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church_n epistle_n paul_n timothy_n 2,910 5 10.4803 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41780 Hear the church, or, An appeal to the mother of us all to all the baptized believers in England, exhorting them to stedfastness in the truth, according to the scriptures : together with some farther considerations of seven queries, sent to the baptized believers in Lincolnshire, concerning the judge of contriversies in matters of religion : in three parts / by Thomas Grantham. Grantham, Thomas, 1634-1692. 1687 (1687) Wing G1536; ESTC R5931 41,980 66

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hand_n and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n this_o catechism_n say_v he_o be_v perfect_a and_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n we_o meet_v not_o with_o such_o a_o excellent_a epitome_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v write_v to_o this_o mother-church_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v some_o mention_n of_o a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o the_o believe_a roman_n and_o timothy_n be_v command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o st._n paul_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v will_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o none_o of_o these_o place_n do_v show_v we_o as_o the_o text_n under_o consideration_n what_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n this_o form_n of_o 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that_o they_o have_v still_o the_o very_a selfsame_a phrase_n this_o be_v idle_a to_o imagine_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v the_o selfsame_a gospel_n to_o preach_v in_o every_o place_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o if_o i_o approve_v of_o alter_v the_o holy_a write_n no_o not_o in_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la yet_o if_o accidental_o in_o transcribe_v or_o print_v there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o failure_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o by_o and_o by_o that_o copy_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o man_n may_v set_v up_o themselves_o above_o it_o some_o under_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o church_n and_o other_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n whilst_o they_o both_o reject_v the_o church_n and_o the_o spirit_n as_o hold_v forth_o in_o and_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o plain_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o papist_n and_o most_o paedo-baptist_n who_o whilst_o they_o seem_v to_o admire_v general_a council_n father_n etc._n etc._n they_o regard_v not_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o best_a council_n and_o father_n which_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o among_o other_o thing_n forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n which_o the_o church_n observe_v for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n after_o for_o indeed_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v not_o to_o be_v break_v act_v 16._o 1_o 2._o and_o yet_o without_o all_o conscience_n of_o these_o decree_n they_o feed_v upon_o blood_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o ridgid_o do_v they_o impose_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o trent_n council_n in_o the_o case_n of_o transubstantiation_n though_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o it_o be_v there_o invent_v insomuch_o as_o
unto_o this_o church_n or_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o unto_o who_o our_o bless_a saviour_n deliver_v that_o mystical_a doctrine_n which_o offend_v so_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n john_n 6._o 53._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o which_o yet_o can_v be_v right_o understand_v of_o a_o corporal_a eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n because_o he_o express_o say_v very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n verse_n 47._o and_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v on_o he_o at_o that_o time_n among_o who_o s._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o stand_v by_o he_o when_o so_o many_o forsake_v he_o now_o these_o thing_n must_v all_o be_v true_a 1._o that_o none_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v life_n in_o they_o at_o that_o time_n but_o such_o as_o do_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 2._o that_o s._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v eternal_a life_n in_o they_o at_o that_o time_n 3._o that_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v not_o yet_o institute_v and_o therefore_o from_o these_o premise_n it_o follow_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v not_o here_o of_o his_o disciple_n now_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o therefore_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n or_o reason_n be_v understand_v of_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n carnal_o or_o corporal_o but_o spiritual_o even_o by_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o the_o several_a order_n of_o ministry_n in_o this_o mother-church_n this_o church_n be_v endow_v with_o a_o threefold_a order_n of_o ministry_n 1._o messenger_n or_o apostle_n who_o work_n be_v more_o especial_o to_o gather_v constitute_v and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 2._o elder_n who_o work_n be_v especial_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o particular_a 3._o deacon_n