i._o s._n deny_v i_o assert_v he_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a fellow_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v his_o due_a desert_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v spew_v not_o only_o out_o of_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n here_o in_o london_n but_o out_o of_o all_o their_o several_a new_a fangle_a congregation_n through_o the_o kingdom_n as_o a_o alien_a and_o stranger_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o all_o learning_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o four_o learn_v answer_v i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o five_o as_o good_a as_o the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o be_v it_o say_v he_o that_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a by_o john_n be_v make_v christian_n that_o even_o johns_n own_o disciple_n who_o have_v the_o best_a and_o frequent_a instruction_n not_o only_o hesitate_v but_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n john_n 3._o for_o 26._o and_o other_o do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v say_v he_o this_o argument_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o people_n receive_v johns_n baptism_n will_v stand_v in_o little_a stead_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n viz_o that_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n much_o less_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o least_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v his_o formal_a expression_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v no_o christian_n in_o these_o his_o word_n there_o be_v a_o double_a argument_n by_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o unchristian_a all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n the_o first_o be_v because_o as_o he_o false_o suppose_v they_o be_v enemy_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o be_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o right_o mould_v so_o that_o in_o this_o his_o last_o paragraffe_v or_o section_n we_o have_v two_o argument_n together_o which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a make_v up_o six_o in_o all_o by_o which_o the_o profound_a disputant_n j._n s._n unchurche_n and_o unchristiâ—ns_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n now_o because_o i._o s._n and_o his_o complice_n do_v place_n so_o much_o strength_n in_o these_o two_o last_o argument_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n the_o more_o serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v they_o with_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o by_o i._o s._n and_o my_o reply_n to_o they_o first_o whereas_o he_o deni_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v make_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n so_o in_o his_o thus_o speak_v he_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o contradict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o those_o place_n i_o quote_v out_o of_o they_o in_o my_o former_a reply_n and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o contradict_v himself_o for_o he_o confess_v that_o john_n baptise_a in_o to_o christ_n and_o he_o baptize_v none_o as_o all_o the_o independent_o acknowledge_v but_o believer_n therefore_o they_o be_v christian_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o yet_o here_o as_o often_o former_o he_o deni_v they_o be_v christian_n but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o before_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o his_o reason_n his_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v because_o say_v he_o johns_n
true_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v nay_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 2._o which_o they_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n than_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v for_o they_o describe_v a_o church_n unto_o we_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n or_o believer_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o in_o number_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n so_o as_o that_o assembly_n or_o church_n must_v not_o be_v fluid_a but_o fix_v in_o its_o member_n and_o officer_n have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o its_o own_o with_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o enjoy_v all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o far_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n we_o can_v gather_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o church_n want_v this_o form_n according_a to_o their_o language_n be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o by_o this_o their_o model_n the_o church_n itself_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a mould_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o i_o shall_v here_o brief_o in_o some_o particular_n show_v and_o more_o large_o demonstrate_v when_o i_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burton_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o independent_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o acknowledge_v they_o want_v deacon_n and_o presbyter_n and_o they_o confess_v withal_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o then_o they_o have_v not_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n and_o saint_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabitant_n of_o other_o church_n through_o judaea_n for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o other_o church_n there_o and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o church_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v also_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o yea_o he_o confess_v that_o in_o its_o infancy_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o by_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o count_v such_o a_o covenant_n the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n from_o all_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o the_o independent_o church_n be_v erroneous_a or_o if_o it_o be_v orthodox_n than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n formewhen_o they_o say_v it_o be_v for_o first_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o yet_o though_o in_o several_a and_o distinct_a place_n and_o assembly_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n second_o they_o have_v no_o fix_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o nor_o no_o presbytery_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o if_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v stranger_n and_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o other_o city_n as_o they_o say_v than_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v neither_o in_o their_o officer_n nor_o member_n anâ—_n yet_o a_o true_a church_n not_o in_o the_o elder_n nor_o deacon_n for_o they_o then_o have_v none_o at_o all_o nor_o in_o their_o member_n for_o they_o confess_v many_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o do_v not_o inhabit_v and_o dwell_v there_o and_o therefore_o not_o fix_v member_n and_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v notfixt_v but_o as_o noah_n dove_n be_v send_v out_o by_o he_o and_o return_v with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o her_o mouth_n &_o at_o the_o next_o time_n depart_v and_o go_v her_o way_n so_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v the_o universal_a messenger_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v out_o into_o all_o nation_n with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o their_o mouth_n that_o trophy_n of_o peace_n and_o glad_a tiding_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n yet_o all_o man_n know_v that_o be_v not_o their_o abide_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v officer_n there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v out_o into_o all_o country_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o when_o the_o persecution_n come_v according_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v scatter_v and_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v in_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v â—ound_v but_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a those_o member_n be_v not_o fix_v but_o fluid_v when_o they_o run_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n to_o save_v themselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n those_o great_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o their_o language_n all_o alone_a without_o either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n they_o also_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o be_v afterward_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o teach_v and_o baptize_v as_o i_o say_v before_o withal_o the_o independent_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o want_v ed_z that_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n excommunication_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o presbytery_n in_o it_o nor_o no_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o good_a neither_o can_v they_o then_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o better_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o the_o baptismeof_o john_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n which_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o by_o their_o definition_n &_o they_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n ergo_fw-la they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o now_o the_o independent_o require_v for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n no_o more_o than_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o i._o s._n and_o the_o independent_o babble_n about_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v to_o little_a purpose_n yea_o mere_a vainty_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o it_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o think_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o mould_v up_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o mother-church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n according_a to_o the_o independent_o learning_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v then_o she_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o any_o external_a explicit_a particular_a covenant_n nor_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o requisite_n that_o they_o now_o require_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o now_o to_o return_v and_o come_v
more_o close_o to_o examine_v i._o s._n his_o word_n that_o we_o may_v discover_v yet_o more_o full_o the_o fallacious_a juggle_n of_o both_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o mould_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n all_o which_o term_n and_o expression_n be_v well_o explain_v than_o the_o grollery_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v therefore_o that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o term_n these_o juggler_n use_n first_o say_v something_o brief_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n and_o under_o the_o king_n both_o of_o juda_n and_o israel_n through_o all_o their_o city_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v requisite_a and_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o cast_n off_o any_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n which_o be_v declare_v the_o trifle_n of_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n will_v be_v more_o obvious_a to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o under_o a_o double_a nation_n as_o it_o have_v a_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o a_o moral_a worship_n and_o both_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o former_a but_o temporary_a the_o other_o for_o duration_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n it_o be_v divers_a for_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v order_v after_o a_o monarchical_a way_n there_o be_v a_o high_a priest_n that_o typify_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o atonement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o mediate_v with_o god_n for_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o have_v many_o priest_n under_o he_o for_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o daily_a sacrifice_n either_o of_o praise_n or_o of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o material_a temple_n they_o be_v tie_v but_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o go_v once_o a_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o atonement_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n and_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a high_a priest_n typify_v and_o who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n have_v offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n to_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 10._o verse_n 14._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o way_n of_o administration_n but_o there_o be_v a_o other_o way_n of_o administration_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a worship_n which_o be_v ever_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v in_o their_o several_a city_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o village_n and_o all_o those_o synagogue_n that_o be_v through_o all_o judaea_n and_o israel_n and_o through_o the_o world_n who_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v call_v ruler_n so_o that_o all_o those_o synagogue_n that_o be_v in_o the_o several_a village_n or_o hamlet_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o limit_n of_o every_o city_n be_v all_o of_o they_o govern_v after_o a_o classical_a and_o collegiate_n way_n and_o those_o synagogue_n be_v as_o our_o parish_n church_n now_o at_o this_o day_n be_v among_o we_o now_o these_o elder_n and_o ruler_n in_o moses_n time_n be_v first_o appoint_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n in_o common_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o after_o they_o be_v come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n than_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o ruler_n in_o every_o city_n appoint_v over_o they_o who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o care_n it_o be_v that_o the_o moral_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v every_o sabbath_n day_n continual_o preserve_v in_o all_o their_o synagogue_n by_o their_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o scribe_n and_o lawyer_n and_o they_o have_v also_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o convent_v any_o before_o they_o upon_o delinquency_n and_o of_o censure_v and_o punish_v of_o they_o upon_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o and_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v matthew_n the_o 18._o and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o truth_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v more_o evident_o clear_a than_o this_o that_o all_o the_o synagogue_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o court_n or_o classis_fw-la or_o college_n of_o ruler_n for_o they_o have_v inferior_a judge_n and_o superior_a in_o they_o yea_o many_o chief_a ruler_n in_o all_o city_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o antioch_n and_o pisidia_n act_v the_o 13._o 14._o 15._o where_o paul_n and_o his_o company_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a send_v unto_o they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o out_o of_o which_o word_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o governor_n and_o chief_a ruler_n 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not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o command_v any_o minister_n to_o preach_v or_o appoint_v any_o one_o to_o exhort_v but_o it_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o ruler_n to_o do_v this_o and_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o government_n without_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o as_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v that_o that_o be_v establish_v in_o all_o city_n through_o the_o world_n where_o the_o jew_n be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v their_o religion_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v perpetutate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v through_o all_o city_n presbyter_n ordain_v as_o the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 14._o and_o tit._n 1._o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o their_o common_a council_n and_o this_o be_v accord_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o generation_n after_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a worship_n be_v govern_v both_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o after_o his_o death_n and_o ascension_n by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v testify_v it_o and_o this_o way_n of_o government_n i_o say_v be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v that_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o church_n government_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n into_o the_o which_o mould_n of_o government_n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v cast_v which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n
bring_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o church_n and_o by_o that_o work_n of_o conversion_n they_o be_v add_v to_o it_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v this_o day_n take_v any_o of_o our_o minister_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n sheep_n out_o of_o their_o fold_n and_o steal_v they_o away_o as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n daily_o do_v and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o new_a congregation_n may_v not_o that_o independent_a minister_n without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o without_o any_o error_n true_o be_v say_v to_o have_v add_v so_o many_o more_o to_o his_o new_a church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o his_o member_n be_v thus_o increase_v and_o if_o another_o minister_n be_v join_v with_o he_o as_o a_o teacher_n in_o that_o congregation_n or_o succeed_v he_o if_o he_o also_o shall_v run_v plunder_v about_o both_o city_n and_o country_n as_o a_o gift_a brother_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a many_o more_o poor_a silly_a sheep_n into_o his_o fold_n then_o the_o other_o do_v as_o they_o be_v notable_a cunning_a thief_n may_v not_o it_o true_o be_v say_v of_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_v that_o he_o also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o still_o the_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o increase_v i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a i_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o any_o blame_n or_o error_n in_o that_o i_o say_v those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o make_v disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v former_o convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n but_o say_v j._n s._n how_o can_v christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o say_v he_o when_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o the_o doctor_n affirm_v pag._n 32._o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o thus_o he_o show_v his_o acumen_n or_o rather_o his_o vanity_n in_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n and_o abuse_v i_o for_o he_o that_o have_v ever_o read_v my_o book_n and_o look_v but_o in_o the_o 31_o page_n towards_o the_o low_a part_n shall_v find_v these_o word_n that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n and_o be_v baptize_v it_o must_v therefore_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o all_o the_o common_a people_n promiscuous_o or_o for_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n and_o of_o all_o profession_n as_o publican_n soldier_n and_o the_o ordinary_a inhabitant_n these_o be_v my_o very_a word_n there_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n say_v that_o i_o take_v not_o the_o word_n synecdochical_o bely_v i_o befool_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o reader_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o fancy_n but_o for_o answer_v to_o his_o whible_n cavil_v i_o say_v christ_n convert_v those_o he_o make_v his_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n out_o of_o the_o remmant_n or_o remainder_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o unconvert_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o that_o work_n he_o add_v more_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o though_o the_o mother_n church_n as_o the_o other_o be_v daughter_n church_n through_o all_o juda_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n for_o the_o be_v a_o nationall_n church_n do_v not_o exclude_v as_o this_o man_n fond_o conceit_n particular_a church_n from_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n do_v deny_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n do_v partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n divine_n do_v hold_v and_o therefore_o take_v jerusalem_n synecdochical_o as_o i_o then_o do_v it_o be_v also_o here_o to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o then_o christ_n do_v make_v mo_z disciple_n out_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o remain_v yet_o unconvert_v than_o john_n have_v do_v before_o he_o and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o particular_a mother_n church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n which_o as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o moral_a worship_n govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n as_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o relate_v which_o be_v call_v a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n all_o those_o synagogue_n and_o several_a church_n be_v all_o combine_v together_o under_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n after_o which_o manner_n all_o the_o other_o city_n church_n bring_v judea_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o this_o mother_n church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v govern_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n that_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n both_o in_o judea_n and_o israel_n as_o that_o of_o samaria_n and_o into_o this_o mould_n do_v the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n cast_v all_o they_o convert_v therefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o john_n and_o that_o he_o add_v they_o unto_o that_o church_n i_o speak_v nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v warrant_n for_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o be_v sufficient_o back_v and_o corroborate_v also_o by_o all_o sound_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n to_o say_v that_o in_o so_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o paradox_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o ludibre_fw-fr in_o i_o and_o a_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n then_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n and_o matter_n of_o laughter_n in_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n for_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n say_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n i_o refer_v myself_o therefore_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o honest_a godly_a mind_a man_n whether_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o as_o well_o censure_v and_o traduce_v by_o this_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fellow_n as_o myself_o and_o whether_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o do_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o second_o paradox_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o childish_a and_o impious_a as_o this_o where_o he_o say_v be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o answer_v let_v i._n s._n take_v notice_n that_o in_o say_v christ_n make_v â—mo_fw-la disciple_n than_o the_o baptist_n and_o in_o make_v they_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o marvellous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n as_o i._o s._n unlearned_o infer_v for_o in_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o due_a honour_n and_o affirm_v he_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v both_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o so_o speak_v i_o detract_v nothing_o from_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o any_o man_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o christ_n ministry_n viz._n the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o work_n proper_o and_o primary_o belong_v unto_o he_o though_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n it_o may_v also_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o mistake_n be_v in_o i._n s._n and_o not_o in_o i_o for_o he_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o instrumental_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v a_o prevaricator_n in_o many_o respect_n sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o man_n for_o here_o he_o give_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o christ_n unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o then_o he_o false_o accuse_v i_o of_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v when_o there_o be_v none_o and_o then_o will_v make_v i_o guilty_a of_o his_o own_o sin_n which_o i_o be_o free_a from_o as_o all_o they_o that_o read_v my_o book_n in_o the_o page_n quote_v by_o he_o may_v see_v and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o in_o
that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o 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the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
wrought_v upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o peter_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o new_a believer_n be_v there_o specify_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n which_o be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o all_o the_o former_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o eight_o thousand_o new_a member_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 110._o psalm_n verse_n 3._o be_v now_o fulfil_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o 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those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o her_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o 5._o c._n as_o of_o ananias_n &_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v downdead_o and_o give_v up_o the_o 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congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n nor_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divers_a jew_n that_o be_v then_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o their_o several_a minister_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o several_a language_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v i_o say_v for_o the_o present_a to_o wave_v all_o this_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v positive_o set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n that_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o preach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o preach_v be_v set_v down_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o beliver_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la the_o 46._o where_o it_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o by_o all_o interpreter_n be_v understand_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o the_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n be_v wont_v usual_o to_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o roman_n verse_n the_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 16._o vers_fw-la 19_o col._n 4._o 14._o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 20._o say_v that_o he_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o they_o but_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n as_o well_o private_a as_o public_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o church_n also_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o church_n but_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o six_o chapter_n in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 7_o verses_z it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o their_o
widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o their_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o contiunal_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n brief_o of_o these_o observables_n the_o first_o of_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o wile_n and_o stratagem_n assault_v the_o church_n without_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o assail_v it_o within_o as_o here_o with_o civil_a discord_n and_o difference_n among_o brethren_n and_o in_o other_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o and_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o dissension_n in_o opinion_n by_o sect_n schism_n faction_n and_o heresy_n and_o by_o these_o his_o wile_n and_o craft_n he_o first_o bring_v in_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o afterward_o diversity_n of_o affection_n and_o that_o among_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v that_o in_o fine_a he_o may_v bring_v ruin_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o thus_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n raise_v a_o controversy_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o greek_n who_o complain_v that_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n as_o either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v deaconess_n as_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n who_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v need_n act_v 2._o vers_fw-la 44_o 45._o chap._n 4._o v._n 35._o and_o this_o their_o supposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o controversy_n the_o second_o observable_a be_v to_o who_o the_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n do_v apply_v themselves_o and_o appeal_v and_o that_o be_v to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o colleague_n of_o apostle_n not_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o but_o to_o the_o twelve_o as_o in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n act_v 15._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o both_o those_o difference_n all_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o that_o willing_o and_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o order_v of_o all_o controversy_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n set_v before_o they_o decide_v all_o debate_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precedent_n they_o have_v lay_v down_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n here_o i_o say_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n and_o college_n of_o the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o business_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n pretend_v their_o own_o independent_a authority_n though_o several_a congregation_n or_o challenge_v a_o power_n within_o themselves_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o determine_v of_o difference_n among_o themselves_o or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n within_o themselves_o to_o make_v their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o will_v be_v order_v or_o that_o they_o challenge_v any_o such_o privilege_n unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o all_o appeal_v unto_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o free_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o to_o the_o order_n they_o set_v down_o as_o the_o story_n specifi_v the_o three_o observable_a be_v the_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o take_v up_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o employment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o such_o multitude_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o teacher_n and_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o all_o of_o they_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a nation_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o edification_n and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o truth_n more_o evident_o yet_o appear_v i_o will_v first_o out_o the_o former_a discourse_n frame_v several_a argument_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o the_o ensue_a history_n and_o out_o of_o all_o these_o six_o chapter_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convertedby_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o the_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n join_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o struâ—k_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v after_o ward_n great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v this_o argument_n be_v so_o well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o corroborate_v also_o with_o such_o solid_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n
they_o in_o all_o which_o ordinance_n every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n do_v daily_o partake_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o assembly_n a_o true_a and_o complete_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n they_o enjoy_v all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a meet_v house_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o three_o or_o four_o good_a woman_n and_o as_o many_o man_n every_o one_o of_o these_o several_a congregation_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o the_o name_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o do_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v and_o no_o where_o else_o that_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o independent_o consider_v by_o themselves_o respective_o &_o apart_o may_v proper_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v call_v church_n and_o that_o for_o the_o enjoy_v but_o some_o of_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n and_o privilege_n that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v complete_o partake_v in_o than_o all_o good_a reason_n will_v conclude_v that_o all_o these_o several_a assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o that_o as_o i_o say_v before_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o better_a reason_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o all_o other_o requisit_n whatsoever_o in_o these_o our_o day_n can_v make_v a_o complete_a church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n of_o my_o argument_n may_v suffice_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v any_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o for_o my_o minor_a proposition_n they_o that_o shall_v read_v but_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 18._o of_o matt._n and_o the_o 28._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o twenty_o of_o saint_n johns_n gospel_n shall_v find_v it_o sufficient_o confirm_v yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o now_o i_o hope_v every_o judicious_a and_o intelligible_a reader_n from_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v evince_v and_o that_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o under_o one_o presbytery_n govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o my_o brother_n burton_n &_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n a_o subordination_n or_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
nothing_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o himself_o or_o say_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v it_o he_o grollish_o deni_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o he_o do_v not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o but_o oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n insuccee_v time_n as_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o which_o government_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o mould_v up_o all_o their_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n within_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n as_o be_v complete_a within_o itself_o so_o ought_v every_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n after_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o authority_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o have_v dependency_n on_o any_o other_o for_o in_o all_o particular_n they_o avow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a form_v church_n and_o the_o same_o they_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o idependents_n beside_o himself_o that_o i_o ever_o have_v read_v or_o talk_v with_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o his_o own_o argument_n say_v that_o the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o acts._n then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o confess_v &_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a church_n for_o that_o that_o be_v deficient_a and_o deform_a that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o a_o form_a church_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o above_o say_v than_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o entire_a church_n as_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o gather_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o here_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n beside_o it_o must_v come_v in_o by_o which_o word_n of_o he_o i_o maintain_v he_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o all_o hold_v the_o contrary_a but_o contradict_v himself_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v of_o necessity_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o till_o there_o be_v necessity_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n so_o that_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o a_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o etc._n etc._n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n confute_v all_o his_o brethren_n who_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n hold_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostolic_a church_n be_v perfect_a form_v church_n and_o absolute_a within_o themselves_o and_o independent_a where_o as_o he_o blame_v they_o all_o of_o imperfection_n and_o say_v they_o must_v all_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a platform_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oppose_a of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o contradict_v of_o himself_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a for_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o he_o here_o accuse_v it_o of_o imperfection_n and_o fayling_n and_o therefore_o not_o form_v for_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o it_o want_v deacon_n and_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n at_o any_o time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n here_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o his_o learning_n must_v have_v not_o only_o a_o good_a discipline_n but_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n page_n 11._o now_o a_o church_n according_a to_o their_o description_n true_o form_v and_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n and_o two_o to_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o send_v i_o word_n which_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o peculiar-pastor_n of_o this_o form_a church_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n or_o who_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o who_o be_v their_o deacon_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o be_v that_o that_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v make_v all_o that_o i_o require_v of_o he_o clear_o appear_v than_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o church_n have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o or_o but_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o any_o particular_a covenant_n but_o we_o read_v that_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v mighty_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n set_v over_o they_o and_o church_n officer_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a and_o nothing_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o with_o any_o such_o covenant_n which_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v make_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o without_o which_o in_o their_o language_n it_o can_v be_v adistinct_a and_o formal_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v from_o which_o i_o do_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v and_o that_o from_o the_o new_a light_n i_o have_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o well_o form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n which_o be_v impious_a either_o to_o think_v or_o say_v or_o if_o they_o be_v that_o then_o there_o may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o but_o serve_v their_o flock_n and_o congregation_n in_o common_a so_o that_o all_o the_o babble_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o delude_v poor_a people_n when_o they_o demand_n such_o thing_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o god_n never_o require_v at_o his_o
