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church_n conceive_v former_a great_a 142 3 2.1334 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A77507 The sacred and soveraigne church-remedie: or, The primitive and apostolicall way of composing ecclesiasticall differences, and establishing the churches of Christ. Wherein the authority and utility of lawfull councels and synods is asserted and vindicated, and divers of the sad controversies of the times modestly debated; first preached in the parish church of great Yarmouth, and now published for a preservative against the poyson of anti-synodall suggestions, and a preparative to the receiving of what mercy God shall please to convey unto his Church in this kingdome, through the hands of the present reverend Assembly of Divines. / By John Brinsley. Brinsley, John, 1600-1665. 1645 (1645) Wing B4725; Thomason E269_27; ESTC R212361 64,670 94

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exposition_n whether_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o place_n or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o now_o contend_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o be_v a_o truth_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n be_v chief_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a a_o government_n exercise_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n where_o christ_n set_v up_o his_o throne_n his_o sceptre_n rule_v there_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n subdue_a rebellious_a lust_n bring_v they_o under_o and_o keep_v they_o under_o bring_v every_o thought_n into_o obedience_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o the_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n if_o it_o do_v belong_v proper_o to_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o it_o so_o let_v minister_n and_o so_o let_v the_o people_n look_v upon_o be_v not_o spend_v all_o or_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o time_n about_o matter_n of_o church-government_n discipline_n study_v this_o 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act_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v but_o certain_o take_v it_o how_o we_o will_v it_o import_v a_o exceed_a great_a number_n well_o nigh_o innumerable_a so_o i_o find_v the_o word_n in_o two_o place_n translate_v 1._o luk._n 12._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v gather_v together_o a_o innumerable_a 22_o multitude_n of_o people_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o so_o again_o heb._n 12._o 22._o we_o read_v of_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o such_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n which_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n almost_o a_o innumerable_a company_n so_o as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v all_o together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n to_o i_o it_o be_v no_o question_n they_o have_v several_a congregation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o these_o 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same_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o officer_n sure_o in_o all_o probability_n thus_o it_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o the_o proto-primitive_a church_n and_o why_o not_o now_o but_o not_o to_o wade_v too_o far_o into_o this_o collateral_a controversy_n from_o which_o i_o have_v bind_v myself_o before_o however_o certain_o to_o multiply_v church_n in_o one_o town_n one_o city_n especial_o to_o set_v up_o church_n in_o church_n the_o one_o extract_v out_o of_o the_o other_o this_o have_v no_o precedent_n no_o warrant_n no_o maintenance_n no_o countenance_n from_o any_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a time_n object_n no_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o say_v we_o then_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n set_v up_o church_n in_o that_o church_n and_o those_o extract_v out_o of_o it_o answ._n to_o this_o shadow_n of_o a_o argument_n it_o be_v soon_o answer_v here_o be_v not_o one_o church_n set_v up_o in_o another_o but_o many_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o one_o so_o as_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o pull_n down_o of_o the_o other_o even_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o two_o covenant_n old_a and_o new_a the_o first_o be_v take_v away_o that_o the_o second_o may_v be_v establish_v heb._n 10._o 9_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o two_o church_n that_o legal_a this_o evangelical_a as_o for_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o be_v now_o like_o the_o jewish_a legal_a covenant_n which_o last_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o heb._n 8._o call_v it_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o antiquatum_fw-la quid_fw-la and_o senes●ens_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v antiquate_v and_o wax●●_z old_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o nigh_o to_o vanish_v ready_a to_o disappear_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o so_o as_o here_o be_v only_o a_o new_a edifice_n to_o be_v erect_v upon_o those_o ruin_n a_o new_a church_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o a_o evangelical_a way_n where_o that_o legal_a church_n have_v be_v now_o i_o confess_v have_v we_o to_o deal_v with_o rigid_a downright_a separatist_n who_o look_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o anti-christian_n synagogue_n fit_a to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o pull_v down_o say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o edomite_n language_n raze_v they_o raze_v they_o even_o to_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o 7._o then_o may_v this_o argument_n have_v some_o colour_n of_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o otherwise_o where_o our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o true_a church_n in_o this_o case_n to_o set_v up_o a_o church_n in_o a_o church_n and_o to_o extract_v the_o one_o out_o of_o the_o other_o i_o say_v it_o again_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o scripture_n will_v give_v no_o warrant_n no_o precedent_n for_o quest_n but_o suppose_v a_o church_n be_v defective_a or_o corrupt_v in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v answ._n not_o present_o think_v of_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o set_v up_o another_o 11._o be_v it_o not_o the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o that_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o a_o church_n in_o that_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o walk_v in_o a_o pure_a way_n but_o rather_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o purge_v and_o reform_v it_o this_o will_v we_o do_v by_o our_o house_n if_o they_o be_v foul_a we_o will_v sweep_v they_o if_o decay_a and_o impair_v though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_n we_o will_v not_o present_o think_v of_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o build_v other_o out_o of_o their_o timber_n and_o material_n but_o repair_v they_o and_o thus_o do_v king_n jehoash_n for_o 14._o the_o house_n of_o his_o god_n the_o temple_n find_v it_o ruinous_a he_o give_v order_n not_o to_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o build_v a_o new_a one_o but_o to_o repair_v it_o o_o that_o we_o will_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v such_o thought_n concerning_o the_o church_n or_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v a_o thought_n which_o god_n have_v already_o put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o what_o progress_n and_o procedure_n be_v already_o make_v in_o the_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o i_o hope_v time_n ere_o long_o will_v declare_v it_o herein_o then_o let_v all_o our_o heart_n close_a and_o comply_v with_o they_o every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n do_v what_o we_o may_v to_o further_a so_o pious_a a_o undertake_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n take_v heed_n of_o adventure_v upon_o new_a way_n which_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n for_o what_o way_n of_o gather_v and_o set_v up_o of_o church_n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o you_o may_v see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v those_o which_o embrace_v the_o faith_n within_o such_o a_o circuit_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o city_n and_o the_o adjacent_a territory_n they_o be_v all_o frame_v together_o into_o one_o christian_a society_n or_o church_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o city_n and_o church_n in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o you_o see_v put_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o as_o elsewhere_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n quest_n deliver_v they_o but_o what_o city_n what_o church_n be_v these_o answ._n the_o text_n lay_v it_o down_o in_o indefinite_a word_n carry_v universali_fw-la with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o a_o universal_a viz._n what_o ever_o city_n they_o pass_v through_o where_o there_o be_v any_o church_n they_o deliver_v these_o decree_n unto_o they_o quest_n here_o a_o scruple_n may_v arise_v why_o shall_v the_o apostle_n here_o deliver_v these_o decree_n alike_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n where_o they_o come_v when_o as_o all_o of_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v at_o this_o council_n as_o 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15._o of_o february_n 1644._o order_a by_o the_o commons_o in_o parliament_n that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v forthwith_o print_v and_o publish_v hen._n elsing_n cler._n parl._n dom._n com._n the_o sacred_a and_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n or_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a way_n of_o compose_v ecclesiastical_a difference_n and_o