who_o work_n more_o especial_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o distribute_v the_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v and_o consequent_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o maintain_v this_o order_n of_o ministry_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v that_o god_n have_v repeal_v this_o ministry_n in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a it_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o apostle_n here_o which_o be_v temporary_a and_o extraordinary_a which_o church_n in_o after-age_n be_v not_o to_o expect_v but_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o some_o thing_n be_v ordinary_a and_o fix_v in_o that_o office_n for_o the_o continual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o remain_v for_o ever_o viz._n their_o care_n for_o all_o church_n their_o travel_n and_o labour_n to_o plant_v and_o settle_v new_a church_n their_o withstand_v false_a apostle_n as_o themselves_o be_v true_a apostle_n their_o authority_n to_o appease_v strife_n and_o contention_n which_o may_v arise_v among_o particular_a pastor_n and_o church_n which_o thing_n be_v demonstrate_v in_o our_o christianismus_fw-la primitivus_fw-la to_o which_o we_o refer_v we_o shall_v not_o here_o enlarge_v this_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v confer_v on_o many_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n who_o be_v also_o entitle_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n rev._n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n which_o in_o english_a be_v messenger_z of_o the_o church_n of_o this_o order_n be_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o such_o be_v timothy_n titus_n sylvanus_n andronicus_n and_o junia_n with_o other_o a_o ministry_n as_o needful_a as_o any_o both_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o church_n and_o the_o management_n of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n as_o experience_n may_v convince_v man_n if_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v it_o and_o here_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v in_o the_o full_a test_n of_o the_o best_a antiquity_n but_o this_o letter_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o of_o the_o discipline_n or_o government_n of_o this_o mother-church_n it_o be_v unto_o the_o guide_n of_o this_o cuhrch_n to_o who_o our_o bless_a lord_n first_o give_v rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 18._o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o in_o case_n of_o personal_a trespass_n and_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n or_o weakness_n all_o possible_a love_n patience_n and_o charity_n shall_v be_v exercise_v by_o one_o christian_a towards_o another_o and_o the_o offender_n upon_o confession_n of_o his_o fault_n forgive_v unto_o seventy_o time_n seven_o offence_n so_o abundant_o shall_v charity_n appear_v among_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v also_o in_o this_o church_n where_o wilful_a iniquity_n be_v punish_v with_o great_a severity_n as_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o deceit_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o the_o like_a severity_n be_v show_v against_o simon_n magus_n for_o his_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n in_o aspire_v to_o a_o ministry_n for_o which_o he_o be_v not_o qualify_v and_o to_o which_o he_o be_v not_o call_v by_o heaven_n donation_n and_o due_a vocation_n from_o the_o church_n without_o which_o woeful_a experience_n have_v teach_v the_o chrian_a nation_n that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a by_o money_n or_o for_o money_n to_o make_v man_n minister_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o this_o church_n be_v hold_v the_o first_o and_o best_a of_o general_n council_n for_o settle_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n when_o trouble_n do_v arise_v among_o themselves_o by_o mean_n of_o false_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o because_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n may_v have_v perpetual_a need_n of_o such_o help_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o assembly_n lest_o otherwise_o we_o be_v abuse_v by_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n and_o first_o of_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o call_n this_o present_a assembly_n act_v 15._o this_o assembly_n be_v call_v upon_o the_o great_a occasion_n that_o ever_o be_v namely_o the_o repeal_n or_o rather_o show_v the_o repeal_n of_o many_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o free_v the_o christian_a church_n from_o their_o obligation_n because_o they_o be_v either_o fulfil_v or_o too_o burdensome_a for_o his_o church_n as_o indeed_o st._n peter_n aver_v they_o be_v so_o heavy_a that_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o the_o endeavour_n of_o this_o council_n be_v successful_a to_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o and_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o their_o number_n a_v 16._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o if_o moses_n ceremony_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o peace_n and_o growth_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n much_o more_o must_v all_o ceremony_n devise_v and_o impose_v by_o human_a force_n and_o power_n only_o be_v a_o obstruction_n to_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o not_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n whether_o of_o legal_a or_o other_o devise_a ceremony_n