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 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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
now_o as_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o power_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o church_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a power_n i_o may_v add_v nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n according_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n it_o that_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o true_a church_n but_o mere_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n without_o any_o conjunction_n or_o mixture_n of_o the_o other_o see_v christ_n power_n be_v perfect_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v god_n kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o so_o man_n may_v as_o well_o carry_v worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o father_n kingdom_n as_o into_o the_o son_n see_v this_o 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the_o unwilling_a against_o their_o will_n 2._o this_o power_n be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a as_o worldly_a power_n be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n set_v man_n over_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n set_v man_n under_o other_o i_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o be_o among_o you_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v and_o again_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o all_o 3._o this_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n as_o paul_n acknowledge_v 10._o again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o power_n the_o lord_n give_v he_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o power_n viz._n not_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o their_o native_a kingdom_n but_o to_o translate_v they_o into_o god_n kingdom_n not_o to_o take_v away_o their_o outward_a liberty_n or_o estate_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o liberty_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o to_o 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do_v not_o make_v other_o suffer_v to_o enlarge_v the_o church_n but_o suffer_v itself_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o so_o christ_n as_o wickliff_n say_v through_o his_o poverty_n humility_n and_o suffer_a injury_n and_o death_n get_v unto_o he_o the_o child_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o by_o force_n and_o the_o martyr_n enlarge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o cause_v other_o to_o die_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o this_o power_n only_a act_n to_o a_o spiritual_a end_n salvation_n and_o only_o according_a to_o spiritual_a law_n but_o not_o to_o any_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a end_n according_a to_o civil_a and_o humane_a law_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o this_o true_a church_n power_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a differ_v very_o much_o both_o from_o the_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o 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nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o church_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n so_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o world_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a compulsion_n wherefore_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o distinct_a government_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o this_o power_n i_o answer_v power_n the_o word_n only_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n and_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n use_v no_o other_o instrument_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n by_o but_o the_o word_n or_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n do_v all_o in_o itself_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o quicken_v to_o life_n and_o wound_n to_o death_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o work_v faith_n renew_v the_o life_n act_n order_n guide_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o church_n that_o have_v another_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n beside_o the_o word_n that_o have_v order_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v by_o and_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o that_o have_v their_o own_o law_n and_o order_n to_o be_v their_o sceptre_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o sword_n in_o their_o kingdom_n i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v the_o way_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o government_n assure_o the_o church_n they_o boast_v of_o be_v another_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o be_v no_o other_o in_o very_a deed_n but_o a_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o when_o its_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o it_o
and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n verse_n 12._o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o psal_n 69_o 9_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o be_v fall_v upon_o i_o publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v for_o g._n calvert_n at_o the_o black_a spread_v eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n 1651._o to_o the_o reader_n have_v obtain_v this_o grace_n from_o god_n to_o be_v call_v into_o some_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o poor_a saint_n so_o as_o to_z to_o hear_v and_o receive_v from_o he_o something_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n according_a to_o his_o freegrace_n who_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o have_v after_o many_o tear_n and_o temptation_n not-unknown_a to_o many_o yet_o in_o the_o body_n obtain_v this_o further_a grace_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o boldness_n i_o have_v also_o though_o most_o unworthy_a be_v count_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v into_o some_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o encounter_v the_o rage_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o to_o fight_v with_o man_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n altogether_o brutish_a and_o furious_a and_o thus_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o i_o often_o especial_o at_o two_o remarkable_a time_n the_o one_o at_o lincoln_n upon_o occasion_n of_o two_o sermon_n preach_v there_o on_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 9_o 7._o of_o the_o enâ—crease_n of_o his_o government_n &_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n wherein_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o own_o proper_a due_a many_o be_v angry_a i_o have_v take_v too_o much_o from_o man_n to_o who_o yet_o nothing_o belong_v but_o iniquiry_n shame_n and_o confusion_n they_o can_v not_o bear_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v but_o that_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o