Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n bond_n break_v unity_n 4,235 5 10.7085 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A82319 Several sermons and discourses of William Dell Minister of the Gospel; sometimes attending both the generals in the army: and now Master of Gonvil and Caius Colledge in Cambridge. Heretofore published at several times, and on several occasions; and now gathered in one volumn, for the benefit of the faithful, and conviction of the world. Dell, William, d. 1664.; Goad, Christopher, 1601-1652.; England and Wales. Parliament. House of Commons. 1651 (1651) Wing D929; Thomason E645_4; ESTC R208819 213,548 263

There are 26 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

believer_n of_o all_o age_n so_o also_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v make_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n paul_n in_o ephes_n 2._o 15._o speak_v of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n say_v that_o christ_n of_o these_o twain_o who_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o mankind_n can_v he_o have_v make_v in_o himself_o one_o new_a man_n for_o christ_n melt_v these_o two_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v as_o fire_n cause_v each_o to_o depart_v from_o himself_o and_o make_v both_o together_o one_o new_a man_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o himself_o and_o thus_o make_v peace_n for_o as_o long_o as_o man_n remain_v different_a body_n or_o man_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n among_o they_o but_o when_o christ_n make_v they_o one_o body_n in_o himself_o he_o make_v peace_n between_o they_o unity_n of_o body_n be_v a_o most_o necessary_a bond_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v col._n 3._o 15._o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n now_o from_o this_o unity_n of_o body_n in_o the_o true_a church_n we_o may_v note_v very_o considerable_a thing_n all_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n 1._o that_o unity_n of_o body_n in_o the_o church_n body_n flow_v from_o unity_n of_o head_n for_o here_o the_o member_n do_v not_o first_o conspire_v into_o a_o unity_n of_o body_n among_o themselves_o and_o after_o choose_v a_o head_n to_o their_o body_n but_o first_o these_o member_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o then_o to_o one_o another_o in_o and_o with_o the_o head_n and_o so_o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a head_n christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a body_n the_o church_n 2._o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v bear_v such_o through_o a_o natural_a birth_n before_o they_o do_v or_o can_v exercise_v and_o act_n or_o office_n suitable_a to_o such_o member_n and_o do_v not_o first_o exercise_v such_o office_n and_o then_o after_o be_v make_v such_o member_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o eye_n do_v not_o first_o see_v and_o then_o or_o therefore_o be_v make_v a_o eye_n in_o the_o body_n or_o the_o ear_n first_o hear_v and_o then_o or_o therefore_o be_v make_v a_o ear_n in_o the_o body_n but_o the_o eye_n be_v first_o bear_v a_o eye_n in_o the_o body_n and_o then_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n be_v bear_v a_o ear_n and_o then_o hear_v etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o christ_n each_o christian_a have_v his_o membership_n mere_o from_o a_o new_a or_o spiritual_a birth_n and_o have_v his_o office_n from_o his_o membership_n and_o not_o from_o any_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o his_o own_o before_o he_o be_v a_o member_n in_o this_o spiritual_a as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o eye_n be_v bear_v a_o eye_n and_o therefore_o it_o see_v and_o the_o foot_n be_v bear_v a_o foot_n and_o therefore_o it_o walk_v and_o each_o believer_n be_v only_o that_o which_o he_o be_v through_o a_o new_a birth_n and_o can_v be_v place_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o office_n by_o man_n no_o more_o than_o man_n can_v place_v a_o see_a eye_n or_o walk_a foot_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n but_o they_o must_v be_v bear_v there_o ere_o they_o can_v be_v there_o each_o member_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v bear_v in_o his_o place_n and_o office_n by_o god_n and_o be_v not_o place_v there_o by_o man_n and_o when_o the_o church_n perceive_v this_o grace_n in_o its_o member_n it_o suffer_v they_o to_o exercise_v those_o place_n and_o office_n in_o the_o body_n in_o which_o god_n have_v produce_v or_o bring_v they_o forth_o by_o his_o spirit_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o body_n stand_v well_o with_o a_o difference_n or_o distinction_n of_o member_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o member_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o help_v the_o unity_n of_o body_n for_o say_v paul_n the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o one_o member_n where_o be_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o member_n and_o each_o member_n have_v its_o several_a form_n and_o office_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o ear_n where_o be_v see_v smell_a walk_a etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o member_n 12._o with_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o office_n and_o so_o one_o have_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n another_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n every_o member_n in_o this_o body_n be_v in_o office_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o so_o again_o rom._n 12._o 6._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v some_o of_o or_o other_o gift_n give_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v prophesy_v let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n if_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortution_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o in_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n stand_v with_o diversity_n but_o in_o the_o false_a unity_n will_v not_o stand_v without_o uniformity_n 4._o in_o this_o true_a church_n or_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o member_n and_o office_n there_o be_v still_o a_o equality_n among_o they_o all_o see_v all_o alike_o make_v up_o one_o body_n in_o which_o regard_n one_o member_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o body_n as_o another_o and_o no_o member_n can_v say_v to_o another_o that_o i_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o body_n than_o thou_o the_o most_o honourable_a member_n can_v lay_v thus_o to_o the_o most_o mean_a not_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o believer_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o we_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o we_o wherefore_o no_o member_n for_o diversity_n of_o office_n be_v to_o lift_v up_o himself_o above_o another_o member_n who_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o itself_o to_o the_o make_v up_o the_o body_n and_o also_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o useful_a in_o its_o place_n 5._o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n each_o member_n be_v content_v with_o its_o own_o place_n and_o office_n in_o the_o body_n so_o be_v every_o member_n through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o it_o content_v with_o its_o place_n and_o office_n in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n and_o not_o one_o either_o envy_n or_o despise_v another_o 6._o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n do_v not_o each_o live_v to_o themselves_o but_o all_o of_o they_o serve_v one_o another_o and_o each_o of_o they_o serve_v all_o as_o the_o eye_n see_v for_o the_o foot_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o hand_n work_v for_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n etc._n etc._n so_o among_o believer_n none_o live_v and_o act_n for_o himself_o only_o but_o each_o believer_n serve_v all_o and_o all_o serve_v each_o one_o in_o love_n 7._o member_n that_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o body_n have_v a_o true_a sympathy_n with_o one_o another_o both_o in_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 26._o and_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o 8._o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o force_n but_o only_o a_o law_n of_o love_n no_o member_n compel_v another_o but_o each_o member_n serve_v another_o by_o love_n and_o if_o one_o member_n be_v infirm_a the_o rest_n help_v it_o and_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o the_o more_o they_o care_v for_o it_o and_o do_v not_o the_o more_o despise_v it_o and_o this_o now_o be_v the_o first_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o body_n now_o they_o break_v this_o first_o bond_n of_o unity_n unity_n that_o either_o live_v out_o of_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o live_v in_o it_o but_o not_o as_o member_n 1._o they_o that_o do_v content_a themselves_o in_o join_v to_o some_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n though_o call_v a_o church_n and_o think_v that_o by_o be_v knit_v to_o they_o in_o way_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n they_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n when_o as_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o live_v out_o of_o that_o one_o body_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o
the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n though_o he_o live_v in_o the_o most_o excellent_a society_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o live_v in_o one_o body_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o many_o break_v the_o church_n unity_n that_o never_o think_v on_o it_o 2._o again_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n that_o live_v in_o this_o one_o body_n but_o not_o as_o member_n and_o such_o be_v they_o who_o have_v get_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n will_v needs_o lift_v themselves_o up_o above_o their_o fellow-member_n and_o exercise_v authoritative_a coercive_a domineer_a power_n over_o they_o whereas_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n but_o fellow-member_n with_o the_o faithful_a live_v in_o one_o body_n and_o under_o one_o head_n with_o they_o and_o so_o do_v all_o by_o love_n and_o persuasion_n and_o nothing_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n now_o those_o member_n that_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o their_o fellow_n and_o equal_a member_n what_o do_v they_o else_o but_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o the_o head_n and_o so_o break_v in_o sunder_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o head_n he_o that_o in_o a_o single_a or_o combine_a unity_n set_v himself_o up_o above_o other_o believer_n by_o give_v law_n and_o by_o prescribe_v and_o command_v form_n and_o rule_n to_o those_o that_o be_v every_o way_n his_o equal_n he_o advance_v himself_o as_o another_o head_n beside_o christ_n and_o so_o anti-christ_n be_v near_o to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o many_o man_n that_o be_v so_o forward_o and_o fierce_a to_o make_v and_o enforce_v rule_n and_o order_n colourable_o to_o procure_v the_o church_n peace_n they_o be_v the_o first_o man_n that_o do_v themselves_o break_v this_o first_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n to_o wit_n unity_n of_o body_n which_o make_v all_o believer_n equal_a member_n equal_o subject_a to_o one_o head_n the_o second_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o spirit_z there_o be_v one_o body_n spirit_n and_o one_o spirit_n say_v paul_n and_o through_o unity_n of_o spirit_n they_o become_v one_o body_n now_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n and_o but_o one_o soul_n comprehend_v quicken_v move_v and_o govern_v all_o these_o member_n make_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o hand_n to_o work_v the_o foot_n to_o walk_v etc._n etc._n so_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n have_v yet_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o comprehend_v quicken_v move_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o most_o near_o and_o intimate_a society_n together_o and_o enable_v each_o member_n to_o its_o several_a office_n according_a to_o its_o place_n and_o use_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o a_o member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o to_o cause_v it_o to_o live_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n so_o he_o that_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o true_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o follow_v he_o to_o make_v he_o live_v single_a by_o himself_o and_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o spirit_n nor_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o body_n and_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n in_o several_a member_n act_n several_o and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n in_o all_o so_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o several_a believer_n work_v several_o as_o it_o please_v and_o yet_o be_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o all_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v all_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o this_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o strong_a bond_n of_o its_o peace_n among_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o more_o near_o among_o kindred_n there_o be_v unity_n of_o flesh_n but_o because_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v much_o envy_n hatred_n strife_n and_o variance_n in_o that_o unity_n of_o flesh_n but_o now_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o only_o one_o flesh_n but_o one_o soul_n or_o spirit_n too_o and_o so_o there_o be_v always_o peace_n and_o agreement_n between_o they_o and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o one_o body_n but_o one_o spirit_n too_o and_o this_o make_v it_o one_o indeed_o for_o as_o this_o spirit_n be_v the_o love_n and_o connexion_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n so_o it_o be_v also_o our_o love_n and_o connexion_n in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n live_v in_o unity_n of_o spirit_n so_o all_o believer_n live_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o now_o they_o on_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v first_o give_v after_o christ_n be_v glorify_v have_v also_o with_o the_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o spirit_n give_v be_v for_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n &_o so_o they_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o all_o the_o church_n have_v through_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n its_o society_n and_o consociation_n for_o he_o that_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n where_o all_o be_v one_o spirit_n in_o christ_n he_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o all_o and_o when_o a_o believer_n hear_v another_o speak_v it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o himself_o do_v speak_v and_o when_o one_o speak_v it_o be_v as_o if_o all_o speak_v for_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o speak_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o have_v equal_o hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o have_v the_o outward_a from_o of_o a_o church_n even_o as_o our_o soul_n can_v wish_v except_o there_o be_v inward_o in_o that_o church_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v not_o unity_n of_o form_n will_v ever_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o unity_n of_o spirit_n that_o church_n then_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o law_n order_n constitution_n form_n member_n officer_n what_o true_a unity_n can_v that_o have_v in_o all_o its_o uniformity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o spirit_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v in_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o christ_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o a_o different_a spirit_n from_o the_o true_a church_n what_o unity_n can_v they_o possible_o have_v with_o it_o they_o then_o that_o live_v in_o their_o own_o humane_a reason_n understanding_n thought_n council_n will_n end_n they_o live_v quite_o and_o clean_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o church_n yea_o in_o direct_a enmity_n against_o it_o see_v our_o own_o corrupt_a and_o earthly_a spirit_n be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o the_o church_n live_v wherefore_o we_o may_v learn_v hence_o what_o to_o judge_v of_o those_o man_n that_o cry_v out_o much_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o themselves_o neither_o live_v in_o nor_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o either_o by_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o antichrist_n 2._o they_o that_o labour_n to_o join_v man_n into_o one_o body_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o one_o spirit_n with_o it_o do_v mar_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o for_o as_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n so_o diversity_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o this_o one_o body_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o one_o spirit_n 3._o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o by_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o christ_n prejudice_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n which_o be_v to_o have_v all_o its_o communion_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o when_o any_o pray_v or_o prophesy_v or_o the_o like_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a part_n or_o humane_a study_n and_o invention_n only_o and_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o prophesy_v in_o the_o spirit_n they_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o faithful_a have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o only_o so_o far_o
forth_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v manifest_v in_o each_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v quest_n how_o may_v i_o know_v christ_n spirit_n in_o these_o act_n and_o duty_n from_o a_o man_n own_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o as_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o belief_n so_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o spirit_n and_o can_v know_v where_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o where_o be_v a_o different_a or_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o one-ness_a of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o themselves_o the_o three_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n call_n as_o all_o believer_n be_v call_v by_o one_o calling_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a and_o effectual_a voice_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o be_v all_o call_v into_o one_o bless_a hope_n of_o obtain_v the_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o no_o one_o be_v call_v to_o this_o hope_n more_o than_o another_o or_o have_v more_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o it_o then_o another_o fish_n that_o live_v in_o the_o sea_n though_o some_o be_v great_a and_o some_o less_o yet_o none_o have_v more_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o it_o then_o another_o but_o all_o be_v alike_o produce_v in_o it_o enjoy_v it_o alike_o and_o creature_n that_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n though_o some_o be_v great_a and_o some_o less_o yet_o all_o enjoy_v the_o sun_n and_o air_n alike_o and_o yet_o near_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n though_o of_o different_a quantity_n form_n and_o office_n yet_o all_o have_v alike_o interest_n in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o its_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o faculty_n so_o all_o the_o faithful_a enjoy_v christ_n alike_o and_o in_o he_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o father_n and_o no_o believer_n have_v more_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o god_n than_o another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o god_n give_v not_o more_o nor_o better_a thing_n to_o one_o then_o to_o another_o but_o he_o give_v immortality_n glory_n eternal_a life_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o himself_o alike_o to_o all_o and_o make_v all_o to_o sit_v alike_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o father_n all_o the_o faithful_a than_o be_v equal_o call_v to_o a_o unity_n of_o hope_n and_o none_o can_v hope_v for_o great_a or_o better_a thing_n than_o another_o it_o be_v a_o very_a carnal_a thing_n in_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n to_o desire_v of_o christ_n that_o one_o of_o her_o son_n may_v sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o another_o at_o his_o left_a hand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n where_o all_o alike_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o none_o at_o all_o at_o his_o left_a indeed_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n some_o have_v great_a estate_n than_o other_o and_o be_v in_o high_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o breed_v envy_v and_o emulation_n and_o strife_n and_o distance_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o son_n kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o father_n all_o that_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o dwell_v therein_o do_v alike_o inherit_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o say_v paul_n and_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n say_v john_n and_o the_o least_o believer_n have_v no_o less_o and_o the_o great_a have_v no_o more_o and_o this_o cause_n unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o we_o see_v what_o a_o strong_a bond_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n unity_n of_o hope_n be_v in_o they_o that_o travel_v together_o that_o fight_v together_o that_o labour_n together_o and_o so_o much_o more_o in_o they_o who_o be_v equal_o call_v by_o god_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o hope_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n who_o hope_n be_v in_o earthly_a carnal_a base_a thing_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n yet_o live_v only_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o worldly_a profit_n honour_n preferment_n and_o the_o attain_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o they_o according_a to_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o hope_n prosecute_v mighty_o by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n these_o man_n i_o say_v break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o true_a unity_n can_v they_o have_v with_o the_o true_a church_n that_o live_v not_o in_o unity_n of_o hope_n with_o it_o see_v worldly_a hope_n carry_v man_n one_o way_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o believer_n carry_v they_o another_o carnal_a hope_n make_v man_n leave_v god_n for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o saint_n make_v they_o leave_v the_o world_n for_o god_n wherefore_o they_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o hope_n which_o be_v their_o end_n must_v needs_o differ_v in_o their_o way_n and_o work_n and_o so_o he_o that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n live_v also_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o it_o the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o lord_n the_o right_a church_n have_v not_o many_o lord_n lord._n but_o one_o and_o this_o one_o and_o only_a lord_n be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v fellow_n servant_n to_o one_o lord_n to_o who_o they_o do_v owe_v equal_a obedience_n and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o strong_a bond_n of_o unity_n for_o when_o there_o be_v divers_a lord_n there_o be_v divers_a mind_n and_o will_n and_o end_n and_o so_o divers_a law_n and_o these_o breed_v division_n and_o dissension_n and_o war_n among_o man_n but_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n there_o be_v also_o but_o one_o law_n and_o where_o people_n live_v by_o one_o law_n under_o one_o lord_n unto_o who_o all_o be_v equal_o subject_a this_o breed_v peace_n and_o union_n now_o the_o lordship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o creature_n must_v presume_v to_o arrogate_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o see_v unto_o the_o very_a angel_n he_o have_v not_o put_v in_o subjection_n this_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o speak_v and_o for_o man_n christ_n have_v charge_v his_o own_o apostle_n who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n among_o believer_n may_v undoubted_o challenge_v the_o pre-eminence_n i_o say_v christ_n have_v charge_v even_o they_o on_o this_o sort_n matth._n 23._o 10._o be_v not_o you_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n that_o be_v you_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o one_o another_o but_o not_o master_n and_o this_o same_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n james_n preach_v jam._n 3._o 1._o my_o brethren_n say_v he_o be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o brethren_n who_o be_v equal_a among_o themselves_o to_o make_v themselves_o master_v over_o one_o another_o christ_n also_o have_v speak_v again_o so_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n math._n 20._o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o ever_o the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n shall_v dare_v to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o lordship_n over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n you_o know_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o twelve_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o he_o speak_v it_o peremptory_o that_o some_o believer_n shall_v not_o exercise_v dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o believer_n no_o not_o the_o great_a over_o the_o least_o all_o be_v fellow_n servant_n alike_o under_o one_o lord._n wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n against_o their_o fellow_n servant_n may_v better_o think_v thus_o with_o themselves_o why_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o over_o we_o as_o over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o over_o our_o fellow_n servant_n nor_o they_o under_o we_o but_o both_o of_o we_o be_v equal_o under_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v equal_o over_o we_o both_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o the_o same_o law_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o