or_o for_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o exact_v of_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o complete_n and_o mould_v of_o they_o into_o church_n body_n pro_fw-la per_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v perfect_o convert_v and_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o yet_o that_o for_o some_o want_v they_o make_v no_o separation_n rend_v or_o schism_n from_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o they_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n open_o and_o that_o in_o all_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o yet_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v believe_v they_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o distinction_n of_o officer_n nor_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o of_o their_o requisite_n so_o that_o from_o the_o pious_a and_o godly_a example_n of_o those_o glorious_a saint_n i_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o rent_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v among_o brethren_n for_o some_o fail_n in_o any_o church_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n not_o only_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n but_o a_o very_a want_n of_o officer_n themselves_o and_o of_o a_o good_a discipline_n also_o in_o any_o church_n or_o church_n and_o that_o they_o that_o do_v make_v rent_n and_o division_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o withal_o i_o learn_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o fail_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o want_n of_o some_o chief_a officer_n and_o member_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o form_v church_n although_o it_o want_v both_o officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n they_o now_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v member_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o he_o now_o preach_v be_v solid_a and_o orthodox_n divinity_n and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o he_o write_v as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o those_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a want_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n officer_n which_o we_o may_v long_o since_o have_v enjoy_v have_v not_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n hinder_v our_o happy_a begin_v reformation_n especial_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v when_o there_o be_v no_o fail_v or_o want_n in_o any_o dominative_a or_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o where_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n requisite_a to_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v daily_o public_o teach_v in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o congregation_n and_o church_n all_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v we_o want_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v that_o discipline_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n yea_o the_o independent_o themselves_z hold_v that_o officer_n in_o a_o church_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o it_o as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n apparent_o delucidate_v for_o they_o say_v though_o the_o officer_n all_o dye_n yet_o the_o church_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v discipline_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n i_o maintain_v that_o in_o all_o he_o assert_v he_o be_v not_o only_o exceed_v erroneous_a and_o ignorant_a but_o understand_v not_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v all_o against_o he_o in_o those_o his_o assertion_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v it_o in_o their_o writing_n that_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v virtual_o in_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n if_o their_o concession_n be_v true_a nor_o any_o church_n officer_n which_o be_v point_n blank_a against_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o opinion_n they_o confess_v likewise_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n viz_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n they_o acknowledge_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v equal_a power_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n as_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v both_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o their_o several_a church_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o their_o particular_a right_n &_o impeach_v neither_o of_o they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o they_o do_v also_o confess_v that_o as_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n do_v excommunicate_a hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o and_o other_o so_o may_v the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o like_a occasion_n give_v they_o and_o may_v have_v put_v any_o church_n not_o only_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n but_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o also_o to_o have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n as_o both_o paul_n do_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v all_o well_o constitute_v and_o well_o and_o perfect_a form_v church_n by_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n so_o as_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o independent_o do_v accord_n unto_o and_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o perfect_a church_n at_o its_o first_o constitution_n before_o the_o incestuous_a person_n appear_v in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o they_o will_v say_v of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaiâ—tans_n and_o that_o of_o baalam_n and_o jezabell_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o and_o before_o those_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n appear_v and_o all_o the_o other_o offender_n there_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v any_o perfection_n to_o those_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o deformity_n to_o they_o all_o to_o have_v such_o creature_n and_o fail_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v repute_v their_o great_a sin_n to_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o in_o their_o bowel_n which_o by_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o have_v power_n to_o have_v cast_v out_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o those_o church_n at_o their_o first_o plantation_n and_o sound_n have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o all_o other_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o consist_v of_o saint_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o several_a church_n both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o this_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n but_o be_v all_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n the_o first_o day_n contrary_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v likewise_o by_o the_o independent_o and_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n himself_o that_o where_o there_o be_v church_n officer_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n with_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o few_o visible_a saint_n if_o they_o amount_v but_o to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v but_o ten_o or_o twelve_o gather_v together_o according_a to_o their_o method_n that_o there_o be_v a_o complete_a form_v church_n where_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o this_o church_n be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n the_o which_o
likewise_o want_v nothing_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n but_o have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o complete_a a_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o all_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n now_o i_o shall_v never_o beleevethat_o those_o glorious_a church_n found_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o every_o city_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n appoint_v they_o the_o which_o church_n also_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o complete_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o well_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o any_o of_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o impiety_n to_o think_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o gather_v church_n and_o how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o they_o and_o how_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o well_o as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o notwithstanding_o do_v all_o proclaim_v they_o but_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n both_o in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v all_o complete_v at_o their_o first_o sound_v and_o constitution_n and_o be_v all_o complete_a within_o themselves_o as_o have_v plenary_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o much_o more_o have_v all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o s._n paul_n who_o blame_v they_o for_o not_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o some_o of_o the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o christ_n himself_o for_o otherwise_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n may_v have_v reply_v and_o answer_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o complete_o mould_v up_o at_o their_o first_o sound_n and_o that_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o none_o of_o these_o church_n pretend_v any_o such_o thing_n neither_o can_v they_o for_o saint_n paul_n have_v give_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n a_o caveat_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o wolf_n that_o will_v rise_v up_o among_o they_o after_o his_o departure_n and_o have_v arm_v they_o likewise_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o twenty_o of_o the_o act_n and_o that_o church_n execute_v its_o power_n in_o find_v out_o of_o false_a teacher_n and_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o though_o the_o other_o be_v blame_v so_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o their_o duty_n and_o not_o execute_v of_o their_o discipline_n be_v that_o that_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v give_v they_o in_o cast_v out_o of_o those_o corrupt_a member_n from_o among_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v their_o fail_n and_o for_o this_o be_v they_o blame_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o discipline_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n but_o their_o negligence_n and_o their_o not_o do_v their_o duty_n be_v their_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n inferior_a to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o power_n or_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n bold_o and_o without_o all_o reason_n affirm_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o story_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n the_o which_o if_o it_o can_v take_v away_o the_o very_a life_n of_o offender_n as_o it_o do_v they_o for_o lie_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o it_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o any_o corrupt_a member_n and_o scandalous_a person_n if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o among_o they_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_a but_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o want_n of_o discipline_n or_o power_n in_o that_o church_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o open_a delinquent_n and_o scandalous_a person_n for_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o will_v suffer_v none_o in_o the_o least_o to_o transgress_v it_o without_o question_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o conceive_v but_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o they_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n the_o â—1_n where_o they_o question_v peter_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o learned_a and_o judicious_a christian_n that_o the_o punishment_n also_o that_o be_v inflict_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n strike_v so_o great_a a_o terror_n of_o offend_v into_o all_o the_o ghurch_n as_o it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o in_o public_a be_v vicious_a and_o therefore_o that_o make_v they_o all_o afraid_a of_o public_a open_a and_o scandal_n withal_o it_o be_v record_v that_o they_o be_v all_o true_a believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o be_v all_o true_a convert_n and_o saint_n indeed_o now_o no_o church_n use_v to_o cast_v out_o saint_n and_o man_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o goodness_n and_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a which_o when_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o excommunication_n or_o at_o least_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n at_o that_o time_n for_o discipline_n in_o any_o church_n be_v as_o magistracy_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o good_a but_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v rom._n the_o 13._o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o well_o doer_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n use_v the_o sword_n only_o against_o offender_n and_o delinquent_n so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n only_o in_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n which_o be_v sole_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a and_o scandalous_a person_n there_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n beside_o all_o man_n know_v that_o discipline_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o other_o and_o be_v but_o the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o discipline_n as_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v another_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o court_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o that_o court_n be_v a_o other_o and_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o authority_n make_v it_o not_o a_o court_n nor_o give_v not_o the_o power_n to_o it_o but_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o court_n invest_v with_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o parliament_n the_o great_a and_o supreme_a court_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o cut_n off_o of_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n head_n give_v not_o power_n to_o the_o parliament_n but_o declare_v the_o power_n they_o have_v by_o their_o first_o constitution_n for_o they_o be_v a_o court_n before_o and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o execution_n before_o but_o upon_o this_o occasion_n they_o exercise_v it_o but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v if_o they_o have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n exercise_v their_o authority_n as_o they_o have_v not_o do_v for_o these_o many_o year_n before_o that_o the_o great_a court_n have_v want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n all_o man_n that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o say_v that_o great_a council_n
all_o of_o they_o necessary_o be_v confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a platform_n these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n add_v with_o all_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n and_o the_o body_n of_o many_o member_n and_o one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 11._o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o apostolical_a church_n they_o have_v all_o need_n one_o of_o another_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o thus_o speak_v be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o the_o which_o i_o be_o assure_v thâ—â—_n will_v sharp_o reprove_v he_o but_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la conclude_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o the_o several_a member_n be_v in_o one_o body_n which_o be_v that_o that_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n peremptory_o deny_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o evangelicall_n truth_n as_o i_o shall_v god_n will_v abundant_o prove_v in_o examine_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n phililppi_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o the_o rest_n with_o that_o of_o ephesus_n all_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o make_v up_o of_o his_o complete_a pattern_n and_o all_o the_o which_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o he_o and_o his_o scholar_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o say_v although_o he_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o enumeration_n i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o church_n he_o enumerate_v and_o prove_v they_o all_o classical_a and_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o independent_a church_n such_o as_o they_o describe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nor_o before_o our_o day_n nor_o never_o such_o a_o whimsy_n take_v notice_n of_o before_o this_o dote_a age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v also_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o word_n for_o matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o poor_a presbyterian_o who_o the_o independent_o term_n at_o every_o word_n a_o antichristian_a brood_n who_o may_v not_o think_v it_o much_o nor_o be_v offend_v with_o it_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v when_o they_o accuse_v our_o church_n not_o to_o be_v well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o when_o they_o say_v that_o our_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o here_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o master_n illdependent_a censure_v and_o judge_v not_o only_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o for_o want_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n and_o for_o want_n of_o officer_n and_o blame_v all_o other_o church_n accuse_v they_o likewise_o of_o fayling_n and_o imperfection_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v all_o confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n which_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v they_o be_v all_o defective_a and_o not_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o horrid_a piece_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v condign_a punishment_n from_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n and_o true_o as_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o see_v when_o man_n once_o desert_n and_o forsake_v the_o truth_n what_o error_n out_o of_o pride_n and_o giddiness_n they_o soon_o fâ—ll_v into_o so_o it_o may_v exceed_o rejoice_v and_o comfort_v we_o that_o in_o all_o their_o asperse_v of_o we_o and_o daily_o calumniate_a our_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n and_o imperfection_n as_o they_o conceive_v and_o in_o their_o deny_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a form_v church_n for_o in_o this_o we_o be_v like_o sufferer_n with_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n all_o the_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n accuse_v of_o imperfection_n and_o for_o fayling_n so_o that_o if_o he_o will_v censure_v they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o not_o only_o condemn_v all_o our_o church_n for_o antichristian_a and_o not_o well_o form_v church_n but_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o from_o so_o many_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o they_o term_v our_o assembly_n but_o now_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n enumeration_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o say_v he_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o those_o also_o of_o galitia_fw-la and_o that_o of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n thus_o he_o now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n philippi_n those_o of_o galatia_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n do_v consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o be_v all_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o all_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n iâ—_n their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n i_o say_v be_v classical_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o they_o and_o likewise_o subject_a to_o the_o synodical_a decree_n at_o jerusalem_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o all_o these_o church_n make_v up_o a_o entire_a and_o complete_a pattern_n or_o platform_n of_o govern_v all_o church_n for_o future_a age_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n grant_v i_o shall_v therefore_o desire_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o give_v i_o leave_v as_o i_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v branch_n of_o that_o church_n therefore_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o the_o stock_n so_o now_o brief_o to_o evince_v that_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerat_o consist_v likewise_o of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o then_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n their_o very_a congregationall_a church_n and_o assembly_n be_v not_o true_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o withal_o i_o shall_v make_v good_a by_o god_n assistance_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v dependent_a all_o which_o i_o will_v do_v in_o order_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o rest_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n this_o city_n of_o samaria_n be_v the_o regal_a city_n and_o the_o palace_n or_o chamber_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a city_n then_o in_o the_o world_n and_o next_o to_o jerusalem_n the_o famous_a in_o all_o palestine_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o all_o canaan_n for_o extent_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a one_o that_o can_v entertain_v the_o who_o assyrian_n army_n at_o one_o time_n and_o it_o be_v exceed_o populous_a as_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n witness_v in_o the_o which_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o that_o plant_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 4_o of_o john_n where_o we_o read_v that_o our_o saviour_n convert_v not_o only_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n but_o many_o more_o who_o be_v make_v believer_n by_o his_o ministry_n as_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v and_o to_o this_o church_n be_v many_o thousand_o add_v by_o the_o preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o philip_n for_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o act_v the_o 8._o vers_fw-la 6._o 10._o 12._o 14._o that_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o that_o juggler_n simon_n magus_n which_o be_v in_o no_o small_a number_n every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v undeceive_v by_o the_o preach_n and_o wonder_n of_o philip_n now_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o that_o there_o
be_v a_o mighty_a company_n for_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n with_o one_o accord_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v now_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v due_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n this_o city_n be_v no_o contemptible_a one_o as_o appear_v from_o that_o i_o say_v before_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o credit_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o that_o city_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o neither_o be_v any_o one_o pastor_n able_a to_o teach_v they_o all_o which_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o send_v two_o of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n so_o that_o all_o this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o 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will_v think_v or_o can_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o royal_a city_n can_v meet_v in_o any_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o church_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n as_o be_v apparent_a from_o act_n the_o 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o titus_n the_o 1._o and_o now_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o two_o mother_n city_n of_o palestine_n jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n enumerate_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o also_o 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who_o further_a build_v up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n paul_n apollo_n timothy_n cephas_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a &_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n beside_o their_o own_o presbyter_n be_v all_o constant_o employ_v in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3_o &_o 4._o all_o the_o which_o import_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n beside_o both_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n show_v that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o deceitful_a teacher_n seducer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o urge_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o also_o have_v their_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n there_o be_v also_o many_o vain_a instructer_n and_o idle_a teacher_n who_o though_o they_o keep_v the_o foundation_n yet_o build_v upon_o it_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n now_o all_o reason_n will_v suggest_v that_o pastor_n of_o such_o several_a mind_n and_o teach_v such_o several_a &_o discrepant_a doctrine_n have_v all_o of_o they_o scholar_n &_o follower_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n whereof_o their_o several_a pastor_n be_v as_o now_o we_o see_v in_o the_o several_a sect_n in_o our_o time_n &_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o meeting_n for_o the_o convention_n of_o their_o officer_n with_o a_o part_n of_o the_o more_o choice_a people_n for_o discipline_n beside_o as_o we_o have_v express_v mention_n of_o a_o church_n in_o aquila_n and_o priscylla_n house_n 1_o cor._n 16._o so_o there_o be_v many_o other_o meet_v place_n in_o corinth_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o in_o express_a word_n there_o
favour_n from_o they_o that_o they_o allow_v they_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o private_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o paul_n word_n who_o say_v that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o can_v take_v up_o a_o famous_a apostle_n night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o who_o cease_v not_o all_o that_o while_n to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n act_n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o for_o 20._o and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o extraordinary_a teacher_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o of_o they_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o likewise_o continual_o employ_v there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o employ_v the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n night_n and_o day_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o faithful_a and_o laborious_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o as_o well_o antecedenter_n as_o consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o the_o word_n angel_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o both_o now_o than_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o the_o independent_o opinion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v take_v collective_o the_o word_n church_n by_o as_o good_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v many_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o church_n in_o that_o church_n by_o all_o which_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o one_o church_n may_v have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o as_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n have_v and_o consequent_o be_v collegial_o and_o classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la now_o then_o when_o the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v all_o so_o govern_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o moderate_v of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v all_o other_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v classical_o and_o presbyterial_o moderate_v so_o that_o now_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o independent_o own_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v be_v take_v as_o well_o antecedenter_v as_o consequenter_fw-la it_o matter_n nothing_o 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compact_n they_o common_o continue_v their_o ancient_a dimension_n and_o limit_n and_o as_o far_o as_o their_o secular_a power_n extend_v itself_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o policy_n the_o same_o limit_n do_v the_o ecclesiastical_a ever_o observe_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n under_o they_o all_o who_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n be_v call_v citizen_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o several_a city_n as_o all_o history_n relate_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o examine_v the_o annal_n of_o time_n all_o man_n may_v find_v that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o see_v in_o the_o change_n of_o all_o government_n from_o democratiall_a to_o aristocratical_a and_o from_o both_o to_o monarchy_n that_o as_o far_o as_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n extend_v themselves_o before_o their_o changc_n the_o monarchsor_n king_n that_o either_o invade_v those_o government_n or_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o election_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n extend_v their_o sole_a power_n to_o the_o extreme_a limit_n of_o those_o several_a government_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n rule_v those_o several_a country_n which_o before_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o state_n senate_n elder_n or_o judge_n as_o we_o see_v it_o happen_v not_o only_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n after_o the_o government_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v change_v into_o a_o monarchy_n but_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n for_o when_o caesar_n have_v invade_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o have_v make_v himself_o perpetuus_n dictator_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a aristocracy_n extend_v its_o self_n before_o the_o change_n so_o far_o do_v his_o sole_a power_n expatiate_v and_o extend_v itself_o after_o the_o alteration_n and_o the_o same_o power_n do_v all_o the_o succeed_a emperor_n exercise_v to_o the_o extreme_a bound_n of_o that_o empire_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o as_o all_o history_n declare_v even_o so_o when_o the_o several_a presbytery_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v through_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n change_v into_o episcopacy_n as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a presbytery_n extend_v themselves_o so_o far_o do_v the_o several_a bishop_n appoint_v over_o they_o extend_v their_o sole_a power_n and_o exercise_v their_o sole_a authority_n hence_o arise_v so_o many_o broil_n contention_n and_o digladiation_n among_o those_o several_a bishop_n about_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a sea_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o which_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n be_v full_a all_o the_o which_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o declare_v
to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n for_o will_v they_o but_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o relate_v it_o the_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o the_o word_n church_n in_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o either_o for_o all_o the_o catholic_a invisible_a or_o visible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n all_o combine_a together_o under_o one_o government_n either_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o godly_a discipline_n not_o only_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o those_o several_a city_n but_o through_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n that_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v then_o of_o necessity_n when_o that_o church_n be_v multiply_v into_o many_o ten_o thousand_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o many_o congregation_n and_o church_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a every_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n mere_o trifle_n and_o delude_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n