as_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o this_o assembly_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v messenger_n elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o these_o do_v all_o free_o deliberate_a upon_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n offer_v their_o reason_n pro_fw-la &_o contra_fw-la and_o the_o dicision_n be_v make_v not_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o power_n apostolical_a but_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n to_o which_o they_o all_o agree_v the_o apostle_n act_v here_o as_o grave_a father_n give_v free_a audience_n and_o faithful_a advice_n to_o which_o when_o all_o agree_v the_o conclusion_n be_v make_v in_o all_o their_o name_n as_o appear_v act_v 15._o 22_o 23._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n 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 and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o sweet_a concord_n here_o we_o suppose_v all_o church_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o constitute_v their_o general_a consistory_n of_o such_o see_v such_o help_v she_o may_v have_v still_o in_o thing_n ordinary_a to_o each_o office_n if_o she_o render_v not_o herself_o unworthy_a of_o they_o now_o for_o the_o quality_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n make_v by_o this_o or_o succeed_a assembly_n the_o case_n be_v clear_a of_o
itself_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o reveal_v they_o but_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n what_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v concern_v they_o and_o partly_o by_o what_o before_o that_o time_n have_v be_v show_v unto_o st._n peter_n by_o a_o certain_a vision_n of_o god_n accept_v the_o gentile_n though_o not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o legal_a purification_n and_o therefore_o till_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reverse_v those_o decree_n they_o be_v to_o oblige_v all_o church_n to_o keep_v they_o inviolable_a and_o in_o this_o point_n as_o indeed_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o baptise_a church_n in_o this_o age_n do_v stand_v a_o witness_n against_o the_o disorder_n and_o disobedience_n of_o most_o of_o the_o christian_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o abstain_v from_o blood_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o know_v the_o true_a church_n do_v religious_o observe_v these_o decree_n for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n after_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o the_o custom_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o when_o they_o feed_v at_o their_o table_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o any_o beast_n it_o be_v further_a safe_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n be_v so_o far_o oblige_v only_o as_o the_o thing_n decree_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o because_o they_o be_v decree_v in_o council_n only_o for_o here_o st._n peter_n prove_v that_o church_n be_v free_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o legal_a ceremony_n because_o they_o wear_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a to_o be_v bear_v 2._o because_o god_n have_v accept_v they_o already_o without_o they_o and_o james_n the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n prove_n or_o confirm_v the_o same_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o argument_n and_o probation_n satisfy_v the_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o thing_n prohibit_v by_o these_o decree_n be_v always_o forbid_v even_o to_o noah_n and_o his_o perpetual_a generation_n gen._n 9_o 12_o etc._n etc._n nor_o do_v this_o assembly_n excommunicate_a or_o anathematise_v all_o that_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o very_o sweet_o tell_v the_o brethren_n they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o advice_n for_o they_o know_v that_o every_o church_n have_v power_n to_o punish_v offender_n and_o to_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o leave_v that_o care_n and_o not_o to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v of_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n in_o the_o mother-church_n in_o all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o the_o plantation_n and_o growth_n of_o this_o famous_a church_n or_o in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o write_v to_o they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o be_v find_v of_o any_o one_o infant_n be_v bring_v to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o we_o hold_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o here_o infant-circumcision_n be_v absolute_o exclude_v yet_o be_v there_o no_o argument_n urge_v for_o it_o from_o their_o baptism_n which_o have_v be_v very_o considerable_a have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o usage_n in_o this_o or_o the_o gentile_a church_n and_o because_o it_o be_v grant_v now_o by_o many_o and_o these_o the_o most_o learned_a too_o among_o who_o the_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v no_o scripture_n for_o infant-baptism_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o it_o stand_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n all_o that_o we_o shall_v say_v to_o that_o plea_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o show_v who_o deliver_v this_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a for_o see_v tradition_n signify_v a_o thing_n deliver_v it_o be_v fit_a the_o person_n or_o person_n deliver_v