wit_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o he_o expect_v the_o same_o obedience_n from_o we_o as_o from_o they_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o command_v one_o another_o but_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o be_v command_v by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o evil_a servant_n that_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n upon_o hope_n of_o the_o delay_n of_o his_o master_n come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o lord_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n unity_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n that_o either_o make_v themselves_o or_o other_o lord_n over_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n and_o parcel_n out_o this_o one_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n to_o many_o lord_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o dis-union_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v the_o first_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o general_a master_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o after_o the_o pope_n a_o general_a council_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o itself_o and_o by_o degree_n this_o last_o become_v as_o hard_o yea_o a_o hard_a taskmaster_n to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o former_a after_o when_o particular_a kingdom_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o antichristian_a church_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n whole_o dissolve_v but_o only_o be_v contract_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n for_o then_o the_o archbishop_n make_v himself_o general_a master_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o particular_a kingdom_n as_o the_o pope_n before_o have_v do_v in_o all_o and_o after_o the_o archbishop_n rise_v up_o a_o national_a assembly_n as_o the_o general_n council_n after_o the_o pope_n and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o their_o course_n usurp_v lordship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sad_a dissolution_n of_o its_o unity_n most_o evident_a than_o it_o be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n the_o church_n have_v be_v most_o miserable_o lord_v even_o among_o we_o for_o the_o priest_n he_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o people_n the_o archdeacon_n over_o the_o priest_n the_o dean_n over_o the_o archdeacon_n the_o bishop_n over_o the_o dean_n and_o the_o archbishop_n over_o the_o bishop_n under_o which_o woeful_a bondage_n the_o church_n cry_v out_o as_o isa_n 26._o o_o lord_n our_o god_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o be_v this_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o ease_v by_o cast_v off_o those_o strange_a lord_n yea_o do_v not_o man_n rather_o seek_v to_o increase_v it_o by_o set_v yet_o stranger_n over_o it_o who_o name_n be_v so_o full_a of_o mystery_n that_o the_o common_a people_n can_v understand_v they_o for_o now_o they_o will_v have_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n set_v over_o the_o congregational_a government_n and_o the_o provincial_n over_o the_o classical_a and_o the_o national_a over_o the_o provincial_n for_o so_o it_o be_v voted_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n now_o here_o be_v mystery_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a rise_n up_o into_o the_o old_a power_n under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o mark_v how_o they_o prove_v this_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_n and_o national_a assembly_n to_o wit_n by_o that_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o where_o it_o be_v write_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o and_o will_v neither_o hear_v thy_o admonition_n nor_o council_n nor_o the_o admonition_n and_o council_n of_o other_o brethren_n tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o prove_v the_o fore_n mention_v subordination_n of_o assembly_n just_a as_o the_o pope_n once_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o the_o emperor_n to_o wit_n because_o it_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o that_o god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v by_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n by_o night_n now_o if_o this_o may_v be_v bring_v about_o which_o they_o design_v the_o church_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o strange_a lord_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v they_o exceed_o multiply_v for_o what_o be_v a_o national_a assembly_n but_o a_o archbishop_n multiply_v and_o what_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o a_o bishop_n multiply_v and_o a_o classical_a but_o a_o dean_n and_o arch_a deacon_n multiply_v and_o thus_o the_o former_a lord_n be_v remove_v they_o will_v in_o their_o stead_n cause_v the_o church_n to_o swarm_v with_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a lord_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v christ_n own_o kingdom_n to_o return_v to_o his_o own_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n and_o thus_o while_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n seek_v to_o enforce_v these_o ecclesiastical_a lord_n over_o the_o church_n they_o absolute_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o unity_n of_o it_o even_o whilst_o they_o bear_v the_o simple_a people_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o above_o all_o other_o man_n seek_v to_o preserve_v it_o see_v the_o plurality_n of_o lord_n be_v always_o the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v never_o be_v one_o but_o under_o one_o lord_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o faith_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n have_v but_o one_o faith_n faith_n wrought_v by_o one_o spirit_n apprehend_v the_o same_o christ_n or_o the_o same_o live_n and_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o david_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o we_o who_o now_o believe_v and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v hereafter_o all_o have_v and_o do_v and_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v believer_n in_o all_o age_n do_v not_o live_v their_o own_o life_n but_o all_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o body_n each_o one_o receive_v equal_o from_o christ_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o live_v alike_o in_o he_o be_v one_o with_o he_o as_o the_o branch_n live_v equal_o the_o life_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o one_o brnch_n live_v it_o not_o more_o than_o another_o through_o faith_n then_o every_o christian_a be_v carry_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o thing_n into_o christ_n who_o he_o apprehend_v with_o all_o his_o fullness_n for_o his_o own_o and_o in_o this_o faith_n all_o christian_n be_v equal_a and_o none_o have_v a_o better_a or_o worse_a faith_n than_o another_o so_o that_o in_o regad_n of_o faith_n also_o there_o be_v among_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o equality_n for_o all_o believer_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n wrought_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o spirit_n work_v neither_o sin_n death_n nor_o the_o devil_n can_v possible_o prevail_v against_o and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v altogether_o invincible_a in_o all_o the_o faithful_a among_o true_a christian_n some_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n and_o some_o by_o work_n but_o all_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n among_o true_a christian_n one_o believer_n faith_n do_v not_o apprehend_v one_o word_n and_o another_o another_o word_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o each_o and_o of_o all_o apprehend_v one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o life_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o among_o believer_n one_o do_v not_o live_v his_o own_o life_n and_o another_o christ_n which_o indeed_o will_v make_v they_o very_o different_a and_o unequal_a but_o all_o live_v christ_n life_n alike_o and_o none_o their_o own_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n knit_v together_o in_o unity_n of_o faith_n now_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v mighty_o able_a to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o believer_n peace_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n either_o of_o inward_a gift_n or_o outward_a work_n 1._o unity_n of_o faith_n preserve_v peace_n gift_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v not_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n through_o such_o and_o such_o gift_n but_o mere_o through_o faith_n and_o so_o he_o that_o have_v one_o or_o a_o less_o gift_n be_v equal_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n through_o his_o faith_n with_o he_o that_o have_v another_o or_o a_o great_a gift_n and_o so_o unity_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o all_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n and_o
diversity_n of_o gift_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o divide_v where_o there_o be_v unity_n of_o faith_n further_o among_o they_o that_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v the_o more_o gift_n there_o be_v only_o the_o more_o labour_n but_o there_o be_v not_o another_o or_o a_o better_a christ_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o less_o gift_n there_o be_v the_o same_o christ_n equal_o enjoy_v through_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v five_o talent_n give_v he_o bring_v in_o five_o that_o he_o have_v gain_v and_o he_o that_o have_v ten_o ten_o but_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o most_o talent_n have_v not_o more_o of_o christ_n than_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o few_o and_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o few_o have_v not_o less_o of_o he_o than_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o more_o but_o each_o have_v christ_n alike_o by_o faith_n bring_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o several_a gift_n and_o so_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n and_o second_o work_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n for_o unity_n of_o faith_n make_v all_o believer_n righteous_a alike_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o outward_a work_n for_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n each_o one_o righteousness_n be_v reckon_v by_o his_o faith_n not_o by_o his_o outward_a work_n and_o therefore_o paul_n heb_n 13._o 7._o have_v reckon_v up_o many_o excellent_a work_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o enjoin_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o work_n but_o their_o faith_n say_v who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o may_v be_v unity_n of_o faith_n in_o diversity_n of_o work_n for_o faith_n use_v free_o any_o outward_a law_n manner_n form_n work_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o our_o neighbour_n wherein_o faith_n also_o will_v judge_v for_o itself_o and_o will_v suffer_v no_o body_n to_o judge_v for_o it_o and_o in_o all_o change_n of_o work_n faith_n be_v the_o same_o and_o change_v not_o and_o the_o church_n still_o remain_v one_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n be_v account_v christian_n for_o such_o and_o such_o outward_a work_n sake_n and_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o teach_v and_o receive_v there_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v certain_o prevail_v and_o this_o be_v the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o faith_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n see_v it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o by_o form_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o live_v out_o of_o this_o faith_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n even_o such_o as_o mind_n and_o affect_v and_o love_n and_o desire_v earthly_a thing_n and_o have_v all_o their_o joy_n comfort_n sweetness_n satisfaction_n support_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o creature_n these_o live_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o life_n of_o sense_n be_v clean_a contrary_n to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n faith_n carry_v we_o to_o live_v in_o god_n out_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o sense_n carry_v we_o to_o live_v in_o the_o creature_n out_o of_o god_n 2._o they_o that_o live_v by_o form_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v call_v conformity_n as_o the_o prelate_n call_v it_o or_o uniformity_n as_o the_o rhemist_n do_v also_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n for_o to_o live_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o worship_n so_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o good_a christian_n therefore_o and_o other_o evil_a that_o shall_v live_v otherwise_o be_v to_o fall_v apparent_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n see_v faith_n do_v not_o live_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o live_v on_o christ_n only_o in_o every_o duty_n and_o whatsoever_o form_n it_o may_v use_v for_o a_o help_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n it_o live_v above_o form_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o fullness_n the_o six_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o baptism_n the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n or_o flesh_n or_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o baptism_n by_o which_o it_o be_v purify_v which_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o that_o baptism_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o which_o be_v not_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o sign_n which_o have_v often_o be_v alter_v and_o change_v but_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o substance_n which_o comprehend_v all_o believer_n and_o all_o age_n and_o under_o several_a and_o various_a dispensation_n and_o be_v the_o same_o before_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o since_o believer_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n drink_v all_o alike_o into_o one_o spirit_n though_o these_o more_o plentiful_o than_o those_o so_o that_o though_o many_o have_v want_v the_o baptism_n of_o water_n yet_o not_o one_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n have_v want_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o true_a christianity_n begin_v now_o this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a baptism_n that_o have_v power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o make_v christian_n one_o for_o through_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v make_v one_o body_n as_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o greek_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o true_a church_n drink_v all_o into_o one_o spirit_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o not_o into_o many_o and_o through_o one_o spirit_n be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o not_o into_o many_o and_o believer_n be_v never_o true_o one_o till_o they_o partake_v of_o this_o one_o baptism_n now_o this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v but_o one_o so_o it_o be_v administer_v only_o by_o one_o christ_n as_o john_n baptist_n witness_v math._n 3._o 11._o saying_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o reprentance_n but_o he_o that_o come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o who_o shoe_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o bear_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o with_o fire_n for_o as_o none_o can_v give_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n so_o none_o can_v baptize_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o son_n for_o this_o be_v christ_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a baptism_n from_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o this_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o have_v not_o give_v it_o into_o any_o man_n power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o six_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n one_o baptism_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o content_n themselves_o only_o with_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o remain_v in_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o all_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o lust_n and_o in_o all_o the_o filthiness_n and_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o true_a peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o nature_n with_o those_o who_o be_v cleanse_v from_o these_o pollution_n and_o be_v wash_v and_o justify_v purify_v and_o sanctify_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o what_o agreement_n can_v there_o be_v between_o they_o that_o live_v in_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o sinful_a man_n and_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n but_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o they_o that_o want_v this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v with_o water_n never_o so_o much_o live_v quite_o and_o clean_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o
all_z all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_z and_o in_o you_o all._n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v last_o name_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o first_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n even_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o brethren_n brethren_n who_o have_v all_o one_o god_n and_o father_n from_o who_o all_o receive_v alike_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o without_o any_o difference_n make_v they_o all_o one_o and_o equal_a that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o among_o these_o none_o have_v a_o better_a father_n than_o another_o nor_o none_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o another_o but_o all_o receive_v the_o same_o nature_n from_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n and_o so_o be_v brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o also_o be_v another_o strong_a bond_n of_o unity_n for_o they_o have_v all_o one_o god_n a_o father_n god_n first_o all_o be_v alike_o dear_a to_o he_o because_o all_o be_v alike_o bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o he_o love_v not_o one_o more_o or_o less_o than_o another_o but_o comprehend_v all_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o love_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o true_o know_v will_v restrain_v believer_n from_o wrong_v one_o another_o when_o they_o know_v that_o such_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o dear_a to_o god_n as_o themselves_o and_o that_o god_n have_v as_o great_a and_o tender_a love_n to_o they_o and_o care_n over_o they_o second_o we_o all_o be_v alike_o near_o to_o we_o because_o of_o this_o one_o god_n and_o father_n and_o so_o among_o true_a christian_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o division_n and_o faction_n and_o siding_n as_o among_o worldly_a people_n because_o one_o christian_n be_v not_o near_o to_o we_o then_o another_o and_o so_o we_o do_v not_o take_v part_n with_o one_o against_o another_o but_o all_o be_v alike_o near_o to_o we_o and_o so_o without_o any_o respect_n of_o person_n we_o embrace_v all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n with_o a_o equal_a love_n and_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o each_o one_o yea_o of_o every_o one_o as_o well_o as_o any_o one_o now_o this_o god_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n all_o he_o far_o describe_v that_o he_o be_v 1._o above_o all_z the_o father_n be_v above_o the_o child_n and_o they_o be_v not_o above_o one_o another_o but_o he_o be_v above_o they_o all_o rule_v and_o overrule_a they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o their_o own_o will_n which_o may_v cause_v difference_n but_o in_o their_o father_n will_n which_o cause_v unity_n and_o thus_o his_o be_v above_o they_o all_o keep_v they_o in_o peace_n whereas_o we_o see_v where_o child_n live_v without_o due_a subjection_n have_v no_o body_n above_o they_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o sometime_o among_o orphan_n there_o they_o be_v often_o unquiet_a and_o grievous_a to_o one_o another_o but_o god_n be_v above_o all_o his_o child_n and_o so_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o in_o quietness_n and_o love_n with_o one_o another_o daily_o compose_v their_o difference_n through_o his_o unity_n 2._o he_o be_v all_o through_o all_z as_o have_v communicate_v to_o all_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o nature_n of_o he_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o all_o alike_o and_o all_o alike_o possess_v he_o be_v through_o they_o all_o and_o hereupon_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o because_o god_n never_o differ_v from_o himself_o but_o his_o nature_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o itself_o in_o all_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o bring_v they_o all_o out_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o nature_n into_o the_o unity_n of_o go_n 3._o he_o be_v all_o in_o they_o all._n god_n be_v such_o a_o father_n as_o have_v his_o presence_n in_o all_o his_o child_n he_o have_v a_o special_a presence_n in_o they_o dwell_v in_o they_o after_o the_o manner_n he_o dwell_v in_o christ_n though_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n for_o god_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christian_n otherwise_o then_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o wit_n by_o communicate_v his_o nature_n to_o they_o through_o his_o union_n with_o they_o and_o wherever_o god_n communicate_v his_o nature_n there_o he_o be_v present_v most_o true_o powerful_o and_o glorious_o indeed_o and_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n as_o this_o keep_v it_o in_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a unity_n for_o how_o can_v they_o who_o have_v god_n thus_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o who_o again_o thus_o dwell_v in_o god_n be_v at_o odds_o among_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v the_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n one_o god_n and_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n who_o have_v not_o this_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o their_o father_n who_o will_v needs_o call_v god_n father_n and_o yet_o be_v none_o of_o his_o child_n who_o will_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o live_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o according_a to_o god_n all_o these_o i_o say_v break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n see_v we_o can_v no_o long_o live_v in_o peace_n than_o this_o one_o god_n and_o father_n be_v above_o we_o and_o through_o we_o and_o in_o we_o all_o they_o then_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n through_o outward_a profession_n and_o yet_o be_v none_o of_o this_o spiritual_a brother_n hood_n as_o have_v no_o descent_n from_o this_o heavenly_a father_n they_o break_v this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n even_o all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v only_o bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o still_o live_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o live_v after_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n these_o now_o be_v the_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n true_a unity_n and_o peace_n seven_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o bond_n of_o unity_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n beside_o these_o for_o if_o there_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n will_v never_o have_v omit_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o be_v they_o to_o blame_v who_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n on_o high_a for_o unity_n unity_n peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o do_v whole_o neglect_v these_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o cry_v up_o one_o instead_o of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o be_v external_n uniformity_n so_o that_o now_o among_o they_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o our_o call_n and_o one_o lord_n and_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o church_n unity_n but_o their_o uniformity_n be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o whoever_o break_v that_o which_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o scripture_n of_o god_n to_o enjoin_v no_o nor_o once_o to_o name_n he_o be_v the_o man_n with_o they_o that_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o so_o antichrist-like_a they_o have_v exalt_v their_o single_a uniformity_n above_o this_o sevenfold_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o have_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v make_v the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n void_a through_o their_o carnal_a that_o i_o say_v no_o more_o tradition_n for_o a_o man_n may_v break_v all_o these_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o very_a good_a member_n of_o their_o church_n if_o he_o only_o observe_v their_o uniformity_n but_o if_o he_o break_v this_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_n and_o a_o heretic_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o their_o account_n though_o he_o live_v in_o all_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o true_a and_o spiritual_a unity_n wherefore_o to_o escape_v these_o snare_n let_v all_o believer_n know_v assure_o that_o these_o seven_o bond_n name_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v all_o spiritual_a and_o of_o god_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o carnal_a or_o of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n true_a unity_n and_o that_o whoever_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n presume_v to_o add_v to_o these_o be_v guilty_a of_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n themselves_o be_v but_o wretched_a creature_n and_o so_o involve_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o curse_n write_v in_o his_o book_n among_o which_o death_n and_o hell_n have_v their_o place_n and_o let_v we_o further_o know_v that_o whoever_o do_v combine_v together_o to_o make_v themselves_o one_o out_o of_o the_o forenamed_a unity_n though_o they_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n never_o so_o