i_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v strong_o uphold_v with_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o have_v since_o shine_v into_o many_o heart_n in_o this_o kingdom_n much_o contrary_n to_o their_o desire_n the_o other_o time_n wherein_o i_o meet_v with_o remarkable_a opposition_n be_v late_o at_o marston_n the_o head_n quarter_n at_o the_o leaguer_n before_o oxford_n whither_o some_o come_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n in_o all_o probability_n out_o of_o some_o special_a design_n see_v the_o old_a malignity_n now_o act_n in_o a_o new_a form_n and_o be_v daily_o come_v forth_o in_o a_o second_o and_o more_o plausible_a cunning_a and_o deceive_a edition_n become_v exceed_o angry_a and_o heady_a against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v in_o this_o follow_a exposition_n wherein_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v then_o deliver_v be_v exact_o set_v down_o and_o nothing_o abate_v but_o rather_o some_o thing_n far_o press_v 32._o add_v as_o jeremiah_n in_o the_o second_o role_n many_o like_a word_n to_o the_o former_a now_o some_o of_o these_o man_n see_v themselves_o and_o their_o new_a design_n clear_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o make_v altogether_o naked_a sudden_o they_o grow_v fierce_a and_o furious_a contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v some_o witness_n as_o become_v man_n of_o such_o a_o generation_n 44._o these_o man_n according_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o work_v mighty_o in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n come_v and_o fill_v the_o whole_a city_n with_o lie_n and_o slander_n lay_v to_o my_o charge_n thing_n that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o falsehood_n and_o untruth_n whereof_o there_o be_v some_o hundred_o and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a and_o eminent_a worth_n and_o piety_n ready_a to_o witness_v wherefore_o of_o mere_a necessity_n i_o be_v constrain_v to_o publish_v this_o exposition_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o this_o present_a and_o the_o follow_a generation_n of_o these_o man_n resist_v the_o spirit_n and_o act_v against_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o word_n and_o though_o the_o discourse_n be_v very_o plain_a not_o favour_v of_o any_o accurateness_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v themselves_o spiritual_a will_v acknowledge_v something_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n will_v relish_v and_o love_v it_o though_o other_o will_v therefore_o be_v at_o the_o great_a enmity_n against_o it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o resolution_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o to_o weigh_v all_o the_o power_n of_o earth_n or_o hell_n one_o feather_n but_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a trial_n whether_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o slander_n and_o lie_v of_o man_n shall_v prevail_v whether_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n that_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o and_o many_o other_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o blot_v out_o or_o darken_v the_o brightness_n of_o christ_n come_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o whether_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v strong_a than_o the_o love_n and_o protection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o more_o the_o world_n act_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o more_o will_v christ_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v in_o his_o own_o spirit_n till_o all_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v strong_a than_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o now_o have_v all_o these_o man_n obtain_v by_o all_o their_o malice_n and_o fury_n but_o a_o great_a and_o more_o open_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o cause_v that_o that_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o only_a stone_n in_o one_o congregation_n shall_v through_o the_o print_n of_o it_o have_v its_o beam_n scatter_v in_o many_o pars_fw-la of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o ever_o the_o truth_n come_v the_o child_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v entertain_v it_o and_o ask_v no_o body_n leave_v and_o thus_o through_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n wisdom_n do_v these_o man_n betray_v their_o own_o and_o their_o fellow_n cause_n and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o and_o their_o end_n and_o whilst_o they_o think_v to_o oppress_v the_o truth_n propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o thus_o shall_v truth_n enemy_n perish_v and_o the_o truth_n itself_o flourish_v yea_o flourish_n through_o slander_n opposition_n contradiction_n blasphemy_n and_o all_o the_o vileness_n and_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o this_o confidence_n in_o we_o arise_v hence_o because_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n but_o be_v rise_v and_o ascend_v and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n among_o his_o friend_n and_o among_o his_o enemy_n till_o these_o be_v make_v his_o footstool_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o be_v now_o in_o expectation_n of_o now_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n withal_o in_o this_o epistle_n be_v this_o that_o none_o of_o these_o thorny_a hearer_n dare_v after_o come_v to_o discourse_n with_o i_o or_o to_o look_v i_o in_o the_o face_n but_o one_o among_o they_o that_o seem_v of_o a_o better_a temper_n than_o the_o rest_n upon_o the_o urge_n of_o a_o godly_a citizen_n then_o present_a do_v speak_v with_o i_o and_o the_o question_n he_o ask_v of_o i_o be_v this_o whether_o i_o think_v that_o all_o presbyterian_o be_v carnal_a gospeler_n i_o tell_v he_o i_o be_v far_o from_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o i_o know_v some_o of_o they_o very_o godly_a christian_n and_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o that_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o distinction_n of_o christian_n as_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o this_o be_v only_o a_o distinction_n of_o man_n make_v tend_v to_o the_o division_n of_o church_n and_o add_v that_o as_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n so_o in_o this_o same_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n neither_o presbytery_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o independency_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o