such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v person_n lawful_o impower_v to_o deliver_v such_o a_o tradition_n before_o we_o can_v with_o safety_n receive_v it_o tradition_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v infant_n be_v save_v if_o baptism_n belong_v not_o to_o they_o i_o answer_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o st._n peter_n verse_n 11._o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o sure_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o ask_v how_o can_v infant_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o repentance_n see_v it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v etc._n etc._n and_o what_o answer_n can_v any_o wise_a man_n make_v save_v this_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n suffice_v they_o have_v christ_n express_a word_n for_o it_o that_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o he_o speak_v to_o unbaptised_a infant_n too_o which_o be_v therefore_o so_o satisfactory_a that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o evidence_n if_o any_o man_n say_v the_o word_n which_o st._n peter_n speak_v in_o council_n act_v 15._o 11._o be_v not_o mean_v of_o infant_n and_o therefore_o not_o pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o opposition_n to_o this_o position_n that_o without_o circumcision_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n the_o gentile_n can_v not_o be_v save_v now_o we_o know_v it_o be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n to_o circumcise_v infant_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o these_o false_a teacher_n do_v question_v the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n die_v without_o circumcision_n therefore_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n which_o teach_v that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v be_v save_v have_v their_o clear_a extent_n to_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v here_o only_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o we_o have_v far_o write_v in_o a_o treatise_n upon_o this_o subject_a entitle_v the_o controversy_n about_o infant-church-member-ship_n and_o baptism_n epitomise_v of_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o saint_n angel_n and_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o particular_a according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o this_o mother-church_n it_o be_v in_o this_o church_n where_o the_o holy_a virgin_n mother_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v her_o conversation_n and_o society_n be_v with_o that_o select_a company_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n act_n 1._o 15._o among_o who_o this_o most_o bless_a woman_n be_v express_o name_v and_o by_o who_o presence_n this_o mother-church_n be_v honour_v above_o all_o other_o and_o here_o be_v the_o last_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o she_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o honourable_a mention_n of_o she_o by_o name_n and_o as_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o doubtless_o call_v for_o great_a reverence_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o god_n people_n be_v all_o the_o honour_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v here_o confer_v upon_o she_o this_o church_n make_v no_o prayer_n to_o she_o nor_o to_o christ_n in_o her_o name_n nor_o teach_v the_o succeed_a church_n to_o do_v so_o yet_o sure_o she_o be_v the_o great_a saint_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n from_o any_o direction_n nor_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o perform_v such_o devotion_n to_o she_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n or_o pretence_n of_o truth_n do_v it_o to_o any_o other_o creatrue_a saint_n or_o angel_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o though_o this_o church_n have_v occasion_n to_o make_v express_a mention_n of_o david_n in_o their_o prayer_n act_n 4._o 25._o yet_o do_v they_o not_o use_v his_o intercession_n at_o all_o but_o this_o honour_n they_o give_v to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o through_o his_o name_n such_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v as_o may_v confirm_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n nor_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o worship_v of_o angel_n saint_n nor_o the_o holy_a virgin_n in_o particular_a in_o that_o sacred_a epistle_n which_o be_v send_v to_o this_o church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o bless_a mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n so_o that_o this_o mother-church_n seem_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o such_o devotion_n and_o much_o more_o may_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o they_o pay_v no_o such_o devotion_n to_o the_o image_n of_o these_o or_o of_o any_o of_o they_o if_o any_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a we_o answer_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o jerom_n non_fw-la credimus_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la legimus_fw-la and_o with_o apollinarius_n we_o dare_v add_v nothing_o to_o
