hear_v the_o church_n or_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all._n be_v a_o epistle_n to_o all_o the_o baptise_a believer_n in_o england_n exhort_v they_o to_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n together_o with_o some_o far_a consideration_n of_o seven_o query_n send_v to_o the_o baptise_a believer_n in_o lincolnshire_n concern_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o three_o part_n by_o thomas_n grantham_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v be_v turn_v into_o fable_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 4._o but_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o that_o which_o be_v note_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o hold_v with_o i_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o michael_n your_o prince_n dan._n 10._o 21._o london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1687._o to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o man_n sincere_o religious_a do_v more_o hearty_o desire_n than_o that_o 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they_o in_o the_o divine_a mystery_n or_o ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o who_o be_v pour_v the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n it_o be_v this_o church_n from_o who_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n shall_v first_o go_v forth_o isa_n 2._o 3._o mich._n 4._o 1_o 2._o here_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v flow_v unto_o it_o a_o honour_n not_o give_v to_o other_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o from_o you_o no_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o another_o for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n which_o by_o special_a order_n from_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v when_o he_o give_v commandment_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n in_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n luk._n 24._o 47._o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n give_v utterance_n unto_o the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v in_o all_o language_n that_o then_o some_o of_o all_o nation_n who_o be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n at_o jerusalem_n may_v hear_v from_o thence_o the_o joyful_a sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o keep_v the_o same_o holy_a doctrine_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v there_o deliver_v and_o confirm_v by_o divers_a sign_n and_o miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o heb._n 2._o 4._o act._n 2._o forasmuch_o then_o as_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o follow_v this_o church_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n command_v they_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o concern_v at_o this_o time_n to_o declare_v our_o unfeigned_a assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o 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prevail_v against_o our_o church_n in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o subject_a manner_n end_v and_o use_v of_o holy_a baptism_n whereas_o the_o only_a witness_n which_o be_v pretend_v by_o my_o learned_a adversary_n for_o the_o first_o century_n be_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n mention_v acts._n 17._o 34._o who_o be_v say_v to_o speak_v thus_o in_o a_o book_n entitle_v eccles_n hierarch_n cult_a the_o custom_n of_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n in_o baptise_v child_n be_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v nor_o to_o be_v judge_v superfluous_a nor_o indeed_o to_o be_v credit_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n true_o this_o author_n speak_v not_o like_o a_o man_n that_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n of_o infant_n baptism_n and_o such_o be_v the_o faintness_n of_o his_o evidence_n that_o methinks_v he_o shall_v leave_v a_o suspicion_n upon_o every_o man_n that_o read_v he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o to_o say_v nor_o whereof_o 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the_o first_o christian_a king_n in_o britain_n near_o upon_o the_o season_n of_o four_o hundred_o year_n and_o odd_a and_o then_o in_o the_o next_o baptism_n chapter_n he_o give_v account_n of_o augustin_n the_o monk_n come_v into_o england_n and_o how_o he_o prevail_v with_o some_o bishop_n to_o observe_v his_o order_n and_o in_o fol._n 107._o he_o say_v but_o for_o all_o this_o there_o be_v of_o they_o that_o say_v that_o they_o may_v not_o leave_v the_o custom_n which_o they_o so_o long_o have_v continue_v without_o the_o assent_n of_o all_o such_o as_o use_v the_o same_o then_o austin_n gather_v a_o synod_n to_o the_o which_o come_v seven_o bishop_n of_o britain_n with_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o famous_a abbey_n of_o bangor_n but_o first_o they_o take_v counsel_n of_o a_o holy_a man_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o austin_n or_o not_o and_o he_o say_v if_o you_o find_v he_o humble_a and_o meek_a as_o to_o christ_n disciple_n belong_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v assent_v to_o he_o which_o meekness_n they_o shall_v perceive_v in_o he_o if_o he_o at_o their_o come_n into_o the_o synod_n or_o council_n arise_v against_o they_o when_o the_o say_v bishop_n enter_v the_o say_a synod_n augustine_n sit_v still_o in_o the_o chair_n and_o remove_v not_o wherefore_o they_o be_v wroth_a and_o disdain_v he_o and_o will_v not_o obey_v to_o his_o request_n then_o he_o say_v to_o they_o since_o you_o will_v not_o assent_v to_o my_o hest_n general_o assent_n to_o i_o especial_o in_o three_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o you_o keep_v easter_n day_n in_o due_a form_n and_o