while_o with_o their_o scribble_n they_o trouble_v the_o world_n in_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o hear_v yet_o how_o he_o cavil_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o then_o all_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o must_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o in_o regard_n also_o that_o that_o church_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o resolution_n of_o that_o church_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o can_v ever_o say_v in_o these_o respect_n say_v he_o it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n remain_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n imitable_a and_o perfect_a thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n make_v a_o noise_n to_o little_a purpose_n contradict_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n that_o i_o ever_o yet_o read_v or_o talk_v with_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o form_n and_o govern_v all_o their_o church_n and_o labour_n to_o reduce_v all_o to_o that_o pattern_n and_o ground_n all_o their_o proceed_n upon_o the_o platform_n of_o that_o church_n and_o do_v all_o as_o they_o affirm_v in_o imitation_n of_o that_o hold_v synod_n to_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o my_o brother_n burton_n here_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a as_o his_o word_n sufficient_o declare_v for_o which_o his_o grollery_n i_o believe_v all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n will_v give_v he_o little_a thanks_n and_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o so_o great_a haste_n in_o answer_v i_o who_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n say_v i_o haste_v at_o last_o as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o make_v more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n canis_fw-la festinans_fw-la caecos_fw-la parit_fw-la catulos_fw-la and_o will_v have_v cause_n at_o leisure_n to_o repent_v for_o he_o have_v by_o this_o his_o juggle_n and_o conjure_v quite_o raze_v the_o foundation_n and_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o new_a babble_n of_o independency_n which_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v so_o busy_a and_o diligent_a to_o lay_v erect_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v and_o that_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v his_o trifle_a reason_n of_o this_o his_o gainsaying_n and_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o other_o church_n for_o than_o say_v he_o every_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o all_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o one_o church_n and_o to_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o can_v be_v there_o be_v none_o now_o infallible_o guide_v thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n out_o of_o the_o acumen_n of_o his_o wit_n dispute_v at_o randoun_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n do_v the_o prelate_n in_o their_o generation_n dispute_v against_o the_o godly_a people_n they_o term_v puritan_n when_o they_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o that_o they_o all_o receive_v it_o either_o sit_v or_o use_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o christian_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o the_o apostle_n example_n rather_o then_o antichrist_n as_o a_o pattern_n set_v down_o to_o they_o of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o the_o prelate_n and_o those_o of_o that_o faction_n reply_v that_o if_o the_o puritan_n will_v make_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o pattern_n for_o their_o imitation_n then_o they_o must_v always_o celebrate_v it_o in_o a_o evening_n and_o that_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o not_o in_o public_a and_o then_o they_o must_v never_o exceed_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o communicant_n and_o they_o must_v be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o other_o toy_n they_o bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v my_o brother_n burton_n now_o trifle_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o as_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v a_o pattern_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n which_o be_v never_o require_v so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o their_o imitate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v liberty_n give_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o deacon_n when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o such_o officer_n &_o to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a for_o their_o occasion_n and_o in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o likewise_o if_o they_o have_v need_n of_o deacon_n may_v make_v choice_n of_o holy_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o whether_o few_o or_o more_o and_o as_o often_o as_o their_o occasion_n require_v no_o church_n be_v limit_v for_o the_o number_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o church_n ordain_v the_o deacon_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o in_o all_o church_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o as_o upon_o any_o difference_n among_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o it_o happen_v then_o between_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n act_n 6._o about_o their_o widow_n who_o they_o think_v be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a administration_n they_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o redress_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o any_o occasion_n of_o such_o or_o the_o like_a difference_n to_o appeal_v unto_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o as_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n so_o when_o the_o presbyter_n command_v or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o people_n be_v to_o yield_v willing_a subjection_n &_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n their_o pattern_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n and_o all_o these_o be_v combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a in_o imitation_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o they_o and_o as_o upon_o occasion_n then_o certain_a man_n go_v down_o from_o judaea_n to_o antioch_n act_v 15._o 1._o and_o trouble_v the_o people_n there_o and_o in_o other_o church_n with_o word_n subvert_v their_o soul_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n vers_fw-la 24._o pretend_v they_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v a_o command_n from_o they_o of_o their_o so_o do_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n send_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o business_n in_o debate_n &_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o resolution_n without_o make_v any_o rent_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o other_o church_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o dispute_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o argument_n and_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n
and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o according_o determine_v that_o difference_n and_o question_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o command_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o any_o difference_n of_o opinion_n rise_v among_o the_o church_n or_o if_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n how_o holy_a and_o godly_a so_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o broach_v they_o and_o what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o they_o make_v that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n may_v call_v a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o divine_n together_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o debate_v thing_n by_o dispute_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o determine_v the_o question_n and_o send_v their_o decree_n which_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o other_o church_n so_o i_o affirm_v also_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v that_o church_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o they_o that_o minister_n out_o of_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o representative_a body_n may_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o dispute_v those_o question_n by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n and_o find_v by_o search_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v may_v determine_v the_o question_n according_o and_o give_v out_o their_o decree_n groun_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n with_o authority_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o as_o the_o people_n than_o do_v patient_o wait_v till_o the_o determine_n of_o that_o difference_n without_o make_v of_o any_o rent_n schism_n or_o separation_n one_o from_o another_o and_o do_v then_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o decree_n without_o any_o reluctation_n but_o observe_v they_o all_o willing_o after_o the_o debate_n so_o ought_v all_o people_n in_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o follow_v their_o example_n with_o patience_n to_o wait_v without_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o division_n till_o thing_n be_v full_o discuss_v and_o determine_v in_o any_o such_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o then_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o submit_v themselves_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n for_o a_o example_n of_o imitation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o differ_v and_o dissent_v opinion_n between_o church_n and_o church_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o in_o christian_a country_n or_o any_o old_a one_o revive_v as_o it_o have_v its_o pattern_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o our_o imitation_n that_o all_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n shall_v follow_v it_o so_o this_o way_n of_o rule_v be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a reason_n as_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o we_o have_v many_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o this_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o some_o other_o for_o as_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n have_v be_v ever_o govern_v by_o general_a counsel_n and_o have_v ever_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n and_o counsel_n to_o superior_a upon_o either_o public_a grievance_n or_o upon_o any_o difference_n between_o province_n and_o province_n and_o county_n and_o county_n or_o between_o corporation_n and_o corporation_n or_o city_n and_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o oppression_n or_o impeachment_n or_o encroachment_n of_o each_o on_o the_o other_o liberty_n or_o through_o injustice_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o each_o of_o they_o from_o some_o that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n but_o in_o that_o also_o the_o several_a corporation_n that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v so_o many_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a or_o above_o name_v occasion_n and_o although_o they_o all_o enjoy_v equal_a privilege_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o several_a province_n county_n corporation_n and_o city_n in_o any_o kingdom_n do_v so_o as_o they_o can_v several_o and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v give_v a_o law_n each_o to_o other_o yet_o as_o in_o a_o general_a council_n in_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o knight_n and_o baron_n and_o burgess_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o representative_a body_n in_o a_o parliament_n or_o diet_n may_v be_v so_o assemble_v together_o not_o only_o redress_v any_o abuse_n and_o punish_v delinquents_n but_o also_o for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o those_o several_a doâ—inâ—ons_n for_o the_o future_a give_v law_n to_o each_o province_n county_n city_n and_o corporation_n yea_o and_o unto_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o enact_v penal_a statute_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a country_n under_o they_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n kingdom_n although_o in_o it_o the_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n among_o themselves_o can_v give_v law_n to_o each_o other_o severally_z and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o prescribe_v to_o each_o other_o a_o rule_n or_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o with_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o a_o exemplary_a way_n by_o well_o do_v yet_o all_o these_o several_a church_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a council_n as_o they_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o and_o have_v from_o each_o of_o they_o deligate_v and_o send_v their_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o so_o many_o burgess_n of_o their_o several_a city_n and_o corporation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o upon_o any_o grievance_n and_o have_v by_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o difference_n in_o question_n by_o dispute_n and_o by_o disquisition_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v in_o any_o christian_a council_n so_o call_v and_o order_v their_o business_n as_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v give_v out_o their_o decree_n and_o those_o bind_n once_o to_o all_o those_o several_a church_n that_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o all_o these_o several_a church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n a_o precedent_n and_o a_o pattern_n for_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n corinth_n philippi_n samaria_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o they_o feed_v they_o all_o and_o govern_v they_o all_o in_o common_a so_o in_o that_o also_o both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o say_v they_o must_v all_o come_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a platform_n i_o say_v as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n feed_v those_o several_a church_n in_o common_a so_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o
succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o in_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a presbytery_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o any_o church_n have_v its_o peculiar_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n allot_v to_o it_o with_o but_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n of_o people_n of_o the_o which_o they_o only_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o rule_v of_o it_o and_o the_o which_o have_v absolute_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o independent_o assert_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n such_o a_o model_n of_o a_o church_n i_o affirm_v can_v never_o be_v show_v or_o prove_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n say_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 28._o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o when_o christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n 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 for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o to_o appropriate_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v be_v to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n for_o if_o these_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o every_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n than_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n but_o many_o pastor_n and_o many_o teacher_n in_o each_o of_o they_o beside_o other_o church_n officer_n and_o then_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v more_o in_o number_n many_o time_n than_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o particular_a church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n indeed_o to_o all_o church_n than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o all_o of_o they_o severally_z they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o all_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n do_v abundant_o appear_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a model_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n to_o use_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o act_v the_o second_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o and_o in_o that_o church_n there_o be_v no_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n feed_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o therefore_o after_o the_o very_a same_o example_n and_o pattern_n may_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v well_o form_v church_n &_o yet_o have_v neither_o a_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n among_o they_o for_o neither_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n have_v that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n among_o they_o and_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o nevertheless_o be_v well_o form_v church_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o church_n all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o add_v to_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o force_v to_o walk_v either_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n that_o they_o may_v either_o know_v the_o saint_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o be_v know_v of_o they_o noâ—_n be_v ever_o force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o to_o enter_v in_o by_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n before_o their_o admittance_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o that_o mother_n church_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a daughter-churche_n in_o admit_v of_o their_o member_n without_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o any_o that_o be_v add_v into_o she_o but_o of_o this_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o teach_v only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o their_o first_o admission_n of_o member_n who_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o not_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o as_o in_o that_o church_n when_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n oppose_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o they_o do_v saint_n paul_n act_v the_o 9_o verse_n 26_o 27._o of_o who_o they_o be_v afraid_a not_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o he_o then_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o business_n they_o admit_v he_o come_v in_o and_o go_v out_o without_o their_o consent_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n place_v only_o to_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o not_o the_o people_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v gainsay_v the_o admission_n of_o any_o upon_o either_o their_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n or_o out_o of_o other_o respect_n that_o then_o they_o may_v have_v their_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v by_o they_o to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o dislike_n and_o dissent_v of_o their_o brethren_n for_o of_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n never_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o schism_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o some_o fayling_n but_o always_o constant_o frequent_v their_o public_a meet_v place_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o teacher_n both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n but_o of_o christ_n also_o in_o so_o do_v who_o when_o he_o be_v question_v concern_v his_o doctrine_n say_v i_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o not_o in_o corner_n and_o by_o place_n and_o he_o enjoin_v the_o people_n also_o to_o do_v the_o same_o matth._n 23_o say_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n his_o seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v but_o do_v not_o you_o after_o their_o work_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o imitate_v this_o church_n as_o their_o pattern_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o those_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v all_o save_a truth_n needful_a to_o salvation_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v christ_n both_o example_n and_o precept_n for_o it_o but_o because_o also_o separation_n be_v blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 10._o and_o therefore_o forbid_v who_o say_v verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o
be_v all_o dependent_a i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o chief_a thing_n observable_a in_o it_o first_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n saint_n etc._n etc._n second_o they_o assert_v that_o this_o church_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n three_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n which_o false_o they_o make_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n or_o they_o say_v they_o be_v unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n now_o it_o can_v be_v holy_a except_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o have_v his_o command_n and_o authority_n for_o it_o which_o be_v that_o that_o engrave_v holiness_n upon_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v either_o diabolical_a or_o at_o least_o but_o humane_a so_o that_o in_o the_o independent_o learning_n wheresoever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o any_o congregation_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n for_o this_o be_v their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o which_o whatsoever_o church_n do_v not_o come_v and_o within_o the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o terminate_v it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o so_o by_o this_o all_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v nor_o be_v true_a form_v church_n no_o not_o the_o very_a independent_a congregation_n themselves_o as_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v illustrious_o make_v appear_v after_o i_o have_v say_v something_o in_o order_n of_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o this_o their_o definition_n and_o have_v show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o have_v set_v out_o and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o indeed_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v redound_v unto_o thousand_o of_o god_n people_n if_o these_o man_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n and_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o definition_n for_o from_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o describe_v and_o desire_v though_o it_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o be_v they_o never_o so_o erroneous_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o never_o so_o corrupt_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o never_o so_o perverse_a malicious_a and_o unplacable_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o let_v their_o unjustice_n do_v against_o any_o poor_a oppress_a member_n by_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a or_o exorbitant_a there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o it_o or_o help_v or_o redress_v to_o be_v expect_v by_o any_o appeal_n to_o any_o other_o court_n church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n which_o be_v a_o yoke_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o horrid_a tyranny_n and_o slavery_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v and_o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n can_v ever_o bear_v a_o great_a than_o the_o which_o never_o any_o man_n voluntary_o put_v themselves_o under_o before_o these_o our_o unhappy_a time_n all_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v god_n assist_v i_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o definition_n make_v evident_a and_o first_o whereas_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n if_o any_o presbyterian_a shall_v have_v so_o speak_v the_o independent_o will_v have_v say_v it_o have_v be_v a_o bull_n for_o visible_a and_o mystical_a can_v be_v predicate_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o if_o it_o be_v mystical_a than_o not_o visible_a and_o if_o visible_a then_o not_o mystical_a and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n belong_v rather_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n then_o to_o any_o visible_a congregation_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v true_o holy_a and_o godly_a which_o none_o know_v but_o god_n himself_o for_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o and_o positive_o say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v a_o saint_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v often_o mistake_v as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v they_o have_v be_v for_o the_o time_n be_v that_o they_o think_v some_o man_n saint_n who_o be_v the_o same_o still_o they_o then_o be_v and_o yet_o now_o they_o not_o only_o think_v but_o say_v though_o false_o they_o be_v devil_n and_o repent_v that_o ever_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o most_o true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n only_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o of_o more_o discern_a spirit_n then_o any_o in_o our_o age_n yet_o can_v not_o discover_v judas_n christ_n only_o know_v he_o be_v a_o devil_n it_o be_v hide_v and_o a_o mystery_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o same_o to_o this_o day_n lie_v hide_v from_o all_o man_n who_o be_v saint_n indeed_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n be_v absurd_a groundless_a and_o vain_a in_o this_o branch_n of_o it_o when_o they_o say_v a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o saint_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o this_o their_o model_n for_o we_o read_v not_o only_o of_o many_o scandalous_a walker_n among_o they_o but_o of_o some_o heretic_n and_o yet_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v true_a church_n what_o ever_o the_o independent_o think_v now_o of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v mix_v though_o in_o none_o or_o in_o very_a few_o of_o they_o they_o can_v discover_v any_o such_o offender_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n galatia_n philippi_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v true_a church_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a in_o the_o sequel_n that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v then_o true_a church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o saint_n but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n or_o part_n viz._n that_o the_o church_n they_o desire_v must_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o this_o branch_n also_o than_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o well_o form_v church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o then_o also_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n be_v a_o true_a church_n much_o less_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n challenge_v that_o title_n and_o be_v true_a church_n it_o be_v impossible_a though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o one_o congregation_n apiece_o for_o they_o several_o to_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o among_o god_n ordinance_n the_o independent_o both_o in_o new-england_n and_o here_o among_o we_o hold_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n though_o as_o they_o be_v representative_a body_n of_o many_o church_n they_o may_v have_v that_o name_n give_v they_o and_o be_v church_n in_o my_o notion_n and_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n but_o i_o say_v not_o proper_o according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o their_o congregation_n consist_v of_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o of_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n apeice_n and_o deacon_n and_o of_o a_o few_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o have_v many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n require_v for_o the_o mould_v of_o they_o up_o into_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n whereas_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n they_o have_v neither_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n over_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o elder_n and_o deacon_n as_o they_o require_v nor_o no_o woman_n so_o that_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o present_a day_n enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n consist_v of_o presbyter_n only_o and_o that_o of_o many_o not_o only_o out_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o great_a but_o out_o of_o many_o send_v and_o delegated_a from_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o yea_o many_o time_n not_o only_o out_o of_o many_o several_a presbytery_n adjacent_a but_o out_o of_o other_o country_n and_o province_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n and_o that_o late_o at_o dort_n and_o this_o our_o
synod_n now_o present_a and_o their_o employment_n likewise_o be_v of_o a_o other_o nature_n then_o that_o of_o ordinary_a pastor_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o a_o synod_n and_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v never_o any_o congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n that_o yet_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o synod_n or_o council_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v a_o synod_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o they_o several_o and_o so_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o definition_n and_o therefore_o remain_v not_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n that_o the_o congregationall_a church_n can_v enjoy_v for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o but_o many_o time_n after_o in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n and_o the_o death_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n or_o when_o there_o remain_v but_o one_o alive_a as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v dependent_a if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n or_o else_o be_v no_o church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v ordinance_n that_o near_o concern_v every_o particular_a congregation_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o that_o alone_a for_o how_o can_v a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o ignorant_a man_n and_o woman_n try_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v elect_v or_o put_v over_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o those_o science_n art_n faculty_n and_o history_n and_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o latin_a greek_a hebrew_n and_o be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o in_o some_o competency_n be_v require_v in_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n over_o they_o when_o i_o say_v not_o any_o one_o in_o those_o congregation_n many_o time_n have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o art_n and_o science_n in_o all_o which_o a_o minister_n ought_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v verse_v in_o if_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o high_a call_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o due_o and_o right_o perform_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o have_v such_o intelligible_a member_n who_o when_o they_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o elder_n to_o perform_v &_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n who_o never_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o hold_v and_o teach_v so_o that_o when_o any_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o other_o church_n officer_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o permit_v not_o the_o common_a people_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o but_o always_o desire_v elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o other_o congregation_n to_o do_v it_o without_o who_o help_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v have_v it_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n but_o i_o will_v first_o speak_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n the_o which_o howsoever_o in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o unlearned_a independent_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v of_o small_a weight_n and_o but_o a_o compliment_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n account_n and_o reckon_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n heb._n 6._o for_o 1_o 2_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n master_n henry_n jacob_n by_o name_n who_o first_o baptize_v their_o new_a gather_a church_n with_o that_o compellation_n of_o independent_a church_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n exceed_o urge_v to_o overthrow_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o as_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o england_n err_v in_o the_o foundation_n not_o have_v the_o due_a and_o right_a imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o of_o his_o other_o opinion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v for_o those_o that_o impose_v hand_n upon_o the_o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n be_v presbyter_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o can_v urge_v this_o place_n for_o their_o advantage_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o also_o may_v not_o much_o more_o make_v use_n of_o it_o against_o they_o it_o be_v god_n own_o institution_n and_o to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o world_n end_n in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o this_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o presbytery_n be_v want_v in_o any_o church_n that_o church_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n within_o itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o obtain_v or_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n of_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o often_o in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o and_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o at_o many_o other_o time_n also_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o mortality_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o when_o but_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v alive_a which_o frequent_o happen_v among_o they_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v crave_v the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v dependent_a for_o not_o any_o one_o elder_a alone_a and_o by_o himself_o can_v ordain_v a_o other_o there_o must_v be_v more_o together_o for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v just_o do_v and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v of_o many_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n import_v and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n and_o view_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o a_o establish_a presbytery_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v many_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o they_o appoint_v over_o they_o to_o govern_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a and_o all_o those_o several_a presbytery_n have_v in_o each_o of_o they_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n within_o themselves_o in_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o corporation_n or_o committee_n have_v their_o precedent_n and_o chaire-man_n with_o all_o other_o officer_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o abundance_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v as_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o presbyter_n or_o officer_n dye_v within_o their_o several_a preeinct_n they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o several_a charter_n present_o go_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o new_a one_o and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n and_o choice_n for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v who_o if_o their_o precedent_n die_v or_o any_o of_o their_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o their_o common_a council_n or_o any_o of_o their_o other_o officer_n they_o forthwith_o make_v election_n of_o other_o out_o of_o some_o of_o their_o freeman_n or_o of_o man_n well_o know_v to_o they_o for_o sufficiency_n wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o all_o other_o ability_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o corporation_n for_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o
authority_n within_o themselves_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o they_o have_v usual_o choice_n enough_o of_o man_n fit_a for_o their_o employment_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n who_o collective_o take_v be_v all_o collegiat_o and_o classical_o govern_v and_o depend_v upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v single_a congregation_n only_o as_o the_o independent_o will_v persuade_v the_o delude_a people_n they_o can_v never_o have_v do_v for_o the_o many_o reason_n both_o now_o and_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_v specify_v so_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o sufficient_o now_o appear_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n that_o no_o particular_a congregation_n can_v enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n within_o itself_o without_o dependency_n upon_o other_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n which_o can_v in_o any_o particular_a congregation_n be_v enjoy_v without_o it_o be_v presbyterate_v to_o use_v their_o own_o expression_n that_o be_v to_o say_v except_o it_o have_v their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o church_n officer_n within_o itself_o annex_v to_o it_o for_o they_o among_o the_o independent_o that_o hold_v that_o excommunication_n must_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n understand_v it_o then_o only_o to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o entire_a and_o a_o whole_a congregation_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o their_o elder_n &_o their_o other_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n without_o the_o elder_n can_v excommunicate_v any_o nor_o the_o elder_n without_o the_o people_n and_o they_o of_o the_o independent_a party_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o they_o do_v not_o all_o agree_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o church_n government_n which_o have_v retard_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o new_a noddle_n lest_o that_o by_o it_o they_o shall_v loose_v many_o of_o their_o disciple_n and_o follower_n which_o they_o well_o know_v will_v soon_o break_v of_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o humour_v they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_n and_o therefore_o they_o cunning_o juggle_v with_o the_o people_n and_o fain_a pretence_n when_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v mean_v christianly_o and_o honest_o they_o will_v long_o since_o have_v bring_v in_o their_o new_a noddle_n of_o church_n government_n but_o fear_v what_o will_v ensue_v and_o which_o will_v not_o be_v for_o their_o profit_n and_o honour_n they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v delay_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o seduce_a of_o many_o but_o i_o say_v those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o hold_v that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n only_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n exclude_v the_o people_n from_o their_o vote_n and_o that_o for_o many_o inconvenience_n as_o they_o suppose_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o remove_v for_o all_o that_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v yet_o i_o say_v on_o all_o side_n they_o agree_v that_o without_o the_o presbyter_n consent_v none_o can_v be_v excommunicate_v be_v they_o never_o so_o scandalous_a so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o any_o congregation_n be_v without_o their_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n also_o neither_o can_v they_o ordain_v they_o within_o themselves_o without_o help_n from_o other_o church_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o therefore_o they_o want_v this_o ordinance_n till_o their_o new_a supply_n and_o that_o they_o must_v crave_v from_o other_o church_n when_o their_o officer_n be_v dead_a and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v still_o be_v dependent_a but_o now_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o their_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v again_o recrute_v and_o make_v up_o again_o or_o presbyterate_v and_o complete_a in_o respect_n of_o both_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o ten_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o or_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o few_o more_o which_o be_v a_o pretty_a full_a church_n and_o congregation_n among_o they_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o they_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n will_v forth_o with_o ensue_v upon_o it_o yea_o under_o how_o intolerable_a a_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n will_v many_o oppress_a christian_n by_o this_o mean_n groan_v under_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v unjust_o and_o wrongful_o injure_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o any_o other_o court_n or_o church-tribunall_n for_o redress_n or_o relief_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o wrong_v or_o injure_v or_o damnify_v by_o they_o for_o if_o the_o formidable_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pass_v once_o against_o any_o person_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n they_o throw_v and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o communion_n not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o devil_n therefore_o if_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n be_v once_o inflict_v upon_o any_o member_n by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o some_o of_o the_o ii-dependents_a will_v have_v it_o or_o by_o two_o or_o three_o presbyter_n only_o as_o other_o contend_v the_o misery_n and_o grievance_n be_v never_o the_o less_o nor_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o that_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n the_o less_o avoidable_o as_o will_v daily_o appear_v for_o if_o all_o the_o congregation_n pass_v this_o sentence_n many_o of_o the_o member_n who_o have_v their_o vote_n be_v private_a man_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unlearned_a and_o unexperienced_a through_o want_n of_o year_n part_n education_n and_o breed_n and_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n they_o be_v many_o time_n so_o intricate_a so_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o rule_n unto_o the_o case_n for_o the_o inflict_a of_o a_o just_a censure_n and_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n also_o to_o bear_v a_o peculiar_a hatred_n or_o ill_a will_n unto_o their_o person_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o passion_n to_o do_v unjustice_n or_o may_v be_v overawe_v by_o fear_n or_o threaten_n of_o some_o other_o in_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v the_o enemy_n to_o the_o party_n in_o question_n so_o that_o they_o be_v powerful_a man_n rich_a in_o estate_n among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a people_n who_o dependency_n may_v be_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v either_o child_n servant_n workman_n or_o tenant_n of_o which_o most_o of_o the_o congregation_n consist_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o displease_v they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v their_o friend_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o go_v with_o the_o strong_a side_n may_v pass_v this_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o most_o unjust_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v &_o this_o must_v go_v for_o currant_n if_o the_o most_o voice_n carry_v it_o and_o from_o they_o the_o party_n unjust_o deal_v with_o have_v no_o appeal_n but_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v against_o he_o must_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o condition_n under_o this_o heavy_a doom_n which_o i_o believe_v in_o every_o understand_a man_n judgement_n will_v seem_v a_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o elder_n only_o of_o this_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o above_o two_o or_o three_o and_o many_o time_n none_o of_o the_o learn_a wise_a and_o honest_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v and_o therefore_o be_v liable_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o same_o temptation_n that_o the_o other_o be_v because_o of_o particular_a relation_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o their_o congregation_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o support_v who_o they_o ordinary_o dare_v not_o displease_v for_o they_o know_v the_o fickleness_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n will_v disgust_v they_o and_o alienate_v their_o affection_n from_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o cause_n also_o of_o withdraw_v their_o contribution_n and_o supply_n by_o which_o they_o support_v themselves_o and_o their_o family_n and_o common_o when_o any_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n fall_v of_o from_o a_o minister_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o place_n yet_o he_o will_v withdraw_v many_o yea_o of_o themselves_o the_o unstable_a people_n will_v take_v occasion_n by_o other_o example_n to_o slight_v and_o neglect_v their_o minister_n as_o hourly_a experience_n teach_v we_o for_o humour_n not_o they_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v go_v yea_o but_o