the_o priest_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n yet_o they_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n because_o they_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n mat._n 2._o 8._o it_o suppose_v whoever_o fall_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v as_o sure_o damn_v as_o he_o be_v cast_v or_o hang_v that_o fall_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n in_o law._n which_o may_v be_v false_a for_o the_o priest_n do_v joint_o sentence_v our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o our_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v it_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o the_o church_n do_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n but_o then_o nothing_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n unless_o she_o judge_v righteous_o for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o curse_v causeless_o shall_v not_o come_v prov._n 26._o 2._o and_o see_v she_o may_v be_v deceive_v at_o least_o by_o false_a witness_n she_o may_v condemn_v the_o innocent_a though_o she_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v so_o which_o show_v she_o be_v not_o infallible_a whatever_o man_n talk_v to_o the_o contrary_n i_o do_v not_o like_o this_o opinion_n therefore_o because_o it_o leave_v not_o liberty_n for_o those_o who_o the_o church_n condemn_v to_o appeal_v so_o much_o as_o to_o almighty_a god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n whilst_o the_o church_n know_v they_o not_o but_o i_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n by_o say_v 1._o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n authoritative_a this_o indeed_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n ever_o think_v otherwise_o and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v content_a to_o abide_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v innocent_a till_o god_n clear_v their_o innocency_n but_o all_o this_o while_n we_o suppose_v the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o she_o judge_n according_a to_o evidence_n and_o yet_o because_o she_o know_v not_o all_o secret_n nor_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o also_o suppose_v she_o may_v possible_o mistake_v though_o never_o so_o honest_a but_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o knowledge_n or_o discretion_n by_o which_o man_n receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o understanding_n and_o so_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o by_o the_o same_o judgement_n he_o refuse_v what_o be_v false_a as_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o till_o his_o understanding_n be_v well_o inform_v or_o rational_o satisfy_v by_o convince_a evidence_n he_o can_v if_o he_o have_v the_o understanding_n and_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n do_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v offer_v to_o man_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o choice_n josh_n 24._o 15._o choose_v then_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v heb._n 11._o 25._o moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o man_n be_v not_o call_v at_o the_o same_o moment_n but_o some_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o their_o youth_n other_o in_o their_o middle_a age_n some_o not_o till_o old_a age_n all_o the_o liberty_n which_o we_o contend_v for_o be_v that_o man_n may_v have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v allow_v to_o understand_v it_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o sacred_a thing_n that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o also_o be_v able_a to_o do_v as_o they_o be_v also_o exhort_v prove_v every_o man_n his_o own_o work_n that_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o gal._n 6._o 4_o 5._o thus_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v that_o will_v more_o glad_o than_o myself_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o that_o honour_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v she_o but_o to_o say_v she_o can_v err_v be_v to_o make_v she_o more_o like_a god_n than_o she_o be_v i_o think_v all_o that_o can_v be_v safe_o affirm_v be_v that_o she_o shall_v not_o sail_v so_o as_o utter_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v but_o that_o god_n will_v have_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o the_o apostasy_n be_v never_o so_o great_a or_o seem_o universal_a and_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o foreshow_v the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o christian_a nation_n so_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o intermix_v some_o word_n of_o comfort_n that_o when_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v like_o the_o dove_n in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n cant._n 2._o 14._o or_o thrust_v into_o prison_n and_o out_o of_o sight_n which_o may_v cause_v the_o faithful_a even_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o church_n remain_v like_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o desire_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v because_o he_o think_v the_o faithful_a have_v utter_o fail_v and_o himself_o leave_v alone_o i_o say_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v remember_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v always_o have_v a_o church_n however_o she_o may_v be_v obscure_v final_o brethren_n my_o heart_n desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you_o be_v that_o you_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o in_o these_o sacred_a principle_n before_o mention_v and_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o your_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o threefold_a order_n of_o minister_n under_o which_o the_o first_o church_n be_v undoubted_o govern_v viz._n messenger_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o advise_v to_o this_o because_o some_o have_v be_v please_v to_o publish_v in_o print_n