have_v put_v on_o to_o deceive_v shall_v after_o a_o few_o year_n vanish_v away_o it_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v whatever_o rule_v order_n or_o humane_a invention_n man_n do_v study_n and_o devise_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o be_v know_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o only_a gospel_n preach_v in_o it_o which_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n and_o all_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o vote_n determination_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n be_v better_o for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o the_o pure_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o speak_v blasphemous_o let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o luther_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n 483._o christian_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o word_n and_o no_o other_o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o pure_a gospel_n of_o god_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o counsel_n doctor_n father_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o govern_v christian_n by_o that_o word_n which_o though_o they_o keep_v yet_o neither_o do_v they_o become_v christian_n nor_o continue_v such_o nay_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o lose_v christ_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v every_o word_n beside_o the_o gospel_n and_o salvation_n reign_v in_o we_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n far_o they_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o mingle_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o secular_a sword_n there_o be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o these_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o restrain_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a from_o evil_a deed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n govern_v christian_n without_o the_o sword_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o christian_n except_o they_o be_v spontaneous_o good_a and_o such_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n malorum_fw-la as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o urge_v they_o that_o be_v willing_o good_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o light_n and_o vain_a man_n ibid._n that_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v promote_v with_o weapon_n and_o cuff_n and_o the_o same_o luther_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o preacher_n of_o erphurd_n say_v consider_v in_o your_o mind_n with_o what_o sword_n i_o subdue_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religious_a man_n who_o before_o be_v dreadful_a to_o all_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v who_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v power_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o never_o touch_v they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o my_o finger_n etc._n but_o christ_n destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o detestable_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v their_o iniquity_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o passage_n of_o his_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o instrument_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n christ_n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n now_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n can_v 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o please_v when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o togeâ—ther_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a instruction_n preservation_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o prevent_v of_o evil_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o extrinsical_a and_o foreign_a power_n whatever_o else_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a founder_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o every_o free_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o congregate_v and_o come_v together_o as_o conveniency_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n and_o in_o all_o fraternity_n and_o meeting_n of_o love_n much_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n power_n to_o meet_v together_o into_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o it_o be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o the_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n be_v whole_o set_v against_o they_o do_v often_o meet_v together_o among_o themselves_o though_o private_o and_o christ_n himself_o come_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o find_v they_o in_o that_o way_n of_o communion_n say_v peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n do_v both_o justify_v and_o encourage_v such_o meeting_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o believer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o choose_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o all_o meet_v again_o act._n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o state_n be_v utter_o against_o their_o meeting_n and_o again_o act._n 4._o peter_n and_o john_n after_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o jew_n go_v and_o meet_v with_o their_o own_o company_n which_o be_v now_o mighty_o increase_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o ruler_n have_v do_v against_o they_o whereupon_o all_o of_o they_o join_v together_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o act._n 6._o the_o church_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n of_o it_o self_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o meeting_n as_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a order_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n order_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2._o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_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
reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n when_o he_o be_v reform_v the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o faithful_a he_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o the_o very_a love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o put_v they_o to_o more_o sorrow_n than_o needs_o must_v and_o when_o he_o must_v needs_o put_v they_o to_o sorrow_n in_o the_o flesh_n for_o flesh_n can_v choose_v but_o mourn_v to_o part_v with_o itself_o utter_o in_o this_o reformation_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a with_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o when_o he_o have_v smite_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o heal_v they_o and_o to_o bind_v they_o up_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v break_v they_o he_o deal_v with_o every_o christian_a in_o this_o reformation_n as_o tender_o as_o a_o man_n do_v with_o one_o of_o his_o own_o member_n that_o be_v in_o grief_n and_o anguish_n he_o regard_v and_o handle_v he_o as_o his_o own_o body_n as_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o so_o the_o reformation_n of_o christ_n be_v altogether_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o at_o all_o for_o destruction_n for_o it_o be_v his_o own_o body_n he_o reform_v and_o so_o do_v it_o with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o head_n but_o when_o stranger_n who_o the_o church_n be_v not_o set_v upon_o