public_o or_o private_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o malversation_n or_o for_o any_o erroneous_a opinion_n they_o hold_v and_o they_o will_v become_v your_o secret_n if_o not_o your_o open_a enemy_n and_o upon_o the_o least_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o side_n with_o any_o to_o do_v their_o minister_n a_o displeasure_n which_o when_o their_o minister_n well_o know_v they_o be_v very_o fearful_a of_o offend_v any_o especial_o their_o more_o wealthy_a and_o able_a member_n beside_o we_o know_v upon_o what_o slender_a occasion_n difference_n many_o time_n do_v arise_v among_o near_a friend_n when_o it_o concern_v their_o profit_n or_o reputation_n or_o their_o judgement_n in_o thing_n of_o their_o estate_n or_o religion_n for_o if_o you_o jump_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n or_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n but_o in_o their_o gain_n and_o profit_n and_o they_o will_v bear_v a_o secret_a grudge_n unto_o a_o man_n and_o wait_v a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v he_o a_o displeasure_n and_o to_o be_v even_o with_o he_o and_o this_o every_o man_n know_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o most_o man_n so_o that_o for_o any_o of_o these_o reason_n man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o harbour_v a_o displeasure_n against_o any_o member_n and_o if_o he_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o any_o conceive_a miscarryage_n or_o scandal_n or_o for_o any_o different_a opinion_n and_o this_o come_v once_o to_o band_v and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n and_o there_o be_v side_v on_o both_o side_n and_o party_n make_v on_o each_o side_n so_o that_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o heat_n the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v bring_v into_o many_o strait_n not_o know_v what_o many_o time_n to_o do_v as_o not_o dare_v to_o displease_v either_o side_n which_o way_n soever_o their_o private_a judgement_n lead_v they_o but_o ordinary_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o minister_n will_v go_v with_o the_o strong_a party_n and_o will_v gratify_v that_o and_o that_o for_o their_o own_o emolument_fw-fr and_o private_a interest_n neither_o be_v this_o all_o but_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n themselves_o in_o their_o church_n many_o time_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o affection_n as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o other_o man_n be_v and_o for_o some_o secret_a and_o private_a grudge_n against_o the_o person_n in_o question_n they_o may_v use_v the_o extremity_n and_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o past_a there_o be_v now_o no_o remedy_n of_o appeal_n leave_v unto_o he_o be_v the_o unjustice_n or_o wrong_n never_o so_o great_a and_o precedent_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v many_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o congregationall_a church_n as_o i_o shall_v if_o occasion_n serve_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v what_o a_o sad_a condition_n therefore_o be_v such_o poor_a oppress_a man_n in_o when_o this_o formidable_a sentence_n be_v once_o pass_v against_o they_o and_o when_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o a_o two_o or_o three_o presbyter_n among_o they_o and_o what_o a_o horrid_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n do_v miserable_a man_n by_o this_o mean_n by_o their_o voluntary_a subjection_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o through_o their_o wilful_a giddiness_n when_o they_o yield_v to_o so_o unwarrantable_a a_o government_n as_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o verdict_n either_o of_o a_o little_a ignorant_a congregation_n or_o of_o two_o or_o three_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o temptation_n that_o other_o man_n be_v and_o then_o to_o be_v without_o all_o help_n or_o hope_n of_o relief_n be_v they_o never_o so_o much_o injure_v by_o they_o but_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v that_o a_o slender_a congregation_n of_o people_n or_o those_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n be_v as_o free_a from_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n as_o angel_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o weightinesse_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o censure_n require_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o whole_a council_n and_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n of_o a_o combine_a presbytery_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o evince_v so_o that_o it_o be_v pass_v not_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o a_o few_o people_n or_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n only_o and_o they_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o temptation_n also_o but_o by_o the_o conjoynt_v agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o a_o great_a presbytery_n free_a from_o any_o such_o temptation_n and_o exception_n it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o more_o advise_v and_o combine_a authority_n and_o be_v more_o dreadful_a to_o the_o party_n and_o be_v the_o better_o accept_v and_o submit_v unto_o without_o heart_n burn_v and_o grudge_v against_o either_o the_o congregation_n or_o particular_a elder_n or_o fear_v of_o 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council_n he_o may_v in_o another_o it_o be_v good_a ever_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n for_o in_o so_o do_v we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o blessing_n and_o here_o be_v always_o comfort_n and_o expectation_n of_o relief_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_a god_n method_n but_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o grievance_n and_o abuse_n and_o iâ—_n there_o can_v no_o justice_n be_v have_v by_o this_o his_o endeavour_n in_o no_o court_n this_o still_o do_v uphold_v a_o droop_a spirit_n and_o comfort_v he_o that_o he_o have_v use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n and_o do_v for_o ever_o commit_v himself_o and_o his_o way_n to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o reliever_n of_o the_o oppress_a and_o a_o revenger_n of_o the_o wrong_n and_o injury_n do_v unto_o his_o elect_n who_o have_v say_v luke_n 18._o ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o so_o that_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v there_o be_v ever_o hope_v in_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n and_o in_o all_o their_o just_a appeal_n but_o grant_v there_o be_v no_o justice_n on_o earth_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o court_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o universal_a corruption_n among_o all_o judge_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o temporal_a which_o be_v great_a uncharity_n to_o suppose_v much_o less_o to_o say_v yet_o i_o say_v the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v unjust_o oppress_v shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o solace_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v forum_n poli_fw-fr as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v forum_n soli_fw-la that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v court_n on_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o great_a tribunal_n before_o which_o all_o man_n must_v one_o day_n appear_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n on_o earth_n the_o thought_n of_o which_o will_v support_v the_o most_o droop_a and_o oppress_a spirit_n which_o not_o withstand_v do_v not_o always_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o court_n and_o high_a counsel_n to_o appeal_v to_o here_o in_o this_o world_n which_o all_o those_o that_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v like_a to_o enjoy_v whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o that_o stand_v for_o the_o ii-dependent_a government_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o and_o not_o only_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o unsupportable_a slavery_n but_o will_v subjugate_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o the_o same_o bondage_n and_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n
have_v hinder_v their_o activity_n as_o those_o that_o stone_a stephen_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o nimble_a leave_v their_o garment_n in_o other_o man_n keep_n when_o i_o see_v so_o â—ude_a a_o company_n and_o hear_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v combine_v themselves_o together_o by_o swear_v to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o many_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o that_o their_o business_n may_v go_v on_o the_o better_a and_o with_o the_o great_a success_n that_o while_o some_o of_o they_o be_v there_o act_v of_o their_o part_n in_o a_o disorderly_a and_o tumultuous_a manner_n other_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o city_n at_o a_o private_a humiliation_n a_o special_a day_n be_v set_v a_o part_n to_o seek_v god_n as_o they_o say_v that_o they_o may_v have_v justice_n do_v against_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o parliament_n that_o be_v not_o favourer_n of_o the_o ildependents_a as_o jezabell_n cause_v the_o elder_n of_o jezreell_a to_o call_v a_o fast_a when_o she_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o poor_a innocent_a naboth_n this_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v relate_v unto_o i_o by_o one_o of_o that_o company_n that_o not_o long_o after_o go_v out_o of_o the_o room_n who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n i_o know_v among_o they_o all_o but_o i_o not_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o concourse_n of_o uncivil_a people_n demand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o three_o part_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v up_o for_o the_o whole_a city_n will_v appear_v there_o in_o that_o business_n the_o day_n follow_v to_o demand_v justice_n against_o such_o and_o such_o as_o guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n but_o that_o now_o they_o be_v seek_v god_n and_o in_o private_a fast_n and_o that_o some_o be_v assemble_v in_o such_o a_o man_n house_n name_v the_o party_n in_o this_o formal_a manner_n thing_n be_v relate_v unto_o i_o as_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n know_v all_o which_o proceed_n i_o suppose_v be_v to_o do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n now_o when_o i_o have_v well_o view_v and_o consider_v all_o these_o man_n and_o see_v their_o complexion_n â—arre_o worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n and_o behold_v all_o their_o behaviour_n and_o see_v their_o incivility_n towards_o all_o man_n and_o especial_o towards_o myself_o who_o they_o causeless_o revile_v say_v that_o they_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o hang_v not_o long_o since_o and_o that_o i_o have_v live_v on_o their_o alm_n and_o that_o they_o have_v pray_v for_o my_o deliverance_n out_o of_o my_o trouble_n and_o that_o now_o i_o be_v come_v home_o with_o a_o vengeance_n unto_o they_o for_o i_o be_v turn_v a_o apostate_n and_o a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n pray_v for_o i_o and_o many_o other_o revile_v speech_n they_o use_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o honourable_a gentleman_n as_o they_o can_v all_o witness_n and_o that_o without_o give_v they_o any_o occasion_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n as_o the_o stander_n by_o be_v ready_a to_o depose_v i_o say_v i_o see_v this_o their_o disorderly_a behaviour_n and_o withal_o hear_v they_o with_o open_a mouth_n traduce_v the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o accuse_v they_o all_o of_o injustice_n affirm_v that_o their_o proceed_n be_v as_o tyrannical_a as_o those_o of_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n and_o not_o only_o say_v it_o but_o print_v it_o in_o a_o pamphlet_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v most_o shameful_o and_o false_o belie_v i_o as_o the_o whole_a parliament_n know_v in_o all_o which_o they_o do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n i_o in_o reply_v to_o that_o pamphlet_n in_o my_o just_a defence_n think_v it_o a_o abuse_n of_o gravity_n to_o use_v it_o upon_o such_o whible_a fellow_n and_o choose_v rather_o by_o way_n of_o merriment_n to_o answer_v they_o then_o serious_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o they_o and_o therefore_o call_v to_o mind_n some_o of_o their_o own_o expression_n against_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n as_o that_o he_o have_v get_v a_o blow_n with_o a_o french_a coulstaffe_n and_o that_o he_o look_v like_o the_o belly_n of_o a_o toad_n and_o remember_v also_o what_o they_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o cavalier_n that_o come_v with_o the_o king_n to_o the_o parliament_n that_o they_o look_v like_o so_o many_o fury_n and_o fiend_n out_o of_o hell_n and_o recollect_v withal_o what_o they_o have_v often_o speak_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o that_o they_o run_v from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o a_o other_o to_o get_v church_n preferment_n and_o regard_v nothing_o but_o their_o belly_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o enslave_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o tyrannical_o domineer_v over_o all_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o have_v pollute_v all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o their_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o heathenish_a and_o antichristian_a defilement_n and_o abomination_n and_o remember_v also_o many_o of_o martin_n expression_n against_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o his_o blasphemous_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o arraignment_n of_o mr._n persecution_n and_o his_o echo_n and_o his_o hue_n and_o cry_n the_o which_o book_n be_v entertain_v among_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o read_v with_o great_a delight_n they_o make_v themselves_o upon_o all_o occasion_n merry_a with_o they_o and_o especial_o with_o those_o expression_n wherein_o he_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o master_n simon_n synod_n with_o great_a ironteeth_n and_o such_o luxuriant_a tusk_n as_o one_o may_v pick_v they_o with_o a_o rowling-pin_n and_o i_o say_v i_o call_v to_o my_o remembrance_n all_o these_o their_o expression_n in_o which_o they_o great_o delight_v and_o please_v themselves_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o inveigh_v against_o the_o presbytery_n and_o study_v to_o make_v they_o all_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o of_o their_o own_o rhetoric_n which_o i_o do_v purposely_o to_o find_v out_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o cattle_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o partiality_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o indeed_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o unstable_a man_n in_o general_a who_o be_v win_v with_o a_o apple_n and_o lose_v with_o a_o nut_n and_o will_v praise_v and_o dispraise_n they_o know_v not_o for_o what_o and_o one_o day_n commend_v that_o in_o themselves_o which_o a_o other_o day_n they_o will_v condemn_v in_o any_o of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o at_o one_o time_n extol_v a_o man_n for_o that_o which_o upon_o a_o other_o occasion_n they_o will_v censure_v he_o for_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o aggravation_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o with_o what_o disguise_a aspect_n and_o hideous_a look_n and_o odd_a complexion_n they_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o room_n about_o the_o committee_n and_o how_o they_o grin_v at_o i_o with_o their_o tooth_n make_v i_o in_o the_o description_n of_o they_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n that_o they_o have_v former_o do_v of_o strafford_n and_o the_o cavalier_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o both_o in_o their_o countenance_n and_o action_n they_o parallel_v they_o and_o say_v they_o look_v like_o so_o many_o fury_n and_o like_o the_o belly_n of_o a_o toad_n and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v get_v a_o blow_n with_o a_o french_a coulstaffe_n and_o that_o one_o may_v pick_v some_o of_o their_o tooth_n with_o a_o bedstaff_n all_o which_o be_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o as_o they_o accuse_v the_o presbyter_n for_o belly_n god_n so_o they_o also_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o good_a cheer_n and_o that_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v with_o their_o superstition_n pollute_v the_o church_n so_o they_o do_v pollute_v they_o with_o their_o scummer_n and_o piss_v in_o they_o and_o that_o as_o they_o seek_v to_o enslave_v the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o the_o independets_n if_o they_o can_v but_o once_o attain_v the_o mastery_n will_v do_v no_o less_o and_o for_o this_o my_o so_o speak_v i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o language_n and_o dialect_n have_v often_o hear_v some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o greatness_n
church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v act_n the_o second_o that_o consist_v only_o of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n also_o of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v pag._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o those_o congregation_n that_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n though_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n within_o themselves_o and_o want_v discipline_n may_v be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o the_o church_n here_o of_o jorusalem_n be_v which_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n have_v no_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o dictinstion_n of_o officer_n &_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o it_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n &_o that_o because_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v draw_v these_o two_o infallibleconclusion_n the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o they_o want_v both_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o although_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n this_o first_o conclusion_n i_o say_v i_o infallible_o gather_v from_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o be_v that_o have_v both_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a performance_n if_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o all_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n of_o church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n for_o substance_n but_o all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v such_o as_o only_a glory_n in_o outward_a performance_n &_o consist_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n ergo._n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n &_o my_o brother_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o all_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o master_n hanserdo_v i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n ensue_a and_o after_o i_o have_v dispatch_v that_o work_n i_o will_v then_o in_o like_a manner_n reply_v to_o whatsoever_o either_o master_n knollys_n i._n s._n or_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o touch_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o large_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o my_o foregoing_a reason_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n speak_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a in_o they_o but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o proposition_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o jndependent_o assent_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o will_v then_o also_o faithful_o relate_v their_o own_o word_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n make_v against_o my_o argument_n or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n advantageous_a to_o their_o cause_n my_o second_o proposition_n now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v far_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o â—hose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church-communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o place_n in_o the_o same_o story_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n to_o this_o proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n thus_o reply_v to_o which_o i_o also_o say_v he_o consent_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v neither_o bathe_v the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o therein_o i_o must_v manifest_v my_o dissent_n from_o the_o doctor_n opinion_n promise_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v sound_o prove_v it_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o reply_v to_o he_o and_o in_o do_v that_o insert_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o it_o with_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v and_o answer_v to_o they_o all_o in_o order_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o that_o shall_v without_o prejudice_n read_v my_o foregoing_a argument_n and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v write_v will_v conclude_v that_o master_n hanserdo_n be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o of_o as_o little_a honesty_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v credit_v in_o what_o either_o he_o say_v or_o write_v neither_o ought_v master_n knollys_n in_o this_o controversy_n especial_o when_o the_o debate_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o be_v both_o party_n witness_n jury_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o all_o wise_a man_n will_v gather_v and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o by_o scripture_n sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n abundant_o evince_v it_o all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o understand_a christian_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v grant_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o challenge_v master_n knollys_n his_o promise_n and_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o error_n and_o so_o relinquish_v his_o fond_a opinion_n of_o independency_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o can_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a saint_n as_o not_o keep_v his_o word_n for_o david_n describe_v a_o
may_v we_o suppose_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o 21._o chap._n of_o the_o act_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n there_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o must_v needs_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o mighty_a many_o of_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o believer_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n do_v both_o witness_n they_o then_o have_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v now_o great_a hope_n that_o not_o only_a mr_n knollys_n will_v confess_v the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n also_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o point_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v ratify_v not_o only_o by_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n but_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o will_v yet_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o more_o saint_n there_o then_o can_v or_o do_v daily_o all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n than_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gentleman_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o knight_n of_o the_o post_n whether_o i_o send_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v out_o of_o his_o grollery_n have_v for_o the_o gratify_a mr_n knollys_n and_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o all_o cordial_a and_o well_o affect_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o they_o there_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v either_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o to_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v judge_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o prime_a witness_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n by_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n mr_n henry_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v by_o name_n i_o shall_v again_o challenge_v mr_n knollys_n his_o promise_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n evince_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o grollish_a opinion_n of_o independency_n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o have_v do_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o two_o witness_n above_o specify_v i_o say_v again_o i_o challenge_v his_o promise_n and_o if_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v write_v will_v not_o abandon_v this_o his_o error_n i_o shall_v never_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o man_n of_o faith_n or_o common_a honesty_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o proclaim_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o he_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o resister_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o second_o proposition_n and_o come_v now_o to_o see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o three_o my_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v ordered_n and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n some_o of_o which_o with_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o relate_v in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v first_o set_v down_o in_o my_o book_n call_v independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o which_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v unto_o and_o after_o i_o have_v faithful_o relate_v the_o argument_n i_o deduce_v from_o those_o several_a scripture_n by_o which_o i_o then_o make_v good_a my_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v also_o true_o set_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n to_o all_o those_o argument_n the_o place_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n with_o my_o argument_n gather_v from_o thence_o be_v these_o follow_v act_v 11._o 27._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_v and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judaea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judaea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judaea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n that_o be_v abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_n unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o
dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o council_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17._o 18._o in_o these_o word_n then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcise_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o form_v my_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o gracious_o bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v so_o to_o believe_v because_o the_o apostle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o of_o the_o presbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v count_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a &_o ordinary_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o â—it_a then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a councillor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o counsel_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a prelate_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a call_v intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbytery_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slight_v as_o the_o fag_n end_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o their_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a conncell_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o mayor_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 14._o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n the_o first_o vers_n 6_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n ch_n 5._o verse_n 1_o 2_o call_v himself_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o wrore_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_n although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n andpresident_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_o and_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n and_o so_o they_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o
cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o independency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o their_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n or_o care_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o yea_o act._n 15._o 2._o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o verse_n 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o preebyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governor_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o their_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o set_v down_o that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o which_o have_v it_o only_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n will_v meet_v together_o for_o a_o salutation_n they_o do_v much_o more_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o specify_v that_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o consultation_n in_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o what_o they_o act_v upon_o deliberation_n and_o that_o be_v to_o advise_v paul_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v which_o council_n of_o they_o be_v not_o lax_n but_o restrictive_a and_o bind_a verse_n 23._o do_v therefore_o that_o which_o we_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o meet_v about_o act_n of_o government_n when_o they_o give_v a_o order_n and_o rule_v to_o paul_n himself_o how_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n follow_v their_o council_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o order_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o i_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o these_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o those_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n no_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n or_o judgement_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n it_o have_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 21._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n there_o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n the_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o they_o do_v also_o accord_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v presbyterian_o rule_v but_o withal_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v have_v their_o church_n govern_v after_o that_o manner_n but_o this_o be_v the_o debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n that_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o understand_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o conclusion_n or_o proposition_n and_o now_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o will_v faithful_o set_v down_o whâ—t_a master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o these_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o mr_n hanserdo_v who_o pag._n 11._o and_o 12._o thus_o repli_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o word_n of_o this_o scripture_n act_v 11._o ver_fw-la 27._o say_v he_o which_o the_o doctor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n be_v these_o ver_fw-la 30._o and_o send_v it_o viz._n the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n say_v the_o doctor_n we_o see_v that_o