blind_a obedience_n 5._o it_o make_v hypocrite_n 6._o cause_n disturbance_n 7._o christ_n use_v no_o such_o outward_a force_n 2._o neither_o command_v his_o apostle_n object_n 2._o object_n answ_n 3._o object_n answ_n 4._o object_n answ_n 5._o object_n answ_n 6._o object_n answ_n 4._o object_n answ_n psal_n 72._o 12._o 2._o god_n kingdom_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 6._o ecclesia_fw-la regina_fw-la misericordiae_fw-la cujus_fw-la viscera_fw-la sunt_fw-la merae_fw-la miserationes_fw-la &_o remissiones_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la cito_fw-la vos_fw-la omnes_fw-la ut_fw-la respondeatis_fw-la mihi_fw-la coram_fw-la aitissimo_fw-la &_o justissimo_fw-la judice_fw-la post_fw-la paucos_fw-la annos_fw-la the_o peace_n propound_v be_v 1._o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n 2._o nor_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n spiritual_a christian_n make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n carnal_a christian_n the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n peace_n between_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n what_o the_o right_a church_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v how_o the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n how_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v know_v though_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a quest_n 2._o answ_n how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n though_o invisible_a the_o church_n the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n the_o head_n a_o great_a mystery_n the_o church_n just_a such_o a_o body_n as_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o true_a church_n lie_v the_o right_a church_n be_v one_o body_n this_o one_o body_n comprehend_v believer_n of_o all_o age_n of_o all_o sort_n many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v from_o the_o church_n unity_n of_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o right_a church_n be_v one_o spirit_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n quest_n answ_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o lord._n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o assembly_n vote_v for_o their_o government_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o faith_n unity_n of_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n 2._o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o they_o all_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o brethren_n where_o all_o be_v 1._o alike_o dear_a to_o god_n 2._o alike_o dear_a to_o we_o this_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v 1._o above_o you_o all_o 2._o through_o you_o all_o 3._o in_o they_o all_o who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v no_o other_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n beside_o these_o seven_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a thing_n to_o cry_v up_o uniformity_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o this_o unity_n how_o the_o union_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v among_o believer_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v here_o in_o this_o world_n with_o one_o another_o to_o preserve_v that_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n 1._o we_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n otherwise_o then_o we_o do_v particular_o the_o church_n government_n church_n government_n two_o fold_n immediate_a mediate_v god_n immediate_a government_n twofold_a 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n ego_fw-la saepe_fw-la certas_fw-la rationes_fw-la conatus_fw-la sum_fw-la deo_fw-la praescribere_fw-la quibus_fw-la uteretur_fw-la in_fw-la administratione_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o church_n never_o want_v this_o twofold_a government_n of_o god_n in_o any_o age._n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o that_o be_v so_o busy_a about_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v themselves_o acquaint_v with_o inward_a temptation_n the_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n and_o not_o mans._n what_o the_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o this_o mediate_a government_n church-power_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n alike_o math._n 16._o 19_o explain_v the_o key_n give_v to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n quest_n answ_n what_o the_o key_n be_v the_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 13._o 10._o christ_n power_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o no_o further_o the_o word_n the_o only_a outward_a instrument_n of_o church_n power_n christiani_n eo_fw-la verbo_fw-la &_o non_fw-la alio_fw-la regi_fw-la debent_fw-la quo_fw-la christiani_n id_fw-la est_fw-la liberi_fw-la à_fw-la peccatis_fw-la fiunt_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la solo_fw-la evangelio_n dei_fw-la puro_fw-la sine_fw-la additionibus_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la doctorum_fw-la patrum_fw-la etc._n etc._n luther_n epist_n ad_fw-la carol_n ducem_fw-la subaud●ae_fw-la tom_fw-mi 7._o f._n 483._o quae_fw-la ergo_fw-la insania_fw-la est_fw-la spontanee_n bonos_fw-es urgere_fw-la legibus_fw-la malorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la non_fw-la parum_fw-la multi_fw-la leves_fw-la &_o futiles_fw-la homunciones_fw-la putantes_fw-la rem_fw-la evangelicam_fw-la gladio_fw-la &_o pugnis_fw-la esse_fw-la promovendam_fw-la ibid._n reputate_v animo_fw-la quo_fw-la gladio_fw-la ipse_fw-la papatum_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o the_o church_n can_v do_v through_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n 1_o it_o can_v convene_v and_o meet_v together_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n appoint_v its_o order_n nunquid_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la mundum_fw-la gubernanda_fw-la est_fw-la &_o non_fw-la potius_fw-la contra_fw-la morem_fw-la mundi_fw-la co_fw-la quod_fw-la scriptum_fw-la est_fw-la nolite_fw-la conformari_fw-la huic_fw-la seculo_fw-la jo._n gers_n decl._n viror_fw-la ecclesiast_n the_o carnal_a church_n mind_v outward_a order_n more_o than_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o church_n be_v to_o appoint_v order_n for_o its_o officer_n and_o not_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o 3._o to_o choose_v its_o officer_n what_o officer_n the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v 3._o who_o choose_v they_o object_n answ_n he_o profecto_fw-la non_fw-la venient_fw-la in_o concilium_fw-la ut_fw-la ●udicentur_fw-la ab_fw-la aliis_fw-la ut_fw-la emendent_fw-la ea_fw-la qua_fw-la ipsorummet_n conscientia_fw-la ad●oque_fw-la totus_fw-la mundus_fw-la emendanda_fw-la esse_fw-la clamat_fw-la sed_fw-la omnes_fw-la alios_fw-la jud●care_fw-la &_o subjugare_fw-la svam_fw-la illam_fw-la potentiam_fw-la retinere●_n &_o quicquid_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la obstat_fw-la libidini_fw-la conculcare_fw-la è_fw-la medio_fw-la tollere_fw-la conabuntur_fw-la bullinger_n ep._n ad_fw-la edward_n sex●_n tindal_n practise_v of_o popish_a prel_n p._n 344._o 4._o can_v call_v its_o counsel_n certain_a reason_n why_o the_o true_a church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v a_o council_n nam_fw-la quid_fw-la expectemus_fw-la ex_fw-la generalium_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la determinationibus_fw-la docent_fw-la ros_fw-fr proxima_fw-la aliquot_fw-la seculerum_fw-la exempla_fw-la jam_fw-la inde_fw-la ab_fw-la an●is_fw-la quandragintis_n aut_fw-la amplius_fw-la quo_fw-la enim_fw-la crebriora_fw-la ceiere_fw-la concilia_fw-la lanto_fw-la magis_fw-la invaluit_fw-la superstitio_fw-la &_o error_n in_o doctrina_fw-la abusus_fw-la in_o ritibus_fw-la superbia_fw-la luxury_n avaritia_fw-la omnisque_fw-la c●●rplio_fw-la in_o docentibus_fw-la vel_fw-la saccrd●tibus_fw-la denique_fw-la soedissima_fw-la omnis_fw-la discipl●nae_fw-la obliteratio_fw-la bull_v epist_n ad_fw-la ●dvard_n sex●um_fw-la object_n answ_n rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o call_v a_o council_n exit_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la coetu_fw-la i_o e._n fidelium_fw-la delight_n ndi_fw-la erunt_fw-la homines_fw-la ad_fw-la concilium_fw-la hoc_fw-la u●ro_fw-la esset_fw-la pulcherrimum_n concilium_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la ipso_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la regeretur_fw-la in_o hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la &_o ly●a_fw-la scriptum_fw-la reliquit_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la aestimandam_fw-la esse_fw-la ex_fw-la summis_fw-la illis_fw-la aut_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la ordinibus_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la verè_fw-la creden_fw-mi tibus_fw-la luth._o libel_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la verae_fw-la eccles_n tom_fw-mi 7._o s_o 152._o the_o church_n be_v to_o keep_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n object_n answ_n the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o force_v man_n unto_o it_o against_o their_o will_n ea_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la natura_fw-la ut_fw-la nusquam_fw-la magis_fw-la requiratur_fw-la interna_fw-la persuasio_fw-la no_o &_o ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la nemo_fw-la cogi_fw-la potest_fw-la invitus_fw-la &_o deus_fw-la toto_fw-la se_fw-la cord_n vult_fw-la amari_fw-la &_o denique_fw-la hypocrisis_fw-la peccatum_fw-la est_fw-la imprimis_fw-la deo_fw-la exosum_fw-la quo_fw-la fit_a ut_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernandae_fw-la ratio_fw-la hunc_fw-la scopum_fw-la habere_fw-la debeat_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la vocentur_fw-la plurimi_fw-la persuasi_fw-la &_o in_o ecclesia_fw-la contine●ntur_fw-la non_fw-la aliâ_fw-la ratione_fw-la itaque_fw-la quo_fw-la magis_fw-la ea_fw-la ratio_fw-la aberit_fw-la ab_fw-la
strength_n and_o according_a to_o each_o man_n measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o be_v his_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v also_o in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n 6._o the_o holy_a spirit_n lord_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o we_o by_o be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o he_o be_v by_o represent_v god_n to_o we_o in_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n according_a as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n from_o which_o knowledge_n of_o god_n spring_v his_o fear_n for_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n fear_v not_o god_n but_o sin_n secure_o against_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n every_o day_n why_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o reveal_v the_o father_n in_o the_o son_n and_o present_v god_n to_o the_o soul_n through_o his_o word_n in_o his_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a power_n and_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n and_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n and_o shine_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o each_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o now_o when_o a_o man_n see_v god_n by_o his_o own_o light_n and_o know_v he_o by_o his_o own_o teach_n than_o first_o do_v he_o begin_v true_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v his_o strength_n for_o he_o that_o fear_v god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o fear_n he_o fear_v not_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n nor_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n nor_o the_o unite_a power_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n he_o fear_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o other_o man_n in_o their_o evil_n but_o in_o the_o mid●●_n of_o all_o fearful_a thing_n he_o be_v without_o fear_n because_o he_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o himself_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o make_v he_o his_o fear_n and_o his_o dread_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n amid_o all_o evil_n he_o have_v admirable_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n 13._o because_o he_o know_v that_o no_o evil_a can_v befall_v he_o from_o any_o man_n or_o from_o any_o creature_n till_o first_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o also_o that_o what_o ever_o evil_a befall_v he_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v work_v for_o good_a unto_o he_o in_o the_o end_n thus_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o christian_n confidence_n and_o a_o believer_n strength_n whereas_o he_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n fear_v every_o thing_n yea_o not_o only_o real_a but_o imaginary_a evil_n and_o as_o evil_n multiply_v his_o fear_n so_o his_o fear_n again_o multiply_v his_o evil_n till_o at_o last_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o both_o but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o the_o fear_n the_o lord_n be_v also_o in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o strength_n 7._o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o we_o unity_n by_o be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o godhead_n for_o the_o father_n love_v the_o son_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o son_n love_v the_o father_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o with_o the_o son_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v both_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o god_n be_v most_o love_n and_o most_o one_o be_v also_o most_o strong_a now_o what_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o godhead_n he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a temple_n and_o habitation_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o that_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n for_o why_o be_v there_o such_o constant_a love_n and_o unity_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o because_o one_o spirit_n run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o so_o there_o be_v such_o constant_a love_n and_o unity_n between_o all_o believer_n because_o one_o holy_a spirit_n run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o remarkable_a difference_n between_o nature_n and_o grace_n for_o nature_n of_o one_o make_v many_o for_o we_o all_o who_o be_v many_o among_o ourselves_o even_o a_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n be_v but_o one_o in_o adam_n omnes_fw-la eramus_fw-la ille_fw-la unus_fw-la homo_fw-la but_o grace_n of_o many_o make_v one_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v as_o fire_n melt_v all_o the_o faithful_a into_o one_o mass_n or_o lump_n and_o make_v of_o many_o one_o body_n one_o thing_n yea_o it_o make_v they_o one_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n john_n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o mark_v the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v wonderful_a that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o that_o be_v that_o all_o believer_n who_o be_v many_o among_o themselves_o may_v be_v all_o make_v one_o one_o how_o one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o be_v as_o thou_o and_o i_o be_v two_o person_n be_v yet_o but_o one_o god_n after_o this_o high_a example_n of_o unity_n let_v they_o be_v make_v one_o in_o we_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o themselves_o they_o be_v many_o and_o how_o much_o they_o remain_v in_o themselves_o they_o be_v many_o for_o their_o unity_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o they_o be_v one_o in_o we_o who_o be_v one_o that_o be_v how_o much_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v carry_v into_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n who_o be_v one_o so_o much_o also_o be_v they_o make_v one_o not_o only_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o also_o with_o one_o another_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o act_n how_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o this_o unity_n of_o beeliever_n be_v their_o strength_n and_o when_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o all_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n and_o particular_a end_n and_o interest_n and_o division_n and_o separation_n and_o schism_n that_o be_v among_o his_o own_o people_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v reduce_v into_o this_o bless_a unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o among_o they_o all_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n also_o be_v of_o admirable_a and_o invincible_a power_n so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o strive_v with_o it_o shall_v perish_v and_o all_o they_o that_o war_n against_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o nothing_o yea_o then_o shall_v the_o lord_n make_v the_o church_n as_o a_o new_a sharp_a thresh_a instrument_n 15._o have_v tooth_n and_o it_o shall_v thresh_v the_o mountain_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v beat_v they_o small_a and_o shall_v make_v the_o hill_n that_o be_v the_o lesser_a commonwealth_n as_o chaff_n but_o till_o the_o church_n of_o god_n attain_v to_o this_o unity_n it_o shall_v not_o do_v any_o excellent_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o work_v any_o notable_a deliverance_n in_o the_o earth_n neither_o shall_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v a_o spirit_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o faithful_a and_o shall_v heal_v all_o the_o sad_a difference_n and_o dissension_n that_o be_v now_o between_o they_o than_o also_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o admirable_a power_n in_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n the_o use_n be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o exhort_v all_o man_n everywhere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o supernatural_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v certain_o communicate_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a use_v and_o elect_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o let_v no_o man_n think_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o he_o have_v this_o power_n or_o no_o but_o know_v that_o the_o have_v of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o that_o both_o for_o minister_n and_o for_o all_o other_o christian_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o minister_n and_o to_o they_o this_o present_a place_n do_v chief_o relate_v spirit_n 1._o for_o first_o if_o they_o have_v not_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o for_o
with_o he_o but_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o though_o i_o thus_o speak_v and_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v yet_o still_o be_v very_o manifest_a not_o only_o in_o you_o honourable_a one_o who_o have_v the_o chief_a conduct_n but_o also_o in_o very_a many_o of_o the_o council_n and_o army_n beside_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o gather_v together_o of_o god_n people_n and_o saint_n let_v the_o world_n if_o it_o please_v still_o laugh_v at_o that_o word_n who_o can_v but_o think_v he_o have_v some_o choice_n and_o singular_a work_n in_o hand_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n have_v already_o do_v great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n by_o you_o and_o be_v yet_o do_v great_a if_o you_o will_v continue_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o not_o you._n for_o have_v not_o that_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n dawn_v yea_o the_o morning_n of_o it_o be_v already_o go_v forth_o which_o be_v upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a and_o upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v low_a and_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v and_o must_v be_v exalt_v in_o this_o day_n now_o the_o lord_n cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o give_v you_o peace_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o which_o union_n and_o communion_n i_o remain_v your_o assure_a servant_n w._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o noise_n of_o water_n and_o thundering_n and_o earthquake_n among_o we_o and_o so_o great_a and_o continue_a be_v our_o shake_n and_o confusious_a through_o hatred_n and_o love_n hope_n and_o fear_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n triumph_n and_o indignation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o silence_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o much_o as_o half_a a_o hour_n wherefore_o though_o i_o discourse_v here_o touch_v so_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n and_o do_v declare_v from_o the_o very_a word_n or_o else_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o wherein_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n consist_v and_o also_o how_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n may_v preserve_v that_o peace_n in_o their_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n yet_o man_n head_n and_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o full_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v but_o few_o will_v regard_v it_o notwithstanding_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v among_o we_o a_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o flock_n of_o christ_n who_o both_o know_v and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n i_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n for_o who_o profit_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v in_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o be_o very_o conscious_a of_o my_o rudeness_n of_o speech_n 6._o in_o this_o discourse_n as_o also_o of_o my_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n in_o many_o thing_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n here_o be_v of_o the_o pure_a river_n of_o water_n of_o life_n without_o any_o humane_a mixture_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v will_v own_o all_o in_o it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o reject_v silver_n try_v four_o or_o five_o time_n because_o it_o be_v not_o try_v seven_o time_n and_o what_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o it_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o dear_a sake_n and_o love_n i_o have_v speak_v all_o this_o see_v it_o be_v peccatorum_fw-la as_o luther_n speak_v the_o queen_n of_o mercy_n who_o very_a bowel_n be_v mere_a compassion_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n will_v easy_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o forgive_v it_o and_o as_o for_o man_n haughty_a and_o high_a in_o their_o own_o spirit_n contemn_v and_o disdain_v any_o thing_n that_o agree_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n i_o do_v as_o easy_o despise_v their_o censure_n as_o they_o light_o pass_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o i_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v his_o body_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n let_v i_o become_v as_o vile_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v count_v the_o filth_n and_o offsour_v of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o mr_n baily_n rutherford_n bastwick_n pryn_n love_n or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o old_a enemy_n in_o parliament_n and_o city_n not_o worth_a the_o name_n annos_fw-la have_v seek_v to_o make_v i_o all_o who_o unless_o god_n give_v they_o repentance_n to_o life_n i_o cite_v as_o once_o hierom_n of_o prague_n do_v his_o enemy_n in_o the_o like_a cause_n to_o appear_v within_o a_o few_o year_n before_o the_o most_o high_a and_o righteous_a judge_n jesus_n christ_n to_o answer_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v wicked_o if_o not_o malicious_o against_o his_o name_n truth_n gospel_n spirit_n people_n and_o that_o under_o the_o form_n and_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o well_o know_v that_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n be_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n it_o will_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o worldly_a church_n i_o commit_v christ_n own_o word_n and_o cause_n to_o his_o own_o care_n and_o protection_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o uphold_v his_o own_o despise_a truth_n against_o the_o glorious_a but_o deceitful_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n and_o so_o wait_v in_o this_o assure_a hope_n if_o thou_o love_v christ_n i_o remain_v thou_o in_o he_o william_n dell._n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n pag._n 149_o the_o gospel_n propound_v be_v neither_o 1._o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n p._n 150_o 2._o nor_o between_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n 3._o but_o between_o the_o faithful_a or_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a church_n p._n 151_o the_o true_a church_n describe_v p._n 152_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o 13._o particular_n from_o p._n 153_o to_o p._n 157_o how_o this_o church_n may_v be_v know_v p._n 158_o how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o it_o p._n 159_o the_o church_n a_o great_a mystery_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n p._n 160_o seven_o bond_n of_o this_o church_n unity_n viz._n ibid._n 1._o one_o body_n p._n 161_o 2._o one_o spirit_n p._n 165_o 3._o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_n p._n 167_o 4._o one_o lord._n p._n 169_o 5._o one_o faith_n p._n 172_o 6._o one_o baptism_n p._n 175_o 7._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o all_o p._n 176_o these_o seven_o bond_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o man_n devise_v 178._o how_o the_o true_a church_n of_o believer_n thus_o make_v one_o by_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v one_o in_o their_o communion_n among_o themselves_o p._n 180_o to_o this_o end_n 1_o they_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n otherwise_o then_o yet_o they_o do_v ibid._n particular_o they_o must_v be_v instruct_v touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n this_o government_n be_v twofold_a 1._o immediate_a and_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n p._n 181_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n p_o 182_o these_o two_o government_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n nor_o in_o this_o p._n 184_o 2._o mediate_v this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_n p._n 185_o and_o it_o be_v christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ibid._n this_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o several_a particular_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n 186_o 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n it_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v set_v down_o in_o 6._o particular_n 188_o and_o here_o