reform_v it_o what_o havoc_n do_v they_o make_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o do_v they_o wound_v and_o threaten_v and_o punish_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o the_o weak_a infirm_a sorrowful_a saint_n that_o be_v wrestle_v with_o many_o doubt_n fear_n agony_n corruption_n temptation_n till_o they_o be_v overtake_v with_o the_o very_a shadow_n of_o death_n how_o do_v they_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v already_o smite_v and_o grieve_v they_o more_o that_o be_v already_o wound_v and_o so_o you_o see_v that_o he_o only_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o reform_v it_o whereas_o the_o reformation_n of_o stranger_n have_v more_o cruelty_n in_o it_o then_o love_n and_o more_o destruction_n than_o edification_n four_o reformation_n christ_n be_v only_o able_a for_o this_o work_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o and_o he_o only_o that_o can_v do_v the_o one_o can_v do_v the_o other_o christ_n must_v die_v to_o redeem_v the_o church_n and_o he_o must_v live_v to_o reform_v it_o and_o so_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n only_o lie_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n who_o be_v the_o head_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o only_o lie_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o hand_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o if_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n shall_v undertake_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v sink_v under_o it_o how_o much_o more_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o take_v away_o transgression_n for_o we_o and_o from_o we_o which_o be_v the_o only_a reformation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o work_n agreeable_a to_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v jesus_n for_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n where_o you_o have_v both_o the_o reformer_n christ_n and_o the_o reformation_n shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n now_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o must_v save_v people_n from_o sin_n and_o he_o must_v need_v be_v god_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o must_v reform_v the_o flesh_n none_o else_o can_v do_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o none_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n can_v reform_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n of_o man_n have_v no_o place_n at_o all_o here_o except_o they_o will_v turn_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n out_o of_o his_o office_n for_o so_o speak_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 2._o 17._o the_o loftiness_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v bow_v down_o and_o the_o haughtiness_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v low_a and_o the_o lord_n alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v now_o what_o be_v the_o loftiness_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o man_n but_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n of_o man_n and_o all_o this_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v be_v bow_v down_o and_o lay_v low_o and_o the_o lord_n alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v that_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o church_n reformation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o church_n redemption_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o reformer_n of_o the_o church_n his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o city_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v certain_a for_o christ_n will_v a_o sure_o reform_v it_o as_o he_o have_v redeem_v it_o and_o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o all_o that_o have_v redeem_v he_o will_v reform_v that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a to_o present_v to_o god_n that_o so_o all_o that_o the_o son_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o father_n have_v redeem_v and_o reform_v they_o he_o may_v give_v they_o back_o to_o the_o father_n again_o so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o church_n reformation_n because_o it_o be_v christ_n own_o work_n and_o he_o have_v undertake_v the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o as_o none_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v help_v he_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n so_o none_o of_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o hinder_v he_o but_o as_o many_o as_o he_o have_v redeem_v unto_o god_n by_o his_o blood_n in_o his_o due_a time_n he_o will_v reform_v they_o all_o by_o his_o spirit_n as_o belong_v to_o his_o care_n and_o charge_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o look_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o his_o church_n that_o be_v of_o his_o faithful_a people_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n he_o let_v remain_v in_o wickedness_n as_o not_o belong_v to_o his_o care_n and_o charge_n this_o reformation_n be_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n care_n and_o love_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o be_o at_o rest_n and_o quiet_a see_v christ_n be_v as_o able_a for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o honourable_a and_o belove_a i_o say_v to_o you_o touch_v this_o work_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a temple_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o god_n once_o say_v to_o david_n touch_v the_o build_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 1_o king_n 8._o 18._o whereas_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n say_v god_n to_o build_v a_o house_n to_o my_o name_n thou_o do_v well_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n nevertheless_o thou_o shall_v not_o build_v the_o house_n but_o thy_o son_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o thy_o loin_n he_o shall_v build_v a_o house_n unto_o my_o name_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o why_o david_n shall_v not_o and_o solomon_n shall_v build_v this_o house_n because_o say_v he_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o war_n and_o have_v shed_v much_o blood_n but_o solomon_n he_o shall_v live_v and_o flourish_v in_o peace_n and_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o so_o say_v i_o to_o you_o touch_v this_o work_n of_o reformation_n you_o do_v well_o in_o that_o it_o be_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o reform_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spiritual_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o dear_a body_n nevertheless_o you_o shall_v not_o reform_v it_o for_o you_o have_v be_v man_n of_o war_n that_o be_v you_o have_v manage_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a war_n against_o great_a and_o mighty_a enemy_n and_o have_v shed_v much_o blood_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v you_o the_o neck_n of_o your_o enemy_n and_o have_v subdue_v they_o under_o you_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o you_o and_o you_o have_v tread_v they_o down_o as_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v this_o work_n have_v be_v man_n of_o war_n but_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n he_o shall_v reform_v the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o man_n of_o war_n but_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n see_v this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o humane_a might_n or_o strength_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o think_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n but_o when_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o the_o reformation_n