the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o master_n knollys_n page_n 11._o repli_v as_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o this_o i_o conceive_v by_o the_o doctor_n favour_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n much_o less_o do_v that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n but_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o and_o and_z chap._n 16._o 4._o and_o chap._n 21._o 17_o 18._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n say_v the_o doctor_n be_v express_v these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n with_o his_o reply_n and_o answer_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n in_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v and_o what_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n take_v i_o pray_v his_o own_o expression_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o it_o lay_v only_o in_o their_o hand_n as_o to_o who_o it_o be_v sole_o delegated_a so_o that_o he_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n by_o which_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n may_v now_o perceive_v that_o mr_n knollys_n and_o the_o brethren_n do_v accord_n unto_o this_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v member_n so_o that_o i_o have_v as_o much_o assent_v unto_o by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o i_o desire_v by_o the_o which_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v he_o have_v utter_o exclude_v the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n and_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a assembly_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o hereafter_o i_o hope_v the_o brethren_n will_v not_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o i_o if_o i_o believe_v as_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n believe_v and_o as_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n believe_v those_o confide_a man_n when_o master_n knollys_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o they_o that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n and_o therefore_o not_o upon_o the_o people_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o far_o contest_v between_o we_o about_o this_o business_n see_v he_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o contentiousnesse_n of_o the_o man_n spirit_n who_o grant_v the_o thing_n and_o yet_o wrangle_v about_o word_n and_o that_o wretched_o and_o poor_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v in_o my_o argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o do_v prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n second_o that_o that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n these_o two_o thing_n master_n knollys_n affirm_v will_v not_o ensue_v from_o that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o i_o ground_v my_o argument_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o both_o these_o cavil_v of_o master_n hanserdo_n i_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o say_v unto_o he_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o a_o foreiner_n to_o all_o good_a learning_n so_o he_o be_v but_o a_o suck_a politician_n not_o know_v either_o his_o primer_n in_o that_o art_n or_o his_o catechism_n in_o theology_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a error_n and_o heresy_n of_o all_o his_o fraternity_n who_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n they_o be_v excellent_a statesman_n and_o grandee_n in_o government_n they_o will_v in_o time_n prove_v themselves_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o a_o company_n of_o groll_n and_o ninnye_n and_o i_o hope_v yet_o to_o see_v that_o day_n that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o explode_v &_o baffle_v out_o of_o their_o fond_a whimsy_n as_o ever_o the_o prelate_n be_v or_o any_o distemper_a sect_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v master_n knollys_n his_o error_n and_o the_o groundlessenesse_n of_o his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n who_o say_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n because_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n speak_v something_o concern_v politic_n and_o show_v wherein_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n it_o reside_v and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a property_n or_o rather_o part_n of_o government_n in_o either_o of_o they_o so_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o country_n or_o common_a wealth_n those_o man_n only_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o they_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v betrust_v either_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o those_o several_a government_n lie_v and_o be_v deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n that_o manage_v they_o and_o in_o no_o body_n else_o but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o their_o appointment_n or_o good_a like_n and_o love_n and_o if_o man_n will_v then_o serious_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o government_n secular_a in_o all_o state_n and_o country_n and_o compare_v the_o ecclesiastical_a with_o they_o which_o without_o any_o offence_n they_o may_v do_v the_o truth_n will_v more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o more_o obvious_a to_o every_o intelligible_a creature_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o have_v either_o read_v or_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o politic_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o legislative_a power_n lie_v so_o that_o they_o can_v either_o make_v or_o enact_v new_a law_n and_o statute_n or_o repeal_n or_o abrogate_v any_o old_a one_o and_o ratify_v both_o with_o sanction_n and_o who_o have_v also_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o punish_v all_o prevaricator_n against_o their_o law_n all_o man_n i_o say_v know_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o and_o only_o in_o those_o man_n hand_n that_o exercise_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o essential_a part_n or_o property_n of_o sovereign_a and_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n and_o that_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n who_o be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n there_o the_o second_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o government_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o can_v erect_v and_o create_v new_a office_n and_o new_a officer_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o set_v up_o new_a court_n and_o judge_n and_o can_v confer_v name_n honour_n and_o title_n of_o dignity_n upon_o they_o several_o and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a place_n office_n and_o judicature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o essential_a property_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o power_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v the_o ruler_n in_o that_o government_n and_o no_o other_o
person_n the_o three_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o state_n be_v this_o to_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n at_o pleasure_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestical_a upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o militia_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o those_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n this_o authority_n lie_v they_o be_v repute_v and_o indeed_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o that_o state_n the_o four_o essential_a property_n of_o superlative_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o any_o government_n or_o state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v a_o court_n of_o ultimate_a resort_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v fly_v for_o relief_n and_o to_o the_o which_o all_o appeal_v by_o all_o person_n from_o all_o part_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o all_o inferior_a court_n be_v make_v upon_o any_o unjustice_n do_v they_o there_o or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o grievance_n by_o any_o one_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o end_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n and_o difference_n or_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o authority_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v say_v to_o exercise_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a governor_n and_o moderator_n in_o that_o state_n the_o five_o and_o last_o paâ—t_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o press_v and_o stamp_v money_n and_o coin_n and_o set_v the_o valution_n upon_o they_o or_o any_o other_o money_n that_o be_v currant_n in_o their_o country_n or_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o have_v the_o exchequer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o they_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o tribute_n subsidy_n assessment_n custom_n benevolence_n and_o collection_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o the_o common_a relief_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n or_o state_n be_v send_v and_o who_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o wisdom_n in_o those_o man_n hand_n i_o say_v that_o this_o power_n â—esideth_v of_o dispose_v the_o treasury_n or_o revenue_n they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o ruler_n in_o that_o state_n as_o at_o this_o day_n it_o reside_v with_o all_o the_o former_a essential_a property_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o they_o only_o and_o be_v sole_o exercise_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o master_n knollys_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a court_n because_o the_o contribution_n collection_n and_o excise_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v now_o at_o their_o dispose_n i_o believe_v the_o great_a council_n will_v teach_v he_o a_o little_a more_o wit_n and_o all_o those_o his_o brethren_n that_o shall_v join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o argumentation_n a_o little_a better_a manner_n now_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o whatsoever_o can_v prove_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o secular_a government_n to_o be_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n which_o exercise_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o it_o that_o the_o government_n and_o sovereign_a power_n in_o that_o church_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n only_o so_o that_o it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o my_o argument_n will_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o master_n knolly_n fond_a cavil_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o these_o two_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o church_n be_v the_o only_a governor_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o follow_v the_o second_o truth_n that_o will_v result_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n both_o which_o master_n knollys_n vain_o deny_v will_v follow_v from_o my_o argument_n but_o for_o the_o far_a elucidation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o essential_a property_n and_o part_n of_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o show_v that_o they_o reside_v only_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o commit_v only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chapter_n the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
office_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o 14._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o appoint_v they_o first_o in_o the_o mother-church_n jerusalem_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n yea_o they_o give_v those_o officer_n their_o name_n and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a office_n as_o be_v manifest_a act_v the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n they_o also_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o all_o such_o as_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o denounce_v war_n and_o death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o judgement_n to_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thess_n 1._o verse_n 8._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n likewise_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_n and_o extreme_a refuge_n and_o relief_n and_o help_n all_o appeal_n be_v make_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o same_o book_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a tribunal_n upon_o earth_n in_o god_n matter_n in_o who_o hand_n all_o the_o high_a power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o reside_v and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o decide_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o they_o the_o which_o example_n of_o they_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o precedent_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o in_o that_o controversy_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o christian_n at_o antioch_n through_o false_a teacher_n by_o who_o that_o heresy_n be_v broach_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o believer_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o by_o which_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a lewes_z who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n because_o they_o do_v neglect_v those_o ceremony_n whereupon_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a schism_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o for_o the_o decide_n and_o determine_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o know_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o dogmatic_a diatacticall_a and_o critical_a yea_o authoritative_a and_o command_a who_o enter_v into_o a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o reason_n argument_n and_o disputation_n and_o find_v by_o disquisition_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n they_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n not_o pretend_v any_o new_a revelation_n or_o new_a light_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o superlative_a assistance_n in_o the_o decide_n that_o debate_n but_o only_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o first_o show_v and_o put_v forth_o their_o dogmatic_a power_n confute_v and_o convince_a the_o heresy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n second_o they_o declare_v their_o diatacticall_a authority_n make_v a_o practical_a canon_n or_o law_n for_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o three_o they_o exercise_v their_o critical_a power_n and_o judiciary_n authority_n verse_n 24._o condemn_a and_o brand_a those_o teacher_n with_o that_o infamous_a and_o black_a mark_n of_o liar_n subverter_n of_o soul_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n four_o and_o last_o they_o sufficient_o manifest_v their_o imparative_fw-it and_o authoritative_a power_n in_o send_v those_o decree_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o do_v this_o and_o live_v v._o 29._o for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v which_o when_o they_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o there_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n likewise_o remain_v and_o reside_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o they_o exercise_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n ever_o run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n last_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o that_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o the_o other_o church_n have_v for_o they_o bring_v the_o money_n always_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 4._o and_o afterward_o all_o the_o money_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o all_o church_n as_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n lay_v which_o they_o never_o give_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o relinquish_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n give_v direction_n to_o their_o several_a deacon_n how_o to_o distribute_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o common_a emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o poor_a saint_n for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o alm_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o judaea_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v the_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o those_o church_n and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o they_o belong_v and_o who_o only_o and_o whole_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o now_o then_o when_o the_o contribution_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n which_o they_o ever_o exercise_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o common_a to_o dispose_v of_o they_o now_o before_o this_o relief_n be_v send_v thither_o and_o long_o after_o that_o as_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n declare_v most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v there_o and_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v presbyter_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o relate_v that_o the_o alm_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n say_v they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n now_o they_o be_v all_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a and_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o dialect_n of_o holy_a write_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n we_o shall_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n that_o either_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o more_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o make_v mention_n of_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a moderator_n and_o prime_a agent_n in_o the_o business_n which_o be_v never_o carry_v by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o multitude_n or_o people_n and_o it_o it_o be_v credible_o believe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o judaea_n till_o after_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o and_o for_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o he_o continue_v precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n his_o whole_a life_n time_n
as_o he_o be_v precedent_n in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o continue_v still_o the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o know_v very_o well_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o and_o what_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n there_o be_v inhabitant_n in_o that_o church_n all_o which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n continual_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o paul_n come_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v act_v the_o 21_o chapter_n be_v inform_v by_o he_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o what_o those_o disciple_n have_v hear_v concern_v his_o preach_n which_o show_v not_o only_o that_o saint_n james_n have_v his_o abode_n in_o that_o city_n but_o that_o those_o believer_n likewise_o be_v dweller_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o that_o now_o he_o have_v very_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o yea_o which_o be_v more_o at_o that_o very_a time_n that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o those_o alm_n peter_n and_o james_n be_v then_o in_o that_o city_n if_o not_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n also_o as_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n abundant_o show_v and_o without_o doubt_n they_o all_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o in_o a_o common-council_n order_v how_o the_o alm_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o it_o do_v most_o necessary_o follow_v what_o so_o ever_o mr._n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o scripture_n record_v that_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o judaea_n &_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o metropolis_n city_n in_o judaea_n and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n v._o 25._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o barnabas_n &_o paul_n return_v from_o jerusalem_n whither_o they_o have_v carry_v the_o alm_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o princiall_a and_o chief_a presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n it_o may_v not_o be_v credit_v that_o they_o i_o say_v be_v the_o prime_a magistrate_n and_o governor_n do_v sit_v still_o and_o leave_v the_o rule_n order_v and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o other_o of_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o they_o of_o inferior_a rank_n but_o they_o also_o act_v their_o part_n in_o the_o government_n at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o at_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v when_o the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o either_o and_o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o joint_a consent_n and_o when_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o all_o it_o necessary_o follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o garrulity_n that_o my_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o scripture_n will_v ever_o stand_v good_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o send_n of_o the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n make_v good_a these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o only_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o and_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n govern_v and_o rule_v it_o by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n yea_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n who_o say_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o and_o not_o by_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a presbyter_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n much_o less_o by_o any_o other_o person_n or_o people_n in_o they_o but_o the_o presbyter_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o confirmation_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n ground_v upon_o that_o scripture_n that_o the_o relief_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o as_o he_o himself_o set_v it_o down_o in_o the_o 12._o page_z of_o his_o book_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n the_o major_a and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v say_v the_o doctor_n the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v thus_o master_n knollys_n relate_v this_o argument_n whole_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o this_o argument_n he_o first_o thus_o reply_v i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o brethren_n ever_o deny_v ed_z that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v so_o that_o he_o assent_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o presbyter_n by_o office_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o ambition_n to_o be_v think_v some_o body_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n that_o he_o quarrel_v the_o form_n of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o show_v i_o how_o i_o shall_v have_v frame_v it_o aright_o but_o all_o those_o that_o know_v indeed_o what_o real_o belong_v to_o learning_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o man_n do_v but_o babble_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v spend_v time_n in_o trifle_v with_o he_o about_o form_n mood_n and_o figure_n in_o syllogism_n who_o know_v no_o more_o in_o logic_n then_o the_o horse_n he_o preach_v on_o i_o may_v be_v think_v as_o vain_a as_o himself_o therefore_o entreat_v he_o hereafter_o to_o learn_v his_o grand-dame_n to_o suck_v and_o not_o i_o to_o make_v syllogism_n pass_v by_o all_o those_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v set_v down_o what_o he_o have_v far_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o 13._o page_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o that_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o i_o will_v come_v to_o i._n s._n that_o learned_a gentleman_n and_o profound_a clerk_n master_n knollys_n to_o this_o argument_n thus_o far_a answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o as_o apostle_n act._n 15._o and_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o over_o all_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o but_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o some_o one_o church_n only_o as_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o 28._o or_o philippi_n phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o the_o doctor_n often_o insert_v in_o his_o book_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o they_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n page_n 12._o and_o second_o because_o this_o will_v make_v the_o presbyter_n independent_a indeed_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a on_o christ_n by_o who_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o and_o though_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o presbyter_n may_v say_v so_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n be_v mention_v there_o the_o
doctor_n may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act_v 15._o 4._o 12._o 22._o 23_o 25_o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n please_v his_o own_o humour_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o senseless_a and_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o that_o only_a to_o delude_v the_o people_n but_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o his_o babble_n and_o nonsense_n and_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o they_o true_o i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o will_v therefore_o study_v brevity_n and_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o few_o word_n though_o i_o will_v omit_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o vain_a frivolous_a and_o fond_a as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v but_o whereas_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o fond_a trifle_n in_o a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o only_o call_v presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n real_o as_o well_o as_o virtual_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z deny_v not_o and_o that_o they_o act_v also_o as_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v as_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o officer_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o also_o in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n for_o otherwise_o their_o example_n can_v not_o indeed_o have_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyte_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n if_o in_o either_o of_o they_o they_o have_v act_v as_o extraordinary_a man_n by_o a_o transcendent_a and_o superlative_a power_n and_o by_o a_o inimitable_a authority_n and_o as_o man_n immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_a tribe_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n of_o new_a england_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o take_v the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n in_o their_o new_a church_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o accord_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o take_v their_o example_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o gather_v into_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n have_v act_v and_o manage_v they_o only_o as_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o by_o a_o special_a dispensation_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o only_o peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o as_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a governor_n so_o that_o while_o master_n knollys_n fight_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o i_o he_o with_o the_o same_o weapon_n wound_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n who_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o extraordinary_a man_n take_v their_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n and_o of_o call_v synod_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o discover_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o futility_n as_o for_o his_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n because_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n they_o be_v foolish_a and_o vain_a and_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v of_o my_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v as_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v nothing_o ordinary_a or_o for_o the_o imitation_n of_o other_o church_n governor_n i_o say_v this_o can_v never_o follow_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n neither_o will_v any_o judicious_a man_n thus_o argue_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o officer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n whereas_o when_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o of_o do_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o consider_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n to_o have_v act_v as_o ordinary_a governor_n and_z ruler_n and_o for_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n grollish_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o in_o every_o sentence_n i_o may_v say_v word_n there_o be_v a_o error_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o independent_a at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o tie_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v john_n 5._o search_n the_o scripture_n and_o luke_n 14._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o yea_o saint_n peter_n 2_o epist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n make_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o when_o peter_n swarve_v from_o that_o rule_n &_o begin_v among_o the_o galatian_n to_o halt_v &_o temporize_v paul_n resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o accuse_v he_o open_o of_o prevarication_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v independent_o that_o they_o be_v always_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o to_o move_v but_o as_o he_o direct_v act._n 16._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 11._o where_o peter_n be_v question_v and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n for_o satisfaction_n the_o other_o apostle_n also_o be_v subject_n unto_o that_o presbytery_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n among_o the_o gentile_n yea_o paul_n himself_o receive_v order_n from_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 21._o and_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n also_o and_o be_v send_v on_o their_o message_n at_o any_o time_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v
send_v to_o samaria_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n the_o 8._o and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n by_o that_o church_n there_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v send_v again_o to_o antioch_n syria_n &_o galatia_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dependent_a as_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o m._n knollys_n be_v altogether_o in_o error_n in_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a neither_o be_v that_o true_a also_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n any_o far_a than_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o there_o be_v a_o special_a caution_n &_o caveat_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a christ_n but_o also_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o who_o bid_v all_o the_o gentile_n beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o any_o as_o come_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o decree_n yea_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n gal_n 1._o verse_n 7_o 8._o give_v they_o and_o all_o christian_n a_o special_a charge_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v account_v he_o accurse_v and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 10._o and_o 11._o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a apostle_n although_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o enjoin_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o they_o warn_v all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n though_o they_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v not_o according_a to_o sound_a word_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n peter_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n and_o command_v they_o withal_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n nor_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n jude_n in_o his_o and_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o be_v commend_v for_o discover_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n by_o all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o proof_n and_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o christ_n who_o minister_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v and_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n apocalyp_v the_o 2._o verse_n 1._o who_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n as_o well_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v they_o and_o who_o preserve_v and_o protect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a what_o man_n can_v do_v against_o they_o as_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n sufficient_o declare_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o master_n knollys_n fond_o say_v who_o be_v their_o fellow_n servant_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o transaction_n of_o all_o the_o business_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o much_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o council_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o i_o say_v in_o my_o argument_n and_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o by_o god_n assistance_n more_o abundant_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o master_n knollys_n who_o think_v all_o man_n shall_v take_v for_o a_o oracle_n every_o word_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o pen_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o never_o so_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o just_a control_n as_o that_o other_o of_o his_o expression_n be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a error_n for_o peter_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o satan_n neither_o when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o when_o he_o temporize_v among_o the_o galatian_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n church_n as_o he_o erroneous_o and_o ignorant_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n revel_v 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o who_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 2_o cor._n 4._o ver_fw-la 5._o that_o they_o preach_v not_o themselves_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o themselves_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n his_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n if_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o his_o church_n and_o his_o house_n as_o paul_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o timothy_n aver_v ch_n 3._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o where_o he_o say_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o therefore_o i_o say_v church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o special_a prohibition_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o lord_n it_o over_o his_o people_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v over_o they_o that_o be_v their_o subject_n how_o then_o can_v mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n church_n every_o man_n i_o conceive_v that_o have_v any_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o with_o deliberation_n shall_v read_v mr_n knollys_n scribble_n will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o sacred_a thing_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o frontless_a man_n and_o without_o all_o shame_n he_o will_v never_o have_v publish_v so_o many_o error_n and_o so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o will_v he_o ever_o have_v say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v unto_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n in_o my_o first_o book_n that_o they_o act_v in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n but_o because_o mr_n knollys_n be_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v about_o that_o point_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n if_o not_o to_o he_o at_o least_o to_o other_o i_o will_v here_o prove_v that_o point_n a_o little_a more_o full_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v brief_o also_o answer_v mr_n knollys_n his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o fufferage_n and_o vote_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o that_o whole_a business_n do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n but_o as_o presbyter_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o ordinary_a counsel_n and_o synod_n for_o first_o paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o barnabas_n though_o both_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o be_v at_o that_o time_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ver_fw-la 2._o as_o servant_n of_o that_o presbytery_n who_o willing_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o act_v as_o
apostle_n and_o not_o as_o member_n for_o that_o present_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o antioch_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n by_o command_n and_o appointment_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o great_a than_o those_o that_o send_v they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n all_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v against_o peter_n supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act_n 8._o 14._o send_v he_o and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n have_v authority_n over_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n &_o disputation_n with_o they_o that_o then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n every_o one_o may_v observe_v these_o conclusion_n follow_v first_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n use_v not_o any_o transcendent_a extraordinary_a and_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o that_o difference_n which_o they_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v then_o and_o there_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o put_v forth_o their_o apostolical_a power_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la say_fw-la that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n and_o disputation_n with_o they_o intimate_v by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v if_o they_o have_v act_v there_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n to_o prove_v that_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n act_v there_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o that_o church_n but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v send_v as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o the_o same_o command_v lay_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o if_o they_o of_o antioch_n have_v look_v upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o extraordinary_a messenger_n endue_v with_o apostolical_a authority_n they_o will_v have_v make_v some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o certain_a other_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n but_o send_v they_o all_o with_o equal_a authority_n and_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o message_n and_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o of_o antioch_n in_o this_o employment_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o those_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v as_o well_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o run_v the_o text_n they_o be_v all_o send_v unto_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o as_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commission_n writ_n or_o charter_n and_o govern_v with_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o text_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o whole_a debate_n act_v as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o according_o v._o 6._o so_o they_o do_v decree_n and_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 22._o 23._o and_o act._n 16._o 4._o they_o be_v call_v also_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o act._n 21._o the_o presbyter_n say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v manifest_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o in_o that_o synod_n sit_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o sit_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n or_o writ_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o name_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a rashness_n in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o confute_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n many_o argument_n more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o be_v no_o more_o then_o guide_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o more_o which_o be_v this_o in_o that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n dispute_v con_n and_o pro_fw-la argue_v and_o reason_v what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o have_v dispatch_v the_o business_n and_o by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o they_o will_v have_v decide_v the_o matter_n and_o either_o have_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v or_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o we_o write_v be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n dictate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v never_o have_v go_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o it_o or_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o