the_o church_n through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o also_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a may_v be_v know_v well_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n be_v not_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o head_n invisible_a sure_o our_o join_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n will_v assure_o join_v we_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n now_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o head_n and_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o society_n but_o by_o be_v take_v up_o into_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a then_o to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o be_v it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a body_n then_o to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o all_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v such_o a_o head_n and_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o body_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o can_v present_o agree_v to_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v have_v far_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o church_n heretofore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o outward_a and_o visible_a officer_n according_a to_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o church_n mystery_n for_o these_o thing_n lie_v within_o the_o easy_a reach_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o now_o whole_a christ_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v not_o only_a christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 5._o 32._o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a mystery_n though_o both_o indeed_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n the_o body_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v by_o humane_a sense_n or_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o as_o antichrist_n have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n in_o set_v up_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n instead_o of_o the_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a so_o also_o he_o have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o erect_v a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n instead_o of_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a for_o without_o all_o peradventure_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n must_v be_v suitable_a each_o to_o other_o and_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o so_o as_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a body_n the_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n make_v and_o constitute_v by_o a_o mixture_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o power_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n head_n but_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o head_n the_o true_a christ_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o society_n the_o true_a church_n be_v and_o both_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o former_a age_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o head_n after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o its_o obscure_n and_o darken_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n so_o now_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v in_o this_o present_a age_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v be_v no_o less_o obscure_v than_o the_o former_a that_o so_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o whole_a christ_n may_v both_o be_v know_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v desire_v as_o occasion_n serve_v to_o make_v know_v what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v here_o speak_v weak_o and_o imperfect_o and_o thus_o have_v declare_v what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v lie_v and_o rectify_v some_o ancient_a and_o general_a mistake_n touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v know_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o evident_a word_n the_o true_a and_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n ephes_n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o note_n in_o general_n that_o among_o all_o these_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o apostle_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n of_o uniformity_n indeed_o the_o rhemist_n be_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n blind_v from_o this_o very_a place_n urge_v and_o press_v uniformity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n they_o use_v as_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a engine_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n to_o its_o throne_n and_o after_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v anon_o by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o no_o conformity_n or_o uniformity_n be_v any_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o union_n see_v the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o peace_n by_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o by_o inward_a principle_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n unity_n which_o the_o apostle_n name_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n seven_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v one_o body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n body_n say_v paul_n the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a or_o political_a but_o a_o spiritual_a body_n even_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n paul_n in_o several_a of_o his_o epistle_n take_v pleasure_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o similitude_n as_o in_o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5._o as_o we_o have_v many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n and_o all_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o and_o again_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n where_o he_o call_v the_o body_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o head_n both_o make_v up_o one_o christ_n now_o this_o unity_n of_o body_n age_n comprehend_v believer_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o sort_n 1._o of_o all_o age_n for_o all_o believer_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n heretofore_o or_o now_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o do_v all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o bear_v and_o bring_v forth_o of_o god_n in_o several_a time_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o natural_a example_n a_o child_n be_v not_o bear_v all_o in_o a_o moment_n but_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o degree_n and_o though_o one_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o another_o not_o yet_o bear_v this_o do_v not_o hinder_v unity_n of_o body_n in_o the_o child_n so_o the_o bring_v forth_o the_o church_n into_o the_o world_n in_o several_a age_n do_v in_o no_o wise_n hinder_v this_o unity_n of_o body_n 2._o as_o this_o unity_n of_o body_n sort_n comprehend_v
much_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o sect_n and_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o faction_n rend_v from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o such_o man_n choose_v and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o some_o singular_a way_n of_o worship_n form_n order_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o think_v they_o excel_v other_o christian_n and_o so_o cause_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a which_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o people_n to_o follow_v they_o especial_o have_v countenance_n of_o worldly_a authority_n by_o which_o mean_v both_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n depart_v from_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o this_o sevenfold_a spiritual_a unity_n be_v neglect_v christianity_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n into_z as_o many_o sect_n as_o the_o world_n and_o devil_n please_v till_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n leave_v either_o of_o faith_n or_o love_n so_o that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o confedracy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o outward_a order_n form_n rite_n law_n ceremony_n discipline_n which_o be_v necessary_o enforce_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n seduce_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a will_v never_o hold_v the_o church_n together_o but_o all_o these_o be_v and_o have_v prove_v and_o will_v prove_v rather_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n in_o the_o church_n than_o a_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o if_o they_o seem_v to_o work_v union_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mingle_v clay_n and_o iron_n together_o which_o no_o pain_n nor_o art_n can_v perfect_o compound_v for_o all_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n knit_v by_o other_o bond_n then_o be_v here_o name_v be_v no_o spiritual_a union_n neither_o will_v it_o stand_v and_o therefore_o dear_a christian_n and_o believer_n see_v we_o have_v seven_o bond_n of_o unity_n all_o of_o god_n own_o make_n to_o make_v we_o one_o let_v not_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v but_o sorry_a thing_n of_o man_n make_v separate_z and_o divide_v we_o but_o see_v each_o of_o these_o bond_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o one_o how_o much_o one_o shall_v all_o of_o they_o together_o make_v we_o and_o thus_o have_v show_v from_o the_o word_n another_o how_o all_o christian_n and_o believer_n be_v make_v one_o by_o god_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v aim_v at_o be_v to_o show_v how_o they_o may_v continue_v one_o among_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o that_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o whilst_o they_o sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a union_n that_o so_o all_o darkness_n and_o mistake_n which_o now_o even_o many_o believer_n be_v grievous_o enwrap_v in_o may_v be_v dispel_v and_o do_v away_o and_o we_o may_v live_v in_o this_o pure_a and_o perfect_a union_n with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n make_v all_o outward_a thing_n subservient_fw-fr hereunto_o and_o none_o of_o they_o prejudicial_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o conceive_v we_o be_v 1._o to_o know_v some_o thing_n and_o 2._o to_o do_v other_o thing_n christ_n and_o both_o otherwise_o then_o yet_o we_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v they_o 1._o to_o preserve_v our_o peace_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n do_v we_o must_v be_v instruct_v aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n government_n because_o the_o mistake_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v so_o great_a a_o cause_n of_o controversy_n and_o division_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o true_a government_n without_o any_o such_o form_n and_o law_n and_o power_n as_o be_v now_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o mediate_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v for_o these_o thing_n now_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a 1._o there_o be_v that_o government_n which_o god_n exercise_v immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o government_n which_o he_o exercise_v mediate_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a twofold_a the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o be_v god_n immediate_a government_n be_v also_o two_o fold_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n providence_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a government_n this_o be_v that_o government_n of_o god_n over_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o take_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n sign_n wonder_n by_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n and_o great_a terror_n when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o through_o the_o wilderness_n in_o path_n that_o be_v not_o tread_v when_o he_o feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n when_o he_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v they_o wrong_n but_o reprove_v even_o king_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o through_o multitude_n of_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o god_n lead_v that_o church_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o tribulation_n to_o quietness_n from_o a_o sordid_a condition_n to_o honour_n and_o renown_n from_o a_o strange_a land_n to_o a_o land_n of_o inheritance_n and_o from_o slavery_n to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a government_n indeed_o stand_v in_o god_n immediate_a conduct_n from_o heaven_n far_o above_o all_o humane_a counsel_n wisdom_n stratagem_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o man_n contrive_v and_o act_v and_o this_o government_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o all_o humane_a apprehension_n that_o according_a to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v his_o way_n be_v the_o sea_n and_o his_o path_n in_o the_o great_a water_n and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v and_o be_v not_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n every_o whit_n as_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o though_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v small_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n yet_o do_v it_o receive_v increase_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o be_v preserve_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v heathen_a emperor_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o ever_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v take_v the_o conduct_n of_o this_o church_n and_o have_v carry_v it_o through_o difficulty_n distress_n reproach_n prison_n torment_n death_n to_o ease_v liberty_n comfort_n joy_n salvation_n glory_n life_n happiness_n and_o this_o have_v be_v god_n glorious_a government_n of_o the_o church_n hitherto_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n the_o church_n of_o god_n want_v not_o this_o government_n among_o all_o the_o trouble_n confusion_n war_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o god_n be_v now_o as_o near_o his_o true_a church_n as_o ever_o and_o support_v it_o and_o comfort_n it_o and_o guide_v it_o as_o a_o skilful_a pilot_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o though_o the_o flood_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o billow_n against_o it_o yet_o they_o can_v sink_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n on_o high_a be_v mighty_a than_o the_o mighty_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o so_o still_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n lead_v his_o flock_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n and_o lion_n yea_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o devil_n in_o admirable_a and_o invincible_a safety_n and_o give_v they_o light_v in_o darkness_n counsel_n in_o difficulty_n and_o success_n in_o all_o attempt_n above_z and_o beyond_o both_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n now_o note_v here_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n god_n do_v not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n no_o not_o of_o his_o very_a people_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n do_v thing_n that_o they_o must_v not_o know_v yet_o but_o must_v know_v afterward_o yea_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v absurd_a and_o absolute_o destructive_a and_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n and_o order_n of_o god_n govern_v his_o saint_n that_o of_o luther_n on_o gen._n 39_o be_v worth_a our_o mind_v here_o i_o say_v he_o have_v often_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v certain_a way_n and_o method_n to_o god_n etc._n which_o he_o shall_v use_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n ah_o lord_n say_v i_o i_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v thus_o do_v in_o this_o order_n with_o this_o event_n but_o god_n do_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o do_v desire_v then_o again_o think_v i_o why_o my_o council_n be_v not_o differ_v
their_o employment_n for_o their_o suffering_n and_o for_o their_o do_n and_o as_o soldier_n that_o be_v under_o a_o wise_a and_o careful_a commander_n when_o they_o be_v near_o a_o engagement_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o run_v rash_o upon_o the_o enemy_n nor_o permit_v to_o go_v forth_o to_o battle_n till_o they_o be_v arm_v and_o mount_v so_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v forth_o in_o his_o warfare_n to_o encounter_v so_o many_o evil_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n and_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n till_o first_o he_o have_v arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o holy_a spirit_n you_o shall_v receive_v power_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o etc._n etc._n christ_n always_o give_v unto_o all_o those_o who_o he_o send_v forth_o and_o employ_v of_o his_o own_o power_n for_o his_o own_o work_n heavenly_a power_n for_o heavenly_a work_n spiritual_a power_n for_o spiritual_a work_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n indeed_o christ_n give_v unto_o some_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o power_n and_o to_o some_o a_o lesser_a according_a as_o he_o intend_v to_o use_v some_o in_o great_a work_n and_o difficulty_n and_o some_o in_o lesser_a but_o still_o they_o have_v of_o christ_n power_n whether_o more_a or_o less_o who_o be_v employ_v by_o christ_n and_o a_o little_a of_o that_o power_n that_o be_v communicate_v by_o christ_n will_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n far_o great_a than_o the_o world_n suspect_v or_o imagine_v so_o that_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o call_n to_o any_o business_n and_o of_o our_o employment_n in_o it_o by_o the_o power_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n for_o it_o if_o we_o have_v none_o of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v never_o set_v on_o work_n by_o christ_n for_o christ_n never_o set_v any_o on_o his_o work_n with_o out_o communicate_v unto_o they_o of_o his_o power_n and_o hereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v and_o conclude_v that_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v loose_a and_o vicious_a and_o idle_a and_o negligent_a and_o insufficient_a for_o that_o work_n be_v never_o call_v to_o it_o nor_o employ_v in_o it_o by_o christ_n but_o they_o run_v of_o their_o own_o head_n when_o they_o be_v not_o send_v and_o minister_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o money_n and_o preach_v only_o that_o they_o may_v live_v whereas_o if_o christ_n have_v employ_v they_o in_o that_o call_n he_o will_v have_v furnish_v they_o with_o ability_n for_o it_o and_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o ability_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a they_o be_v not_o send_v by_o christ_n eccl._n judge_v then_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o reformation_n this_o church_n be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o some_o man_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n who_o will_v have_v ignorant_a and_o insufficient_a man_n yea_o loose_a and_o profane_a man_n tolerate_v in_o the_o ministry_n under_o pretence_n of_o keep_v up_o ordinance_n when_o yet_o such_o man_n be_v never_o employ_v by_o christ_n nor_o supply_v with_o any_o power_n from_o he_o yea_o and_o what_o ordinance_n i_o pray_v be_v those_o like_a to_o be_v which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o man_n that_o be_v carnal_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n but_o you_o see_v here_o that_o christ_n way_n and_o wisdom_n be_v different_a from_o this_o for_o he_o first_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o send_v they_o to_o preach_v when_o he_o have_v first_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v 2._o you_o see_v here_o doctrine_n that_o christ_n be_v to_o leave_v his_o disciple_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n yet_o leave_v behind_o he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o this_o be_v some_o establishment_n to_o they_o yea_o this_o give_v great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n to_o they_o who_o before_o have_v their_o heart_n fill_v with_o sorrow_n christ_n though_o sometime_o he_o leave_v his_o people_n in_o regard_n of_o sense_n yet_o he_o never_o leave_v they_o without_o a_o promise_n the_o soul_n sometime_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n may_v want_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o never_o want_v a_o promise_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n make_v christ_n present_a in_o his_o absence_n for_o christ_n himself_o be_v spiritual_o present_a in_o the_o promise_n and_o not_o christ_n only_o but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o asunder_o but_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o so_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n one_o and_o all_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o the_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o uphold_v the_o soul_n in_o any_o condition_n not_o because_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v present_a in_o the_o promise_n and_o they_o be_v infinite_o able_a to_o support_v the_o soul_n through_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o great_a evil_n either_o of_o earth_n or_o hell_n now_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n and_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o intimate_a enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o may_v the_o soul_n enjoy_v christ_n presence_n in_o his_o absence_n his_o presence_n according_a to_o faith_n in_o his_o absence_n according_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o christ_n depart_v from_o his_o disciple_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n leave_v with_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o that_o promise_n his_o spiritual_a presence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a condition_n that_o christ_n ever_o leave_v his_o true_a church_n in_o he_o leave_v they_o his_o presence_n in_o a_o promise_n when_o in_o regard_n of_o sense_n he_o forsake_v they_o 3._o note_v doctrine_n that_o luke_n be_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o propagate_a and_o enlarge_n and_o govern_v the_o christian_a church_n do_v first_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o both_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o upon_o the_o disciple_n signify_v hereby_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o necessary_a for_o the_o increase_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v altogether_o deceive_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o of_o god_n who_o think_v the_o increase_n and_o propagation_n and_o preservation_n and_o establishment_n and_o order_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n depend_v especial_o upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n and_o that_o without_o these_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v soon_o come_v to_o woeful_a disorder_n yea_o to_o utter_a ruin_n and_o confusion_n as_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n sit_v idle_a in_o heaven_n and_o have_v leave_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o his_o church_n to_o man_n and_o the_o sacred_a power_n confirm_v with_o the_o secular_a be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o increase_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o regard_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n among_o we_o and_o the_o very_a head_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v break_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o and_o except_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n watch_v but_o in_o vain_a so_o also_o except_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o word_n pour_v forth_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o that_o spirit_n of_o he_o in_o and_o through_o the_o word_n enlarge_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o undertake_v these_o thing_n of_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n alone_o that_o through_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lay_n hold_v on_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o bring_v they_o through_o faith_n into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o teach_v they_o and_o order_n they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o and_o therefore_o you_o see_v here_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v first_o perform_v before_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v any_o enlargement_n or_o government_n and_o now_o from_o these_o general_a thing_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o word_n more_o particular_o word_n you_o shall_v receive_v power_n when_o the_o
christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o receive_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o receive_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n for_o faith_n do_v not_o apprehend_v bare_a christ_n but_o christ_n with_o his_o spirit_n because_o these_o be_v inseparable_a now_o always_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o 3._o to_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n increase_v the_o spirit_n the_o more_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n the_o more_o we_o pray_v and_o the_o more_o we_o pray_v the_o more_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o truth_n we_o shall_v have_v daily_o a_o great_a and_o great_a increase_n of_o it_o till_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n come_v from_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o carry_v we_o back_o again_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v still_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o receive_v more_o and_o more_o of_o it_o 4._o to_o turn_v ourselves_o daily_o from_o the_o creature_n to_o god_n for_o the_o more_o we_o enlarge_v our_o heart_n towards_o the_o creature_n the_o less_o capable_a be_v we_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o live_v much_o upon_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o live_v much_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o this_o quench_v and_o straiten_n the_o spirit_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v live_v abstract_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o use_v they_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v they_o and_o so_o mind_v they_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o mind_v they_o and_o abandon_v the_o content_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wean_v ourselves_o from_o all_o thing_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o more_o free_a and_o loose_a we_o be_v from_o the_o creature_n the_o more_o capable_a be_v we_o of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o he_o that_o live_v at_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v least_o communion_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o have_v always_o the_o great_a proportion_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o in_o he_o so_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o father_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o he_o now_o the_o more_o any_o one_o love_v the_o father_n the_o less_o he_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o less_o he_o love_v the_o world_n the_o more_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o he_o 5._o to_o cease_v daily_o from_o our_o own_o work_n the_o more_o we_o act_v ourselves_o the_o less_o do_v the_o spirit_n act_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v must_v from_o day_n to_o day_n cease_v from_o our_o own_o work_n from_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o must_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o own_o action_n for_o we_o be_v flesh_n ourselves_o what_o ever_o we_o do_v be_v fleshly_a see_v the_o effect_n can_v be_v better_a than_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o we_o mingle_v the_o work_n of_o our_o flesh_n with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o will_v cease_v from_o work_v in_o we_o but_o the_o less_o we_o act_v in_o ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o more_o will_v the_o spirit_n act_n in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o our_o own_o work_n be_v always_o a_o mighty_a impediment_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 6._o to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n in_o we_o we_o must_v give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o only_o may_v work_v in_o we_o without_o the_o least_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n from_o we_o that_o as_o the_o soul_n act_v all_o in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o body_n do_v nothing_o of_o itself_o but_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o the_o spirit_n may_v do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o we_o may_v do_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o without_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v work_v excellent_o in_o we_o except_o it_o work_v all_o in_o all_o in_o we_o and_o in_o such_o a_o man_n in_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v full_a power_n the_o spirit_n work_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o he_o according_a to_o humane_a sense_n be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v secret_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v and_o refresh_v the_o body_n and_o disperse_v life_n and_o spirit_n through_o it_o even_o when_o the_o body_n be_v asleep_a and_o neither_o feel_v it_o nor_o know_v it_o so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o operation_n work_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o for_o the_o quicken_a and_o renew_v it_o whilst_o it_o oftentimes_o for_o the_o present_a be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a of_o it_o 7._o the_o seven_o mean_n to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n be_v to_o attribute_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o attribute_v to_o the_o flesh_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o take_v from_o the_o spirit_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n he_o will_v work_v no_o long_o in_o we_o wherefore_o we_o must_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v nothing_o and_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o that_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o work_v all_o in_o all_o and_o we_o ourselves_o among_o all_o the_o excellent_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o must_v so_o remain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v and_o wrought_v nothing_o at_o all_o that_o so_o all_o that_o be_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n may_v be_v lay_v low_a in_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n alone_o may_v be_v exalt_v first_o to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o then_o to_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o mean_n to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o consequent_o strength_n as_o well_o as_o to_o get_v it_o and_o by_o the_o daily_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o mean_n we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a and_o may_v run_v and_o not_o faint_a and_o may_v mount_v up_o as_o eagle_n yea_o and_o may_v walk_v as_o angel_n among_o man_n and_o as_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n to_o his_o praise_n and_o honour_n who_o first_o communicate_v to_o we_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o then_o by_o that_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o thus_o be_v he_o glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n and_o admire_v in_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v finis_fw-la uniformity_n examine_v whether_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o wil._n dell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 13._o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v 1651._o uniformity_n examine_v observe_v that_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n together_o with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a judgement_n do_v often_o both_o in_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n exceed_o press_v for_o uniformity_n i_o have_v be_v urge_v in_o my_o spirit_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o ingenuous_o profess_v i_o can_v yet_o discover_v it_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o any_o will_v instruct_v i_o further_o in_o this_o particular_a so_o he_o do_v it_o from_o the_o word_n now_o uniformity_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o unity_n of_o form_n and_o the_o form_n they_o mean_v no_o doubt_n be_v outward_a for_o the_o inward_a form_n as_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v accomplish_v by_o outward_a power_n and_o therefore_o till_o i_o know_v their_o meaning_n better_o i_o conceive_v that_o by_o uniformity_n they_o understand_v a_o unity_n