establish_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o authority_n and_o utility_n of_o lawful_a counsel_n and_o synod_n be_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v and_o divers_a of_o the_o sad-controversy_n of_o the_o time_n modest_o debate_v first_o preach_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o great_a yarmouth_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o a_o preservative_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o anti-synodal_a suggestion_n and_o a_o preparative_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o what_o mercy_n god_n shall_v please_v to_o convey_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o present_a reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n conciliorum_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la saluberrima_fw-la authoritas_fw-la august_n epist._n 128._o quad●a_n multis_fw-la queritur_fw-la facilius_fw-la invenitur_fw-la whittak_n contra_fw-la bellarm._n quest_n 5._o cap._n 6._o by_o john_n brinsley_n london_n print_v by_o moses_n bell_n for_o edward_n brewster_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n on_o ludgate_n hill_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n near_o fleet-bridge_n 1645._o viris_fw-la tam_fw-la erudition_fw-la quam_fw-la pietate_fw-la conspicuis_fw-la gulielmo_n twisso_fw-la s._n t._n d._n prolocutori_fw-la ac_fw-la praesidi_fw-la dignissimo_fw-la reliquoque_fw-la theologorum_fw-la choro_fw-la in_fw-la synodali_fw-la conventu_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la sanitati_fw-la cultus_fw-la p●ritati_fw-la politiae_fw-la eutaxiae_fw-la ecclesiaque_fw-la paci_fw-la seri●_z et_fw-la sedulò_fw-la operam_fw-la navantibus_fw-la hasce_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la synodorumque_fw-la vindicias_fw-la caeterasque_fw-la de_fw-la deplorandis_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la praesentis_fw-la aevi_fw-la controversus_fw-la candidas_fw-la ac_fw-la amicabiles_fw-la disceptationes_fw-la quales_fw-la quales_fw-la d._n d._n d._n joannes_n brinsleius_n i_o have_v peruse_v diligent_o this_o treatise_n call_v the_o sacred_a and_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n and_o find_v it_o pen_v with_o much_o strength_n candour_n and_o modesty_n and_o desire_v some_o heal_a plaster_n for_o our_o sad_a division_n affix_v this_o approbation_n and_o imprimatur_fw-la ia._n cranford_n ian._n 16._o 1644._o the_o sacred_a and_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n act_n 16._o verse_n 4._o 5._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n for_o to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v in_o number_n daily_o 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n say_v s._n paul_n for_o our_o instruction_n our_o direction_n for_o the_o inform_n of_o our_o judgement_n for_o the_o regulate_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o sure_o of_o such_o use_n be_v this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v now_o single_v forth_o wherein_o we_o have_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n or_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a may_v of_o compose_v ecclesiastical_a difference_n and_o settle_v and_o establish_v the_o divide_a distract_a church_n of_o christ_n viz._n by_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o synodical_a decree_n of_o a_o venerable_a council_n to_o keep_v so_o run_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o deliver_v these_o decree_n what_o decree_n do_v they_o deliver_v to_o who_o do_v they_o deliver_v they_o to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o deliver_v they_o what_o be_v the_o success_n and_o fruit_n of_o this_o delivery_n let_v these_o five_o serve_v for_o the_o part_n of_o the_o text_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v god_n willing_a pass_v over_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n observation_n application_n with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o perspicuity_n as_o possible_o i_o can_v let_v your_o attention_n your_o ear_n and_o heart_n go_v along_o with_o i_o and_o that_o without_o either_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n it_o shall_v be_v much_o against_o my_o will_n if_o in_o handle_v this_o subject_a i_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o the_o text_n do_v any_o in●urie_n to_o the_o truth_n any_o disservice_n to_o the_o church_n or_o yet_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o who_o face_n be_v sion-ward_n 1._o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o not_o much_o the_o messenger_n who_o they_o be_v that_o undertake_v and_o make_v delivery_n of_o these_o decree_n to_o the_o church_n viz_o paul_n and_o silas_n so_o much_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o 41._o last_o verse_n but_o one_o of_o the_o chapter_n foregoing_a paul_n choose_v silas_n and_o depart_v etc._n etc._n go_v through_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n as_o the_o last_o word_n have_v it_o confirm_v the_o church_n confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n by_o their_o doctrine_n withal_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o their_o unity_n and_o peace_n this_o the_o apostle_n everywhere_o show_v himself_o very_o studious_a of_o and_o 16._o solicitous_a for_o earnest_o wish_v it_o grace_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v his_o constant_a salutation_n to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o lord_n of_o peace_n himself_o give_v you_o pe●ce_v always_o by_o all_o mean_n it_o be_v his_o farewell_n to_o his_o thessalonian_n in_o both_o meaning_n not_o only_o though_o principal_o inward_a but_o also_o outward_a 13._o peace_n serious_o exhort_v to_o it_o final_o brethren_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n 2_o cor._n 13._o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 13._o be_v ze●lous_a for_o their_o peace_n he_o be_v as_o jealous_a of_o their_o division_n receive_v the_o 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the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o here_o in_o the_o text_n pass_v through_o the_o city_n he_o deliver_v these_o decree_n to_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v heal_v those_o breach_n and_o make_v up_o those_o rent_n which_o some_o difference_n in_o opinion_n have_v make_v among_o they_o obser._n behold_v here_o a_o excellent_a pattern_n as_o for_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a so_o more_o special_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v they_o to_o make_v this_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n to_o procure_v the_o church_n peace_n as_o to_o maintain_v truth_n so_o peace_n god_n have_v put_v they_o together_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n let_v not_o any_o dare_v to_o put_v they_o asunder_o 19_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v minister_n as_o of_o truth_n so_o of_o peace_n let_v they_o make_v it_o their_o joint_a work_n as_o to_o 7._o defend_v and_o vindicate_v the_o 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the_o soul_n follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o church_n the_o temper_n of_o the_o state_n this_o dyscrasi●_n like_o a_o feverish_a distemper_n it_o be_v to_o be_v feel_v more_o or_o less_o in_o every_o member_n of_o this_o body_n touch_v where_o we_o will_v we_o shall_v find_v the_o church_n pulse_n beat_v very_o unequal_o we_o in_o this_o remote_a angle_n this_o toe_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o kingdom_n however_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o such_o paroxysm_n do_v not_o feel_v of_o it_o so_o much_o as_o some_o other_o part_n do_v yet_o can_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v free_a now_o in_o this_o case_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o to_o take_v every_o opportunity_n to_o contribute_v what_o i_o be_o able_a to_o the_o stay_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o quiet_v and_o quell_v of_o these_o difference_n at_o least_o in_o this_o place_n this_o be_v the_o mark_n whereat_o i_o aim_v and_o that_o with_o a_o single_a eye_n let_v i_o now_o in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n advance_v pass_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a wherein_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o plaster_n which_o this_o skilful_a surgeon_n appli_v to_o this_o sore_a the_o remedy_n which_o this_o wise_a physician_n minister_n to_o this_o malady_n viz._n a_o receipt_n of_o synodical_a decree_n so_o it_o follow_v 2._o and_o as_o they_o go_v throrow_v the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n here_o be_v the_o quid._n what_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n here_o make_v delivery_n of_o viz_o decree_n decrsee_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n decree_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o who_o be_v these_o apostle_n and_o elder_n what_o be_v these_o decree_n why_o make_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v insist_v several_o 1._o 1._o who_o be_v these_o 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in_o it_o and_o so_o determine_v controversy_n and_o order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n applic._n see_v here_o then_o a_o warrant_n for_o that_o course_n which_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v pitch_v upon_o in_o gather_v together_o a_o select_a company_n though_o not_o of_o apostle_n yet_o of_o elder_n such_o as_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n afford_v to_o consult_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n to_o examine_v and_o decide_v the_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o disquiet_v and_o endanger_v the_o state_n of_o it_o and_o to_o regulate_v and_o order_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o word_n let_v not_o this_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o any_o as_o a_o new_a or_o yet_o human_a invention_n sure_o i_o be_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o