time_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v the_o second_o that_o you_o give_v christendom_n to_o child_n and_o the_o three_o be_v that_o you_o preach_v unto_o the_o english_a the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o afore-time_o have_v exhort_v you_o and_o all_o the_o other_o deal_v i_o will_v suffer_v you_o to_o amend_v and_o reform_v among_o yourselves_o but_o they_o will_v not_o thereof_o from_o this_o passage_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o infant-baptism_n come_v not_o into_o this_o nation_n till_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o receive_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o papist_n must_v needs_o fail_v of_o antiquity_n here_o and_o must_v if_o they_o will_v do_v we_o right_a give_v place_n to_o the_o baptise_a believer_n not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o believers-baptism_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n see_v these_o seven_o bishop_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o bangor_n withstand_v augustine_n the_o monk_n in_o that_o point_n then_o as_o we_o withstand_v the_o papist_n in_o that_o point_n now_o and_o as_o we_o have_v suffer_v many_o hard_a thing_n even_o to_o the_o burn_a of_o our_o body_n in_o smithfield_n for_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o ancient_n and_o true_a baptism_n of_o christ_n even_o so_o it_o fare_v very_o ill_o with_o those_o that_o withstand_v infant-baptism_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o day_n of_o austin_n for_o fabian_n relate_v how_o they_o be_v many_o hundred_o of_o they_o murder_v and_o mr._n fox_n seem_v to_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o austin_n i_o conclude_v with_o these_o two_o short_a argument_n 1._o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n can_v possible_o prove_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n ergo_fw-la the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n 2._o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o true_a baptism_n ergo_fw-la she_o be_v no_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n let_v the_o papist_n defend_v their_o present_a church_n against_o these_o argument_n the_o ground_n whereof_o be_v deliver_v true_o in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n without_o which_o all_o they_o can_v say_v will_v signify_v little_a for_o what_o power_n soever_o the_o church_n have_v it_o be_v little_a to_o they_o unless_o they_o make_v good_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a christian_n that_o the_o light_n of_o piety_n shine_v in_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o hear_v peter_n but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o once_o hear_v neither_o satisfy_v with_o the_o unwritten_a doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v but_o earnest_o beseech_v st._n mark_n who_o gospel_n be_v now_o in_o ure_n that_o he_o will_v leave_v in_o write_v unto_o they_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o preach_v etc._n etc._n euseb_n hist_o l._n 2._o chap._n 15._o we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n esteem_v the_o gospel_n in_o write_v above_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o in_o preach_v though_o they_o hear_v it_o from_o peter_n himself_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o as_o then_o for_o tradition_n from_o who_o its_o hard_a to_o say_v be_v more_o now_o to_o they_o than_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o to_o they_o but_o as_o deliver_v and_o interpret_v by_o tradition_n tradition_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n repentance_n faith_n doctrine_n of_o baptism_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a eternal_a judgement_n christ_n as_o receive_v in_o the_o power_n and_o order_n of_o these_o principle_n become_v a_o foundation_n to_o his_o church_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o principle_n be_v here_o call_v the_o foundation_n also_o mark_v 16._o 15._o rom._n 10._o 17._o joh._n 17._o 3._o act_n 2._o 38._o tit._n 2._o 12._o mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o rom._n 6._o 4._o joh._n 3._o 3_o 5._o eph._n 5._o 26._o mat._n 28._o 18._o mat._n 28._o 18._o act._n 2._o 28._o act._n 22._o 16._o rom._n 12._o 13._o heb._n 10._o 22._o act_n 2._o 38._o act._n 8._o act._n 19_o gal._n 3._o 14._o mat._n 20._o 22_o 23._o 1_o cor._n 15._o acts._n 17._o 31._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 10._o acts._n 2._o 40._o mark_n 1._o 5._o act_n 8._o 36_o 37._o mark_v 1._o 15._o john_n 3._o 23._o act_n 8._o 38._o mat._n 28._o 19_o act_n 20._o 7._o gal._n 3._o 13._o heb._n 10._o 12_o 14._o mat._n 26._o 26._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 24._o john_n 6._o 35._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 26._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 25._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o mat._n 26._o 30._o dr._n willet_n synop_n papis_fw-la p._n 561._o act_n 2._o 27._o heb._n 7._o 24._o this_o catechise_v be_v print_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o william_n hide_v d._n d._n precedent_n of_o the_o english_a college_n at_o douai_n the_o present_a baptise_a believer_n only_o do_v hold_v to_o the_o old_a religion_n at_o least_o in_o the_o point_n of_o sacred_a baptism_n