that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o office_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n viz._n elder_n and_o deacon_n this_o presbyterian_a principle_n will_n i_o fear_v undo_v such_o as_o receive_v it_o they_o bold_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o office_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v temporary_a as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o what_o i_o have_v former_o write_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o office_n be_v extant_a among_o you_o and_o as_o yet_o unanswered_a and_o to_o that_o i_o refer_v you_o our_o division_n have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v if_o continue_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o our_o adversary_n know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o against_o we_o and_o our_o holy_a profession_n though_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a division_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o shall_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o and_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v see_v they_o be_v no_o more_o happy_a in_o that_o matter_n than_o their_o neighbour_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o bernard_n have_v write_v of_o they_o as_o he_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o learned_a in_o cant._n serm._n 33._o his_o word_n be_v to_o this_o effect_n from_o who_o shall_v the_o church_n hide_v herself_o all_o be_v friend_n and_o all_o be_v enemy_n all_o be_v kinsfolk_n and_o all_o be_v adversary_n all_o be_v household_n servant_n and_o there_o be_v none_o at_o peace_n all_o be_v neighbour_n and_o all_o seek_v but_o their_o own_o profit_n they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o serve_v antichrist_n they_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o who_o they_o do_v no_o honour_n thereby_o come_v that_o beauty_n of_o the_o harlot_n which_o thou_o see_v daily_a in_o their_o apparel_n as_o the_o player_n of_o comedy_n as_o in_o the_o apparel_n of_o a_o king_n thereby_o thou_o see_v the_o gold_n in_o the_o bridle_n saddle_n and_o spur_n thereby_o be_v the_o table_n beautify_v with_o meat_n and_o vessel_n thereby_o come_v drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n thereby_o proceed_v the_o harp_n and_o the_o viol_n thereby_o be_v the_o press_v run_v over_o and_o the_o garner_n full_a answer_v the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o thereby_o be_v the_o box_n full_a of_o ointment_n and_o sweet_a savour_n thereby_o be_v the_o purse_n fill_v therefore_o will_v they_o be_v and_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o church_n the_o provost_n dean_n arch-deacon_n bishop_n arch-bishop_n
they_o have_v punish_v with_o the_o cruel_a death_n such_o as_o in_o conscience_n can_v not_o subscribe_v unto_o it_o god_n give_v they_o a_o better_a understanding_n and_o more_o moderation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o you_o brethren_n as_o you_o have_v receive_v these_o holy_a decree_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o heavenly_a rule_n leave_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n even_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o receive_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o overcome_v all_o difficulty_n so_o pray_v your_o brother_n thomas_n grantham_n hear_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n or_o a_o epitome_n of_o the_o chief_z controversy_n between_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o baptise_a believer_n by_o thomas_n grantham_n let_v that_o therefore_o abide_v in_o you_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n if_o that_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n shall_v remain_v in_o you_o you_o also_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n and_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john._n unto_o the_o perfect_a word_n of_o the_o new-testament_n nothing_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o he_o that_o will_v lead_v a_o life_n agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n apollinar_a l._n 5._o c._n 14._o london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1687._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n friend_n it_o be_v now_o about_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n since_o it_o please_v a_o learned_a papist_n to_o send_v seven_o query_n to_o the_o people_n common_o call_v anabaptist_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n about_o which_o many_o paper_n be_v exchange_v and_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o some_o part_n of_o they_o be_v print_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o baptist_n against_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o scripture_n and_o rome_n in_o contention_n about_o the_o supreme_a seat_n of_o judgement_n in_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o querist_n never_o reply_v in_o print_n but_o only_o send_v i_o a_o few_o note_n in_o manuscript_n which_o seven_o query_n with_o my_o seven_o anti-query_n i_o shall_v annex_v to_o this_o epistle_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o do_v then_o and_o do_v still_o look_v upon_o this_o sort_n of_o christian-adversary_n so_o i_o call_v they_o to_o be_v the_o most_o subtle_a as_o well_o as_o coherent_a with_o their_o principle_n keep_v close_o to_o their_o argument_n and_o use_v all_o very_a much_o the_o same_o medium_n and_o be_v the_o truth_n with_o they_o as_o in_o many_o thing_n i_o be_o satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v