for_o some_o circumstance_n if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o formality_n in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v the_o present_a necessity_n must_v plead_v a_o excuse_n for_o that_o defect_n but_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n warrant_v and_o president_v by_o this_o first_o pattern_n this_o first_o synodical_a assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n object_n i_o know_v against_o this_o divers_a thing_n have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v object_v in_o this_o first_o council_n here_o be_v apostle_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o other_o even_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o our_o synod_n our_o assembly_n object_n 1._o here_o be_v apostle_n man_n divine_o and_o immediate_o inspire_v man_n of_o infallible_a spirit_n upon_o who_o judgement_n the_o church_n may_v safe_o rely_v and_o to_o who_o determination_n other_o may_v safe_o subscribe_v but_o we_o have_v none_o such_o neither_o have_v the_o church_n have_v in_o any_o age_n since_o their_o time_n answ._n to_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n god_n willing_a to_o answer_v more_o full_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o text_n for_o the_o present_a only_o know_v we_o that_o though_o the_o church_n have_v no_o apostle_n nor_o prophet_n yet_o it_o have_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n such_o as_o do_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n though_o not_o in_o their_o chair_n yet_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ordinary_a ministry_n elder_n to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o chief_a care_n and_o oversight_n of_o 5._o the_o church_n to_o feed_v and_o govern_v it_o 29._o beside_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n how_o ever_o they_o be_v member_n and_o chief_a member_n of_o this_o council_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sit_v there_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o apostle_n as_o man_n immediate_o inspire_v but_o as_o assemble_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o debate_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n present_v to_o they_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n but_o of_o this_o god_n willing_a more_o hereafter_o object_n 2._o for_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o apostle_n and_o 2._o elder_n ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o of_o other_o for_o this_o the_o 2._o vers._n of_o the_o 15._o chap._n seem_v to_o express_v where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n determine_v to_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o ibid._n ans._n but_o who_o be_v these_o other_o aretius_n not_o without_o good_a probability_n conceive_v they_o to_o be_v some_o of_o the_o opposite_a party_n who_o they_o send_v together_o with_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o fair_a hear_n and_o proceed_v so_o much_o methinks_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n compare_v with_o the_o latter_a seem_v to_o impart_v when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n say_v the_o text_n have_v have_v no_o small_a dissension_n with_o they_o viz._n those_o false_a teacher_n the_o church_n determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n where_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o with_o they_o and_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o relate_v the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o certain_o some_o of_o they_o be_v there_o present_a in_o that_o 10._o council_n to_o who_o else_o speak_v the_o apostle_n saint_n peter_n in_o the_o ten_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n now_o therefore_o why_o tempt_v you_o god_n and_o c_o and_o these_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v those_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o those_o some_o other_o there_o speak_v of_o answ._n 2._o but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o send_v some_o from_o among_o themselves_o yet_o who_o shall_v we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v certain_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n delegate_a and_o commissionated_v 24._o by_o the_o church_n for_o that_o service_n messenger_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o speak_v of_o some_o whether_o barnabas_n or_o silas_n or_o luke_n it_o be_v various_o and_o uncertain_o conjecture_v who_o be_v employ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n he_o call_v they_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o apostle_n ambassador_n messenger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sure_o such_o must_v these_o certain_a other_o be_v object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v in_o this_o council_n here_o be_v not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a elder_n and_o officer_n delegate_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v a_o whole_a church_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o 23._o vers._n of_o that_o 15._o chap._n where_o messenger_n be_v choose_v and_o send_v away_o from_o the_o council_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o please_v the_o apostle_n 23._o and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n to_o antioch_n answ._n for_o answer_v to_o this_o what_o be_v there_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o only_o *_o rutherford_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o that_o synodical_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o and_o against_o the_o former_a it_o be_v argue_v not_o without_o some_o probability_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o can_v be_v first_o that_o church_n be_v so_o numerous_a all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v at_o one_o synod_n 2._o but_o second_o suppose_v such_o a_o possibility_n yet_o what_o authority_n have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o send_v such_o bind_a decree_n to_o any_o other_o church_n par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la one_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o another_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n than_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n have_v over_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_o conclude_v that_o by_o the_o church_n there_o must_v rather_o be_v mean_v that_o synodical_a assembly_n a_o representative_a church_n than_o the_o whole_a multitude_n ofbeliever_n but_o it_o be_v say_v express_o the_o multitude_n be_v there_o so_o it_o be_v say_v vers._n 12._o all_o the_o multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o give_v audience_n to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n a._o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o 〈…〉_z {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o multitude_n there_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n meet_v together_o synodical_o from_o divers_a church_n be_v in_o number_n many_o so_o master_n *_o 19_o beza_n and_o divers_a other_o expositor_n conceive_v of_o it_o refer_v the●e_n word_n to_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o chap._n certain_o as_o for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o i_o say_v they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n too_o numerous_a to_o convene_v at_o such_o a_o meeting_n ob._n but_o it_o be_v reply_v though_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o and_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v there_o present_a though_o not_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o a_o good_a part_n of_o it_o so_o the_o word_n church_n be_v use_v synecdochical_o in_o verse_n 3._o 3._o of_o that_o chap._n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v bring_v on_o their_o way_n by_o the_o church_n answ._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o take_v these_o four_o thing_n fir●_z whether_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v uncertain_a the_o evidence_n bring_v for_o it_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a second_o suppose_v some_o of_o they_o be_v there_o present_a which_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o
earnest_a disputation_n the_o point_v propound_v be_v controvert_v and_o agitate_a pray_v and_o con_fw-mi on_o both_o side_n to_o blot_v out_o the_o truth_n now_o what_o need_v this_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v immediate_a inspiration_n be_v like_o the_o sunbeam_n which_o be_v not_o bring_v unto_o the_o eye_n by_o any_o such_o crooked_a and_o wind_a ray_n as_o they_o be_v sometime_o paint_v but_o by_o direct_a line_n thus_o be_v immediate_a inspiration_n bring_v unto_o the_o mind_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o apostle_n 21._o who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o without_o any_o such_o consultation_n with_o themselves_o or_o other_o put_v these_o three_o together_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o evidence_n to_o clear_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o council_n do_v not_o sit_v and_o act_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o proceed_v in_o this_o business_n as_o immediate_o inspire_v object_n no_o you_o may_v say_v why_o their_o word_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o plain_a express_o aver_v so_o much_o that_o what_o herein_o they_o conclude_v and_o agreeed_o upon_o it_o be_v by_o the_o direction_n and_o instigation_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o run_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o council_n it_o seem_v good_a 28._o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o i_o e._n to_o the_o spirit_n suggest_v to_o they_o consent_v to_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o master_n to_o they_o as_o the_o scholar_n subscribe_v lap._n to_o their_o master_n dictate_v or_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d i_o e._n to_o