greek_a to_o the_o greek_n to_o the_o weak_a as_o weak_a to_o the_o strong_a as_o strong_a all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v win_v some_o and_o what_o external_a uniformity_n be_v here_o and_o then_o for_o the_o sacrament_n christ_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n immediate_o after_o supper_n paul_n at_o midnight_n and_o it_o may_v be_v other_o in_o the_o morning_n or_o at_o noon_n and_o what_o external_a uniformity_n in_o all_o this_o and_o for_o government_n sometime_o the_o apostle_n meet_v together_o into_o a_o council_n and_o in_o that_o council_n order_v thing_n not_o of_o their_o own_o head_n or_o by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n but_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o what_o they_o order_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n they_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n at_o other_o time_n minister_n and_o believer_n do_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n among_o themselves_o by_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o both_o or_o else_o believer_n alone_o among_o themselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o minister_n present_v and_o where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v more_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o more_o officer_n and_o where_o few_o of_o few_o officer_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o free_a order_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v christ_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o father_n among_o they_o and_o in_o they_o and_o so_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o man_n into_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n that_o true_o i_o see_v not_o the_o gospel_n more_o set_v its_o spirit_n against_o any_o thing_n of_o antichrist_n then_o against_o this_o point_n of_o external_a uniformity_n for_o if_o we_o have_v one_o lord_n christ_n spirit_n faith_n baptism_n and_o god_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v free_a to_o the_o church_n as_o god_n shall_v order_v by_o they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o man_n have_v no_o place_n in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v as_o the_o only_a light_n but_o against_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v do_v lie_v some_o objection_n as_o first_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o and_o do_v not_o this_o imply_v external_a uniformity_n i_o answer_v nothing_o less_o for_o the_o apostle_n explicate_v plain_o and_o clear_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o lord_n one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o among_o believer_n eph._n 4._o ch_n 4._o 5._o 6._o where_o he_o say_v there_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a church_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o all_o where_o you_o see_v that_o among_o believer_n there_o be_v a_o manifold_a unity_n but_o no_o external_a uniformity_n yea_o the_o prayer_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n for_o the_o church_n unfold_v clear_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o the_o church_n joh._n 17._o christ_n pray_v that_o they_o all_o who_o be_v many_o among_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o external_a uniformity_n that_o after_o this_o manner_n they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o but_o again_o it_o be_v object_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n 14._o that_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v not_o this_o imply_v external_a uniformity_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o will_v hardly_o admit_v in_o their_o parish_n church_n such_o a_o decency_n and_o order_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o mean_v neither_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o it_o for_o he_o say_v before_o when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v come_v together_o into_o some_o place_n that_o all_o may_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o that_o during_o this_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o the_o former_a to_o give_v place_n and_o he_o must_v speak_v that_o have_v the_o clear_a light_n see_v the_o spirit_n to_o whosoever_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v give_v to_o profit_v withal_o and_o that_o though_o all_o may_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o yet_o all_o may_v not_o prophesy_v at_o once_o for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v order_n but_o confusion_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v avoid_v say_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v d●ne_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o this_o decency_n too_o he_o persuade_v to_o by_o the_o word_n he_o do_v not_o enforce_v by_o secular_a power_n and_o if_o they_o will_v call_v this_o uniformity_n for_o believer_n to_o prophesy_v one_o after_o another_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o many_o or_o two_o or_o three_o at_o once_o or_o the_o same_o time_n we_o willing_o agree_v with_o they_o but_o how_o far_o this_o thing_n be_v from_o their_o sense_n every_o one_o know_v thus_o you_o see_v these_o objection_n answer_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o more_o can_v be_v bring_v but_o may_v as_o clear_o and_o easy_o be_v answer_v as_o these_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v i_o wonder_v and_o wonder_v again_o that_o we_o have_v covenant_v and_o agree_v together_o solemn_o to_o endeavour_v for_o a_o government_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v leave_v so_o void_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o fall_v upon_o external_a uniformity_n which_o be_v nowhere_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o primitive_a christian_n yea_o while_o i_o consider_v more_o serious_o of_o the_o matter_n i_o think_v external_a uniformity_n be_v a_o monstrous_a thing_n how_o glorious_a soever_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o not_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o nature_n or_o in_o grace_n either_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o nature_n be_v no_o external_a uniformity_n extend_v to_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n for_o look_v into_o the_o world_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o variety_n of_o form_n heavenly_a and_o earthly_a body_n have_v several_a form_n and_o in_o the_o earth_n each_o bird_n beast_n tree_n plant_n creature_n differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o outward_a form_n if_o the_o whole_a creation_n shall_v appear_v in_o one_o form_n or_o external_a uniformity_n what_o a_o monstrous_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v nothing_o differ_v from_o the_o first_o chaos_n but_o the_o variety_n of_o form_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o most_o admirable_a unity_n among_o all_o the_o creature_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o external_a uniformity_n again_o as_o there_o be_v no_o external_a uniformity_n spread_v over_o the_o great_a world_n so_o nor_o yet_o over_o the_o little_a world_n or_o man_n for_o look_v upon_o a_o man_n consist_v of_o head_n and_o member_n unto_o which_o the_o apostle_n compare_v the_o church_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v all_o the_o member_n like_o one_o another_o neither_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o outward_a form_n nor_o operation_n for_o the_o hand_n do_v not_o move_v as_o the_o foot_n nor_o the_o foot_n act_n as_o the_o hand_n and_o if_o all_o the_o member_n shall_v appear_v and_o act_v in_o one_o form_n what_o a_o monster_n will_v a_o man_n be_v and_o yet_o among_o the_o member_n though_o there_o be_v no_o external_a uniformity_n yet_o there_o be_v admirable_a unity_n and_o yet_o again_o look_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o they_o as_o external_a uniformity_n here_o in_o england_n you_o shall_v observe_v that_o york_n be_v not_o govern_v as_o hull_n nor_o hull_v as_o hallifax_n nor_o that_o as_o bristol_n etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v one_o county_n govern_v uniform_o as_o another_o there_o be_v no_o uniformity_n in_o the_o government_n of_o kent_n and_o essex_n nor_o one_o town_n govern_v like_o another_o in_o godmanchester_n the_o young_a son_n inherit_v in_o huntingdon_n the_o elder_a nor_o one_o corporation_n govern_v like_o another_o nor_o one_o company_n in_o the_o city_n govern_v as_o another_o and_o yet_o between_o all_o county_n city_n town_n corporation_n company_n there_o be_v unity_n though_o no_o external_a uniformity_n yea_o look_v upon_o the_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n and_o there_o be_v it_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o thousand_o family_n or_o more_o in_o it_o and_o each_o one_o govern_v after_o a_o
several_a manner_n and_o among_o all_o these_o family_n there_o be_v no_o external_a uniformity_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v well_o enough_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o city_n nay_o further_o to_o bring_v but_o one_o man_n to_o a_o uniformity_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n by_o a_o outward_a law_n will_v be_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v his_o life_n worse_o than_o death_n to_o compel_v every_o man_n by_o a_o law_n every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n or_o every_o monday_n tuseday_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o week_n to_o a_o uniformity_n of_o life_n that_o he_o shall_v rise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n use_v the_o same_o posture_n speak_v the_o same_o word_n eat_v the_o same_o food_n receive_v the_o same_o physic_n sit_v and_o stand_v and_o walk_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o the_o same_o set_a time_n who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o cruel_a bondage_n what_o a_o absurd_a and_o intolerable_a thing_n than_o be_v uniformity_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n take_v away_o all_o freedom_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o how_o much_o more_o evil_a and_o intolerable_a be_v uniformity_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n take_v away_o all_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v one_o with_o god_n work_v in_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bind_v with_o any_o authoritative_a or_o coercive_a power_n of_o poor_a dark_a ignorant_a vain_a foolish_a proud_a and_o sinful_a man_n what_o now_o then_o do_v the_o presbyter_n mean_v by_o uniformity_n will_v they_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n call_v on_o and_o all_o this_o do_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o true_o be_v unity_n and_o not_o uniformity_n and_o such_o a_o unity_n as_o no_o man_n can_v compel_v but_o will_v they_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v the_o name_n of_o god_n call_v on_o sacrament_n administer_v the_o spiritual_a discipline_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n manage_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o saint_n exercise_v and_o all_o this_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o outward_a form_n or_o uniformity_n this_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n the_o straighten_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o limit_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o how_o wise_a so_o ever_o these_o man_n may_v be_v in_o natural_a and_o carnal_a thing_n yet_o their_o wisdom_n be_v but_o foolishness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o uniformity_n then_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o work_v several_o in_o several_a saint_n and_o several_o in_o the_o same_o saint_n at_o several_a time_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v tie_v the_o church_n to_o a_o uniformity_n which_o work_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o as_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o it_o let_v they_o first_o tie_v the_o spirit_n to_o a_o uniformity_n and_o we_o be_v content_v but_o these_o man_n seem_v to_o run_v a_o sad_a hazard_n who_o will_v thus_o reduce_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christian_n and_o church_n to_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n according_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o fancy_n and_o so_o will_v rule_v and_o order_n and_o enlarge_v and_o straiten_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n see_v it_o be_v worse_o to_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n then_o against_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o till_o i_o be_v otherwise_o teach_v by_o the_o word_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v or_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v any_o such_o external_a uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n strive_v wrestle_v sweat_n contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o say_v be_v ready_a to_o fight_v for_o but_o that_o several_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v unity_n of_o doctrine_n faith_n the_o spirit_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n may_v have_v divers_a form_n of_o outward_a administration_n as_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o and_o that_o every_o church_n be_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v leave_v free_a and_o no_o church_n force_v by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o follow_v or_o imitate_v another_o church_n against_o its_o will_n not_o be_v free_o lead_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v i_o think_v that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o any_o company_n of_o man_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o world_n to_o shine_v to_o a_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o all_o people_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o follow_v their_o judgement_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o their_o light_n see_v other_o minister_n and_o christian_n may_v have_v more_o light_a and_o spirit_n than_o they_o neither_o have_v christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n and_o spirit_n to_o minister_n more_o than_o to_o believer_n nor_o more_o to_o a_o hundred_o than_o two_o or_o three_o and_o if_o two_o or_o three_o christian_n in_o the_o country_n be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v christ_n himself_o with_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n among_o they_o they_o need_v not_o ride_v many_o mile_n to_o the_o assembly_n at_o london_n to_o know_v what_o to_o do_v or_o how_o to_o carry_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o for_o any_o company_n of_o man_n of_o what_o repute_n soever_o to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o judgement_n in_o a_o kingdom_n for_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n from_o which_o no_o man_n must_v vary_v and_o to_o compel_v all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o very_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o upon_o pain_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n of_o their_o indignation_n heat_v seven_o time_n more_o hot_a than_o ordinary_a through_o the_o desire_a access_n of_o secular_a power_n to_o their_o power_n be_v a_o far_o worse_a work_n in_o my_o eye_n then_o that_o of_o king_n nebuchadnezar_n set_v up_o a_o golden_a image_n and_o force_v all_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o see_v spiritual_a idolatry_n be_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o corporal_a as_o the_o spirit_n be_v better_a than_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v think_v let_v they_o teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n that_o can_v that_o uniformity_n the_o great_a diana_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o image_n that_o fall_v down_o from_o the_o brain_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n have_v no_o foot_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a uniformity_n be_v near_o a_o kin_n to_o prelatical_a conformity_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o another_o word_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n and_o do_v conclude_v that_o unity_n be_v christian_a uniformity_n antichristian_a and_o this_o i_o have_v only_o hint_v and_o that_o brief_o among_o many_o occasion_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o faithful_a that_o some_o of_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o antichristianisme_n still_o prevail_v and_o domineer_v under_o the_o very_a name_n of_o reformation_n and_o also_o to_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n of_o more_o spirit_n and_o ability_n and_o leisure_n to_o discourse_v more_o full_o to_o this_o point_n that_o the_o serpent_n head_n of_o formality_n which_o be_v so_o careful_o nourish_v by_o humane_a reason_n may_v be_v crush_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o john_n 2._o 27._o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n and_o even_o as_o it_o have_v teach_v you_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o he_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o anoint_v the_o carnal_a church_n by_o counsel_n finis_fw-la the_o building_n beauty_n teach_v and_o establishment_n of_o the_o true_o christian_n and_o spiritual_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o exposition_n on_o isai_n 54_o from_o verse_n 11._o to_o the_o 17._o preach_v to_o his_o excellency_n sir_n tho._n fairfax_n and_o the_o general_a officer_n of_o the_o army_n with_o divers_z other_z officer_n and_o soldier_n and_o people_n at_o marston_n be_v the_o head-quarter_n at_o the_o leaguer_n before_o oxford_n june_n 7._o 1646._o by_o william_n dell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v on_o his_o excellency_n sir_n thomas_n fairfax_n in_o the_o army_n together_o with_o a_o faithful_a testimony_n touch_v that_o valiant_a and_o victorious_a army_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n matth._n 5._o 11._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o
the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o presbytery_n or_o independency_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o holy_a the_o spirit_n and_o that_o if_o i_o see_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n in_o any_o one_o i_o reckon_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n not_o take_v any_o such_o opinion_n into_o consideration_n and_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o of_o opinion_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n the_o man_n then_o pretend_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o his_o satisfaction_n but_o since_o as_o be_v relate_v have_v show_v his_o stomach_n again_o but_o because_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n the_o lord_n lie_v it_o it_o not_o to_o his_o charge_n and_o true_o reader_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o ever_o these_o name_n of_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o grow_v up_o to_o this_o height_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o these_o opinion_n shall_v be_v reckon_v more_o in_o a_o man_n than_o the_o presence_n and_o dwell_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o utter_o disclaim_v all_o such_o distinction_n of_o man_n make_v and_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o distinction_n of_o man_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o world_n and_o they_o that_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o in_o the_o church_n the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a christian_n this_o distinction_n of_o man_n god_n have_v make_v and_o this_o i_o do_v and_o must_v needs_o use_v though_o the_o world_n as_o it_o appear_v like_v this_o worse_a than_o the_o other_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o seed_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o true_a distinction_n and_o the_o more_o this_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o more_o glorious_a will_v the_o church_n be_v now_o some_o spiritual_a christian_n may_v be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v presbyterian_o and_o some_o among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v independent_o and_o all_o these_o though_o call_v by_o different_a name_n be_v of_o one_o spiritual_a church_n and_o again_o some_o carnal_a christian_n may_v be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v independent_o and_o some_o among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v presbyterian_o and_o all_o these_o though_o call_v by_o different_a name_n be_v of_o one_o carnal_a church_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v wish_v we_o have_v obtain_v such_o wisdom_n from_o god_n as_o to_o let_v the_o distinction_n and_o division_n of_o man_n lie_v only_o there_o where_o god_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o where_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v make_v it_o and_o so_o shall_v the_o true_a spriritual_a church_n be_v deliver_v from_o these_o distinction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o itself_o and_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o itself_o which_o will_v be_v god_n great_a glory_n and_o its_o own_o great_a strength_n comfort_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a terror_n and_o dread_n of_o all_o profane_a man_n and_o formalist_n another_o thing_n which_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n stir_v up_o within_o i_o to_o do_v be_v to_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n what_o i_o know_v in_o my_o own_o experience_n touch_v the_o army_n under_o the_o command_n of_o that_o most_o faithful_a and_o worthy_a general_n sir_n tho._n fairfax_n and_o that_o because_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a undervalue_v and_o despise_v and_o reproach_v of_o it_o by_o many_o even_o of_o those_o who_o blood_n run_v warm_a in_o their_o vein_n and_o who_o enjoy_v all_o the_o comfort_n they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o faithfulness_n diligence_n activity_n labour_n hunger_n thirst_n cold_a weariness_n watch_n marching_n engagement_n storming_n wound_n and_o blood_n of_o these_o man_n instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o the_o subdue_a that_o malignant_a power_n that_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o state_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n yea_o instrument_n of_o god_n own_o choose_n and_o call_v forth_o to_o his_o foot_n for_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a service_n which_o after-age_n will_v wonder_v and_o stand_v amaze_v at_o as_o well_o as_o at_o the_o vile_a ingratitude_n of_o this_o age_n to_o such_o instrument_n as_o these_o for_o which_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v it_o guiltless_a this_o then_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o most_o confident_a on_o that_o there_o be_v as_o many_o gracious_a and_o godly_a christian_n in_o it_o as_o in_o any_o gather_n together_o of_o man_n in_o all_o the_o world_n again_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o admirable_a endowment_n of_o it_o more_o particular_o there_o be_v these_o six_o thing_n most_o remarkable_a in_o this_o despise_a army_n 1._o their_o unity_n which_o be_v admirable_a it_o be_v more_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n then_o of_o man_n more_o a_o unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n then_o in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o father_n and_o son_n then_o in_o themselves_o and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o their_o great_a success_n they_o be_v all_o both_o in_o counsel_n and_o action_n but_o as_o one_o man_n the_o lord_n have_v take_v they_o and_o knit_v they_o up_o in_o one_o bundle_n and_o so_o their_o enemy_n can_v not_o break_v they_o but_o have_v be_v break_v by_o they_o many_o of_o their_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n have_v be_v carry_v in_o council_n with_o that_o unity_n that_o sometime_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o have_v contradict_v 2._o their_o humility_n which_o have_v be_v admirable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a for_o after_o great_a and_o glorious_a victory_n to_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o world_n when_o king_n of_o the_o army_n do_v flee_v apace_o and_o the_o man_n of_o might_n run_v away_o as_o woman_n i_o have_v never_o hear_v any_o of_o the_o worthy_a and_o godly_a commander_n or_o officer_n ever_o to_o say_v i_o do_v this_o or_o that_o or_o to_o boast_v of_o his_o own_o counsel_n or_o his_o own_o strength_n or_o to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o or_o any_o body_n else_o of_o what_o god_n have_v do_v but_o every_o one_o to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o do_v and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o sword_n or_o bow_n but_o the_o lord_n right_a hand_n and_o his_o arm_n and_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o they_o have_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v nothing_o themselves_o that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o humble_a because_o though_o god_n have_v be_v much_o with_o they_o yet_o the_o world_n have_v be_v much_o against_o they_o not_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n who_o have_v do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o kingdom_n faithful_o and_o honest_o but_o for_o god_n sake_n in_o they_o because_o there_o be_v more_o of_o god_n among_o these_o man_n then_o among_o other_o man_n therefore_o be_v they_o so_o malign_v by_o many_o man_n for_o the_o world_n always_o most_o hate_v where_o there_o be_v most_o of_o god_n and_o you_o may_v have_v a_o shrewd_a guess_n wherethere_o be_v most_o of_o god_n by_o observe_v where_o the_o great_a hatred_n of_o the_o world_n lie_v 3._o their_o faith_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o army_n man_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a faith_n through_o which_o they_o have_v wrought_v righteonsness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quenced_a the_o violence_n of_o fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valiant_a in_o fight_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n through_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v pursue_v their_o enemy_n and_o overtake_v they_o and_o turn_v not_o again_o till_o they_o have_v consume_v they_o they_o have_v beat_v they_o small_a as_o the_o dust_n before_o the_o wind_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o as_o dirt_n in_o the_o street_n through_o faith_n they_o have_v enter_v strong_a city_n and_o i_o can_v true_o and_o particular_o say_v let_v they_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v offend_v stumble_v and_o fall_v at_o it_o that_o bristol_n among_o other_o place_n be_v conquer_v by_o faith_n more_o than_o by_o force_n it_o be_v conquer_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a by_o faith_n before_o ever_o they_o stretch_v forth_o a_o hand_n against_o it_o and_o they_o go_v not_o so_o much_o to_o storm_v it_o as_o to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n through_o faith_n one_o of_o they_o have_v chase_v ten_o and_o ten_o put_v a_o hundred_o