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 sound_a word_n this_o profession_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o composition_n and_o foundamentality_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v there_o any_o thing_n be_v assign_v that_o be_v so_o proper_o the_o analogy_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o these_o principle_n of_o catechism_n happy_a have_v it_o be_v if_o all_o christian_a church_n have_v hold_v fast_o this_o catechism_n though_o no_o more_o have_v ever_o be_v compose_v unity_n in_o the_o truth_n will_v have_v be_v better_o maintain_v by_o this_o one_o than_o by_o so_o many_o as_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o sure_o this_o be_v of_o divine_a composure_n and_o authority_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o outweigh_v all_o other_o be_v but_o of_o human_a composition_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o this_o church_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n we_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v why_o repentance_n be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n even_o before_o faith_n sure_o it_o be_v because_o no_o unrepent_v sinner_n can_v have_v the_o faith_n of_o justification_n therefore_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v follow_v repentance_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o will_v both_o punish_v sinner_n and_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o this_o faith_n must_v needs_o precede_v repentance_n heb._n 11._o 6._o this_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o this_o mother-church_n comprehend_v three_o thing_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o exceed_a sinfulness_n of_o it_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o or_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act._n 2._o 37._o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o with_o amendment_n of_o life_n without_o which_o repentance_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o than_o to_o be_v esteem_v any_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n repent_v you_o therefore_o and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o act._n 3._o 19_o without_o which_o repentance_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n luk._n 13._o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v say_v our_o saviour_n how_o bless_a have_v it_o be_v if_o this_o doctrine_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o man_n bring_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o before_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o not_o keep_v to_o this_o rule_n have_v fill_v all_o national_a church_n with_o unregenerate_a unconverted_a person_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n in_o this_o mother-church_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o mother-church_n appear_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n act._n 2._o 40._o to_o the_o illumination_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o expelling_a the_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o unbelief_n by_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v their_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n have_v a_o great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o love_n and_o expectation_n of_o which_o they_o willing_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n whilst_o they_o be_v make_v a_o gazingstock_n both_o by_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n with_o joyfulness_n and_o be_v willing_o companion_n with_o and_o charitable_o compassionate_a towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n minister_a to_o the_o saint_n labour_v in_o love_n all_o which_o be_v argument_n of_o true_a and_o lively_a faith._n heb._n 6._o 10_o 11._o heb._n 10._o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35._o he_o that_o read_v and_o consider_v this_o excellent_a epistle_n write_v to_o this_o mother-church_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o no_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deliver_v but_o the_o same_o corroborate_v which_o they_o have_v receive_v shall_v find_v that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o christ_n be_v among_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divinity_n chap._n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humanity_n chap._n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o priestly_a office_n and_o sacrifice_n with_o all_o other_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o which_o we_o can_v now_o speak_v particular_o 3._o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n in_o this_o church_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v full_o teach_v the_o guide_n of_o this_o mother-church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n both_o by_o word_n and_o example_n and_o thereby_o have_v inform_v they_o of_o a_o threefold_a baptism_n the_o first_o deliver_v by_o precept_n himself_o make_v the_o people_n disciple_n by_o teach_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o appoint_v his_o disciple_n to_o dip_v they_o in_o the_o river_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o dip_v or_o baptise_a more_o disciple_n than_o john_n mat._n 4._o 17._o john_n 4._o 1._o john_n 3._o 22._o his_o own_o example_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a rule_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o baptise_v he_o be_v dip_v of_o john_n into_o jordan_n as_o the_o greek_a have_v it_o mark_v 1._o 9_o and_o then_o come_v up_o out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o of_o this_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v say_v their_o heart_n be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o their_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n for_o baptismal_a water_n be_v therefore_o pure_a because_o it_o be_v sanctify_v for_o our_o religious_a use_n both_o by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n and_o of_o this_o church_n be_v first_o require_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o then_o be_v baptise_a and_o of_o they_o it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n preach_v by_o st._n