we_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o instinct_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n answ._n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o assist_v and_o guide_v must_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o what_o kind_n of_o instinct_n or_o suggestion_n be_v this_o be_v it_o mediate_v or_o immediate_a ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a here_o be_v the_o knot_n of_o the_o controversy_n papist_n general_o contend_v for_o the_o latter_a suppose_v lo●in_n it_o to_o make_v something_o for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o counsel_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o direct_v by_o the_o same_o unerring_a spirit_n but_o this_o whoever_o be_v the_o patron_n of_o it_o our_o reverend_a and_o learned_a cartwright_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o rhemist_n who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n censure_v for_o a_o fond_a im●gination_n it_o seem_v say_v he_o to_o they_o loc._n that_o you_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o council_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o the_o meaning_n be_v no●_z say_v he_o as_o you_o fond_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v immediate_o 〈…〉_z god_n this_o he_o aver_v as_o you_o see_v with_o great_a confidence_n and_o this_o he_o make_v good_a by_o a_o argument_n which_o as_o yet_o have_v not_o neither_o do_v i_o think_v ever_o will_v be_v sound_o and_o satisfactory_o answer_v take_v from_o the_o word_n themselves_o which_o say_v as_o much_o of_o the_o elder_n as_o of_o the_o apostle_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o but_o this_o will_v not_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o elder_n that_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v much_o less_o of_o the_o people_n who_o presence_n and_o consent_n he_o conceive_v they_o to_o have_v make_v use_n of_o last_o a_o immediate_a inspire_a spirit_n than_o it_o be_v not_o what_o then_o why_o a_o ordinary_a synodical_a spirit_n as_o the_o learned_a professor_n of_o scotland_n call_v it_o even_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n loe_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o be_v so_o convene_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n where_o two_o or_o three_o 20._o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n in_o my_o authority_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n among_o they_o mat._n 18._o a_o promise_n which_o though_o not_o only_o yet_o primary_o and_o proper_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n of_o church-officer_n assemble_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n promise_v to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n among_o they_o both_o assist_v and_o ratify_v thus_o be_v he_o present_a with_o this_o first_o council_n and_o thus_o be_v he_o at_o this_o day_n present_a with_o all_o assembly_n of_o like_a nature_n meeting_n and_o proceed_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o do_v quest_n but_o what_o then_o may_v all_o or_o any_o other_o assembly_n synod_n co●●cels_n in_o succeed_a age_n presume_v to_o take_v up_o their_o word_n and_o say_v the_o same_o of_o their_o decree_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o here_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o many_o as_o not_o only_o militant_a but_o triumphant_a lo●_n answ._n in_o answer_v hereunto_o i_o list_v not_o to_o lend_v a_o care_n to_o what_o our_o adversary_n of_o rome_n earnest_o contend_v for_o this_o first_o council_n say_v bellarmine_n and_o the_o rhemist_n have_v give_v this_o form_n of_o speech_n to_o all_o other_o counsel_n lawful_o call_v and_o confirm_v viz._n by_o the_o pope_n to_o say_v the_o like_a it_o have_v please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o let_v that_o pass_n which_o can_v be_v make_v good_a unless_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o holy_a treat._n ghost_n which_o the_o story_n tell_v we_o be_v carry_v from_o rome_n to_o trent_n in_o a_o clo●●●og_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v return_v to_o this_o objection_n or_o question_n this_o threefold_a answer_n 1._o de_fw-la facto_fw-la it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o counsel_n of_o old_a some_o many_o of_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o a_o form_n of_o speech_n not_o unlike_o to_o this_o the_o ancient_a father_n cyprian_n with_o some_o other_o of_o the_o co●nel_n father_n of_o a_o african_a council_n make_v report_n unto_o cornelius_n then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n what_o the_o council_n have_v agree_v upon_o they_o use_v these_o cyp._n word_n placuit_fw-la nobis_fw-la sancto_fw-la spiritu_fw-la suggerente_fw-la it_o have_v seem_v good_a to_o we_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereupon_o pamelius_n note_v that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o a_o form_n of_o speech_n ancient_o and_o common_o use_v in_o counsel_n this_o they_o have_v say_v and_o 2._o de_fw-la debito_fw-la this_o all_o counsel_n and_o synod_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v decree_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v of_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v here_o of_o their_o determination_n i●_z seem_v good_a 372._o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o he_o our_o master_n to_o we_o his_o scholar_n herein_o this_o first_o shall_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o succeed_a counsel_n and_o synod_n show_v they_o not_o what_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la they_o may_v do_v but_o what_o de_fw-la debito_fw-la they_o shall_v do_v viz._n so_o to_o proceed_v as_o they_o may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o 3._o de_fw-la licito_fw-la this_o they_o with_o holy_a reverence_n may_v say_v when_o they_o 17._o proceed_v as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n here_o do_v viz._n by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n so_o do_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o here_o proceed_v ground_v and_o bottome_v their_o decree_n upon_o scripture_n second_v with_o some_o 28._o evidence_n from_o heaven_n and_o thus_o do_v that_o african_a council_n proceed_v cyprian_n with_o the_o father_n of_o africa_n say_v our_o judicial_a fulk_n do_v declare_v unto_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n upon_o what_o authority_n of_o scripture_n ibid._n their_o determination_n be_v ground_v etc._n etc._n and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v say_v our_o reverend_a cartwright_n that_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n viz._n the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n scripture_n we_o know_v they_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n indict_v by_o he_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o one_o be_v sometime_o put_v for_o the_o 〈…〉_z other_o scripture_n sometime_o put_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o scripture_n foresee_v say_v s._n paul_n i_o e._n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o put_v for_o the_o scripture_n wherefore_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n say_v the_o apostle_n cite_v that_o of_o
consequent_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o church_n but_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v necessary_a so_o do_v the_o council_n here_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o ●o_z lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o 18_o these_o necess●rie_a thing_n the_o thing_n by_o they_o here_o impose_v be_v all_o necess●rie_n necessary_a either_o simple_o and_o absolute_o by_o a_o intrin●●call_a necessity_n necessary_a at_o all_o time_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o abstain_n from_o fornication_n or_o respective_o by_o a_o ●●t●ixsecall_a or_o accidental_a necessity_n necessary_a pro_fw-la 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o present_a time_n such_o be_v these_o other_o thing_n here_o prohibit_v though_o in_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o in_o ●●spect_n of_o the_o s●andall_n then_o occasion_v by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o they_o be_v for_o the_o time_n necessary_a to_o be_v decline_v and_o abstain_v from_o and_o sure_o such_o shall_v the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o all_o counsel_n and_o synod_n be_v viz._n touch_v thing_n necessary_a necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v or_o avoid_v necessary_a as_o i_o say_v either_o simple_o in_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n at_o all_o time_n or_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n necessary_a for_o the_o time_n which_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v be_v as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o council_n here_o make_v it_o plain_a which_o speak_v of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a yet_o call_v they_o necessary_a quest_n what_o then_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n or_o synod_n change_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o indifferent_a make_v they_o necessary_a this_o our_o adversary_n of_o rome_n contend_v for_o it_o be_v their_o gloss_n upon_o the_o twenty_o verse_n of_o this_o fifteen_o chapter_n see_v here_o say_v they_o the_o 20._o great_a authority_n of_o god_n church_n and_o counsel_n which_o may_v command_v for_o ever_o or_o for_o a_o time_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o state_n of_o time_n and_o nation_n without_o any_o express_a scripture_n at_o all_o and_o so_o by_o commandment_n make_v thing_n necessary_a which_o be_v before_o indifferent_a and_o this_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v unwary_o and_o unsuspected_o swallow_v our_o learned_a and_o judicious_a l●c_fw-la doctor_n fulk_n that_o malleus_fw-la haereticorum_fw-la in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o that_o gloss_n of_o the_o rhemist_n stick_v