violence_n pontific_n and_o to_o persuade_v peace_n but_o not_o to_o threaten_v or_o enforce_v it_o for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n that_o inward_a persuasion_n be_v require_v nowhere_o more_o than_o here_o for_o none_o may_v be_v compel_v to_o the_o faith_n against_o their_o will_n and_o god_n will_v be_v love_v with_o the_o whole_a heart_n and_o also_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o sin_n chief_o hate_v of_o god_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n must_v have_v this_o scope_n that_o they_o that_o be_v persuade_v may_v be_v first_o call_v unto_o it_o and_o after_o keep_v in_o it_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n and_o so_o the_o more_o this_o manner_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o dominion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o fit_a it_o be_v to_o govern_v increase_n and_o confirm_v the_o church_n and_o this_o way_n only_o be_v use_v as_o long_o as_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o that_o unquestionable_o for_o 300_o year_n after_o yea_o and_o when_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v countenance_v by_o worldly_a authority_n yet_o this_o same_o freedom_n still_o be_v allow_v of_o which_o shall_v produce_v a_o few_o testimony_n i_o read_v that_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n will_v have_v no_o man_n enforce_v to_o be_v of_o one_o religion_n more_o than_o another_o also_o the_o same_o constantine_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o his_o subject_n inhabit_v the_o east_n 131._o say_v let_v no_o man_n be_v grievous_a one_o to_o another_o but_o what_o every_o man_n think_v best_n that_o let_v he_o do_v for_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a ought_v thorough_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o only_o mean_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v to_o take_v their_o delight_n and_o recreation_n in_o read_v his_o holy_a will_n and_o if_o other_o wilful_o will_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n cleave_v to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o false_a doctrine_n they_o may_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n as_o for_o we_o we_o have_v the_o worthy_a house_n or_o congregation_n of_o god_n verity_n which_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v we_o and_o this_o also_o we_o wish_v to_o they_o that_o with_o like_a participation_n and_o common_a consent_n they_o may_v feel_v with_o we_o the_o same_o delectation_n of_o mind_n and_o after_o let_v no_o man_n hurt_v or_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o neighbour_n in_o that_o wherein_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o have_v do_v well_o if_o by_o that_o which_o any_o man_n know_v or_o have_v experience_n of_o he_o think_v he_o may_v profit_v his_o neighbour_n let_v he_o do_v the_o same_o if_o not_o let_v he_o give_v over_o and_o remit_v it_o till_o another_o time_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n between_o the_o willing_a and_o voluntary_a embrace_v of_o religion_n and_o that_o whereunto_o a_o man_n be_v force_v and_o constrain_v i_o read_v also_o that_o ethelbert_n king_n of_o kent_n 150._o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n ann_n 586._o after_o his_o conversion_n innumerable_a other_o daily_a do_v come_v in_o and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o king_n do_v especial_o embrace_v but_o compel_v none_o for_o so_o he_o have_v learn_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o co-act_a the_o church_n then_o at_o first_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o willing_a and_o such_o as_o be_v persuade_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o word_n till_o antichrist_n begin_v to_o prevail_v and_o then_o they_o fall_v from_o persuade_v to_o force_v and_o they_o no_o long_o go_v about_o to_o make_v man_n willing_a by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o get_v power_n from_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o force_v they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o this_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v perfect_o bring_v forth_o by_o boniface_n the_o three_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o use_v these_o word_n in_o the_o church_n volumus_fw-la mandamus_fw-la statuimus_fw-la ac_fw-la praecipimus_fw-la we_o will_v we_o require_v we_o appoint_v we_o command_v which_o be_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o true_a voice_n of_o thief_n and_o murderer_n and_o from_o that_o time_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n decay_v apace_o when_o there_o be_v more_o unwilling_a force_v unto_o it_o then_o will_v persuade_v and_o true_a peace_n will_v never_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o again_o till_o man_n shall_v abandon_v the_o power_n of_o force_n and_o only_o use_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o church_n may_v consist_v only_o of_o a_o willing_a people_n the_o four_o rule_n be_v to_o make_v void_a the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n among_o christian_n laity_n for_o the_o clergy_n or_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v all_o along_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o christian_n who_o they_o call_v the_o laity_n and_o have_v make_v up_o a_o distinct_a or_o several_a kingdom_n among_o themselves_o and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lay_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o reckon_v other_o christian_n but_o as_o common_a and_o unclean_a in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o whereas_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n nor_o sect_n nor_o difference_n of_o person_n no_o clergy_n or_o laity_n no_o ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a but_o they_o be_v all_o as_o peter_n describe_v they_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o that_o call_v they_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n and_o so_o all_o christian_n through_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v priest_n alike_o unto_o god_n and_o every_o one_o have_v right_a and_o power_n alike_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o so_o there_o be_v among_o they_o no_o clergy_n or_o