peter_n be_v baptize_v act_v 2._o 38_o 40._o they_o be_v also_o instruct_v concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n make_v to_o all_o the_o call_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o pour_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v baptise_a with_o affliction_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospels-sake_n they_o be_v also_o teach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o discourse_n with_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o by_o his_o own_o suffering_n luke_n 12._o 30._o of_o which_o they_o be_v also_o partaker_n heb._n 10._o 32._o as_o also_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v expect_v the_o same_o and_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v by_o what_o rule_n any_o man_n can_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v baptism_n the_o first_o principle_n see_v christ_n himself_o have_v make_v it_o the_o three_o principle_n and_o by_o what_o rule_n any_o man_n can_v call_v sprinkle_v baptise_v dare_v they_o speak_v as_o they_o act_n that_o be_v dare_v they_o say_v i_o sprinkle_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o their_o conscience_n fly_v in_o their_o face_n if_o they_o shall_v so_o speak_v and_o yet_o behold_v they_o prevaricate_v in_o action_n and_o lie_v in_o expression_n in_o that_o which_o they_o call_v their_o baptism_n god_n will_v sure_o send_v the_o proud_a prevaricator_n in_o this_o case_n a_o quo_fw-la warranto_fw-la for_o their_o presumptuous_a deal_n herein_o of_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v two_o great_a blessing_n belong_v to_o all_o true_a christian_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o gift_n
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
the_o perfect_a word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereto_o nothing_o may_v be_v add_v and_o wherefrom_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 euseb_n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 14._o thus_o brethren_n i_o have_v for_o your_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o other_o taken_z a_o fresh_a view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o most_o primitive_a church_n to_o who_o holy_a pattern_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n you_o have_v diligent_o labour_v to_o conform_v your_o soul_n her_o principle_n be_v you_o her_o government_n in_o good_a measure_n be_v you_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n any_o of_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v my_o heart_n desire_n be_v that_o god_n will_v speedy_o reveal_v even_o the_o same_o unto_o you_o and_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o all_o well_o dispose_v will_v in_o time_n see_v themselves_o concern_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o principle_n in_o the_o very_a order_n wherein_o you_o maintain_v they_o hear_v the_o church_n or_o a_o epistle_n to_o all_o the_o baptise_a christian_n in_o england_n exciting_a they_o to_o steadfastness_n in_o their_o holy_a profession_n under_o their_o various_a trial_n and_o great_a affliction_n the_o second_o part_n brethren_n as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o exercise_v you_o many_o year_n with_o various_a trial_n and_o affliction_n for_o your_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o restoration_n of_o it_o to_o its_o ancient_a purity_n both_o in_o the_o form_n and_o power_n of_o it_o wherein_o you_o have_v labour_v hitherto_o and_o have_v not_o faint_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v attain_v to_o some_o degree_n in_o that_o behalf_n above_o what_o have_v as_o yet_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o your_o countryman_n for_o which_o you_o owe_v the_o great_a thankfulness_n to_o almighty_a god._n and_o have_v as_o i_o very_o believe_v lay_v a_o right_a foundation_n for_o a_o true_a church-state_n you_o be_v indispensible_o oblige_v to_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n as_o the_o first_o church_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n be_v express_o require_v and_o exhort_v heb._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 3._o in_o which_o holy_a profession_n be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n one_o with_o you_o and_o also_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o office_n of_o a_o messenger_n of_o your_o church_n which_o i_o mention_v because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o despise_a office_n among_o all_o christian_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 1._o cor._n 4._o 9_o do_v hold_n it_o my_o duty_n at_o this_o time_n to_o endeavour_v to_o strengthen_v you_o in_o what_o i_o may_v in_o your_o holy_a profession_n as_o also_o to_o call_v upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v shake_v in_o mind_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o have_v befall_v they_o in_o common_a with_o their_o brethren_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o those_o undoubted_o shall_v who_o draw_v back_o from_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v once_o embrace_v unto_o perdition_n so_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o for_o any_o to_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v by_o the_o baptise_a church_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o other_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o near_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o pristine_a order_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o own_o the_o honourable_a appellation_n of_o christian_a for_o what_o sort_n of_o christian_n can_v with_o any_o confidence_n look_v upon_o or_o bring_v themselves_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o st._n paul_n