and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v not_o only_o against_o all_o sound_a divinity_n but_o against_o all_o reason_n while_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v equal_a suffrage_n and_o voice_n or_o vote_n with_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o master_n who_o have_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o have_v he_o ever_o read_v any_o thing_n concern_v counsel_n in_o either_o he_o will_v never_o have_v so_o argue_v for_o counsel_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v of_o peculiar_a and_o select_a man_n who_o for_o their_o gravity_n wisdom_n learning_n and_o their_o inveterate_a experience_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o who_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o intrude_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n who_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o will_v go_v about_o or_o endeavour_v to_o change_v this_o order_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o will_v speedy_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o by_o such_o man_n only_o as_o upon_o who_o shoulder_n god_n have_v lay_v that_o government_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n those_o ensign_n of_o authority_n now_o when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o calling_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n in_o they_o for_o the_o roll_a and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v only_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o their_o ordinance_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o voice_n or_o vote_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n in_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n for_o he_o by_o brethren_n understand_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believert_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v import_v be_v present_a in_o that_o council_n speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o have_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o that_o be_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v come_v together_o in_o one_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v send_v commissioner_n and_o delegated_a out_o of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o those_o counsel_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o well_o manage_v of_o the_o government_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v their_o call_n and_o for_o the_o other_o people_n as_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o call_n and_o statiou_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o all_o under_o authority_n be_v therein_o to_o abide_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o follow_v their_o particular_a negotiation_n and_o affair_n yield_v obedience_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o woman_n especial_o by_o a_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n to_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vote_n it_o in_o synod_n neither_o be_v woman_n ever_o that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o teacher_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n permit_v to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n and_o synod_n which_o when_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n then_o assemble_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v with_o good_a authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o synod_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o synod_n consist_v of_o brethren_n and_o not_o sister_n who_o have_v never_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o or_o any_o voice_n there_o as_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o asserâ—eth_v and_o therefore_o for_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v they_o when_o the_o sister_n be_v exempt_v there_o be_v none_o but_o brethren_n beside_o it_o be_v against_o another_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o say_v for_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o dispute_n for_o they_o be_v not_o well_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o religion_n will_v have_v either_o be_v more_o embitter_v against_o one_o another_o or_o fill_v more_o full_a of_o scruple_n then_o resolve_v as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n who_o see_v what_o a_o confusion_n such_o paltry_a fellow_n as_o master_n knollys_n be_v have_v already_o bring_v inâ—o_o the_o world_n by_o admit_v their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o their_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o vain_a jangle_n uâ—on_v all_o occasion_n neither_o will_v i_o ever_o believe_v for_o my_o part_n that_o the_o apostle_n â—ould_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_n the_o contrary_a now_o when_o saint_n paul_n have_v make_v that_o law_n that_o the_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v admit_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n into_o the_o synoâ—_n to_o those_o dispute_n and_o so_o have_v violate_v this_o law_n and_o statute_n from_o heaven_n especial_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n believe_v this_o when_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o will_v have_v put_v the_o people_n in_o a_o uproar_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o many_o year_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o their_o christian_a liberty_n they_o remain_v still_o so_o zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o out_o of_o a_o distemper_a zeal_n will_v have_v destroy_v paul_n and_o only_o because_o they_o hear_v that_o hâ—_n teach_v the_o gentile_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o will_v all_o those_o weak_a brethren_n have_v be_v enrage_v against_o all_o the_o apostle_n
and_o presbyter_n may_n any_o man_n suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o synod_n and_o shall_v then_o and_o there_o have_v hear_v they_o dispute_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n condemn_v it_o as_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o they_o and_o to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n can_v bear_v and_o therefore_o decree_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n i_o say_v it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n it_o will_v have_v put_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o heat_n and_o rage_n as_o they_o will_v have_v set_v the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o uproar_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o life_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n there_o and_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v side_v with_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o will_v have_v incense_v they_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n because_o they_o grant_v great_a privilege_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o give_v they_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n still_o observe_v and_o strict_o keep_v so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v from_o judaea_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v urge_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n among_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o i_o say_v if_o these_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n have_v all_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n how_o many_o soever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o use_v master_n knollys_n expression_n be_v present_a as_o he_o groundlesse_o affirm_v and_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o vote_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o they_o will_v have_v vote_v the_o contrary_a and_o for_o this_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o in_o the_o one_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o will_v have_v stain_n paul_n for_o this_o their_o jealousy_n only_o that_o he_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o if_o the_o brethren_n in_o jerusalem_n those_o believe_a jew_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n say_v have_v then_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v assent_v and_o vote_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o it_o as_o master_n knollys_n against_o all_o reason_n say_v they_o do_v for_o than_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o paul_n for_o instruct_v the_o gentile_n and_o all_o people_n in_o their_o christian_n liberty_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n make_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o paul_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o he_o yet_o urge_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o have_v decree_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n i_o say_v if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o whole_a church_n and_o multitude_n as_o many_o as_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o shall_v have_v vote_v with_o they_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o to_o free_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o they_o can_v not_o then_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o saint_n paul_n for_o observe_v their_o order_n and_o decree_n and_o for_o obey_v their_o injunction_n but_o when_o they_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o for_o but_o hear_v he_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n &_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o the_o multitude_n can_v be_v understand_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o he_o grollish_o assert_v can_v they_o have_v all_o possible_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o than_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o decree_n and_o be_v offend_v with_o other_o for_o observe_v what_o they_o themselves_o have_v command_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n there_o first_o all_o sister_n be_v exclude_v for_o they_o be_v not_o number_v among_o they_o and_o so_o then_o not_o all_o the_o believer_n for_o sister_n also_o be_v believer_n and_o of_o the_o multitude_n and_o second_o all_o those_o zealot_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n have_v no_o vote_n in_o that_o synod_n and_o be_v not_o present_v there_o for_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o saint_n paul_n for_o preach_v according_a to_o those_o decree_n make_v and_o vote_v there_o so_o that_o mr_n knollys_n in_o time_n may_v come_v to_o see_v his_o error_n and_o by_o brethren_n there_o and_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v very_o well_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v viz._n prophet_n and_o choose_a man_n and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n for_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n be_v convert_v and_o be_v member_n there_o though_o not_o fix_v officer_n and_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n as_o the_o other_o be_v who_o synecdochical_o be_v call_v the_o church_n a_o part_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n from_o among_o who_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v go_v and_o have_v teach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o and_o with_o these_o also_o may_v be_v reckon_v those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o that_o council_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v the_o brethren_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o text_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v so_o that_o to_o all_o man_n that_o read_v but_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n with_o judgement_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o by_o brethren_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o multitude_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v some_o choose_a man_n man_n of_o eminency_n for_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n prophet_n who_o dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o business_n there_o and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v for_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o not_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n daily_o though_o false_o assert_v and_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n and_o rot_a foundation_n lay_v in_o their_o own_o brain_n will_v erect_v and_o build_v their_o new_a confuse_a babel_n of_o independency_n admit_v all_o people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n but_o also_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o dependency_n upon_o other_o church_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o mere_a anarchy_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v these_o two_o conclusion_n will_v evident_o ensue_v and_o plain_o arise_v first_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o equal_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o likewise_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o and_o upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n second_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o brethren_n nor_o sister_n in_o those_o day_n be_v to_o have_v their_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admission_n of_o member_n
and_o officer_n much_o less_o in_o synod_n that_o employment_n belong_v whole_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n who_o god_n have_v make_v ruler_n in_o his_o church_n over_o they_o and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o heb._n 13._o and_o therefore_o that_o all_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n affect_v a_o independency_n and_o challenge_v their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n be_v all_o transgressor_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr_n knollys_n his_o vain_a jangle_n against_o my_o three_o proposition_n and_o now_o i_o will_v brief_o answer_v to_o what_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o who_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v but_o we_o distinguish_v say_v he_o between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a say_v he_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o ay_o the_o officer_n ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v ay_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v executative_a power_n as_o you_o demand_v pag._n 93._o but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o as_o those_o place_n allege_v by_o yourself_o show_v express_o act._n 15._o for_o though_o ver_fw-la 2._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o yet_o ver_fw-la 4._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o apostle_n and_o elder_n therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n also_o and_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n ver_fw-la 25._o import_v a_o multitude_n meet_v together_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o that_o multitude_n else_o it_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v convene_v and_o issue_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o only_a the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v mention_v as_o come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o question_n verse_n 6._o yet_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 22._o that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o therefore_o the_o church_n also_o come_v together_o to_o consult_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o cnmmittee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n i_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n ver_fw-la 23._o and_o so_o in_o ordination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ay_o election_n by_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a thus_o speak_v i._n s._n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o my_o three_o proposition_n the_o error_n of_o who_o expression_n shall_v i_o but_o only_o name_v they_o all_o several_o they_o will_v take_v up_o some_o time_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o paper_n but_o shall_v i_o undertake_v the_o full_a confutation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o discover_v all_o the_o impiety_n evil_a and_o wickedness_n that_o lie_v couch_v in_o these_o his_o word_n i_o may_v make_v a_o just_a volumn_n and_o spend_v some_o month_n in_o the_o employment_n for_o grosser_n error_n my_o eye_n never_o behold_v and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o contrary_a unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o church_n but_o to_o the_o very_a dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o the_o independent_o most_o shameful_o disthrone_v as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v god_n assist_v i_o while_o notwithstanding_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n of_o set_v he_o up_o king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n though_o the_o independent_o seem_v to_o hate_v popery_n their_o doctrine_n be_v popery_n itself_o only_o the_o upside_o of_o it_o turn_v down_o and_o the_o rear_v make_v the_o front_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o their_o tenant_n but_o that_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v more_o shameful_o erroneous_a as_o will_v be_v make_v evident_a and_o more_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o more_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o the_o which_o assertion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v a_o little_a more_o evident_o manifest_a i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o and_o examine_v some_o of_o the_o passage_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o to_o discover_v but_o half_a the_o error_n of_o it_o they_o will_v weary_v the_o reader_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o to_o speak_v but_o the_o verity_n he_o that_o shall_v have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o whible_n and_o unlearned_a fellow_n as_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n be_v have_v need_n to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o intolerable_a patience_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v with_o he_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o i._o s._n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o interfer_v tautology_n and_o great_a confusion_n crime_n he_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n to_o use_v some_o of_o his_o own_o language_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o if_o not_o contradiction_n and_o be_v not_o great_a of_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o a_o very_a catechumenos_fw-la and_o one_o that_o have_v as_o well_o need_v of_o instruction_n as_o of_o refutation_n for_o as_o much_o as_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a these_o thing_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o reader_n consideration_n and_o now_o i_o go_v to_o my_o work_n in_o assert_v say_v i_o s._n that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v that_o church_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o say_v he_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o i._o the_o officer_n ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v i._o â—_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n but_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a thus_o profound_a i._n s._n i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n here_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o grant_v and_o what_o he_o deny_v and_o how_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o juggle_v first_o he_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n and_o say_v that_o my_o argument_n hit_v not_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o as_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o assert_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v stay_v here_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ingenuity_n in_o he_o but_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o blast_v yea_o blow_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v former_o set_v up_o and_o that_o with_o a_o windy_a vain_a american_n distinction_n which_o he_o have_v borrow_v out_o of_o some_o of_o those_o monstrous_a pamphlet_n that_o come_v from_o thence_o call_v the_o way_n and_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v fraught_v with_o
read_v this_o book_n i_o will_v here_o again_o repeat_v his_o answer_n to_o my_o argument_n with_o his_o distinction_n the_o jndependent_o say_v he_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o say_v he_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v be_v better_a but_o all_o error_n be_v like_a unto_o sin_n it_o seldom_o go_v single_a and_o alone_a for_o here_o i._n s._n commit_v a_o multiforme_a error_n in_o rob_v not_o only_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n but_o in_o rob_v also_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n himself_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o royalty_n and_o make_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o peculiar_a servant_n but_o the_o vassal_n and_o slave_n of_o the_o people_n who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n so_o that_o according_a to_o i._o s._n his_o learning_n all_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o people_n dispose_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o act_v as_o the_o church_n direct_v they_o and_o they_o must_v do_v it_o always_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o hysteron_fw-gr proteron_fw-gr divinity_n of_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o which_o they_o deal_v most_o wicked_o on_o every_o side_n so_o that_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o minister_n fair_o they_o abuse_v they_o to_o their_o face_n for_o here_o i._n s._n by_o that_o distinction_n of_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o independent_o give_v great_a honour_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o say_v that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v they_o proper_o and_o that_o only_a power_n and_o interest_n belong_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n before_o he_o have_v pass_v two_o step_n by_o his_o own_o description_n of_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o give_v away_o all_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o little_a before_o not_o only_o from_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o christ_n himself_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o he_o call_v the_o church_n say_v that_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a according_a to_o his_o divinity_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o the_o slave_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n he_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n say_v that_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o for_o the_o assistance_n nnd_v concurrence_n of_o the_o multitude_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o all_o which_o if_o hegive_v not_o the_o people_n by_o his_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n a_o great_a authority_n than_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o to_o christ_n himself_o let_v every_o ingenious_a man_n judge_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o horrid_a impiety_n but_o abominable_a in_o justice_n &_o sacrilege_n yea_o every_o man_n may_v plain_o perceive_v &_o that_o out_o of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o he_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o all_o authority_n under_o that_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n for_o in_o say_v in_o the_o same_o pag._n that_o in_o ordination_n election_n of_o officer_n belong_v unto_o the_o brethren_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a by_o these_o word_n he_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o all_o full_a and_o ample_a authority_n as_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o can_v be_v betrust_v with_o for_o among_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o to_o my_o knowledge_n they_o make_v nothing_o of_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o count_v it_o but_o a_o compliment_n that_o make_v nothing_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o officer_n as_o they_o say_v for_o they_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o officer_n or_o minister_n if_o he_o be_v once_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o call_n as_o they_o say_v that_o make_v officer_n without_o which_o they_o affirm_v they_o can_v be_v no_o true_a officer_n so_o that_o if_o election_n be_v the_o main_a and_o essential_a business_n require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o church-officer_n and_o as_o they_o teach_v their_o follower_n and_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o election_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o matter_n not_o with_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v ordain_v or_o have_v any_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o no_o that_o be_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o a_o compliment_n or_o a_o needless_a ceremony_n for_o so_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o speak_v the_o which_o ordination_n also_o though_o they_o say_v it_o belong_v unto_o officer_n notwithstanding_o the_o church_n and_o people_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o exercise_v it_o at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n if_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n daily_o teach_v all_o man_n yea_o we_o may_v gather_v as_o much_o out_o of_o i._o s._n his_o own_o expression_n that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o election_n reside_v in_o the_o people_n and_o lie_v in_o their_o hand_n who_o say_v that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a intimate_v that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o church-officer_n they_o themselves_o may_v then_o ordain_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o all_o which_o their_o language_n and_o proceed_n if_o by_o their_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o do_v not_o assume_v &_o arrogate_v all_o power_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v it_o into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o plenary_a authority_n over_o all_o minister_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o confer_v authority_n on_o any_o people_n it_o be_v most_o notorious_o know_v that_o our_o independent_a gentleman_n will_v place_v all_o authority_n in_o the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o dependent_a upon_o they_o and_o expect_v their_o election_n and_o ordination_n from_o they_o and_o they_o only_o will_v be_v independent_a and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o their_o word_n and_o practice_n and_o out_o of_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n but_o even_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n which_o he_o say_v belong_v unto_o the_o people_n have_v thus_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n sufficient_o elucidate_v that_o by_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o assume_v all_o authority_n to_o themselves_o while_o they_o pretend_v they_o give_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n i_o will_v now_o set_v forth_o their_o wickedness_n in_o show_v how_o they_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o apostle_n also_o and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o their_o dignity_n and_o power_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o their_o deal_n towards_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n all_o those_o that_o know_v how_o the_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n aâ—e_v govern_v know_v that_o all_o their_o counsel_n ambassador_n judge_n ruler_n and_o officer_n under_o they_o either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n or_o war_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o all_o their_o precept_n and_o mandate_n whether_o imparative_fw-it or_o prohibitive_n and_o in_o all_o their_o court_n of_o judicature_n transact_v and_o pass_v all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o writ_n and_o summons_n in_o the_o
that_o by_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o not_o only_o rob_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o i_o make_v good_a before_o but_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o presbyter_n his_o minister_n and_o servant_n also_o of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o which_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o shall_v again_o brief_o consider_v and_o but_o take_v notice_n first_o what_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o that_o be_v all_o power_n in_o his_o church_n under_o he_o matth._n 28._o and_o mark_v 16._o i_o say_v if_o we_o shall_v due_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n christ_n special_a minister_n and_o servant_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o invest_v with_o all_o authority_n and_o guide_v in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v as_o his_o minister_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v also_o what_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o which_o minister_n likewise_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n and_o overseer_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o but_o due_o weigh_v all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o invest_v with_o plenary_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o enable_v to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o they_o in_o commission_n but_o receive_v command_n from_o heaven_n to_o obey_v those_o that_o god_n have_v make_v guide_n over_o they_o and_o make_v ruler_n in_o his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o mature_o consider_v all_o these_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n and_o the_o power_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o and_o that_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v but_o consider_v what_o learn_v i._o s._n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o his_o brethren_n declare_v concern_v not_o only_o all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o he_o deliver_v concern_v the_o bless_a apostle_n we_o shall_v clear_o perceive_v that_o herobb_v they_o all_o of_o that_o honour_n dignity_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o be_v a_o double_a injustice_n first_n in_o take_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n that_o which_o be_v their_o due_a and_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o second_o in_o give_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o which_o pertain_v not_o to_o they_o and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n and_o with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o doctrine_n what_o he_o hold_v and_o believe_v concern_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n page_n 12._o in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o brethren_n jmposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a otherwise_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o complete_a according_a to_o his_o learning_n the_o people_n may_v do_v it_o thus_o i._n s._n speak_v there_o and_o in_o the_o 11_o page_n he_o grant_v it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n as_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v he_o come_v in_o with_o a_o but_o say_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o jnterest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o officer_n say_v he_o ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o that_o be_v in_o his_o dialect_n as_o he_o declare_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n go_v before_o the_o officer_n must_v exercise_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o 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and_o man_n as_o can_v by_o mortal_a creature_n be_v commit_v which_o wickedness_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v suffer_v to_o go_v unpunished_a i_o most_o confident_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v take_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o righteousservant_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v pour_v down_o his_o plague_n both_o on_o they_o and_o all_o their_o complice_n and_o abettor_n and_o now_o i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a how_o they_o rob_v all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o power_n i_o will_v make_v it_o likewise_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n also_o be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o same_o predicament_n and_o that_o they_o deal_v no_o better_o with_o they_o who_o they_o have_v rob_v also_o and_o spoil_v of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o authority_n and_o count_v of_o they_o all_fw-mi no_o otherwise_o then_o of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a minister_n and_o but_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o executioner_n for_o we_o must_v take_v what_o i._o s._n speak_v in_o this_o business_n to_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o he_o be_v but_o their_o mouth_n and_o his_o book_n come_v forth_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o be_v esteem_v of_o as_o a_o goodly_a piece_n and_o he_o high_o honour_v among_o they_o for_o it_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 12._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n say_v he_o as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n