not_o to_o grant_v they_o what_o therein_o they_o desire_v in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n say_v he_o we_o yield_v to_o your_o observation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v special_o of_o late_a time_n a_o receive_a maxim_n that_o authority_n come_v upon_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o make_v they_o of_o indifferent_a necessary_a a._n but_o to_o this_o we_o can_v subscribe_v certain_o the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o power_n to_o change_v or_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n either_o to_o make_v thing_n necessary_a indifferent_a or_o thing_n indifferent_a necessary_a which_o in_o ●●id_v m._n cartwright_n judgement_n be_v all_o one_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v for_o it_o be_v convince_a to_o give_v the_o church_n any_o such_o power_n be_v to_o give_v it_o a_o power_n over_o and_o above_o the_o scripture_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o middle_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o this_o first_o council_n do_v not_o they_o by_o impose_v of_o these_o thing_n upon_o the_o church_n make_v they_o necessary_a which_o be_v before_o indifferent_a ans._n i_o answer_v no_o they_o be_v necessary_a before_o they_o impose_v they_o q_o how_o can_v that_o be_v what_o necessary_a and_o indifferent_a both_o ans._n yes_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o but_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o p●esent_a occasion_n and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o council_n impose_v they_o because_o they_o apprehend_v they_o so_o to_o be_v mark_v it_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o therefore_o necessary_a because_o they_o impose_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v for_o the_o time_n necessary_a therefore_o they_o impose_v they_o as_o for_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v not_o change_v nor_o alter_v by_o their_o command_n come_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v indifferent_a before_o so_o they_o remain_v indifferent_a still_o viz._n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o conscience_n only_o make_v necessary_a by_o accident_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o present_a occasion_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o as_o brief_o as_o plain_o as_o full_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v 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a_o sunbe●me_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o take_v we_o heed_n then_o this_o how_o we_o oppose_v how_o we_o resist_v this_o way_n lest_o in_o so_o do_v we_o run_v unaware_o into_o a_o oeomaxia_n at_o least_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n to_o bring_v the_o application_n home_o to_o the_o present_a time_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v it_o you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v at_o this_o day_n pitch_v upon_o for_o the_o compose_n of_o ecclesiastical_a diffecence_n and_o for_o the_o reform_n and_o establish_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o we_o viz._n to_o call_v together_o a_o assembly_n of_o this_o nature_n wherein_o they_o have_v for_o substance_n and_o i_o think_v for_o circumstance_n so_o far_o as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v this_o primitive_a pattern_n let_v i_o only_o persuade_v with_o you_o to_o 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will_v never_o have_v have_v any_o hand_n in_o command_v nor_o yet_o the_o church_n in_o obey_v but_o i_o forbear_v to_o reason_v any_o further_a against_o that_o for_o which_o i_o suppose_v scarce_o a_o shadow_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v i_o rather_o pass_v on_o to_o some_o other_o objection_n and_o allegation_n which_o find_v they_o to_o be_v but_o bladder_n full_a of_o wind_n i_o shall_v only_o prick_v they_o 〈…〉_z leave_n they_o to_o evaporate_v of_o themselves_o object_n 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o bind_a power_n be_v allow_v to_o any_o such_o synodical_a decree_n it_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n a_o thing_n which_o experience_n make_v good_a the_o counsel_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a 6._o power_n do_v they_o not_o give_v sentence_n against_o christ_n himself_o against_o his_o 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thing_n by_o the_o success_n and_o event_n ofttimes_o prove_v but_o a_o unrighteous_a judgement_n hopeful_a undertaking_n though_o never_o so_o wise_o project_v and_o well_o intend_v may_v yet_o possible_o miscarry_v useful_a institution_n not_o only_o human_a but_o divine_a may_v at_o sometime_o prove_v unsuccessful_a an●_z ineffectual_a and_o so_o may_v it_o possible_o 371._o fall_v out_o with_o the_o most_o promise_a synod_n or_o counsel_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fault_n what_o in_o the_o undertake_n in_o the_o institution_n itself_o not_o so_o but_o in_o the_o person_n pervert_v or_o oppose_v it_o so_o say_v our_o learned_a and_o judicious_a dr._n whitaker_n concerning_o that_o first_o and_o great_a lucifer_n council_n of_o nice_a hold_v a_o little_a before_o nazianzen_n day_n of_o all_o counsel_n the_o most_o famous_a since_o the_o apostle_n time_n yet_o as_o hilary_n complain_v it_o do_v not_o find_v that_o success_n which_o be_v desire_v and_o hope_v for_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o decrease_v but_o rather_o increase_v by_o it_o sad_a storm_n and_o tempest_n follow_v upon_o it_o but_o whence_o be_v this_o non_fw-la synodi_fw-la quidem_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o synod_n but_o in_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a man_n oppose_v and_o make_v head_n against_o it_o even_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o where_o it_o come_v it_o have_v ordinary_o a_o sword_n attend_v upon_o it_o i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n mat._n 10._o 34._o but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o not_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o those_o rebellious_a one_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n 2._o as_o for_o this_o testimony_n of_o nazianzen_n the_o learned_a can_v but_o wonder_v that_o such_o a_o passage_n shall_v fall_v from_o such_o a_o pen_n i_o can_v but_o con●i●●is_fw-mi wonder_v say_v our_o worthy_a whitaker_n that_o that_o father_n shall_v judge_v so_o perverse_o and_o write_v so_o bitter_o concerning_o counsel_n but_o herein_o he_o be_v alone_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o clean_o of_o another_o mind_n judge_v and_o speak_v as_o honourable_o of_o counc●●●_n and_o synod_n as_o nazianzene_n do_v coarse_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v not_o only_o useful_a but_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a that_o of_o augustine_n be_v well_o passim_fw-la know_v concilioru_n ●_z in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la saluberrima_fw-la authoritas_fw-la the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n be_v most_o wholesome_a for_o the_o church_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o general_n counsel_n and_o cyprian_n say_v as_o much_o or_o more_o of_o topical_a particular_a synod_n necesse_fw-la habuinius_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o hold_v it_o necessary_a say_v he_o to_o gather_v and_o celebrate_v a_o council_n of_o many_o priest_n or_o minister_n assemble_v together_o so_o as_o against_o this_o one_o singular_a testimony_n of_o this_o single_a father_n we_o may_v well_o oppose_v the_o dissent_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 1._o 3._o suppose_v that_o father_n in_o his_o time_n never_o see_v any_o good_a end_n of_o synod_n what_o shall_v we_o thence_o conclude_v against_o they_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n may_v the_o promoter_n of_o this_o charge_n as_o well_o conclude_v against_o our_o parliamentary_a assembly_n in_o this_o kingdom_n touch_v which_o for_o our_o part_n many_o of_o we_o here_o present_a may_v say_v as_o nazianzen_n do_v there_o of_o counsel_n that_o in_o our_o time_n we_o have_v not_o see_v a_o desirable_a success_n of_o they_o they_o have_v not_o answer_v our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n but_o most_o a_o end_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la prius_fw-la in_o the_o same_o if_o not_o in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o find_v we_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o who_o be_v true-hearted_a to_o their_o country_n will_v dare_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o entertain_v a_o thought_n against_o the_o use_n utility_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o 4._o suppose_v that_o nazianzen_n may_v say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o see_v any_o good_a success_n of_o counsel_n in_o his_o time_n shall_v we_o therefore_o say_v the_o like_a of_o all_o other_o counsel_n what_o say_v we_o to_o this_o first_o council_n hold_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o this_o a_o good_a end_n let_v the_o text_n inform_v we_o what_o be_v the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v etc._n etc._n what_o say_v we_o to_o many_o other_o counsel_n in_o after_o age_n instance_n in_o those_o 4._o first_o general_a counsel_n so_o universal_o receive_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o church_n however_o the_o immediate_a success_n of_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o answer_v expectation_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n be_v not_o behold_v to_o they_o counsel_n and_o synod_n in_o this_o be_v sometime_o like_o unto_o comet_n let_v not_o any_o pervert_v or_o abuse_v the_o comparison_n which_o have_v not_o their_o effect_n till_o some_o year_n after_o their_o appear_v i_o remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o parent_n they_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v lie_v 14._o up_o for_o their_o child_n and_o this_o have_v the_o father_n of_o those_o counsel_n do_v lay_v up_o for_o posterity_n lay_v up_o many_o precious_a truth_n which_o have_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n ungrateful_a shall_v we_o be_v shall_v we_o not_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o behold_v to_o they_o and_o many_o other_o counsel_n and_o synod_n since_o those_o time_n not_o to_o go_v far_o back_o what_o think_v we_o of_o those_o synod_n or_o convocation_n call_v they_o as_o you_o please_v in_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o