be_v their_o high_a commendation_n but_o miss_v the_o heavenly_a mark_n more_o be_v the_o pity_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a wherein_o they_o stand_v oppose_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v very_o sensible_a i_o can_v as_o i_o love_v plain_a truth_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n but_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o be_v after_o a_o christian_a sort_n to_o undeceive_v if_o it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o and_o to_o prevent_v other_o from_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o fear_v they_o but_o as_o true_o love_v they_o as_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o doubtless_o be_v as_o zealous_a in_o their_o way_n as_o any_o though_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v they_o be_v under_o the_o great_a mistake_n of_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n except_o profess_a enthusiast_n that_o i_o treat_v they_o in_o love_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n let_v my_o word_n write_v more_o than_o twenty_o year_n since_o witness_v now_o in_o my_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n thus_o you_o find_v they_o not_o that_o i_o envy_v those_o of_o the_o papal_a church_n or_o desire_v they_o any_o evil_n not_o that_o i_o desire_v they_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o a_o suffer_a condition_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deny_v any_o liberty_n in_o that_o respect_n which_o i_o desire_v myself_o nor_o for_o any_o other_o prejudice_n god_n know_v do_v i_o publish_v this_o small_a treatise_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o i_o say_v then_o i_o say_v now_o be_v very_o persuade_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o good_a principle_n which_o i_o can_v ever_o meet_v with_o that_o they_o and_o all_o man_n live_n sober_o and_o quiet_o under_o the_o government_n aught_o to_o have_v at_o least_o a_o friendly_a connivance_n under_o our_o differ_a sentiment_n from_o the_o establish_a form_n or_o order_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o be_o no_o dictator_n i_o must_v leave_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prudence_n of_o our_o governor_n only_o this_o be_v my_o determination_n in_o christ_n strength_n to_o live_v and_o die_v faithful_a to_o what_o i_o know_v of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o my_o own_o conscience_n pray_v constant_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o my_o prince_n and_o all_o his_o peaceable_a subject_n tho._n grantham_n hear_v the_o church_n the_o three_o part_n contain_v a_o epitome_n of_o the_o controversy_n depend_v between_o those_o who_o be_v common_o call_v papist_n and_o those_o common_o call_v anabaptists_a occasion_v by_o seven_o query_n propound_v by_o a_o learned_a papist_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o idle_a conceit_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o author_n above_o his_o brethren_n nor_o yet_o above_o his_o adversary_n many_o of_o who_o be_v undoubted_o man_n of_o very_o rare_a part_n and_o accomplishment_n which_o move_v he_o thus_o to_o appear_v and_o to_o call_v forth_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o rome_n in_o argument_n to_o defend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n against_o the_o poor_a baptise_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n as_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o god_n which_o give_v boldness_n to_o this_o great_a undertake_n which_o in_o all_o due_a humility_n christian_a love_n and_o yet_o with_o holy_a confidence_n be_v thus_o attempt_v for_o a_o fair_a trial_n of_o the_o case_n or_o case_n depend_v between_o the_o party_n above_o mention_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n therefore_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o seven_o query_n send_v to_o the_o baptist_n by_o a_o learned_a papist_n which_o indeed_o contain_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o say_a party_n papist_n query_n 1._o baptist_n antiquery_a 1._o whether_o we_o be_v to_o resolve_v all_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n only_o out_o of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n what_o controversy_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n can_v you_o resolve_v without_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o 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thing_n upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n sight_n or_o hear_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v 1_o john_n 1._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 16._o for_o scarce_o so_o much_o as_o one_o hundred_o year_n and_o this_o their_o testimony_n also_o be_v but_o of_o human_a authority_n it_o remain_v of_o necessity_n that_o some_o book_n of_o record_n must_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o author_n in_o who_o name_n they_o speak_v and_o the_o divine_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o hence_o we_o argue_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n own_o authority_n to_o command_v our_o reception_n of_o they_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o carry_v in_o themselves_o divine_a evidence_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v papist_n query_n 3._o baptist_n antiquery_a 3._o how_o know_v you_o that_o your_o copy_n and_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n since_o the_o original_a write_n be_v not_o come_v 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