laity_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v such_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o christian_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n and_o right_n of_o all_o and_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o authority_n at_o all_o to_o this_o office_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n differ_v nothing_o from_o other_o christian_n but_o only_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o alderman_n or_o common_a council_n man_n in_o the_o city_n differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o citizen_n but_o only_o in_o their_o office_n which_o they_o have_v not_o of_o themselves_o neither_o but_o by_o the_o city_n choice_n or_o as_o the_o speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commons_o but_o only_o in_o his_o office_n which_o he_o have_v also_o by_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o house_n and_o thus_o and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v a_o minster_n differ_v from_o other_o christian_n as_o paul_n say_v let_v a_o man_n so_o esteem_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n but_o antichrist_n he_o have_v cast_v out_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a people_n and_o bring_v sect_n into_o the_o church_n divide_v it_o into_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o this_o distinction_n they_o have_v make_v visible_a by_o their_o garment_n disguise_v their_o clergy_n in_o their_o habit_n from_o other_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v holy_a than_o they_o and_o of_o another_o order_n from_o they_o and_o this_o distinction_n have_v prove_v a_o seminary_n of_o implacable_a discord_n and_o heart-burn_n in_o the_o church_n for_o hereupon_o the_o clergy_n have_v prefer_v themselves_o above_o other_o christian_n and_o have_v exercise_v authority_n and_o coercive_a power_n and_o domination_n and_o very_a tyranny_n over_o they_o and_o have_v make_v themselves_o their_o lord_n and_o give_v they_o law_n rule_n form_n order_n after_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o suffer_v they_o to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o as_o if_o other_o christian_n be_v their_o subject_n slave_n vassal_n yea_o very_a dog_n and_o hence_o again_o the_o laity_n as_o they_o call_v they_o have_v envy_v and_o malign_v they_o and_o hate_a and_o oppose_v they_o and_o as_o they_o can_v get_v power_n have_v be_v subdue_a they_o and_o have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n of_o a_o different_a sect_n and_o interest_n from_o
you_o be_v teach_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o teach_v of_o god_n that_o no_o man_n or_o angel_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o unteach_v you_o again_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o inward_a teach_n though_o by_o the_o outward_a word_n reach_v to_o the_o inward_a soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o successful_a teach_n he_o so_o teach_v as_o man_n learn_v he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o my_o father_n hear_v and_o learning_n go_v together_o he_o teach_v faith_n and_o we_o believe_v humility_n and_o we_o be_v humble_a patience_n and_o we_o endure_v etc._n etc._n but_o i_o can_v enlarge_v any_o far_a in_o this_o point_n it_o follow_v and_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n that_o be_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n then_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o peace_n among_o they_o when_o god_n come_v and_o teach_v thou_o and_o i_o and_o another_o and_o many_o than_o we_o all_o agree_v because_o we_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o light_n and_o apprehend_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o knowledge_n and_o perceive_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n because_o all_o have_v the_o same_o teach_n and_o so_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n though_o one_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o another_o out_o of_o the_o west_n and_o another_o out_o of_o the_o south_n and_o never_o have_v any_o former_a communion_n together_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o think_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o there_o be_v love_n and_o amity_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o true_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o dissension_n and_o heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n to_o wit_n because_o some_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o some_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n but_o man_n only_o the_o carnal_a church_n be_v only_o teach_v of_o man_n and_o go_v no_o high_a but_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v true_o teach_v of_o god_n now_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n see_v the_o same_o truth_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n and_o hereupon_o arise_v the_o controversy_n and_o quarrel_n for_o one_o will_v have_v the_o truth_n as_o he_o see_v it_o in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n another_o will_v have_v it_o as_o he_o apprehend_v it_o in_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o the_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n can_v yield_v to_o the_o carnal_a say_v one_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o i_o have_v learn_v it_o from_o his_o own_o teach_n say_v another_o this_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o learned_a minister_n or_o minister_n teach_v i_o otherwise_o and_o so_o i_o apprehend_v it_o and_o thus_o as_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v contrary_a so_o be_v their_o teach_n and_o hence_o our_o division_n and_o trouble_n but_o when_o man_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v all_o at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o all_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o some_o do_v not_o know_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o do_v they_o can_v wait_v with_o patience_n till_o god_n also_o reveal_v that_o unto_o they_o for_o they_o know_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o have_v know_v those_o thing_n except_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v be_v angry_a at_o other_o who_o the_o lord_n as_o yet_o have_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o teach_v and_o so_o they_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a towards_o all_o as_o beseem_v the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o at_o peace_n among_o themselves_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n for_o they_o know_v that_o no_o man_n be_v high_a or_o low_a than_o another_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o all_o be_v equal_a in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v challenge_v christ_n more_o to_o himself_o then_o another_o but_o all_o have_v equal_a interest_n in_o he_o and_o christ_n be_v alike_o near_o to_o all_o in_o who_o he_o dwell_v yea_o they_o all_o as_o willing_o