be_v exclude_v who_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n permit_v to_o vote_n in_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o there_o for_o woman_n be_v part_n of_o the_o multitude_n neither_o be_v the_o weak_a brethren_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1._o and_o this_o be_v accord_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a i._o s._n that_o confident_a disputant_n who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o from_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n there_o be_v neither_o woman_n nor_o weak_a brethren_n there_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o concession_n the_o weak_a be_v not_o admit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o in_o the_o council_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n and_o church_n and_o multitude_n there_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v necessary_o to_o understand_v the_o learned_a and_o godly_a prophet_n minister_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n chief_a and_o eminent_a one_o such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v and_o with_o they_o be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o other_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n with_o those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o antioch_n which_o be_v all_o consider_v together_o make_v up_o a_o great_a number_n and_o multitude_n all_o the_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n v._o 3._o the_o scripture_n there_o speak_v synecdochical_o and_o take_v a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v of_o all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v do_v that_o synod_n consist_v and_o not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n w_z ch_n be_v not_o member_n fit_a for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o order_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n much_o less_o to_o woman_n &_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o synecdochical_o as_o before_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o eminent_a minister_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v commissioner_n there_o and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elders_n he_o which_o yet_o be_v more_o evident_a from_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o only_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o voter_n in_o that_o synod_n which_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o the_o full_a dispute_n on_o both_o side_n for_o none_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n that_o have_v not_o full_o hear_v the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n on_o both_o side_n which_o i._o s._n acknowledge_v the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v nor_o can_v judge_v of_o because_o they_o be_v intricate_a ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n nor_o give_v their_o voice_n there_o upon_o no_o term_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o full_o &_o understand_o hear_v now_o the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v neither_o can_v they_o have_v understand_v if_o they_o have_v hear_v both_o which_o i._o s._n accord_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o weak_a brethren_n can_v be_v mean_v much_o less_o the_o sister_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o with_o deliberation_n weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ponder_v and_o consider_v of_o very_a reason_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v every_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o none_o can_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n but_o such_o as_o have_v hear_v the_o plead_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o controversy_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n which_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o such_o as_o sylas_n and_o judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v verse_n 6._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o none_o but_o they_o that_o manage_v the_o disputation_n and_o hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n be_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n which_o all_o the_o people_n neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v do_v neither_o may_v we_o conceive_v of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v any_o raw_a head_a boy_n or_o giddy_a brain_a creature_n or_o minor_n in_o it_o or_o any_o such_o as_o be_v ever_o run_v out_o and_o in_o for_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o that_o great_a council_n be_v like_o a_o pigeon_n house_n where_o they_o be_v continual_o flutter_v out_o and_o flutter_v in_o for_o that_o council_n consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o be_v holy_a grave_a and_o approve_v all_o prophet_n such_o as_o sylas_n judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v such_o as_o for_o gravity_n and_o experience_n be_v think_v fit_a companion_n to_o sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o consultation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o council_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o venerable_a precious_a godly_a and_o staid_a man_n of_o who_o we_o can_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n think_v that_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o synod_n negligent_o or_o to_o the_o half_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o sit_v close_o and_o diligent_o to_o the_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o session_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o that_o as_o they_o meet_v altogether_o at_o a_o set_a hour_n or_o time_n so_o that_o they_o continue_v and_o keep_v together_o in_o consultation_n and_o dispute_n as_o long_o as_o any_o other_o sit_v and_o till_o they_o in_o their_o wisdom_n by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o agreement_n think_v fit_a to_o sit_v to_o the_o full_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o till_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v be_v it_o few_o or_o more_o day_n or_o week_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o record_v how_o long_o the_o council_n continue_v yet_o we_o read_v not_o where_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n but_o that_o they_o sit_v altogether_o in_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o commissioner_n till_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o dispute_v and_o none_o but_o they_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v but_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n above_o specify_v viz_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o weak_a brethren_n nor_o the_o sister_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n from_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o go_v upon_o to_o raise_v and_o make_v such_o conclusion_n as_o he_o do_v which_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o the_o take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o god_n notwithstanding_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o for_o as_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o account_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o a_o committee_n only_o to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o which_o as_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o assent_v unto_o the_o decree_n they_o have_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o divest_v the_o apostle_n of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v it_o and_o place_n it_o upon_o the_o people_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n perpetrate_v against_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o and_o as_o this_o deal_n and_o proceed_v of_o i._o s._n be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o apostle_n so_o this_o his_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o divine_a
and_o humane_a learning_n yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o for_o this_o i._o s._n his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o church_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o decree_n valid_a and_o bind_a whereas_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n ratify_v those_o decree_n and_o so_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o presbyter_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n but_o as_o apostles_n stle_v with_o a_o transcendent_a power_n and_o be_v only_o the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o that_o session_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n which_o say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o and_o therefore_o their_o presence_n only_o as_o apostles_n make_v their_o decree_n bind_v which_o opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o howsoever_o it_o be_v very_o erroneous_a as_o i_o have_v often_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v point_v blank_a against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o i._o s._n who_o place_n all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n rob_v both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n his_o brethren_n they_o place_v all_o authority_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o deprive_v the_o presbyter_n of_o it_o and_o count_v they_o but_o ordinary_a man_n and_o not_o infallible_o there_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o which_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o they_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o these_o man_n be_v but_o babel_n builder_n who_o tongue_n and_o language_n be_v divide_v and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n for_o they_o be_v diametrical_o fight_v one_o against_o ano_fw-la there_o so_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o those_o man_n that_o begin_v once_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o truth_n like_o the_o midianitâ—s_v they_o destroy_v one_o a_o other_o but_o this_o have_v general_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v that_o study_n to_o invent_v engine_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o truth_n yet_o all_o the_o vapour_n of_o their_o brain_n can_v so_o much_o as_o cloud_v so_o bright_a â—_o sun_n but_o it_o will_v evermore_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o dazzle_a of_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o see_v the_o people_n general_o so_o harden_v by_o obstinacy_n that_o they_o can_v yet_o discern_v into_o the_o craft_n and_o juggle_n of_o the_o illdefendents_a predicant_o who_o while_o they_o give_v the_o people_n or_o church_n power_n and_o interest_n to_o humour_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o as_o 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their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o then_o make_v my_o reply_n as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o all_o their_o former_a cavil_v and_o i_o will_v go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o order_n first_o answer_v to_o hanserdo_v and_o then_o to_o i._o s._n my_o four_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n for_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o mother_n church_n must_v give_v a_o example_n of_o government_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n now_o then_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o mother_n church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a 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assert_v that_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o bind_o presidentiall_a now_o what_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n deny_v if_o mr_n knollys_n be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n be_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n second_o they_o deny_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v prove_v it_o that_o all_o the_o brethren_n deny_v as_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o my_o brother_n burton_n none_o of_o tne_v mean_a of_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v it_o yea_o he_o not_o only_o grant_v it_o but_o by_o argument_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o mr_n hanserdo_v in_o this_o also_o his_o assertion_n
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unto_o that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a title_n or_o claim_n to_o and_o for_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o fight_v in_o that_o they_o amuse_v the_o people_n and_o stir_v up_o faction_n on_o every_o side_n and_o all_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o groundless_a combustion_n in_o church_n &_o state_n tell_v the_o people_n that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n which_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereupon_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o relinquish_v this_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o presbyter_n they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o then_o ever_o the_o prelate_n do_v and_o they_o teach_v they_o far_o that_o this_o right_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o 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place_n so_o ought_v all_o man_n that_o be_v under_o obedience_n to_o learn_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o which_o god_n never_o give_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n either_o in_o make_v of_o member_n in_o church_n or_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n or_o of_o impose_v law_n upon_o other_o either_o of_o make_v public_a confession_n before_o the_o congregation_n or_o of_o produce_v evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n or_o of_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o any_o that_o shall_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n neither_o may_v the_o presbyter_n usurp_v authority_n but_o they_o also_o must_v exercise_v it_o only_o according_a to_o the_o commission_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o may_v not_o transgress_v it_o or_o go_v beyond_o it_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o therefore_o when_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n call_v for_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o man_n faith_n to_o be_v make_v in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o be_v produce_v and_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o they_o before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v before_o in_o infidelity_n who_o notwithstanding_o be_v know_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o godly_a christian_n and_o as_o true_a believer_n as_o any_o that_o now_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o think_v they_o only_a christian_n and_o believer_n that_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o and_o count_v of_o other_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o custom_n and_o novelty_n but_o as_o the_o off-scowring_a and_o refuse_v and_o no_o christian_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a usurpation_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o never_o before_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o church_n either_o jewish_a or_o christian_a till_o these_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n in_o his_o commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o minister_n bid_v they_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o quench_v not_o the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n now_o then_o when_o they_o know_v thousand_o in_o this_o kingdom_n that_o do_v believe_v and_o be_v man_n of_o unblamable_a life_n and_o such_o as_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v baptize_v what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o and_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n with_o they_o or_o to_o debar_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o think_v the_o vision_n to_o saint_n peter_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n shall_v teach_v such_o man_n their_o duty_n when_o god_n say_v unto_o peter_n rise_v kill_v and_o eat_v peter_n say_v not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a and_o unclean_a and_o the_o voice_n say_v what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v call_v not_o thou_o common_a and_o this_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v do_v thrice_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v confirm_v to_o peter_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n not_o to_o call_v those_o people_n common_a profane_a and_o unclean_a and_o to_o count_v they_o but_o rubbish_n who_o god_n have_v grace_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o have_v sanctify_v and_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o dare_v not_o show_v their_o face_n but_o run_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o desert_v it_o or_o at_o least_o temporize_v and_o such_o as_o if_o the_o like_a occasion_n be_v offer_v will_v manifest_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o god_n assistance_n that_o their_o life_n and_o all_o they_o have_v shall_v not_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o restimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o these_o must_v be_v debar_v from_o the_o communion_n in_o their_o assembly_n unless_o they_o will_v conform_v to_o their_o newborn_a tradition_n for_o these_o be_v no_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o young_a and_o if_o christ_n in_o his_o time_n sharp_o reprove_v those_o that_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o deep_o reprove_v the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n for_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o prefer_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v those_o minister_n will_v have_v to_o answer_v at_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n think_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o people_n that_o account_n of_o such_o novelty_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o seamlesse_a garment_n of_o the_o church_n through_o these_o tradition_n surely_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o our_o saviour_n say_v woe_n be_v to_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v matthew_n 18_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n through_o their_o tradition_n and_o to_o offend_v those_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v but_o count_v they_o as_o alien_n and_o stranger_n yea_o infidel_n and_o rubbish_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a understanding_n for_o god_n command_n unto_o all_o minister_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v admit_v all_o such_o into_o the_o church_n as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v upon_o their_o desire_v it_o without_o any_o confession_n either_o private_a or_o public_a or_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n now_o this_o command_n of_o god_n they_o transgress_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o keep_v out_o many_o thousand_o of_o believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n as_o unholy_a and_o as_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o ordinance_n because_o forsooth_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v their_o newborn_a law_n and_o tradition_n for_o where_o do_v ever_o god_n command_v that_o no_o believer_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n except_o they_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o and_o then_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o give_v the_o church_n satisfaction_n or_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o practise_v by_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n or_o by_o paul_n preach_n be_v lydia_n when_o god_n open_v her_o heart_n to_o believe_v paul_n preach_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o any_o such_o term_n be_v the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o convert_a family_n force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n to_o the_o church_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a convenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v the_o church_n assent_n require_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o make_v member_n of_o it_o or_o be_v ever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o impose_v upon_o christian_n now_o require_v at_o believer_n hand_n before_o these_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v abominate_v as_o vain_a tradition_n and_o such_o as_o by_o which_o they_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o through_o all_o the_o family_n and_o house_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o neither_o master_n of_o family_n nor_o parent_n have_v any_o rule_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n or_o servant_n
their_o husband_n go_v out_o one_o way_n the_o wife_z another_z their_o child_n to_o this_o assembly_n their_o servant_n to_o that_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n which_o paul_n blame_v in_o they_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n the_o three_o i_o be_o of_o cephas_n and_o so_o they_o flutter_v about_o like_o a_o company_n of_o chicking_n without_o either_o head_n or_o wit_n and_o none_o will_v be_v under_o obedience_n to_o either_o parent_n or_o master_n not_o withstand_v god_n have_v command_v child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n and_o servant_n their_o master_n no_o far_o than_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o young_a and_o whether_o i_o have_v wrong_v the_o brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o report_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o distract_a family_n in_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o have_v be_v preach_v and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_a and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v now_o in_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o new_a teacher_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o hindrance_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o affection_n one_o from_o another_o of_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o nigh_a relation_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o their_o march_n as_o i_o say_v before_o make_v some_o poor_a weak_a skirmish_n against_o my_o force_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o garrison_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n which_o i_o have_v former_o bring_v into_o the_o field_n pretend_v they_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o not_o bind_v because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v admit_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n form_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o their_o trifle_n without_o some_o answer_n unto_o their_o bravado_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v good_a in_o this_o place_n before_o i_o march_v on_o to_o fight_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o boast_v &_o vapour_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o encounter_v they_o or_o look_v upon_o their_o most_o material_a reserve_v which_o be_v concern_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o which_o they_o especial_o pitch_v upon_o conceive_v they_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o i_o for_o the_o make_n of_o this_o ground_n good_a viz._n that_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o admit_v any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n do_v not_o reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o the_o people_n also_o have_v a_o hand_n as_o well_o in_o their_o admission_n as_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v dislike_v the_o reception_n of_o any_o that_o then_o the_o minister_n can_v by_o their_o own_o and_o sole_a authority_n admit_v they_o though_o never_o so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o their_o encounter_n for_o to_o what_o end_n otherwise_o shall_v it_o be_v make_v yea_o their_o very_a word_n manifest_a as_o much_o which_o be_v these_o first_o master_n knollys_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o thus_o declare_v himself_o that_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n say_v he_o viz._n of_o the_o admittance_n of_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v to_o hinder_v their_o admittance_n to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o liberty_n but_o because_o they_o have_v no_o just_a objection_n to_o declare_v to_o peter_n now_o that_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o declare_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v just_o have_v hinder_v do_v appear_v by_o the_o question_n the_o apostle_n expound_v say_v he_o i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v propound_v verse_n 47._o can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o brethren_n or_o disciple_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o except_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o case_n that_o such_o person_n have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v until_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversation_n and_o there_o produce_v a_o plain_a instance_n to_o prove_v this_o out_o of_o act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n but_o they_o be_v all_o afraid_a of_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n thus_o master_n knollys_n speak_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o like_a case_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n because_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o daughter-churche_n therefore_o say_v he_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o disciple_n or_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o declare_v their_o fear_n and_o their_o ground_n thereof_o against_o paul_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v he_o make_v good_a that_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o brethren_n may_v admit_v member_n and_o cast_v out_o member_n and_o that_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o his_o word_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n to_o which_o i_o will_v by_o and_o by_o give_v my_o answer_n after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o also_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n and_o then_o i_o will_v reply_v to_o they_o both_o in_o order_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 17._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o preach_v and_o instrumental_o to_o convert_v soul_n which_o chief_o pertain_v to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church-government_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o here_o let_v peter_n himself_o who_o word_n you_o allege_v resolve_v we_o who_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o wonderful_o fall_v on_o all_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n which_o word_n imply_v that_o if_o any_o exception_n can_v have_v be_v make_v it_o be_v in_o those_o jew_n present_a to_o give_v forth_o their_o allegation_n why_o those_o believe_a gentile_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o become_v one_o church_n with_o the_o believe_a jew_n so_o as_o your_o observation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o first_o peter_n be_v send_v to_o and_o â—ot_n the_o church_n and_o second_o peter_n command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v again_o this_o example_n be_v extraordinary_a in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o your_o instance_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8._o 8._o of_o lydia_n act._n 16._o as_o many_o other_o be_v mere_a extravagant_o we_o faith_n he_o speak_v of_o church_n constitute_v not_o of_o single_a convert_n here_o and_o there_o one_o not_o yet_o join_v into_o a_o particular_a church-body_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n declare_v himself_o who_o word_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o and_o all_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o all_o those_o example_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o man_n deal_n they_o make_v all_o these_o example_n either_o extravagant_o or_o extraordinary_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v from_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n and_o peter_n question_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o come_v along_o with_o he_o infer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n lay_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n hand_n but_o in_o the_o people_n also_o as_o who_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o bring_v in_o their_o exception_n against_o any_o for_o their_o not_o admission_n so_o that_o these_o man_n at_o pleasure_n will_v make_v the_o same_o scripture_n they_o except_v against_o as_o not_o authoritative_a and_o bind_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o be_v bind_o presidentiall_a for_o themselves_o so_o that_o as_o far_o as_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n it_o make_v for_o their_o grollery_n and_o serve_v their_o turn_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o
a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o bind_v all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o both_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n learned_o infer_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a opinion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o sole_a authority_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o church_n fellowship_n from_o the_o example_n of_o philip_n ananias_n paul_n in_o baptise_v the_o gaoler_n and_o lydia_n and_o peter_n baptise_v of_o cornelius_n and_o admit_v of_o he_o and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o those_o condition_n they_o propound_v and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n than_o they_o cry_v out_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n or_o mere_a extravagant_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n or_o a_o leaden_a rule_n that_o they_o may_v either_o work_v and_o mould_n it_o or_o bend_v it_o into_o what_o fashion_n they_o please_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o experience_a christian_n but_o by_o the_o way_n also_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o my_o brother_n burton_n grant_v viz._n that_o the_o receive_n of_o those_o gentile_n and_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o by_o peter_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v to_o make_v they_o one_o church_n with_o the_o believe_a jew_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n from_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a that_o be_v man_n baptize_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n either_o after_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o incorporate_v they_o into_o church-fellowship_n both_o with_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o member_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n those_o that_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n may_v also_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o be_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v but_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o sheepfold_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n of_o it_o and_o king_n that_o govern_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v admit_v member_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o they_o be_v admit_v whether_o in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o may_v communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n that_o any_o of_o christ_n subject_n can_v challenge_v and_o all_o this_o i_o learn_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o so_o long_o as_o he_o hold_v out_o any_o truth_n unto_o i_o i_o will_v listen_v unto_o as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o point_n but_o no_o far_o again_o as_o all_o those_o viz._n the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o minister_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n urge_v by_o the_o brethren_n so_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o upon_o christ_n own_o condition_n viz._n faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n have_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v word_n speak_v thus_o much_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o whereas_o they_o peremptory_o affirm_v from_o the_o interrogation_n of_o peter_n to_o those_o that_o come_v along_o with_o he_o where_o he_o say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v power_n also_o of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o in_o so_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la and_o a_o very_a groundless_a illation_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o interrogation_n plain_o manifest_v the_o contrary_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o other_o precedent_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 33._o 34._o saint_n paul_n say_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o which_o interrogation_n do_v not_o imply_v as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o answer_v that_o any_o creature_n can_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n or_o that_o any_o creature_n can_v condemn_v or_o that_o any_o creature_n can_v separate_v the_o elect_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n another_o instance_n to_o omit_v many_o we_o have_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o peter_n act_v 8._o 35._o where_o the_o eunuch_n say_v unto_o philip_n see_v here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v i_o demand_v of_o any_o whither_o or_o no_o this_o interrogation_n of_o he_o do_v not_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o creature_n now_o can_v hinder_v i_o from_o baptism_n see_v that_o we_o have_v water_v that_o element_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o it_o and_o i_o do_v believe_v and_o so_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o philip_n answer_n to_o he_o who_o say_v nothing_o can_v hinder_v his_o baptism_n and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n if_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n whereupon_o the_o eunuch_n answer_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v forthwith_o baptize_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o that_o inference_n they_o will_v gather_v from_o peter_n word_n can_v ground_o be_v make_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o hinder_v any_o as_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o peter_n own_o word_n and_o reason_n when_o he_o be_v question_v about_o this_o business_n in_o the_o 11._o of_o the_o act_n the_o story_n whereof_o be_v there_o set_v down_o at_o large_a with_o peter_n answer_n to_o all_o their_o objection_n who_o tell_v they_o for_o 12._o that_o the_o spirit_n bid_v he_o go_v with_o those_o that_o come_v from_o cornelius_n nothing_o doubt_v etc._n etc._n say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o that_o with_o a_o irresistible_a reason_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o god_n give_v they_o the_o like_a gift_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o we_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n all_o the_o which_o discourse_n of_o peter_n and_o this_o his_o reason_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o his_o interrogation_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptiâ—ed_v do_v not_o imply_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n will_v have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o those_o that_o be_v with_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o to_o have_v hinder_v their_o baptism_n and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o believe_v for_o if_o peter_n himself_o shall_v have_v refuse_v it_o he_o have_v be_v disobedient_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v doubt_v which_o he_o be_v forbid_v and_o withal_o have_v resist_v in_o as_o much_o as_o have_v be_v in_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o say_v saint_n peter_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n from_o which_o i_o gather_v and_o that_o by_o very_o good_a reason_n that_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v into_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n without_o they_o walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o and_o without_o the_o make_n of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v all_o fighter_n against_o god_n and_o withstander_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o if_o they_o do_v
not_o speedy_o repent_v for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o relinquish_v their_o ungodly_a unchristian_a and_o unbrother_o practise_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n will_v show_v his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o he_o will_v vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o he_o avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o that_o speedy_o luke_n 17._o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o impious_a cavil_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o hanserdo_v now_o for_o that_o instance_n that_o master_n knollys_n bring_v it_o quite_o overthrow_v their_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v point_n bank_n against_o it_o and_o their_o practice_n for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o true_a believer_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o extreme_a refuge_n upon_o just_a offence_n yet_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judge_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o business_n according_a to_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n so_o that_o those_o that_o complain_v may_v not_o be_v both_o plaintiff_n and_o judge_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o know_v a_o maxim_n that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o beside_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o we_o never_o read_v inall_n the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o disciple_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o question_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellow_n ship_n or_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o but_o paul_n &_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a enemy_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a persecutor_n and_o be_v then_o ignorant_a of_o his_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n i_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o any_o church_n may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o may_v fear_v such_o a_o one_o and_o suspect_v he_o and_o complain_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o can_v do_v but_o power_n they_o have_v none_o to_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o church-fellowship_n if_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n examine_v of_o the_o business_n they_o find_v that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o believer_n and_o convert_v from_o his_o sinful_a course_n for_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o their_o good_a like_n or_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o if_o the_o people_n shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o they_o he_o may_v appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v god_n steward_n and_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v be_v fit_a and_o for_o this_o his_o so_o do_v and_o for_o the_o presbyter_n accept_v of_o his_o appeal_n they_o have_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o when_o the_o disciple_n fear_v paul_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v he_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o he_o forth_o with_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o his_o appeal_n admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o now_o impose_v upon_o their_o member_n as_o by_o this_o very_a example_n and_o instance_n of_o mr._n knollys_n do_v abundant_o appear_v which_o make_v whole_o against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v their_o tenant_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n lie_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n only_o and_o sole_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o make_v steward_n and_o overseer_n and_o guide_v of_o his_o church_n his_o house_n which_o when_o they_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n they_o only_o and_o not_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n both_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o all_o the_o example_n i_o have_v produce_v and_o by_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o saint_n paul_n allege_v by_o master_n knollys_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n but_o against_o their_o good_a like_n it_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v clear_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v ever_o safe_a to_o abide_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o perpetual_a security_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o all_o that_o mr._n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n and_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v i_o hope_v it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o look_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n &_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o footstep_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o congregate_a of_o their_o assembly_n as_o for_o christ_n disciple_n they_o be_v all_o send_v to_o gather_v in_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o go_v not_o to_o gather_v in_o convert_a man_n from_o among_o convert_a man_n for_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n and_o we_o be_v teach_v there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n we_o never_o read_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o fold_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n that_o any_o true_a pastor_n come_v into_o the_o fold_n and_o flock_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o best_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n and_o the_o most_o wholesome_a and_o mould_v they_o into_o a_o independent_a fold_n by_o themselves_o as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o get_v away_o of_o other_o sheep_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15._o and_o preach_v christ_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o he_o before_o and_o plant_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n himself_o and_o leave_v apollo_n to_o water_v it_o and_o commit_v all_o the_o flock_n that_o he_o have_v gather_v as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o command_v both_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o in_o they_o all_o shepherd_n and_o fold_n to_o keep_v unity_n and_o love_n one_o with_o another_o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v separation_n and_o division_n and_o schism_n between_o flock_n and_o flock_n and_o this_o method_n he_o use_v wheresoever_o he_o come_v yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galathian_o he_o go_v into_o arabia_n and_o preach_v there_o among_o the_o poor_a infidel_n he_o get_v not_o other_o man_n sheep_n from_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v any_o separation_n of_o sheep_n from_o sheep_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o flock_n and_o church_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o colosse_n where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o against_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n and_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v very_o