this_o work_n will_v be_v to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o double_a ruin_n to_o wit_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v you_o faithful_a that_o you_o may_v do_v this_o work_n for_o god_n and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n and_o not_o for_o yourselves_o and_o to_o fulfil_v your_o own_o ends._n and_o now_o as_o you_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v that_o upon_o a_o right_n and_o sure_a foundation_n so_o god_n have_v engage_v my_o heart_n to_o meditate_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o have_v exclude_v your_o power_n from_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o i_o have_v not_o in_o any_o measure_n wrong_v you_o as_o you_o shall_v perceive_v but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v you_o from_o dash_v yourselves_o against_o that_o rock_n against_o which_o all_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unwise_a ruler_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n both_o have_v and_o yet_o shall_v dash_v themselves_o in_o piece_n it_o shall_v be_v your_o wisdom_n to_o be_v build_v up_o together_o with_o the_o church_n on_o christ_n but_o it_o will_v be_v your_o confusion_n to_o go_v about_o to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o yourselves_o and_o your_o power_n see_v this_o building_n be_v too_o weighty_a for_o any_o foundation_n but_o christ_n himself_o your_o power_n will_v do_v well_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o god_n kingdom_n which_o be_v christ_n inheritance_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n you_o shall_v be_v happy_a to_o be_v subject_a in_o it_o but_o none_o must_v be_v lord_n or_o lawgiver_n here_o but_o christ_n himself_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n who_o in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v in_o many_o place_n translate_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n of_o the_o clergy_n into_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o magistrate_n any_o long_o keep_v it_o there_o see_v it_o will_v be_v as_o pernicious_a in_o this_o as_o in_o that_o for_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a an_o evil_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v himself_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o general_a council_n in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n call_v christian_a or_o for_o the_o archbishop_n or_o national_a assembly_n in_o particular_a kingdom_n man_n have_v common_o think_v that_o to_o preserve_v the_o godly_a in_o worldly_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n whereas_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o faith_n hope_n love_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n in_o and_o through_o the_o spirit_n this_o only_a be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n and_o this_o ofttimes_o be_v better_a do_v by_o christ_n who_o work_n only_o it_o be_v in_o affliction_n then_o in_o prosperity_n wherefore_o do_v you_o look_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o state_n and_o trust_v christ_n with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o church_n see_v he_o be_v both_o faithful_a and_o able_a to_o save_v it_o perfect_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o no_o part_n of_o it_o out_o of_o he_o no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o this_o their_o peace_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o preserve_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o desperate_a evil_n of_o the_o world_n now_o what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o wherein_o its_o peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v be_v here_o in_o some_o measure_n declare_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o faithful_a everywhere_o and_o particular_o for_o your_o good_a lest_o you_o be_v glorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o one_o work_n shall_v miscarry_v in_o another_o and_o this_o i_o have_v do_v through_o god_n not_o because_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o church_n any_o long_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o its_o peace_n and_o why_o shall_v the_o member_n of_o it_o any_o long_a lie_n as_o scatter_a bone_n dry_a and_o dead_a and_o not_o gather_v up_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o live_a body_n and_o who_o can_v long_o endure_v to_o see_v unskilful_a physician_n under_o pretence_n of_o heal_v the_o church_n wound_v it_o still_o deep_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o procure_v its_o peace_n hurry_v it_o into_o endless_a dissension_n and_o division_n in_o this_o case_n of_o necessity_n i_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v both_o out_o of_o duty_n and_o love_n and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o will_v despise_v to_o hear_v who_o consider_v that_o god_n when_o he_o lay_v aside_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choose_v babe_n and_o suckling_n to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n that_o so_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v the_o more_o glorify_v and_o admire_v in_o his_o weak_a and_o mean_a instrument_n now_o let_v his_o praise_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o let_v he_o give_v you_o the_o honour_n that_o all_o his_o saint_n have_v and_o this_o be_v his_o hearty_a desire_n who_o humble_o write_v himself_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n william_n dell._n to_o his_o excellency_n the_o lord_n general_n fairfax_n and_o the_o honourable_a lieutenant-general_n cromwell_n together_o with_o the_o council_n of_o war._n the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v turn_v your_o course_n backward_o like_o jordan_n from_o what_o it_o be_v a_o year_n ago_o and_o all_o former_a enchantment_n and_o divination_n use_v against_o you_o be_v dissolve_v through_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o same_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o you_o after_o a_o manifest_a withdraw_a of_o it_o and_o you_o through_o a_o bless_a necessity_n be_v now_o do_v that_o work_n of_o god_n which_o once_o you_o have_v little_a mind_n to_o viz._n the_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o subdue_a the_o great_a enemy_n of_o peace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o enmity_n against_o peace_n that_o be_v enwrap_v in_o our_o very_a law_n and_o degenerate_v constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o think_v good_a while_o you_o be_v thus_o busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n without_o you_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n within_o you_o and_o a_o eternal_a peace_n as_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o temporal_a for_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o have_v peace_n among_o man_n &_o to_o want_v peace_n with_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o destroy_v the_o enemy_n to_o worldly_a peace_n and_o yet_o to_o maintain_v in_o your_o own_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o heavenly_a peace_n take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o your_o present_a employment_n do_v not_o so_o over-ingage_a you_o in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o neglect_v the_o world_n to_o come_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o seek_v yourselves_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n here_o but_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o whilst_o you_o act_n for_o god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o now_o here_o in_o this_o discourse_n shall_v you_o see_v a_o better_a peace_n and_o agreement_n than_o you_o be_v strive_v for_o though_o your_o work_n also_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a even_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o agreement_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o prince_n and_o which_o he_o communicate_v not_o to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o they_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o christ_n and_o its_o influence_n into_o each_o communion_n of_o saint_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o peace_n can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o your_o sword_n then_o by_o the_o magistrate_n sceptre_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o now_o have_v power_n in_o your_o hand_n to_o another_o purpose_n shall_v so_o far_o forget_v yourselves_o as_o to_o do_v that_o yourselves_o which_o you_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o therefore_o suffer_v the_o word_n only_o to_o be_v both_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o let_v the_o true_a church_n remain_v free_a in_o the_o freedom_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o it_o or_o else_o the_o lord_n who_o own_o the_o church_n be_v will_v as_o certain_o in_o his_o due_a time_n take_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o throw_v you_o into_o one_o destruction_n
1._o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v 2._o what_o they_o be_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 190_o 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o ibid._n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 192_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 193_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v herein_o 194_o 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n 196_o and_o here_o 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 197_o 2._o out_o of_o who_o ibid._n 1._o by_o who_o 198_o what_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v be_v to_o do_v in_o point_n of_o choose_v officer_n p._n 199_o and_o if_o need_v be_v can_v reform_v they_o p._n 200_o or_o depose_v they_o p._n 201_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n if_o it_o need_v any_o ibid._n certain_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n may_v now_o well_o want_v counsel_n p._n 202_o and_o if_o it_o will_v have_v any_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v touch_v they_o p._n 204_o 5_o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n p._n 205_o and_o thus_o the_o judgement_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_a peace_n among_o themselves_o 2._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n the_o practical_a rule_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v these_o 1_o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n p._n 206_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a church_n content_v itself_o with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n p_o 207_o 3._o that_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o fetch_v or_o force_v man_n unto_o it_o against_o their_o will_n 209_o 4._o that_o the_o true_a church_n make_v void_a the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n among_o christian_n p._n 211_o 5._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n and_o church_n p._n 212_o 6._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o community_n p._n 213_o 7._o that_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n do_v take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n and_o do_v not_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ringleader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n p._n 214_o 8._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n p_o 215_o 5_o way_n by_o which_o this_o may_v be_v effectual_o do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n p._n 216_o the_o great_a question_n touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n answer_v p._n 224_o 9_o that_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n p._n 225_o practical_a rule_n for_o peace_n more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o point_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a here_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v first_o consider_v if_o the_o thing_n wherein_o believer_n differ_v be_v circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a only_o then_o there_o be_v 5_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o preserve_a peace_n p._n 233_o if_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v point_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o such_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o there_o be_v 7_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n p._n 235_o if_o the_o doctrine_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v be_v such_o as_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n yet_o then_o 1._o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v p._n 237_o 2._o if_o after_o full_a hear_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n than_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v 1_o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n p._n 241_o 2_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n ibid._n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o punishment_n the_o true_a church_n can_v inflict_v p._n 242_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o ibid._n the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n time_n together_o observe_v with_o a_o say_a heart_n and_o trouble_a spirit_n the_o grievous_a difference_n and_o dissension_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o perceive_v also_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o heal_n of_o this_o error_n many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o not_o clear_o understanding_n wherein_o their_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o consist_v and_o so_o be_v still_o prosecute_a former_a with_o late_a mistake_n till_o their_o wound_n be_v become_v almost_o incurable_a i_o find_v my_o heart_n incline_v and_o engage_v by_o god_n to_o propound_v to_o other_o that_o way_n of_o peace_n which_o myself_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v not_o that_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o or_o be_v account_v of_o any_o more_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o all_o god_n people_n be_v indeed_o unworthy_a to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o the_o church_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o ●o_o incomparable_a a_o treasure_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v but_o mere_o out_o of_o love_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o my_o brethren_n who_o i_o see_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o spark_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v kindle_v whereby_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o neglect_v the_o true_a light_n which_o alone_o be_v to_o shine_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n till_o all_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n be_v do_v away_o and_o a●_n my_o end_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o bring_v all_o man_n from_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o conception_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o i_o desire_v all_o man_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v to_o allow_v of_o no_o more_o in_o this_o discourse_n than_o they_o shall_v find_v agreeable_a to_o this_o word_n and_o what_o ever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o shall_v disapprove_v or_o condemn_v so_o far_o let_v they_o also_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v with_o it_o as_o i_o myself_o also_o do_v know_v well_o that_o no_o word_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o carry_v light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n sufficient_a and_o enough_o in_o itself_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o work_v of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n wherefore_o what_o i_o have_v free_o learn_v i_o shall_v free_o communicate_v desire_v every_o one_o to_o regard_v his_o own_o salvation_n see_v now_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v have_v no_o cloak_n nor_o the_o least_o excuse_n for_o his_o sin_n now_o that_o he_o that_o read_v may_v understand_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v you_o now_o at_o first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o propound_v any_o way_n of_o peace_n either_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n or_o else_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o have_v learn_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n for_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v any_o reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n between_o these_o world_n in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a seed_n and_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o one_o from_o beneath_o the_o other_o from_o above_o the_o one_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o other_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o between_o these_o two_o god_n have_v put_v such_o a_o enmity_n that_o no_o man_n can_v take_v away_o wherefore_o they_o who_o never_o mind_v these_o two_o different_a seed_n between_o who_o god_n have_v put_v such_o irreconciliable_a enmity_n will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n of_o one_o or_o more_o whole_a kingdom_n a_o church_n at_o once_o and_o will_v reconcile_v all_o of_o they_o together_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n according_a to_o device_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o these_o man_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v for_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n
and_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o show_v we_o clear_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v michael_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o both_o 2._o neither_o second_o church_n do_v i_o find_v any_o way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v all_o those_o together_o who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o visible_a church_n see_v even_o among_o these_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o child_n as_o paul_n teach_v we_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o another_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n as_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a enmity_n between_o these_o in_o the_o church_n as_o between_o the_o former_a in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n be_v always_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o agree_v with_o they_o now_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n christ_n one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o other_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spiritual_a child_n make_v up_o christ_n true_a body_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o these_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a flesh_n of_o christ_n as_o all_o that_o flesh_n be_v in_o which_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o these_o all_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v in_o no_o fleshly_a form_n ceremony_n or_o worship_n the_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n make_v up_o antichrist_n true_a body_n antichrist_n for_o as_o christ_n body_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n of_o carnal_a for_o antichrist_n set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o as_o christ_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o carnal_a christian_n and_o these_o have_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o godliness_n but_o they_o have_v no_o spirit_n or_o power_n in_o that_o form_n yea_o under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o exercise_v the_o great_a power_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o their_o thing_n be_v nowhere_o more_o oppose_v then_o by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o name_n only_o and_o not_o the_o anoint_v of_o christian_n this_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n and_o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o agreement_n between_o these_o two_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v between_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a christian_n then_o between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n themselves_o the_o head_n of_o these_o body_n and_o as_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n so_o neither_o do_v i_o propound_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o agreement_n here_o for_o to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v there_o where_o the_o father_n never_o intend_v nor_o the_o son_n never_o undertake_v any_o reconciliation_n will_v not_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o weakness_n so_o then_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o peace_n be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n touch_v who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o the●_n that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a make_v faithful_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v through_o their_o call_n and_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n than_o i_o seek_v by_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v first_o declare_v the_o church_n it_o self_n who_o peace_n i_o seek_v and_o then_o after_o declare_v wherein_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v and_o also_o how_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v among_o themselves_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n itself_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v speak_v plain_o and_o something_o large_o because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a business_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n and_o miss_v apprehension_n touch_v it_o even_o among_o the_o faithful_a the_o right_a church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n not_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o join_v together_o in_o a_o outward_a form_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v whoremonger_n idolater_n thief_n murderers_z and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a and_o unbelieving_a person_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o church_n but_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a society_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o consent_n or_o use_v of_o outward_a thing_n form_n ceremony_n worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o be_v it_o know_v by_o see_v or_o feel_n or_o the_o help_n of_o any_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o society_n of_o mercer_n or_o draper_n or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a fellowship_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o so_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v whole_o hide_v from_o carnal_a eye_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o this_o true_a church_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n believer_n have_v with_o one_o another_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o as_o believer_n have_v their_o union_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n so_o in_o they_o also_o they_o have_v their_o communion_n man_n and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thing_n even_o in_o his_o light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n truth_n love_n power_n peace_n joy_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o very_a many_o particular_n as_o follow_v 1._o member_n come_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o man_n either_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o else_o by_o the_o persuasion_n or_o by_o the_o force_n of_o other_o and_o so_o but_o after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o none_o come_v to_o this_o true_a church_n but_o from_o the_o draw_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o own_o call_n according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n member_n be_v admit_v through_o a_o outward_a confession_n of_o doctrine_n but_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o true_a church_n but_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o right_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o so_o have_v entrance_n into_o the_o true_a church_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n there_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o righteous_a but_o in_o this_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n be_v all_o righteous_a not_o one_o except_v as_o it_o be_v write_v thy_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a isa_n 60._o for_o they_o all_o have_v their_o iniquity_n forgive_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o redeem_v and_o wash_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n 4._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o teach_v of_o man_n who_o be_v their_o head_n and_o leader_n and_o who_o judgement_n they_o depend_v on_o