communicate_v their_o own_o thing_n to_o the_o brethren_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v partake_v of_o christ_n thing_n and_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o peace_n when_o man_n know_v that_o no_o man_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o himself_o but_o every_o one_o be_v all_o that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o when_o man_n love_v christ_n mere_o for_o himself_o and_o where_o they_o see_v most_o of_o christ_n there_o love_v most_o and_o if_o christ_n be_v more_o in_o another_o than_o himself_o can_v love_v such_o a_o one_o more_o than_o himself_o not_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o christ_n sake_n then_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o peace_n great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n verse_n 14._o in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o be_v establish_v etc._n etc._n this_o spiritual_a church_n church_n have_v need_n of_o establishment_n for_o when_o god_n have_v do_v all_o this_o for_o it_o when_o he_o have_v build_v it_o and_o teach_v it_o himself_o it_o shall_v not_o want_v trouble_n and_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n and_o persecution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o establishment_n but_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v do_v why_o say_v he_o in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o be_v establish_v that_o be_v not_o by_o any_o outward_a power_n or_o force_n or_o army_n or_o fortification_n or_o faction_n or_o confederacy_n all_o these_o be_v but_o a_o staff_n of_o reed_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o be_v both_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n receive_v by_o we_o and_o work_v in_o we_o the_o first_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o justification_n the_o second_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o sanctification_n and_o our_o establishment_n lie_v in_o both_o 1._o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o christ_n own_o righteousness_n receive_v into_o we_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v except_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v never_o be_v establish_v for_o by_o faith_n we_o partake_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v a_o infinite_a and_o everlasting_a righteousness_n that_o have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o blemish_n in_o it_o this_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v we_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o so_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o more_o establishment_n than_o it_o have_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o as_o the_o church_n go_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n so_o it_o go_v from_o establishment_n to_o establishment_n 2._o our_o establishment_n lie_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o sanctification_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o christ_n work_v in_o we_o as_o the_o former_a be_v christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o for_o the_o same_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o sanctification_n now_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v when_o we_o let_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n work_v all_o in_o we_o and_o we_o work_v all_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n then_o be_v we_o establish_v mighty_o and_o invincible_o indeed_o and_o how_o much_o christian_n swerve_v from_o this_o rule_n so_o much_o they_o become_v weak_a and_o unsettle_a sometime_o christian_n will_v be_v live_v out_o of_o christ_n in_o themselves_o and_o they_o will_v be_v move_v and_o act_v and_o work_v according_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o the_o counsel_n and_o device_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o in_o all_o this_o they_o have_v no_o establishment_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o you_o that_o be_v faithful_a see_v to_o it_o that_o you_o turn_v aside_o neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a through_o any_o worldly_a hope_n or_o fear_n but_o do_v you_o live_v and_o act_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v though_o you_o have_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n for_o your_o enemy_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v but_o shall_v be_v establish_v more_o firm_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v consider_v your_o establishment_n where_o it_o lie_v and_o that_o be_v in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o righteousness_n only_o some_o trust_n to_o this_o strength_n and_o some_o
to_o that_o some_o to_o this_o aid_n and_o some_o to_o that_o but_o the_o spiritual_a church_n scorn_v to_o trust_v to_o any_o creature_n for_o establishment_n but_o look_v to_o be_v establish_v only_o in_o righteousness_n and_o because_o of_o this_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n shall_v prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o that_o be_v of_o this_o temple_n and_o building_n which_o be_v make_v by_o god_n see_v you_o have_v so_o many_o enemy_n on_o all_o hand_n pray_v look_v to_o your_o establishment_n which_o be_v in_o righteousness_n in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o be_v establish_v thou_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o oppression_n for_o thou_o shall_v not_o fear_v and_o from_o terror_n for_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v near_o thou_o the_o fear_n and_o terror_n he_o speak_v of_o here_o terror_n be_v inward_a fear_n and_o terror_n from_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v free_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o outward_a evil_n for_o though_o the_o church_n be_v full_a of_o danger_n and_o persecution_n without_o yet_o it_o be_v free_a from_o fear_n and_o terror_n within_o nay_o the_o church_n have_v trouble_v without_o but_o peace_n within_o affliction_n without_o joy_v within_o weakness_n without_o strength_n within_o imprisonment_n without_o liberty_z within_z persecution_n without_o content_v within_o against_o all_o the_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n on_o the_o flesh_n they_o have_v refresh_n comfort_n hope_n sweetness_n rejoice_n triumph_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o evil_a be_v free_a from_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n be_v free_a from_o pain_n yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o evil_n be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v with_o good_a verse_n 15._o behold_v they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o but_o not_o by_o i_o whosoever_o shall_v gather_v together_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v for_o thy_o sake_n a_o very_a strange_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v this_o build_v and_o teach_v and_o establish_v and_o shall_v yet_o be_v so_o blind_a and_o mad_a as_o to_o engage_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o