the_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v draw_v up_o and_o agree_v upon_o and_o by_o law_n establish_v what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o late_a synod_n at_o dort_n or_o of_o the_o late_a assembly_n in_o new-england_n to_o which_o that_o plantation_n under_o god_n owe_v not_o a_o little_a of_o her_o present_a subsistence_n not_o to_o multiply_v word_n certain_o such_o be_v the_o utility_n such_o be_v the_o necessity_n if_o not_o of_o general_n counsel_n yet_o of_o topical_a particular_a national_a provincial_n synod_n that_o the_o church_n in_o this_o decline_a condition_n can_v well_o subsist_v without_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v all_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prejudicate_v either_o themselves_o or_o other_o against_o this_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n which_o what_o be_v it_o but_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o loathe_v a_o sick_a man_n of_o his_o potion_n before_o it_o come_v at_o he_o then_o which_o what_o great_a disservice_n and_o injury_n can_v possible_o be_v offer_v and_o do_v both_o to_o physician_n and_o patient_n i_o know_v there_o be_v yet_o some_o other_o arrow_n let_v fly_v at_o th●se_o synodical_a assembly_n but_o i_o find_v they_o such_o as_o light_a as_o well_o upon_o this_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o upon_o those_o which_o have_v or_o shall_v succeed_v it_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o viz._n hom._n object_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o man_n gift_n and_o part_n and_o industry_n conjure_v they_o all_o into_o a_o synodical_a circle_n as_o one_o unhappy_o express_v it_o suffer_v they_o only_o to_o dance_v there_o answ._n and_o may_v not_o the_o church_n to_o who_o paul_n here_o make_v delivery_n of_o these_o synodical_a decree_n have_v take_v up_o the_o same_o exception_n against_o this_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o as_o it_o be_v allege_v some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o call_v so_o much_o as_o to_o show_v their_o judgement_n object_n 2._o 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{non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o chief_a man_n or_o lead_v man_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v among_o the_o brethren_n at_o who_o no_o question_n the_o rest_n have_v a_o special_a eye_n and_o be_v no●_z the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o james_n and_o paul_n such_o as_o by_o who_o predominant_a part_n and_o authority_n the_o proceed_n of_o that_o council_n be_v main_o sway_v and_o steer_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v that_o a_o free_a and_o orderly_a council_n and_o so_o may_v other_o after_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o in_o this_o cause_n neither_o be_v i_o willing_a to_o have_v say_v so_o much_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a design_n set_v on_o foot_n by_o some_o and_o drive_v on_o by_o other_o for_o the_o prepossess_n and_o forestalling_v the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n with_o prejudicate_a opinion_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o present_a assembly_n in_o this_o kingdom_n what_o ever_o they_o may_v be_v 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where_o this_o council_n be_v hold_v and_o these_o decree_n ordain_v viz._n at_o jerusalem_n quest_n and_o why_o there_o rather_o then_o elsewhere_o answ._n take_v a_o reason_n or_o two_o 1._o to_o let_v pass_v the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o place_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o that_o kingdom_n as_o london_n be_v of_o this_o be_v most_o commodious_a for_o such_o a_o meeting_n whither_o person_n from_o all_o part_n be_v wont_a to_o resort_v 2._o in_o the_o secound_a place_n as_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n so_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a church_n be_v the_o first_o church_n the_o first_o 1._o for_o time_n the_o first_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n gather_v and_o constitute_v a_o church_n 2._o the_o first_o for_o number_n the_o number_n of_o believer_n belong_v to_o that_o church_n be_v very_o great_a as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n god_n willing_a to_o show_v you_o anon_o 3._o the_o first_o for_o honour_n and_o 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feed_v they_o like_o a_o natural_a mother_n ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o draw_v forth_o her_o breast_n to_o give_v they_o suck_v ready_a to_o contribute_v her_o best_a counsel_n and_o advice_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n bu●_z this_o be_v not_o all_o 3._o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n here_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n ordinary_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o for_o beside_o those_o which_o keep_v a_o ordinary_a constant_a residence_n and_o incumbency_n there_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o for_o that_o church_n be_v great_a her_o officer_n be_v many_o here_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o general_a rendezvouz_n where_o both_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n be_v wont_a to_o meet_v as_o for_o apostle_n how_o many_o be_v here_o present_a at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a will_v we_o give_v a_o ear_n to_o that_o old_a counterfeit_a clemens_n he_o will_v tell_v 12._o we_o that_o all_o the_o twelve_o how_o 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where_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o such_o a_o place_n the_o elder_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 18._o 〈…〉_z rev._n 2._o but_o here_o the_o apostle_n ●nd_v 〈◊〉_d in_o or_o at_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o who_o be_v assemble_v together_o there_o at_o that_o time_n object_n why_o but_o it_o in_o reply_v j●●es_n challenge_v these_o decree_n to_o be_v their_o act._n 21._o 25._o 〈…〉_z the_o gentile_n we_o have_v write_v 25._o and_o conclude_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o paul_n concerning_o these_o decree_n answ._n we_o answer_v this_o james_n speak_v not_o exclusive_o as_o exclude_v other_o whether_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o that_o business_n certain_o as_o for_o paul_n who_o he_o speak_v it_o to_o he_o have_v as_o main_a a_o stroke_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o determine_v thereof_o as_o james_n 12._o himself_o and_o barnabas_n the_o like_a beside_o many_o other_o elder_n and_o prophet_n and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n but_o as_o be_v very_o probable_a of_o other_o church_n elsewhere_o who_o be_v all_o interest_v in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o decree_n true_a it_o be_v a_o perfect_a list_n and_o catalogue_n we_o have_v not_o either_o of_o the_o several_a person_n which_o be_v send_v or_o of_o the_o several_a church_n send_v their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n unto_o this_o council_n only_a jerusalem_n and_o 401._o antioch_n be_v name_v but_o in_o all_o likelihood_n there_o be_v other_o as_o well_o as_o they_o two_o reason_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conjecture_n 1._o other_o church_n be_v concern_v and_o interest_v in_o this_o business_n as_o well_o as_o antioch_n viz._n the_o church_n in_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n who_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o doctrine_n and_o have_v their_o soul_n pervert_v as_o well_o as_o antioch_n 2._o the_o letter_n of_o the_o council_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o ●4_n antioch_n and_o bind_v decree_n send_v unto_o they_o both_o these_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 23._o and_o 24._o verse_n of_o that_o 15._o chapter_n now_o from_o hence_o we_o reason_n first_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o of_o right_a these_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v send_v their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n about_o this_o business_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n according_a to_o the_o forename_a maxim_n quod_fw-la omnes_fw-la concernit_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o which_o concern_v all_o aught_o to_o be_v handle_v of_o all_o which_o be_v true_a be_v right_o understand_v viz._n suo_fw-la modo_fw-la et_fw-la grad●_z every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o order_n second_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la it_o seem_v that_o they_o do_v so_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o council_n direct_v 23._o their_o letter_n alike_o unto_o they_o by_o name_n as_o unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n which_o seem_v to_o import_v that_o all_o of_o they_o join_v in_o the_o refer_n of_o this_o question_n and_o cause_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o council_n and_o so_o according_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n only_o but_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o or_o at_o jerusalem_n viz._n assemble_v there_o at_o that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v my_o promise_n not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o and_o therefore_o have_v only_o cle●red_v that_o scruple_n i_o shall_v now_o dismiss_v it_o and_o with_o it_o the_o