catechism_n also_o heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o as_o the_o ancient_n use_v to_o call_v it_o except_o the_o baptise_a church_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o other_o can_v they_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a catholick-church_n in_o any_o wise_a square_v themselves_o or_o justify_v their_o present_a church-state_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o sacred_a principle_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o they_o no_o these_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v concordant_a with_o the_o catechism_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n see_v a_o doctor_n of_o their_o own_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v our_o rule_n etc._n etc._n they_o must_v all_o cross_v the_o cudgel_n to_o the_o anabaptist_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o victory_n to_o the_o baptise_a church_n unless_o a_o better_a form_n of_o doctrine_n can_v be_v assign_v than_o this_o be_v which_o will_v never_o be_v yea_o so_o press_v be_v this_o place_n from_o the_o true_a institution_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a religion_n that_o the_o rhemist_n seem_v to_o be_v under_o no_o small_a difficulty_n how_o to_o express_v themselves_o about_o it_o for_o thus_o they_o speak_v upon_o the_o text_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o we_o see_v hereby_o say_v they_o what_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o christian_a institution_n or_o catechism_n be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o necessary_a instruction_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a point_n have_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o tradition_n before_o man_n come_v to_o the_o scripture_n which_o can_v not_o treat_v of_o thing_n so_o particular_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o teach_n of_o all_o necessary_a ground_n among_o these_o point_n be_v the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o doctrine_n of_o penance_n before_o baptism_n the_o manner_n and_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n the_o sacrament_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o baptism_n call_v confirmation_n the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n judgement_n and_o such_o like_a without_o which_o thing_n first_o lay_v if_o one_o shall_v be_v send_v to_o pick_v his_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v mad_a rule_n quick_o 1._o it_o be_v high_o observable_a from_o hence_o that_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o man_n read_v heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o be_v open_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o most_o potent_a opposite_n to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v for_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o institution_n of_o christianity_n or_o christian_a institution_n and_o catechism_n that_o in_o the_o primitime_a church_n these_o ground_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o very_a order_n now_o observe_v by_o the_o baptise_a church_n particular_o repentance_n before_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o baptism_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o full_a testimony_n that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o baptise_a church_n now_o wrongful_o call_v anabaptist_n and_o they_o only_o be_v true_o apostolical_a whilst_o all_o the_o paedobaptist_n in_o the_o world_n among_o who_o the_o papist_n have_v quite_o subvert_v this_o order_n give_v their_o suppose_a baptism_n before_o repentance_n and_o that_o unto_o person_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o repentance_n 2._o they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a instruction_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a point_n have_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o tradition_n before_o man_n come_v to_o the_o scripture_n admit_v this_o to_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o such_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v then_o unwritten_a when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_o false_a in_o respect_n of_o such_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v then_o in_o be_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n propound_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n luke_n 4._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o thence_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n and_o command_v his_o hearer_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5._o 29._o he_o do_v not_o send_v his_o hearer_n to_o tradition_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n st._n peter_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 2._o 17._o preach_v from_o and_o notable_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2._o not_o by_o tradition_n and_o philip_n act_v 8._o 35._o begin_v at_o the_o same_o scripture_n which_o the_o eunuch_n read_v and_o preach_v to_o he_o jesus_n without_o make_v any_o use_n of_o tradition_n apollo_n be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n not_o in_o tradition_n convince_v the_o jew_n show_v not_o by_o tradition_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n st._n paul_n act_v 28._o 2d_o persuade_v man_n concern_v jesus_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n not_o out_o of_o tradition_n from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o st._n paul_n hearer_n search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o not_o tradition_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o