world_n and_o the_o carnal_a church_n especial_o do_v this_o yea_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o enmity_n the_o world_n and_o formalist_n have_v against_o it_o behold_v they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o establish_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o church_n gather_v together_o into_o the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n then_o will_v they_o gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o the_o church_n and_o why_o do_v these_o man_n blame_v the_o church_n for_o gather_v together_o unto_o christ_n when_o they_o themselves_o gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v indeed_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n the_o world_n do_v most_o hate_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n oh_o this_o be_v a_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n to_o they_o it_o make_v their_o heart_n ache_v within_o they_o and_o lose_v the_o joint_n of_o their_o loin_n they_o think_v their_o exaltation_n will_v be_v their_o own_o abasement_n and_o their_o gather_v together_o their_o own_o scatter_n and_o their_o glory_n their_o own_o shame_n and_o their_o strength_n their_o own_o undo_n and_o out_o of_o these_o conceit_n the_o world_n act_n so_o strong_o and_o furious_o to_o scatter_v abroad_o again_o christ_n own_o gather_n together_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v decree_v and_o promise_v to_o hew_v that_o little_a stone_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a church_n out_o of_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o world_n with_o out_o hand_n and_o will_v certain_o accomplish_v it_o and_o be_v now_o about_o that_o very_a business_n but_o the_o world_n that_o never_o look_v beyond_o sense_n they_o think_v this_o be_v sure_o a_o plot_n of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a design_n in_o hand_n and_o so_o we_o have_v indeed_o but_o the_o design_n be_v not_o our_o design_n but_o god_n contrive_v in_o eternity_n and_o discover_v to_o daniel_n chap._n 2._o and_o this_o be_v the_o set_n up_o a_o kingdom_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o world_n under_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n wherein_o the_o people_n shall_v live_v alone_o in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o communion_n and_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n this_o counsel_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o world_n think_v that_o we_o be_v subtle_a and_o we_o be_v mighty_a whereas_o they_o be_v clear_o mistake_v in_o we_o for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n whereby_o this_o be_v do_v be_v god_n and_o not_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n must_v build_v this_o spiritual_a church_n and_o set_v it_o up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o preserve_v it_o against_o the_o world_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o increase_v till_o it_o fill_v the_o world_n so_o that_o the_o design_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o we_o and_o they_o that_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o let_v they_o go_v and_o quarrel_n against_o god_n and_o so_o they_o will_v certain_o do_v through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n behold_v say_v he_o they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n the_o world_n gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n yea_o this_o place_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o be_v open_a enemy_n without_o the_o church_n but_o of_o a_o generation_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o calvin_n interpret_v and_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v assure_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o kingdom_n will_v have_v domestic_a enemy_n it_o have_v be_v so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o what_o wonder_n will_v it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o this_o the_o first_o division_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v between_o common_a profession_n and_o open_a profaneness_n and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v another_o it_o be_v like_a to_o lie_v between_o the_o form_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n will_v up_o and_o be_v persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o deep_a wound_n we_o shall_v receive_v will_v be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o friend_n not_o our_o friend_n indeed_o but_o of_o such_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o they_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o preach_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o use_v the_o same_o ordinance_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o their_o enmity_n of_o all_o other_o will_v be_v the_o great_a against_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v receive_v deep_a wound_n in_o the_o house_n of_o these_o friend_n then_o in_o the_o street_n of_o our_o enemy_n they_o shall_v gather_v together_o in_o thou_o against_o thou_o but_o not_o by_o i_o the_o saint_n gather_v together_o by_o god_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n but_o the_o carnal_a church_n gather_v together_o agha_v thou_o spiritual_a not_o by_o god_n but_o without_o he_o for_o worldly_a base_a end_n and_o interest_n and_o profit_n and_o advantage_n but_o mark_v the_o end_n of_o such_o gather_n together_o whosoever_o shall_v gather_v together_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o have_v see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n with_o our_o eye_n church_n even_o a_o great_a party_n of_o the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o of_o mean_a one_o gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n but_o all_o fall_v what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o army_n that_o be_v in_o the_o west_n and_o the_o north_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v they_o not_o fall_v through_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o if_o any_o new_a party_n shall_v arise_v up_o again_o they_o shall_v also_o fall_v in_o like_a manner_n for_o thy_o sake_n for_o the_o lord_n love_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o love_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o thou_o have_v love_v they_o as_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o he_o love_v head_n and_o member_n with_o the_o same_o love_n the_o lord_n people_n be_v his_o portion_n on_o earth_n as_o he_o be_v they_o in_o heaven_n and_o so_o he_o will_v give_v nation_n and_o kingdom_n for_o they_o and_o have_v say_v the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v thou_o shall_v perish_v yea_o those_o nation_n shall_v be_v utter_o waste_v oh_o that_o this_o kingdom_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o representation_n will_v avoid_v this_o evil_a as_o they_o will_v escape_v this_o end_n the_o four_o monarchy_n for_o oppose_v the_o spiritual_a church_n have_v fall_v