to_o inquire_v after_o variety_n of_o error_n wherefore_o let_v alone_o their_o darkness_n i_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n may_v shine_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o herein_o also_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o mediate_a government_n then_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n now_o because_o many_o christian_n desire_v instruction_n and_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v herein_o be_v desirous_a also_o to_o learn_v myself_o of_o they_o that_o can_v teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o distinct_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o order_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v government_n the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n and_o if_o need_v be_v reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n 5._o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v needful_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n among_o themselves_o that_o peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v in_o christ_n they_o first_o thing_n than_o be_v 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n i_o answer_v alike_o he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o true_a church_n itself_o as_o former_o describe_v even_o to_o each_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o natural_a power_n belong_v to_o all_o natural_a man_n alike_o so_o spiritual_a power_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n power_n to_o all_o spiritual_a man_n alike_o christ_n in_o a_o believer_n be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a church-power_n and_o because_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o believer_n alike_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n therefore_o all_o believer_n partake_v alike_o of_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o no_o one_o partake_v of_o this_o power_n more_o than_o another_o any_o more_o than_o he_o partake_v of_o christ_n more_o than_o another_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o self_n same_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o according_a this_o sense_n that_o place_n in_o math._n 16._o 19_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v explain_v where_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o pope_n and_o papal_a church_n under_o colour_n of_o this_o place_n have_v make_v great_a merchandise_n and_o have_v exceed_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v the_o nation_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v forth_o and_o the_o day_n of_o their_o traffic_n be_v at_o end_n and_o yet_o since_o other_o have_v be_v truck_v with_o the_o world_n by_o their_o false_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v think_v to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n but_o the_o day_n have_v so_o far_o dawn_v that_o their_o shadow_n also_o be_v fly_v away_o but_o not_o to_o keep_v you_o long_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o peter_n have_v say_v to_o christ_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o christ_n reply_v to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o then_o add_v unto_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n father_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o to_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n or_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o son_n and_o so_o also_o they_o be_v give_v equal_o to_o each_o faithful_a christian_a who_o have_v the_o same_o revelation_n with_o peter_n as_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o so_o these_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o employ_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o office_n but_o that_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n he_o it_o be_v to_o who_o these_o key_n be_v give_v and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o so_o they_o be_v give_v to_o each_o believer_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o believer_n in_o general_n but_o what_o be_v these_o key_n quest_n about_o which_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o do_v in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n they_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a power_n whatever_o be_v that_o man_n have_v devise_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n withal_o but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o false_a conceit_n wherewith_o many_o former_a and_o present_a writer_n have_v and_o do_v still_o trouble_v the_o church_n john_n do_v tell_v we_o plain_o joh._n 20._o 22._o what_o matthew_n mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n say_v he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n breathe_v on_o they_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n hear_v be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o add_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v that_o be_v when_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o your_o will_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o christ_n then_o before_o his_o ascension_n give_v these_o key_n true_o to_o his_o disciple_n but_o more_o solemn_o and_o full_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n glorify_v and_o after_o the_o gentile_n who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n receive_v the_o spirit_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o also_o receive_v these_o key_n and_o so_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n equal_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o these_o key_n appertain_v not_o only_o to_o great_a congregation_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o very_a lest_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o christ_n have_v promise_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o where_o we_o see_v that_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n have_v as_o much_o power_n as_o peter_z and_o all_o the_o apostle_n because_o christ_n be_v equal_o present_a with_o these_o as_o with_o those_o again_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o if_o the_o offend_a brother_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o brethren_n the_o offend_a brother_n shall_v tell_v the_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a see_v man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n through_o any_o office_n but_o only_o through_o faith_n and_o by_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o church-government_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o act_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n among_o the_o faithful_a belong_v to_o every_o faithful_a man_n alike_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a power_n that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o power_n
themselves_o who_o prosperity_n be_v their_o ruin_n and_o who_o power_n be_v their_o enslave_v and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o the_o make_v void_a christian_a brotherhood_n and_o communion_n wherefore_o the_o right_a church_n to_o preserve_v in_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n must_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o distinction_n of_o laity_n and_o clerg_n but_o all_o christian_n must_v equall●●●main_v ●●main_z it_o it_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n unto_o god_n the_o five_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v equality_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o both_o between_o christian_n and_o church_n for_o this_o also_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o to_o keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n for_o though_o according_a to_o our_o first_o nativity_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n some_o be_v bear_v high_a some_o low_a some_o honourable_a some_o mean_a some_o king_n some_o subject_n etc._n etc._n yet_o according_a to_o our_o new_a or_o second_o birth_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n there_o be_v exact_a equality_n for_o here_o be_v none_o better_o or_o worse_o high_a or_o low_o but_o all_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n hope_n love_n the_o same_o god_n christ_n spirit_n the_o same_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o precious_a promise_n the_o same_o incorruptible_a crown_n and_o inheritance_n of_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o say_v paul_n 28._o speak_v of_o this_o true_a church_n there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a nor_o bond_n nor_o free_a nor_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n indeed_o in_o the_o world_n and_o before_o man_n i_o say_v again_o there_o be_v distinction_n of_o person_n and_o inequality_n but_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o before_o god_n all_o believer_n aae_fw-mi equal_a and_o this_o equality_n preserve_v peace_n but_o when_o in_o this_o kingdom_n some_o will_v be_v advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o like_o diotrephes_n that_o will_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o some_o will_v be_v strive_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o some_o at_o the_o left_a whilst_o they_o leave_v other_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o footstool_n this_o be_v that_o which_o breed_v difference_n among_o the_o very_a disciple_n who_o envy_v zebedees_n child_n for_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o therefore_o christ_n to_o preserve_v peace_n forbid_v lordship_n in_o his_o church_n and_o command_v service_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o to_o place_v man_n one_o over_o another_o but_o one_o under_o another_o and_o that_o the_o great_a must_v be_v the_o least_o the_o great_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2._o as_o equality_n among_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n church_n so_o also_o among_o church_n for_o all_o church_n be_v equal_a as_o well_o as_o all_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v no_o church_n can_v set_v itself_o before_o or_o above_o another_o all_o be_v sister_n of_o one_o mother_n beam_n of_o one_o sun_n branch_n of_o one_o vine_n stream_n of_o one_o fountain_n member_n of_o one_o body_n branch_n of_o one_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o so_o all_o equal_a in_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o church_n but_o no_o subordination_n which_o make_v void_a at_o once_o both_o equality_n and_o unity_n and_o so_o that_o church_n or_o those_o church_n that_o will_v set_v themselves_o above_o other_o church_n that_o be_v their_o equal_n as_o the_o classical_a above_o the_o congregational_a etc._n etc._n they_o be_v the_o breaker_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o unskilful_a vote_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n be_v not_o a_o way_n to_o make_v peace_n but_o to_o mar_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n moreover_o body_n no_o church_n can_v be_v subject_v to_o another_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v present_a in_o it_o and_o be_v king_n and_o lawgiver_n be_v subject_v too_o which_o not_o true_a church_n will_v either_o require_v or_o allow_v for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n will_v not_o subject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o will_v judge_v all_o by_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o judge_v it_o much_o less_o will_v they_o subject_v christ_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v dishonour_v and_o disannul_v their_o head_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v in_o christ_n name_n christ_n himself_o be_v among_o they_o and_o the_o head_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o no_o body_n else_o see_v christ_n have_v make_v no_o great_a nor_o sure_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o any_o body_n then_o to_o they_o the_o six_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o community_n itself_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o get_v head_n over_o it_o see_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v not_o dominion_n but_o service_n we_o read_v act._n 11._o 2._o that_o when_o peter_n have_v preach_v in_o the_o house_n of_o cornelius_n 〈◊〉_d a_o gentile_a or_o heathen_a the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o who_o peter_n be_v minister_n contend_v with_o he_o that_o he_o go_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o for_o as_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o peter_n be_v fain_o to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o they_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n in_o a_o vision_n to_o do_v so_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o peter_n be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o no_o lord_n over_o it_o and_o after_o vers_n 22._o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n hear_v that_o the_o grecian_n at_o antioch_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n they_o send_v barnabas_n to_o antioch_n to_o forward_o and_o perfect_a the_o work_n and_o also_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o divers_a town_n and_o country_n all_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o not_o the_o officer_n above_o the_o church_n now_o this_o also_o will_v preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o officer_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o to_o let_v they_o remain_v as_o servant_n in_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n which_o christ_n know_v the_o evil_a and_o inconvenience_n thereof_o have_v forbid_v for_o if_o the_o officer_n get_v above_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a they_o be_v masterful_a and_o troublesome_a and_o though_o never_o so_o bad_a yet_o will_v they_o get_v a_o party_n in_o the_o church_n for_o themselves_o and_o so_o work_v disturbance_n but_o if_o the_o church_n remain_v as_o it_o ought_v above_o the_o officer_n it_o quit_v they_o when_o they_o grow_v evil_a and_o unruly_a and_o choose_v better_a in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o preserve_v union_n whereas_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a officer_n when_o they_o do_v degenerate_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o seven_o rule_n be_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o congregation_n to_o take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n head_n and_o not_o to_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ringleader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n for_o whilst_o some_o say_v we_o be_v of_o paul_n other_o we_o of_o apollo_n other_o we_o of_o cephas_n they_o be_v all_o in_o this_o matter_n carnal_a and_o divide_v both_o from_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o whilst_o several_a set_v up_o several_a head_n who_o they_o especial_o own_v and_o after_o who_o they_o be_v call_v whereas_o each_o that_o believe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n be_v through_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o as_o near_o to_o christ_n as_o themselves_o be_v and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o fellow_n member_n as_o a_o head_n to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o body_n i_o say_v each_o believer_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v christ_n equal_o for_o their_o head_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o set_v up_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a head_n for_o they_o to_o join_v to_o for_o this_o be_v to_o rend_v the_o body_n in_o piece_n and_o to_o work_v great_a division_n and_o distraction_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v it_o
be_v a_o mistake_n among_o some_o brethren_n to_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o man_n though_o godly_a and_o eminent_a and_o to_o say_v mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n or_o mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n and_o so_o to_o put_v the_o church_n under_o several_a head_n which_o work_v distinction_n and_o division_n whereas_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v wherever_o it_o be_v one_o church_n under_o one_o head_n and_o governor_n jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n for_o the_o church_n or_o faithful_a to_o have_v one_o or_o more_o visible_a head_n to_o go_v to_o not_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o this_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o carnal_a church_n yet_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o people_n do_v only_o own_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n their_o true_a and_o spiritual_a head_n and_o so_o they_o all_o live_v as_o one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o under_o one_o only_a head_n live_v all_o in_o invincible_a peace_n and_o unity_n whereas_o difference_n of_o outward_a head_n and_o ringleader_n always_o breed_v difference_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n the_o eight_o rule_n be_v for_o the_o true_a church_n doctrine_n to_o keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n see_v this_o breed_v not_o only_a division_n but_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n also_o in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o some_o false_a apostle_n teach_v at_o antioch_n that_o except_o christian_n be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a error_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a church_n first_o at_o antioch_n and_o present_o after_o at_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o to_o keep_v it_o out_o which_o according_o through_o god_n they_o do_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n be_v evident_o against_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o as_o it_o love_v its_o own_o peace_n and_o unity_n now_o if_o any_o say_v quest_n by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o may_v certain_o keep_v out_o error_n by_o these_o mean_n 1._o let_v the_o church_n suffer_v none_o to_o teach_v among_o they_o error_n that_o be_v not_o themselves_o teach_v of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o great_a natural_a part_n and_o never_o so_o much_o humane_a learning_n for_o when_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n they_o will_v only_o teach_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n and_o the_o line_n of_o every_o man_n teach_v must_v extend_v no_o further_o but_o when_o they_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v they_o will_v in_o many_o thing_n vary_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o and_o under_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n will_v give_v forth_o a_o unsound_a and_o false_a sense_n to_o the_o deceive_a of_o many_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o simple_a and_o so_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n will_v utter_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o endanger_v the_o mis-leading_a of_o some_o sheep_n for_o a_o time_n 2_o let_v the_o faithful_a examine_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o receive_v doctrine_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n who_o through_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o holiness_n may_v easy_o lead_v they_o unaware_o into_o error_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o church_n compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n preach_v and_o print_v and_o general_o receive_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a see_v those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o that_o doctrine_n let_v they_o reject_v it_o as_o reprobate_a silver_n see_v the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n then_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o though_o through_o god_n especial_a goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o at_o this_o present_a time_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o search_v and_o see_v if_o our_o present_a doctrine_n do_v not_o yet_o err_v from_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n and_o whether_o some_o or_o many_o corruption_n do_v not_o yet_o remain_v among_o we_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o thing_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o keep_v out_o error_n long_o than_o it_o precise_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o bare_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o god_n and_o try_v all_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n by_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n must_v desire_v of_o god_n the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n for_o no_o man_n can_v make_v any_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o word_n he_o hear_v or_o read_v without_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o this_o anoint_v as_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_o teach_v which_o be_v truth_n so_o also_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v error_n and_o that_o by_o so_o clear_a and_o true_a a_o light_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v wherefore_o christian_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v with_o carnal_a people_n that_o the_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n and_o humane_a and_o antichristian_a error_n depend_v upon_o humane_a learning_n art_n and_o science_n for_o thus_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v whole_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o they_o conceive_v after_o this_o manner_n learned_a whereby_o they_o leave_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n through_o which_o the_o teacher_n may_v bring_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o error_n upon_o they_o but_o believer_n must_v know_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o without_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o perfect_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o error_n and_o to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o all_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o so_o a_o poor_a plain_a country_n man_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n touch_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n scholar_n or_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o 4_o another_o notable_a mean_n to_o keep_v error_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o restore_v in_o it_o that_o most_o ancient_a gospel-ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v which_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o use_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o paul_n witness_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 31._o where_o he_o say_v when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v meet_v together_o you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o add_v vers_n 3●_n if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o brethren_n labour_v that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v so_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n be_v god_n own_o commandment_n as_o every_o prophet_n and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v now_o this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v be_v three_o way_n helpful_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n 1._o for_o first_o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v beside_o he_o as_o he_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o to_o conceit_n that_o wisdom_n only_o dwell_v with_o he_o so_o he_o i●_n more_o ready_a to_o vent_v the_o
and_o kill_v the_o faithful_a in_o stead_n of_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n till_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n wherefore_o let_v all_o christian_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o favour_v the_o magistrate_n with_o this_o power_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o he_o judge_n heretic_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n as_o he_o easy_o may_v see_v he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n or_o if_o another_o shall_v succeed_v he_o of_o another_o mind_n that_o very_a sword_n may_v be_v sheathe_v in_o their_o own_o bowel_n which_o now_o they_o draw_v forth_o against_o other_o man_n 3._o when_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v power_n to_o himself_o to_o suppress_v error_n this_o make_v minister_n negligent_a in_o study_v the_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n do_v that_o by_o force_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o save_v they_o their_o labour_n for_o when_o once_o the_o minister_n shall_v have_v so_o far_o interest_v themselves_o in_o t●e_v magistrate_n as_o to_o procure_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o gaoler_n and_o executioner_n against_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v then_o need_v no_o great_a pa●ns_n to_o study_v the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o persuade_v the_o rebellious_a see_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n at_o all_o adventure_n be_v to_o defend_v their_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n the_o hangman_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o so_o the_o pastor_n have_v their_o work_n as_o they_o conceive_v thus_o do_v for_o they_o to_o their_o hand_n do_v common_o betake_v themselves_o to_o ease_n and_o idleness_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o error_n steal_v in_o apace_o upon_o the_o teacher_n themselves_o whereby_o by_o degree_n they_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v very_o many_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n think_v to_o chase_v out_o error_n before_o he_o one_o way_n he_o let_v it_o in_o behind_o he_o seven_o way_n 4._o this_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o certain_a mean_n to_o destroy_v error_n which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o destroy_v it_o which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n herein_o have_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n for_o he_o fear_v not_o all_o the_o sword_n and_o halter_n and_o weapon_n and_o prison_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v error_n withal_o but_o as_o secure_o contemn_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o leviathan_n a_o bulrush_n and_o yet_o do_v earnest_o stir_v up_o the_o world_n to_o use_v these_o thing_n against_o he_o and_o his_o error_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o fear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n than_o can_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n and_o break_v down_o all_o his_o strong_a hold_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o he_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o his_o great_a cunning_n he_o cause_v man_n to_o lay_v aside_o this_o that_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n and_o thus_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n presume_v to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o error_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v error_n that_o it_o uphold_v it_o and_o strengthen_v satan_n kingdom_n whilst_o it_o seem_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o appear_v how_o great_a a_o error_n and_o evil_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o demand_v quest_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n i_o answer_v answ_n this_o he_o may_v do_v he_o may_v and_o aught_o and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n he_o will_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o this_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v do_v this_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o any_o far_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v will_v do_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v doubt_v but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v enter_v the_o list_n against_o error_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o able_a to_o prevail_v of_o itself_o alone_o without_o call_v in_o any_o power_n or_o borrow_v any_o weapon_n from_o the_o world_n the_o nine_o rule_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n discipline_n to_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o uniformity_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o the_o hindrance_n but_o the_o very_a break_n neck_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n now_o because_o this_o be_v so_o vehement_o and_o strong_o urge_v by_o the_o unskilful_a builder_n of_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o full_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o state_n of_o this_o business_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o show_v when_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o invade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n most_o manifest_a i●_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v only_a intent_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o according_o preach_v and_o press_v nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o regard_v 72._o and_o for_o all_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o form_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o fr●e_v they_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o so_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n nor_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n neither_o bind_v the_o church_n to_o any_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n except_o those_o necessary_a thing_n mention_v act._n 15._o to_o wit_n thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n which_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o without_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o when_o the_o murder_a and_o blood_n of_o infant_n be_v common_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o help_v themselves_o but_o their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o common_a beast_n much_o more_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o therefore_o that_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o the_o cause_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a gentile_n continue_v and_o beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n which_o the_o apostle_n great_o regard_v but_o leave_v such_o thing_n free_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n every_o man_n to_o use_v therein_o his_o own_o discretion_n for_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v thereof_o whereupon_o as_o concern_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a observation_n of_o day_n time_n place_n meat_n drink_n vesture_n and_o such_o other_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v the_o diversity_n among_o man_n great_o note_v nor_o any_o uniformity_n great_o require_v thus_o christian_a liberty_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a man_n do_v not_o much_o struggle_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n till_o the_o asian_o and_o roman_n 4._o begin_v to_o dis-agree_a about_o easter-day_n to_o compose_v which_o controversy_n polycarpus_n a_o godly_a martyr_n go_v to_o rome_n ann_n 157._o and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o antoninus_n pius_n to_o anicetus_n than_o bishop_n there_o and_o though_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o they_o still_o retain_v christian_a communion_n and_o avoid_v all_o breach_n of_o peace_n afterward_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o commodus_n the_o christian_n enjoy_v some_o respite_n from_o pesecution_n begin_v to_o contend_v again_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o easter_n and_o neither_o yet_o do_v the_o difference_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n of_o brotherly_a life_n though_o they_o of_o the_o west_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o paul_n and_o peter_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o hermes_n and_o pius_n and_o not_o they_o keep_v one_o day_n and_o they_o of_o asia_n
pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o john_n keep_v another_o after_o this_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a stickler_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o easter_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o not_o yield_v to_o his_o judgement_n to_o who_o iraeneus_n write_v touch_v the_o diversity_n of_o outward_a thing_n commendat_fw-la use_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v these_o word_n notwithstanding_o the_o variety_n of_o ceremony_n among_o the_o former_a christian_n they_o all_o keep_v peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o we_o say_v he_o still_o retain_v it_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o fast_n commend_v the_o unity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n remain_v sound_a and_o entire_a till_o this_o victor_n time_n which_o be_v ann_n 200._o and_o he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v or_o rather_o enforce_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o begin_v the_o uniformity_n of_o keep_v that_o feast_n to_o be_v first_o require_v as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a and_o all_o they_o to_o be_v account_v as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o against_o this_o judgement_n of_o victor_n polycrates_n and_o many_o other_o bishop_n and_o brethren_n of_o asia_n declare_v and_o the_o matter_n have_v burst_v out_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n have_v not_o some_o godly_a man_n of_o those_o time_n bring_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o quench_v it_o among_o who_o iraeneus_n 26._o as_o eusebius_n relate_v speak_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o the_o variety_n and_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n be_v no_o strange_a matter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o this_o variety_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o easter_n but_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o fast_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o usage_n among_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o fast_a one_o some_o two_o day_n some_o more_o and_o other_o count_v 40._o hour_n both_o day_n and_o night_n reckon_v that_o for_o their_o full_a fast_a day_n and_o this_o so_o divers_a fashion_n of_o fast_v in_o the_o church_n begin_v not_o in_o our_o time_n but_o in_o they_o who_o live_v before_o we_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o with_o all_o this_o diversity_n be_v in_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v we_o neither_o do_v this_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n any_o thing_n hinder_v but_o rather_o commend_v the_o agreement_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o he_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n of_o the_o father_n of_o telesphorus_n pius_n anicetus_n soter_n eleutherius_fw-la and_o such_o other_o who_o neither_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n themselves_o nor_o prescribe_v it_o to_o other_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o keep_v christian_a charity_n with_o such_o as_o come_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o form_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v as_o well_o appear_v by_o polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n who_o although_o they_o agree_v not_o in_o one_o uniform_a custom_n of_o rite_n communionem_fw-la tamen_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la yet_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o iraeneus_n in_o his_o practice_n answer_v his_o name_n persuade_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n and_o so_o christian_n liberty_n be_v still_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o uniformity_n till_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o far_o 19_o socrates_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o live_v after_o the_o day_n of_o theodosius_n speak_v of_o the_o fast_n before_o easter_n ageret_fw-la say_v the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v at_o rome_n fast_o three_o week_n continual_o before_o easter_n beside_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o sunday_n but_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o illyria_n and_o all_o greece_n and_o alexandria_n fast_o six_o week_n before_o easter_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o fast_v in_o several_a church_n say_v and_o because_o no_o can_v bring_v forth_o any_o commandment_n write_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v this_o fast_o free_a to_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o will_n that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v by_o fear_n and_o necessity_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o relate_v many_o several_a form_n and_o usage_n in_o several_a christian_a church_n and_o conclude_v that_o matter_n thus_o potest_fw-la but_o say_v he_o to_o commit_v to_o write_v all_o the_o rite_n of_o church_n that_o be_v use_v in_o each_o city_n and_o country_n as_o it_o will_v be_v very_o troublesome_a so_o hardly_o can_v it_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o further_o i_o find_v that_o austin_n who_o be_v send_v into_o england_n by_o pope_n gregory_n ann_n 598._o among_o other_o question_n to_o the_o pope_n propound_v this_o as_o one_o that_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o divers_a and_o gregory_n return_v this_o answer_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o it_o be_v you_o know_v wherein_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o from_o your_o youth_n but_o rather_o it_o please_v i_o better_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o in_o any_o french_a church_n where_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v better_a to_o the_o service_n and_o please_v of_o god_n that_o you_o choose_v the_o same_o and_o so_o infer_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o english_a church_n which_o be_v yet_o new_a in_o the_o faith_n the_o best_a and_o pickedst_a thing_n choose_v out_o of_o many_o church_n for_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o place_n sake_n but_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a wherefore_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v good_a godly_a and_o religious_a those_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o induce_v to_o your_o people_n that_o they_o may_v take_v root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o english_a man_n so_o that_o yet_o you_o see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o enslave_v by_o any_o enforce_a uniformity_n but_o keep_v its_o own_o christian_a freedom_n till_o antichrist_n grow_v up_o to_o more_o height_n and_o get_v the_o secular_a power_n of_o prince_n to_o do_v what_o he_o list_v in_o the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o and_o his_o clergy_n make_v law_n of_o all_o that_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o enforce_v man_n to_o they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o thus_o he_o reign_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o till_o the_o determinate_a time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o than_o god_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n upon_o some_o choose_a servant_n of_o he_o uniformity_n to_o oppose_v antichrist_n as_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o in_o this_o also_o of_o uniformity_n among_o other_o who_o after_o the_o general_a fall_v away_o oppose_v this_o uniformity_n be_v john_n gerson_n chancellor_n of_o paris_n who_o live_v about_o a_o 100_o year_n before_o luther_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n receive_v much_o clear_a light_n from_o god_n he_o in_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o king_n of_o france_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o paris_n pro_fw-la pace_fw-la &_o union_n graecorum_n in_o his_o 7_o the_o consideration_n speak_v thus_o man_n ought_v not_o general_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a determination_n of_o pope_n and_o it_o will_v as_o well_o hold_v of_o all_o other_o evangelicae_fw-la who_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n whether_o they_o be_v counsel_n or_o assembly_n to_o hold_v and_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o he_o say_v this_o consideration_n well_o take_v and_o understand_v will_v be_v the_o principal_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o peace_n between_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n who_o differ_v in_o many_o outward_a form_n and_o rule_n as_o in_o baptism_n the_o latin_a church_n say_v i_o baptize_v thou_o the_o greek_a baptizetur_fw-la servus_n christi_fw-la let_v this_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v and_o in_o the_o supper_n the_o latin_a church_n use_v unleavened_a the_o greek_a leaven_a bread_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o he_o speak_v as_o a_o christian_a that_o say_v quaelibet_fw-la provincia_fw-la abundet_fw-la sensu_fw-la svo_fw-la let_v every_o province_n abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n note_v also_o say_v he_o that_o a_o good_a prince_n permit_v divers_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o to_o do_v so_o will_v often_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o
the_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o lord_n of_o arras_n a_o city_n of_o picardy_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o flanders_n will_v be_v govern_v otherwise_o then_o france_n or_o burgundy_n and_o this_o consideration_n say_v he_o right_o understand_v to_o wit_n not_o to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o let_v the_o church_n use_v its_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n uniformity_n notwithstanding_o the_o contradiction_n of_o many_o of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n luther_n also_o that_o choose_a vessel_n of_o christ_n do_v clear_o oppose_v this_o evil_n of_o uniformity_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n touch_v uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n mundi_fw-la if_o one_o church_n will_v not_o follow_v another_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n in_o those_o outward_a thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o counsel_n which_o presen_o be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o snare_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v one_o church_n free_o imitate_v another_o or_o let_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o use_v its_o own_o way_n so_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n be_v preserve_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n though_o there_o be_v variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o element_n of_o the_o world_n again_o the_o same_o luther_n after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o form_n of_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o wittingberg_n conclude_v thus_o in_o quibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cavendum_fw-la ne_fw-la legem_fw-la ex_fw-la libertate_fw-la faciamus_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o all_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o make_v not_o a_o law_n of_o liberty_n or_o constrain_v they_o to_o sin_n who_o shall_v either_o do_v otherwise_o or_o shall_v omit_v some_o thing_n so_o they_o permit_v the_o word_n of_o blessing_n to_o remain_v entire_a and_o do_v all_o act_n here_o in_o faith_n for_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o freewoman_n who_o may_v keep_v they_o willing_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v power_n to_o change_v they_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o any_o shall_v either_o desire_n or_o establish_v any_o necessary_a form_n as_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o ensnare_v or_o trouble_v man_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o in_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o primitive_a church_n any_o example_n of_o any_o such_o rite_n but_o only_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o quod_fw-la legibus_fw-la hic_fw-la obstringi_fw-la nec_fw-la possent_fw-la nec_fw-la debent_fw-la because_o these_o thing_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o law_n moreover_o if_o divers_a man_n shall_v use_v a_o diverse_a rite_n let_v none_o either_o judge_n or_o contemn_v another_o but_o let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o all_o savour_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o for_o form_n we_o act_v diverse_o and_o let_v each_o rite_n please_v other_o lest_o by_o diversity_n of_o rite_n follow_v divesity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o outward_a rite_n though_o we_o can_v want_v they_o as_o neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n yet_o they_o commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n but_o only_a faith_n and_o love_n commend_v we_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o paul_n take_v place_n here_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n accipere_fw-la but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o no_o rite_n nor_o form_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o faith_n within_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o form_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittenberg_n which_o he_o write_v out_o for_o nicholas_n hausmannus_fw-la a_o godly_a minister_n he_o say_v which_o copy_n either_o you_o or_o other_o may_v follow_v if_o you_o please_v if_o not_o we_o willing_o give_v place_n to_o the_o anoint_v be_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v from_o you_o or_o any_o other_o more_o profitable_a thing_n these_o thing_n he_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o as_o in_o other_o that_o act_n these_o thing_n peremptory_o and_o command_v and_o enforce_v they_o by_o secular_a power_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v thief_n and_o murderer_n melancton_n also_o uniformity_n persuade_v certain_a christian_n to_o unity_n who_o differ_v in_o uniformity_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o do_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n let_v we_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o mutual_a love_n nostras_fw-la and_o let_v not_o unlikeness_n and_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o bucer_n quote_v this_o place_n add_v no_o nor_o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n disjoin_v our_o mind_n upon_o all_o these_o testimony_n which_o these_o godly_a man_n give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o form_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o congregation_n of_o saint_n and_o when_o any_o shall_v set_v down_o any_o form_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v use_v they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o please_v or_o may_v add_v or_o alter_v or_o whole_o reject_v they_o and_o no_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o secular_a power_n shall_v enforce_v to_o ensnare_v conscience_n and_o to_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n in_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o obscure_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o people_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v most_o horrible_o mistake_v that_o now_o urge_v external_a uniformity_n on_o the_o church_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n who_o scarce_o mind_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o name_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o call_v one_o lord_n faith_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o do_v earnest_o and_o fierce_o labour_v for_o one_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n one_o directory_n one_o confession_n one_o catechism_n one_o discipline_n and_o to_o have_v these_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v enforce_v on_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n their_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o the_o seer_n be_v blind_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_a thing_n for_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o uniformity_n what_o woeful_a division_n will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n live_v in_o one_o form_n the_o father_n after_o the_o flood_n in_o another_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o john_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v
and_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o true_a church_n suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v reduce_v under_o this_o bondage_n again_o through_o specious_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n but_o let_v the_o church_n know_v it_o may_v use_v what_o form_n seem_v good_a to_o itself_o and_o that_o its_o true_a unity_n stand_v in_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o thus_o only_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v one_o yea_o thus_o only_a the_o church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o faithful_a to_o know_v that_o uniformity_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o or_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o god_n may_v make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o he_o abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n ephes_n 2._o 15._o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n so_o high_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o he_o repeal_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o dissolve_v his_o own_o outward_a ordinance_n now_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v make_v void_a rather_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n how_o much_o more_o any_o ceremony_n or_o outward_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n devise_v let_v he_o that_o read_v understand_v and_o these_o be_v the_o practical_a rule_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a and_o now_o we_o hasten_v to_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o in_o which_o case_n we_o be_v necessary_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o wit_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o no._n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o first_o they_o be_v either_o thing_n ceremonial_a and_o circumstantial_a or_o second_o very_a truth_n themselves_o yet_o such_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v for_o the_o present_a err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n consider_v if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n we_o shall_v mind_v these_o thing_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o contend_v for_o vanity_n thing_n nor_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o trifle_n and_o thing_n of_o no_o weight_n or_o moment_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n shall_v so_o earnest_o contend_v about_o the_o day_n on_o which_o easter_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o upon_o difference_n herein_o shall_v divide_v into_o sect_n as_o they_o do_v see_v there_o always_o shine_v light_n enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o slight_a circumstance_n not_o worth_a the_o mind_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o no_o where_o for_o the_o form_n of_o it_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o 2._o we_o ought_v not_o for_o contrary_a mindedness_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o avoid_v christian_a converse_n and_o communnion_n with_o one_o another_o for_o strangeness_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o case_n both_o breed_v and_o increase_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n &_o cause_n that_o we_o harbour_v hard_a thought_n brother_n against_o brother_n and_o it_o take_v away_o all_o opportunity_n of_o conference_n and_o of_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v one_o another_o and_o so_o of_o reconciliation_n 3._o in_o these_o thing_n whereof_o neither_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n produce_v innumerable_a sect_n in_o the_o church_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o see_v such_o deadly_a enmity_n arise_v among_o sect_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o therefore_o that_o rash_a judgement_n that_o produce_v these_o sect_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a advancer_n of_o the_o devil_n work_v of_o division_n 4._o let_v we_o know_v faithful_a wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n kingdom_n stand_v to_o wit_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o order_n and_o where_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v let_v we_o be_v content_v though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o form_n and_o circumstance_n let_v we_o take_v careful_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o godliness_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o circumstance_n the_o high_a good_a in_o the_o church_n be_v salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o gift_n give_v to_o all_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o other_o thing_n yea_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o where_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v not_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n to_o contend_v about_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o 5._o in_o case_n man_n differ_v in_o judgement_n importance_n in_o these_o circumstantial_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v in_o present_a power_n ought_v take_v care_n especial_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n saint_n but_o that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v may_v have_v free_a liberty_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o find_v pasture_n it_o be_v a_o most_o antichristian_a thing_n to_o make_v another_o key_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o true_a church_n beside_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o than_o it_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n key_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a without_o man_n also_o yea_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n key_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a without_o christ_n that_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o be_v believer_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o also_o conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n but_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o by_o make_v another_o key_n to_o god_n kingdom_n beside_o the_o key_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v keep_v out_o and_o keep_v out_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v let_v in_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v avoid_v as_o extreme_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o they_o must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o prefer_v christian_n to_o place_n of_o public_a ministry_n and_o employment_n they_o that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n but_o that_o they_o dispose_v of_o they_o alike_o to_o godly_a man_n of_o 〈◊〉_d judgement_n lest_o otherwise_o many_o smell_v the_o design_n of_o anti-christ_n underneath_o which_o be_v that_o none_o shall_v buy_v or_o sell_v or_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o church_n or_o university_n but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v take_v a_o certain_a mark_n into_o their_o forehead_n and_o right_a hand_n and_o though_o the_o outward_a mark_n of_o the_o mystery_n may_v change_v yet_o the_o inward_a mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o do_v not_o change_v with_o the_o change_n of_o form_n 3._o if_o one_o sort_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n other_o or_o prefer_v as_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o another_o much_o less_o be_v one_o party_n to_o be_v destroy_v for_o another_o for_o thus_o will_v satan_n also_o be_v a_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o will_v destroy_v christ_n kingdom_n to_o exalt_v his_o own_o that_o he_o may_v possess_v all_o quiet_o and_o alone_o but_o christ_n way_n be_v to_o reconcile_v those_o that_o differ_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o of_o twain_o to_o make_v they_o one_o new_a man_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o christ_n if_o we_o seek_v to_o bring_v both_o into_o one_o in_o