consider_v what_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o under_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n teach_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o grollery_n and_o abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o devour_v they_o verse_n 20._o as_o the_o phatisee_n do_v the_o widow_n house_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o and_o denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v these_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o make_v their_o own_o tradition_n join_v member_n with_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o more_o fine_a neat_a &_o eleganter_fw-la way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n than_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o such_o how_o glorious_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o appear_v and_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v teach_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n better_o than_o he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o neither_o saint_n paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v admit_v of_o none_o to_o be_v join_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v except_o they_o walk_v sometime_o in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v approbation_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o conversation_n first_o and_o after_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o do_v give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v member_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o this_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o saint_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n teach_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o teach_v their_o new_a way_n their_o newborn_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o ought_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v gal._n 1._o verse_n 8._o 9_o to_o be_v accurse_v saint_n john_n also_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o elect_a lady_n verse_n 9_o 10._o say_v whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n he_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o that_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v a_o partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n now_o the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o independent_a minister_n teach_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o join_v and_o jumble_v of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a borne_n truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v sometime_o in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepherd_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a bottle_n and_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confess_v and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n and_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n
thought_n of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o less_o esteem_n of_o the_o other_o for_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a they_o exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o every_o of_o their_o several_a church_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v malicious_a or_o self_n will_v or_o corrupt_v or_o heretical_a as_o it_o happen_v many_o time_n and_o by_o their_o learning_n or_o eloquence_n or_o great_a ability_n of_o wit_n and_o scholarship_n or_o by_o their_o wealth_n or_o power_n the_o congregation_n perhaps_o consist_v of_o many_o poor_a people_n and_o it_o may_v be_v ignorant_a who_o aâ—e_v relieve_v by_o they_o and_o who_o favour_n they_o dare_v not_o so_o feit_z if_o they_o prevail_v with_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o common_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v like_o a_o company_n of_o wild_a goose_n who_o which_o way_n soever_o their_o their_z leader_n fly_v they_o all_o follow_v i_o say_v if_o they_o do_v once_o deliver_v a_o man_n to_o satan_n and_o will_v not_o by_o any_o art_n of_o persuasion_n be_v induce_v to_o reverse_v their_o unrighteous_a sentence_n the_o innocent_a and_o wrong_a man_n must_v live_v under_o this_o doom_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n without_o any_o remedy_n and_o must_v be_v hold_v by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v after_o that_o new_a model_n to_o who_o their_o sentence_n be_v give_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o shun_v according_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o absolve_v or_o help_v he_o and_o from_o which_o he_o have_v no_o benefit_n or_o appeal_v and_o this_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n that_o either_o will_n or_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o this_o rigour_n to_o my_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o low_a country_n in_o the_o several_a 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ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o they_o find_v other_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n join_v themselves_o into_o a_o new_a society_n and_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o rent_n and_o division_n we_o now_o see_v every_o where_n for_o when_o they_o be_v upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o difference_n in_o opinion_n cast_v out_o than_o they_o congregate_v a_o new_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o turn_v pastor_n the_o which_o bless_a be_v god_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o germany_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v see_v since_o the_o first_o reformation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n by_o the_o common-council_n of_o their_o presbyter_n where_o they_o find_v such_o brotherly_a deal_n and_o where_o they_o have_v their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o conceive_v wrong_a or_o injury_n and_o have_v right_a and_o justice_n do_v they_o make_v they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o manner_n of_o government_n without_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n and_o true_o if_o thing_n be_v but_o mature_o weigh_v all_o man_n will_v ready_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o reproach_n to_o belay_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n neither_o will_v they_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o way_n of_o disdain_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v more_o call_v presbyterian_o then_o the_o independent_a minister_n for_o they_o also_o be_v presbyterian_o and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o profess_v in_o their_o writing_n that_o they_o contend_v for_o the_o ancient_a presbytery_n so_o that_o they_o also_o be_v presbyterian_o as_o well_n as_o the_o other_o and_o if_o the_o one_o be_v make_v hateful_a and_o formidable_a to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o solid_a man_n the_o other_o also_o may_v be_v make_v as_o odious_a and_o hateful_a for_o if_o that_o odium_fw-la and_o hatred_n they_o bring_v upon_o the_o presbytery_n be_v for_o the_o only_a fear_n they_o have_v conceive_v the_o presbyter_n will_v lord_n it_o too_o much_o over_o they_o and_o that_o only_o i_o say_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o so_o terrify_v the_o people_n from_o that_o government_n let_v all_o man_n here_o consider_v and_o compare_v each_o kind_n of_o presbytery_n together_o both_o that_o of_o the_o dependent_a and_o that_o of_o the_o independent_a for_o if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n in_o the_o infancy_n and_o very_o first_o beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o their_o government_n assume_v unto_o every_o several_a congregation_n and_o presbytery_n of_o they_o a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n and_o if_o they_o already_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o and_o proclaim_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o congregation_n profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o they_o be_v once_o establish_v by_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o assembly_n and_o if_o now_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o several_a assembly_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a believer_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v admit_v member_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o propound_v without_o either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o their_o so_o do_v which_o be_v the_o great_a tyranny_n of_o the_o world_n how_o will_v these_o man_n lord_n it_o if_o their_o government_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o parliament_n it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v that_o godly_a christian_n and_o people_n of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o holy_a conversation_n against_o who_o they_o have_v no_o exception_n either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v member_n upon_o their_o own_o condition_n yet_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v join_v member_n only_o because_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o this_o very_a reason_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o not_o admission_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v their_o church_n over_o burden_v with_o poor_a and_o other_o desire_v that_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o congregation_n and_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o assembly_n to_o entreat_v this_o favour_n that_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v among_o they_o for_o answer_v it_o be_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v baptize_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v infant_n of_o their_o join_a member_n which_o be_v their_o practice_n and_o wish_v they_o first_o to_o be_v make_v join_v membert_n in_o one_o of_o their_o church_n whereupon_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o congregation_n fit_a for_o they_o to_o join_v to_o than_o to_o that_o pastor_n assembly_n that_o have_v give_v they_o this_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v join_v member_n for_o answer_n it_o be_v reply_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o which_o he_o be_v pastor_n consist_v of_o great_a personage_n knight_n lady_n and_o rich_a merchant_n and_o such_o people_n as_o they_o be_v but_o poor_a can_v not_o walk_v so_o suitable_o with_o they_o withal_o he_o say_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n wherefore_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o other_o congregation_n among_o poor_a people_n where_o they_o may_v better_o walk_v and_o more_o comfortable_o in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o so_o that_o the_o last_o news_n i_o hear_v of_o this_o business_n be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v neither_o baptize_v nor_o the_o poor_a man_n admit_v to_o be_v joint_a member_n of_o that_o congregation_n
what_o their_o minister_n have_v do_v since_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o well_o perceive_v it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficu_o for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o get_v into_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n as_o to_o get_v into_o suttons-hospitall_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o only_a occasion_n that_o make_v some_o walk_n so_o long_o in_o many_o congregation_n before_o they_o come_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n for_o if_o they_o be_v rich_a they_o be_v speedy_o receive_v nay_o invite_v to_o be_v member_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o many_o godly_a and_o holy_a people_n have_v leave_v their_o native_a country_n and_o transport_v themselves_o over_o into_o new_a england_n where_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n there_o in_o their_o purity_n they_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o go_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v before_o they_o go_v thither_o to_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o come_v there_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a they_o make_v they_o walk_v some_o a_o year_n some_o more_o yea_o some_o six_o or_o seven_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n of_o their_o congregation_n and_o they_o baptize_v none_o of_o those_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v there_o before_o their_o parent_n be_v join_v member_n and_o except_o they_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o condition_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v admit_v and_o some_o time_n the_o man_n only_o be_v admit_v and_o his_o wife_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o some_o time_n the_o wife_n be_v admit_v and_o the_o man_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o both_o these_o notwithstanding_o be_v believer_n and_o baptize_v and_o after_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n a_o very_a small_a offence_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a but_o for_o story_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o multiply_v they_o but_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o this_o kind_n from_o those_o place_n and_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v in_o new-england_n and_o man_n both_o then_o and_o now_o no_o way_n evil_o affect_v either_o to_o the_o place_n or_o people_n serve_v god_n there_o but_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a they_o lord_n it_o there_o over_o god_n poor_a clergy_n in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v see_v it_o here_o in_o england_n in_o their_o congregation_n what_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o rich_a and_o poor_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o sin_n in_o saint_n james_n his_o time_n high_o blame_v in_o christian_n james_n 2._o and_o as_o in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o poor_a they_o be_v very_o lofty_a and_o look_v for_o great_a observance_n and_o attendance_n from_o they_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v so_o likewise_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v displease_v they_o if_o they_o speak_v a_o word_n amiss_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n precedent_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v bring_v many_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o none_o though_o believer_n and_o already_o baptize_v but_o such_o as_o will_v come_v in_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o poor_a either_o altogether_o or_o as_o long_o as_o please_v they_o without_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o upon_o every_o slender_a occasion_n i_o say_v if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o most_o diabolical_a tyranny_n and_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o moderate_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o if_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o and_o at_o one_o blast_n to_o proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v not_o more_o than_o a_o diotrephian_a prelatical_a and_o papal_a authority_n there_o be_v never_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n there_o be_v never_o any_o know_v now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n do_v so_o timely_o begin_v their_o absolute_a lord_v of_o it_o what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o their_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o authority_n their_o ministry_n and_o government_n be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o they_o invite_v all_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o buy_v milk_n yea_o to_o come_v in_o and_o buy_v milk_n without_o money_n isaiah_n 55_o 〈◊〉_d and_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o â—aith_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a but_o the_o 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a_o most_o tyrannical_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n and_o inheritance_n which_o when_o they_o daily_o do_v it_o and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o their_o rule_n and_o domination_n be_v more_o prelatical_a and_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o from_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n they_o can_v never_o expect_v any_o appeal_n for_o relief_n and_o redress_n whatsoever_o wrong_a or_o injury_n they_o have_v sustain_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o shall_v so_o traduce_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o think_v they_o will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n from_o who_o they_o may_v ever_o expect_v far_o better_a measure_n than_o ever_o they_o can_v from_o the_o independent_a presbytery_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v once_o be_v establish_v will_v tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o enslave_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n upon_o both_o church_n and_o state_n but_o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o before_o the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o have_v compare_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o presbyter_n independent_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o now_o likewise_o here_o to_o paragonate_v they_o together_o in_o their_o proceed_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v in_o that_o regard_n also_o which_o of_o their_o endeavour_n tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o and_o which_o of_o they_o do_v more_o real_o and_o true_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o god_n glory_n but_o to_o the_o peace_n also_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n over_o over_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o one_o true_a christian_a religion_n eph._n 4._o so_o that_o this_o only_a may_v be_v establish_v through_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o erroneous_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o perdition_n and_o make_v disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n may_v not_o public_o be_v tolerate_v the_o independent_o on_o the_o contrary_a both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o in_o all_o their_o bitter_a rail_n and_o intolerable_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n the_o storm_a of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o
the_o officer_n reply_v say_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v as_o this_o man_n ver_fw-la 47_o 48._o then_o answer_v the_o pharisee_n be_v you_o also_o deceive_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v take_v here_o notice_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o very_a pharisee_n except_v themselves_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n believe_v in_o he_o here_o be_v increase_v upon_o increase_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n all_o the_o people_n general_o believe_v in_o he_o certain_o one_o place_n can_v not_o have_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o whereas_o the_o pharisee_n say_v none_o but_o the_o curse_a people_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n in_o this_o very_a chapter_n we_o find_v one_o ruler_n one_o nicodemus_n verse_n 50._o none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o in_o john_n 12._o 42._o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o verse_n 11._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v away_o and_o believe_v on_o jesus_n here_o be_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o verse_n 19_o the_o pharisee_n therefore_o say_v among_o themselves_o perceive_v you_o how_o you_o prevail_v nothing_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o these_o word_n the_o pharisee_n speak_v in_o private_a among_o themselves_o deliberate_o and_o confess_v that_o the_o world_n of_o man_n be_v turn_v christian_n all_o jerusalem_n swarm_v with_o believer_n without_o doubt_v all_o these_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o indeed_o through_o all_o the_o evangelist_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o infinite_a multitude_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v matth._n 7._o 29._o because_o he_o teach_v they_o as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o do_v such_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o john_n 7._o 31._o they_o confess_v none_o can_v do_v but_o christ_n and_o in_o chap._n 12._o verse_n 11._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o raise_n up_o lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a make_v many_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o people_n follow_v he_o and_o do_v so_o high_o honour_v he_o and_o magnify_v he_o and_o do_v receive_v he_o come_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o such_o a_o acclamation_n cry_v hosanna_n as_o in_o this_o 12_o chapter_n be_v specify_v and_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o matth._n 21._o 8._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n spread_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o way_n and_o other_o cut_v down_o branch_n and_o the_o people_n that_o go_v before_o and_o they_o that_o come_v after_o cry_v hosanna_n and_o say_v this_o be_v jesus_n the_o prophet_n of_o nazareth_n they_o all_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o confess_v he_o before_o the_o world_n now_o our_o savionr_n say_v he_o that_o shall_v confess_v i_o and_o own_v i_o before_o man_n i_o will_v confess_v and_o own_v he_o before_o my_o father_n in_o heaven_n here_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n of_o believer_n and_o confessor_n yes_o the_o very_a child_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o open_o and_o in_o the_o temple_n cry_v hosanna_n and_o christ_n himself_o allow_v of_o their_o testimony_n and_o avouch_v they_o do_v well_o and_o according_o as_o be_v write_v and_o in_o luke_n 19_o 47_o 48._o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o teach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o they_o may_v do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o universality_n therefore_o of_o the_o people_n by_o all_o these_o place_n be_v believer_n and_o such_o as_o follow_v christ_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v wonder_v how_o that_o jerusalem_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a city_n can_v contain_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o improbable_a it_o be_v that_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n can_v contain_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o the_o great_a miracle_n at_o his_o suffer_v and_o at_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o apparition_n of_o so_o many_o that_o rose_n from_o their_o grave_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n make_v a_o great_a increase_n and_o addition_n of_o disciple_n and_o new_a believer_n so_o that_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o augment_v we_o find_v no_o diminution_n but_o if_o some_o that_o follow_v christ_n for_o bread_n that_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n leave_v follow_v he_o yet_o in_o those_o place_n we_o read_v again_o and_o again_o of_o numberless_a company_n that_o daily_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v force_v to_o baptize_v in_o several_a place_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o joh._n 3._o 23._o after_o these_o day_n come_v jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n into_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o there_o he_o tarry_v with_o they_o and_o baptize_v and_o john_n also_o be_v baptise_v in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o and_o they_o come_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o very_a reason_n will_v tell_v all_o man_n that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o none_o be_v baptise_a but_o believer_n that_o must_v take_v up_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n or_o thereabouts_o for_o our_o saviour_n have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o 70._o disciple_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 9_o of_o luke_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o john_n have_v also_o many_o disciple_n though_o not_o so_o many_o as_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o be_v employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o many_o of_o they_o in_o work_a miracle_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o the_o very_a devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o as_o they_o rejoice_o confess_v to_o christ_n when_o they_o return_v to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o these_o miracle_n wrought_v so_o with_o the_o very_a disciple_n they_o prevail_v much_o more_o general_o with_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v so_o that_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n come_v in_o and_o be_v baptise_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o inform_v we_o and_o of_o necessity_n so_o many_o minister_n must_v have_v several_a place_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o several_a place_n to_o baptise_v in_o for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v great_a confusion_n for_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v speak_v at_o once_o and_o all_o these_o disciple_n be_v take_v up_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n and_o have_v their_o hand_n full_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o sufficient_o declare_v in_o express_a word_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n disciple_n baptizedin_n indaea_n and_o john_n in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v too_o little_a water_n to_o baptise_v they_o in_o in_o other_o place_n which_o expression_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o among_o those_o that_o come_v to_o be_v baptise_a multitude_n of_o they_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v time_n with_o time_n which_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consider_v the_o divers_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o like_a division_n of_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n some_o stand_n for_o christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o they_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o other_o that_o be_v of_o the_o pharisaical_a faction_n and_o of_o the_o high_a priest_n company_n as_o be_v even_o in_o these_o our_o day_n between_o they_o they_o call_v cavilier_n and_o those_o they_o call_v parliamentier_n now_o what_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o place_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n can_v contain_v all_o the_o parliamentier_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o what_o ten_o place_n can_v hold_v all_o those_o of_o the_o prelatical_a faction_n that_o contend_v for_o their_o bishop_n and_o service_n and_o all_o their_o other_o trumpery_n
and_o accoutrement_n and_o yet_o although_o they_o be_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a assembly_n they_o be_v still_o the_o prelatical_a party_n and_o all_o of_o they_o of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o place_n change_v not_o their_o complexion_n so_o it_o alter_v not_o their_o faith_n nor_o manner_n but_o they_o continne_v still_o malignant_n and_o remain_v all_o member_n of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o in_o these_o day_n all_o that_o wish_v well_o unto_o the_o true_a religion_n through_o both_o city_n and_o kingdom_n and_o love_v their_o country_n stand_v for_o the_o parliament_n so_o in_o those_o day_n those_o that_o love_v zion_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o stand_v for_o he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o all_o computation_n though_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o malignant_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o be_v 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all_o man_n they_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n otherwise_o profess_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o administer_v the_o communion_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o some_o month_n abstain_v from_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o use_v all_o their_o best_a endeavour_n in_o that_o interim_n by_o their_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preach_v and_o exhortation_n to_o fit_v all_o man_n for_o the_o better_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v gratify_v their_o tender_a conscience_n i_o say_v in_o this_o interim_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v prove_v that_o these_o independent_o who_o those_o godly_a minister_n have_v such_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v go_v unto_o these_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n that_o the_o minister_n except_v against_o for_o their_o conversation_n as_o ungodly_a and_o profane_a and_o join_v with_o they_o against_o their_o minister_n say_v unto_o they_o what_o will_v you_o give_v 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break_v all_o promise_n and_o solemn_a agreement_n not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o needless_a work_n to_o expatiate_v any_o further_a in_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v no_o saint_n indeed_o when_o they_o manifest_v by_o all_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o neither_o walk_v upright_o nor_o work_v righteousness_n nor_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o when_o they_o backbite_v their_o neighbour_n with_o their_o tongue_n and_o do_v evil_a unto_o they_o and_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n and_o countenance_n vile_a person_n and_o honour_v not_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v not_o their_o promise_n either_o with_o god_n or_o man_n by_o all_o which_o they_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o when_o all_o these_o character_n be_v the_o badge_n only_o of_o wicked_a man_n to_o do_v contrary_a to_o that_o description_n of_o true_a saint_n now_o when_o all_o the_o church_n 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against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o business_n let_v i_o say_v that_o which_o a_o learned_a man_n once_o utter_v read_v christ_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n say_v he_o of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o man_n now_o live_v be_v no_o christian_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n that_o either_o this_o description_n of_o the_o true_a saint_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o if_o it_o be_v those_o of_o the_o independent_a assembly_n be_v no_o saint_n for_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n between_o they_o and_o the_o description_n of_o those_o saint_n there_o specify_v as_o all_o their_o practice_n sufficient_o and_o apparent_o declare_v and_o now_o the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n of_o my_o minor_a proposition_n remain_v only_o to_o be_v prove_v viz._n that_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n despise_v their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o they_o which_o be_v so_o apparent_o true_a as_o beside_o their_o word_n and_o pamphlet_n in_o all_o which_o they_o protest_v against_o we_o as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o kingdom_n and_o as_o a_o antichristian_a brood_n their_o daily_a practice_n declare_v it_o who_o have_v mould_v themselves_o into_o innumerable_a suck_a congregation_n which_o they_o term_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o our_o aslembly_n as_o from_o so_o many_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o be_v their_o language_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o needless_a spend_v of_o time_n to_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o evince_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n &_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o avouch_v have_v therefore_o thus_o prove_v all_o the_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o my_o minor_a proposition_n the_o major_a be_v undeniable_a the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v not_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n but_o be_v mix_v congregation_n and_o therefore_o by_o true_o godly_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n so_o that_o now_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v &_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n and_o from_o their_o own_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n that_o neither_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_z 1._o s._n his_o word_n and_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o very_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o not_o come_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o definition_n be_v no_o right_n constitute_v church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n &_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v right_o form_v church_n they_o must_v all_o be_v dependent_a all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o all_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o any_o intelligible_a &_o impartial_a reader_n in_o the_o which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o large_a that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o poor_a delude_a people_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n &_o christ_n disciple_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o first_o form_v
say_v my_o brother_n burton_n the_o people_n have_v authority_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o those_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n only_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o minister_n of_o govern_v by_o and_o not_o that_o of_o the_o baptist_n and_o by_o this_o their_o craft_n and_o juggle_n and_o by_o these_o fallacious_a mean_n and_o unwarrantable_a way_n my_o brother_n burton_n hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n with_o all_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o illdependent_a predicant_o have_v prepossess_v the_o people_n with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n against_o their_o faithful_a minister_n as_o if_o they_o affect_v a_o lordly_a power_n over_o they_o and_o more_o than_o prelatical_a they_o have_v i_o say_v by_o this_o craft_n so_o infatuate_v they_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o leave_v a_o ear_n open_a in_o many_o of_o they_o to_o hear_v the_o just_a defence_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v or_o read_v what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o and_o against_o all_o their_o calumny_n which_o wickedness_n and_o deceitful_a deal_n of_o the_o ildependents_n itinetary_a preacher_n be_v unexcusable_a but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n not_o only_o carp_n at_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n but_o likewise_o at_o those_o i_o bring_v of_o the_o eunuch_n of_o paul_n of_o cornelius_n of_o lydia_n and_o of_o the_o gaoler_n mr._n knollys_n also_o join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o good_a service_n and_o skirmish_n the_o which_o after_o that_o both_o himself_o and_o absurdo_fw-la know-lesse_a for_o so_o he_o may_v true_o be_v call_v have_v spend_v their_o breath_n and_o strength_n to_o evade_v and_o yet_o perceive_v evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o so_o apparent_o perspicuous_a as_o it_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n they_o cry_v out_o that_o those_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n and_o not_o bind_v because_o those_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o admit_v or_o receive_v member_n into_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o those_o example_n be_v not_o for_o our_o imitation_n we_o look_v only_o for_o the_o example_n of_o such_o church_n as_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o gospel-form_n and_o into_o the_o mould_n of_o the_o new_a testament-form_n now_o what_o a_o height_n of_o wickedness_n be_v it_o in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trifle_v for_o the_o delude_n of_o the_o simple_a people_n and_o to_o pretend_v unto_o they_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o christ_n church_n one_o way_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o another_o of_o admit_v member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o 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this_o mean_n be_v delude_v and_o miserable_o abuse_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a imposture_n or_o deceit_n in_o any_o that_o pretend_v unto_o religion_n and_o honesty_n then_o that_o in_o these_o man_n when_o they_o say_v in_o their_o writing_n upon_o all_o occasion_n produce_v we_o some_o example_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n wherein_o any_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o minister_n sole_a authority_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o without_o those_o condition_n we_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o our_o church_n and_o then_o you_o do_v some_o thing_n can_v there_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a deceit_n in_o any_o man_n than_o this_o of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o such_o example_n produce_v when_o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v set_v that_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o damascus_n both_o 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