second_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n viz._n what_o paul_n and_o sylas_n here_o make_v delivery_n of_o 3._o pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n to_o who_o these_o decree_n be_v deliver_v the_o text_n answer_v it_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n unto_o they_o unto_o they_o what_o to_o the_o whole_a city_n not_o so_o but_o to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o city_n so_o the_o next_o verse_n make_v it_o out_o and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v observ._n city_n and_o church_n in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o put_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o in_o that_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o it_o be_v say_v 23._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o church_n by_o church_n in_o the_o 1_o tit._n verse_n 5._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o 5._o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o city_n by_o city_n so_o as_o these_o two_o in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o phrase_n adequate_a and_o equipollent_a use_v indifferent_o the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n unto_o they_o i_o e._n to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o city_n reas._n the_o phrase_n will_v not_o be_v unfruitful_a city_n and_o church_n put_v one_o for_o the_o other_o how_o so_o what_o be_v they_o always_o of_o the_o same_o l●titude_n and_o extent_n be_v every_o whole_a city_n a_o church_n so_o as_o all_o that_o dwell_v within_o the_o one_o be_v also_o member_n of_o the_o other_o not_o so_o sometime_o indeed_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o if_o not_o the_o universality_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o city_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n in_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o samaria_n that_o when_o philip_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n say_v the_o 6._o story_n give_v heed_n unto_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o speak_v act._n 8._o so_o as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o manner_n receive_v the_o gospel_n even_o as_o before_o the_o
be_v bind_v formal_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a bond_n or_o tie_n even_o as_o those_o which_o put_v a_o business_n to_o arbitration_n they_o be_v formal_o bind_v to_o stand_v to_o what_o their_o arbitrator_n shall_v agree_v upon_o so_o it_o be_v not_o against_o law_n and_o reason_n beside_o the_o bond_n of_o equity_n they_o have_v also_o a_o civil_a formal_a obligation_n under_o which_o they_o lie_v so_o be_v it_o with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v refer_v 400_o their_o cause_n to_o this_o council_n and_o have_v send_v their_o delegate_n thither_o they_o be_v now_o bind_v by_o a_o double_a bond_n not_o only_o that_o general_a moral_a bond_n of_o equity_n and_o right_n but_o by_o a_o formal_a ecclesiastical_a bond_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o council_n so_o far_o as_o they_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n but_o now_o for_o other_o church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o double_a obligation_n yet_o under_o a_o single_a one_o 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for_o the_o saint_n as_o i_o have_v give_v order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n even_o so_o do_v you_o vers._n 1._o and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o make_v delivery_n 23_o of_o they_o where_o ever_o he_o come_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v by_o name_n direct_v but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n as_o they_o pass_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n to_o they_o applicat_fw-la and_o be_v paul_n so_o active_a so_o forward_o in_o this_o business_n let_v not_o any_o of_o we_o be_v backward_o with_o it_o much_o less_o averse_a against_o it_o certain_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n then_o common_o they_o be_v take_v to_o be_v make_v much_o both_o for_o their_o safety_n and_o beauty_n 1._o for_o their_o safety_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o paul_n write_v to_o his_o 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take_v heed_n of_o adventure_v upon_o any_o such_o way_n or_o course_n as_o may_v at_o least_o seem_v cross_a and_o contrary_a hereunto_o among_o which_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v that_o this_o may_v be_v serious_o and_o full_o consider_v by_o all_o conscientious_a christian_n among_o we_o whether_o in_o this_o interim_n of_o time_n while_o that_o one_o way_n be_v seek_v out_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v also_o most_o expedient_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o these_o kingdom_n whether_o i_o say_v in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o time_n to_o set_v up_o new_a church_n in_o new_a way_n and_o those_o such_o as_o we_o be_v at_o least_o probable_o persuade_v will_n not_o be_v embrace_v by_o any_o of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n whether_o this_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v a_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o compass_v that_o end_n and_o to_o bring_v about_o that_o design_n whether_o way_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n can_v be_v 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rule_n of_o order_n de●ency_n and_o edification_n which_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o application_n and_o use_n of_o they_o differ_v and_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n and_o such_o other_o circumstance_n so_o as_o a_o way_n may_v be_v a_o way_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o the_o way_n as_o that_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o herein_o i_o do_v not_o go_v alone_o mr._n calvin_n i_o be_o sure_a will_v bear_v i_o company_n who_o in_o mould_v and_o set_v up_o that_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o geneva_n be_v far_o from_o any_o thought_n of_o bind_v all_o the_o church_n to_o follow_v that_o precedent_n and_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o that_o pattern_n he_o do_v not_o dream_v that_o that_o be_v the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n no_o herein_o he_o profess_v to_o leave_v what_o he_o take_v a_o liberty_n to_o the_o church_n to_o mould_v themselves_o into_o such_o way_n as_o may_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o they_o his_o word_n be_v not_o unknown_a write_v 2._o upon_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 2._o scimus_fw-la enim_fw-la unicuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la liberum_fw-la esse_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o every_o church_n to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o form_n of_o policy_n or_o government_n as_o may_v be_v most_o apt_a and_o profitable_a for_o itself_o viz._n in_o respect_n of_o circumstantial_n and_o he_o allege_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o quia_fw-la dominus_fw-la nibil_fw-la certi_fw-la praescripserit_fw-la because_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n have_v not_o punctual_o and_o precise_o prescribe_v any_o such_o form_n as_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o this_o be_v his_o judgement_n after_o a_o long_a search_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o this_o particular_a and_o iwish_a it_o be_v receive_v among_o the_o church_n i_o know_v no_o one_o principle_n that_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a pacification_n then_o this_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o stamp_n of_o a_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la a_o divine_a right_n upon_o any_o one_o form_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o in_fw-la omnibus_fw-la a_o standard_n for_o all_o other_o church_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o ground_n or_o occasion_n of_o a_o everlasting_a parallel_n never_o to_o be_v decide_v and_o take_v up_o till_o elias_n as_o the_o ●ews_n say_v or_o the_o 11._o 25._o messiah_n as_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n have_v it_o shall_v come_v who_o will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n 3._o but_o three_o suppose_v this_o way_n to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o this_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o set_v it_o up_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n or_o no_o at_o such_o a_o time_n while_o authority_n be_v at_o work_n use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o hopeful_a endeavour_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o find_v out_o what_o way_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o most_o expedient_a for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o set_v it_o up_o in_o a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a way_n in_o this_o interim_n for_o private_a person_n to_o anticipate_v and_o forestall_v those_o religious_a intention_n by_o set_v up_o a_o suppose_a way_n of_o god_n without_o if_o not_o against_o the_o autho●ity_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o that_o to_o the_o present_a disquietment_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n the_o endanger_n of_o her_o future_a subsistence_n and_o the_o eminent_a hazard_n of_o betray_v both_o church_n and_o state_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n whether_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n or_o no_o i_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o serious_a and_o sad_a consideration_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v conscientious_o wise_a and_o so_o leave_v this_o three_o main_a particular_a with_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o four_o 4._o 4._o the_o four_o main_n particular_a in_o the_o text_n wherein_o i_o will_v be_v as_o brief_a as_o possible_o i_o may_v haste_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o text_n be_v the_o immediate_a end_n wherefore_o paul_n and_o silas_n here_o make_v delivery_n of_o these_o decree_n viz._n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o to_o keep_v they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n for_o to_o keep_v to_o keep_v not_o only_o in_o memory_n nor_o yet_o only_o upon_o record_n but_o to_o observe_v they_o to_o submit_v and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o here_o be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o decree_n all_o law_n and_o constitution_n whether_o divine_a or_o
can_v be_v nothing_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o gr●wth_n of_o they_o and_o of_o religion_n in_o they_o their_o union_n settlement_n establishment_n make_v much_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o both_o applic._n and_o do_v it_o so_o then_o let_v every_o of_o we_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n to_o seek_v this_o great_a blessing_n for_o the_o church_n or_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v take_v heed_n of_o be_v any_o way_n accessary_a to_o the_o unsettle_v hereof_o whether_o by_o hatch_n or_o brood_v any_o new_a opinion_n or_o set_v up_o any_o new_a way_n which_o have_v not_o clear_a light_n and_o warrant_v from_o the_o word_n in_o these_o case_n let_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n take_v place_n with_o we_o have_v thou_o 22._o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o have_v thou_o a_o strong_a apprehension_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n touch_v something_o which_o be_v not_o so_o full_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o that_o other_o may_v see_v it_o have_v this_o faith_n to_o thyself_o enjoy_v thou_o own_o opinion_n and_o conscience_n but_o let_v it_o not_o break_v forth_o to_o the_o offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o other_o much_o less_o to_o the_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n of_o the_o church_n the_o settlement_n whereof_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o precious_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o so_o let_v it_o be_v every_o of_o we_o seek_v it_o seek_v it_o 7._o by_o prayer_n you_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n remembrancer_n keep_v not_o silence_n give_v he_o no_o rest_n until_o he_o establish_v and_o till_o he_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n seek_v it_o by_o all_o holy_a endeavour_n every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n private_a person_n in_o they_o and_o public_a person_n in_o they_o all_o of_o we_o willing_o embrace_v and_o careful_o improve_n what_o ever_o advantage_n or_o opportunity_n god_n shall_v put_v into_o any_o of_o our_o hand_n for_o the_o effect_n the_o further_n of_o so_o great_a so_o good_a a_o work_n so_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o receive_v the_o decree_n from_o the_o council_n and_o receive_v they_o deliver_v they_o wherever_o he_o come_v and_o what_o be_v his_o aim_n therein_o why_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v settle_v may_v be_v establish_v quest_n but_o what_o establishment_n be_v it_o that_o paul_n here_o principal_o 1._o eye_v and_o look_v at_o a._o the_o next_o word_n resolve_v it_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v in_o faith_n i_o e._n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n so_o the_o word_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n faith_n loc._n put_v for_o the_o whole_a religion_n of_o god_n calvin_n give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o viz._n because_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o all_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n eye_n be_v here_o main_o upon_o not_o so_o much_o the_o settle_n of_o a_o external_a order_n in_o the_o church_n this_o indeed_o he_o endeavour_v but_o as_o calvin_n say_v of_o it_o this_o be_v but_o veluti_fw-la parergon_n and_o acc●ss●●ium_fw-la ibid._n a_o thing_n which_o he_o undertake_v by_o the_o by_o as_o be_v conducible_a and_o subservient_n to_o his_o main_a design_n which_o be_v the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n observ._n as_o for_o external_a order_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n without_o which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v thorough_o establish_v thence_o be_v it_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n put_v these_o two_o together_o isa._n 9_o 7._o 7._o to_o order_n and_o to_o establish_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o kingdom_n 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n be_v above_o it_o regnum_fw-la dei_fw-la externo_fw-la ordine_fw-la altius_fw-la est_fw-la ac_fw-la praestantius_fw-la the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n say_v calvin_n which_o con●isteth_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n o_o faith_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a and_o excellent_a nature_n then_o external_a order_n be_v superioregradu_fw-la loca●ur_fw-la religio_fw-la and_o pietas_fw-la so_o he_o go_v on_o religion_n and_o true_a piety_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o thing_n in_o a_o high_a sphere_n to_o be_v far_o prefer_v before_o order_n and_o discipline_n reason_n and_o great_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o one_o make_v only_o for_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la the_o other_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la the_o one_o for_o the_o well-being_n the_o other_o for_o the_o being_n of_o the_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o church_n a_o ecclesiastical_a church_n i_o and_o a_o integral_a one_o too_o without_o order_n but_o not_o without_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o 33._o faith_n wherein_o lie_v the_o essential_a state_n of_o a_o church_n not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o it_o applic._n learn_v we_o hence_o how_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o two_o faith_n and_o order_n viz._n upon_o the_o one_o as_o the_o mistress_n the_o other_o as_o the_o handmaid_n so_o they_o be_v and_o so_o let_v we_o account_v of_o they_o give_v to_o each_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o not_o prefer_v the_o handmaid_n before_o the_o mistress_n not_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o order_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o shall_v seem_v to_o neglect_v the_o faith_n true_a it_o be_v both_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v upon_o and_o contend_v for_o but_o not_o with_o a_o like_a heat_n as_o for_o the_o faith_n we_o have_v a_o express_a warrant_n for_o that_o that_o you_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o 3._o faith_n jud._n 3._o i_o do_v not_o find_v the_o like_a for_o order_n however_o take_v heed_n lest_o our_o over-eager_a contestation_n about_o the_o one_o which_o be_v but_o the_o accessary_a prove_v prejudicial_a and_o detrimental_a to_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a let_v our_o first_o and_o main_a care_n be_v for_o the_o faith_n so_o be_v paul_n here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o deliver_v these_o decree_n for_o the_o regulate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o external_a observance_n wherefore_o why_o that_o they_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o pearl_n in_o his_o eye_n the_o main_a thing_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o other_o be_v only_o in_o order_n in_o a_o way_n of_o subserviency_n unto_o this_o applic._n a_o pattern_n in_o special_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n show_v they_o what_o shall_v be_v their_o main_a design_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n viz._n to_o propagate_v the_o faith_n to_o set_v up_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o their_o people_n as_o for_o matter_n of_o order_n have_v just_a occasion_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a steward_n 27._o not_o detain_v any_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n not_o s●unning_v to_o declare_v unto_o their_o people_n the_o whole_a council_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o act._n 20._o but_o their_o main_a and_o principal_a work_n shall_v be_v the_o establish_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o our_o ministry_n so_o say_v paul_n of_o his_o apostleship_n rom._n 1._o 5._o we_o have_v receive_v grace_n and_o apostleship_n 5_o i_o e._n the_o grace_n or_o gift_n of_o apostleship_n for_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n among_o all_o nation_n i_o e._n that_o by_o his_o ministry_n the_o gentile_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o best_a service_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n can_v do_v for_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n hereby_o be_v his_o name_n exalt_v hereby_o be_v his_o sceptre_n and_o kingdom_n advance_v hereby_o be_v he_o set_v up●n_n the_o throne_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_n but_o too_o common_a in_o the_o time_n to_o think_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v consist_v either_o whole_o or_o chief_o in_o the_o external_a polity_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n no_o our_o saviour_n himself_o lack_n 17._o teach_v the_o pharisee_n to_o entertain_v high_a thought_n and_o more_o sublime_a conception_n touch_v 21._o his_o kingdom_n tell_v they_o first_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n vers._n 20._o i_o e._n say_v beza_n it_o a_o ut_fw-la observari_fw-la possit_fw-la so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o any_o outward_a garb_n that_o it_o have_v or_o as_o other_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o external_a observation_n loc._n then_o that_o it_o be_v aliquid_fw-la intus_fw-la the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o i_o e._n as_o it_o be_v common_o expound_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o soul_n which_o