who_o be_v his_o church_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v she_o nor_o do_v he_o reveal_v this_o but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o must_v we_o find_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o no_o where_o for_o none_o but_o enthusiast_n pretend_v to_o any_o other_o revelation_n in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o speak_v feee_o i_o doubt_v the_o papist_n be_v more_o than_o a_o little_a enthusiastical_a for_o rather_o than_o let_v god_n word_n decide_v this_o question_n about_o the_o church_n they_o will_v fly_v to_o miracle_n as_o if_o a_o false_a prophet_n may_v not_o show_v a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n yea_o and_o that_o sign_n and_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v too_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n he_o bring_v it_o to_o prove_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o lie_n see_v deut._n 15._o sure_o he_o that_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v a_o miracle_n or_o wonder_n in_o these_o day_n to_o prove_v such_o or_o such_o a_o people_n to_o be_v the_o church_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o suspect_a both_o he_o and_o his_o church_n because_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n already_o which_o word_n do_v as_o full_o set_v forth_o the_o church_n as_o it_o set_v forth_o any_o thing_n insomuch_o as_o man_n may_v as_o well_o call_v for_o miracle_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v true_a as_o to_o call_v for_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a church_n indeed_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v once_o find_v than_o all_o wise_a and_o modest_a man_n will_v ready_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o she_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o when_o she_o undertake_v to_o expound_v the_o dark_a or_o mysterious_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o offer_v her_o judgement_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a for_o as_o for_o the_o common_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o that_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o no_o way_n bias_v by_o interest_n may_v perhaps_o know_v these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o churchman_n but_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o any_o church_n in_o these_o day_n as_o to_o a_o people_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o attribute_n too_o high_a for_o any_o society_n of_o sinful_a man_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o for_o see_v god_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o any_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v or_o be_v mistake_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v speak_v and_o if_o it_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o almighty_a to_o say_v he_o can_v lie_v it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n that_o she_o can_v lie_v lest_o he_o reprove_v we_o and_o we_o be_v find_v liar_n rom._n 3._o 4._o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v and_o again_o hos_fw-la 11._o 12._o ephraim_n compass_v i_o about_o with_o lie_n and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n with_o deceit_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o though_o judah_n be_v justify_v as_o to_o these_o impiety_n yet_o chap._n 12._o 2._o god_n tell_v they_o he_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o they_o also_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o famous_a church_n have_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o they_o no_o church_n be_v herein_o privilege_v above_o another_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v say_v in_o his_o word_n but_o he_o every_o where_o exhort_v his_o people_n to_o beware_v of_o sin_n error_n and_o apostasy_n and_o command_v every_o one_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v to_o any_o of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v err_v therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v such_o a_o story_n of_o any_o church_n mat._n 16._o 18._o be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n indeed_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o found_v upon_o himself_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o this_o promise_n belong_v to_o all_o true_a church_n equal_o yet_o no_o man_n ever_o dare_v affirm_v from_o hence_o that_o no_o true_a church_n can_v possible_o err_v and_o st._n peter_n who_o understand_v this_o promise_n never_o tell_v any_o church_n of_o his_o plant_v that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o rather_o tell_v they_o they_o may_v err_v so_o as_o to_o fall_v from_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a indeed_o if_o any_o church_n can_v be_v assign_v here_o on_o earth_n that_o can_v err_v or_o be_v deceive_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o find_v the_o truth_n have_v once_o find_v the_o church_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o need_n to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o that_o church_n speak_v and_o to_o receive_v her_o determination_n as_o god_n oracle_n but_o then_o i_o consider_v again_o that_o we_o shall_v perhaps_o have_v great_a inconvenience_n also_o for_o if_o all_o the_o decree_v make_v by_o general_a council_n be_v oblige_v to_o we_o and_o be_v bind_v up_o together_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o read_v they_o nor_o i_o doubt_v to_o understand_v they_o it_o will_v then_o be_v our_o best_a at_o the_o long-run_a to_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o church_n but_o i_o consider_v far_o that_o no_o man_n make_v any_o particular_a church_n this_o guide_n but_o do_v refer_v we_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o assemble_v in_o a_o general_n council_n sure_o either_o this_o be_v to_o make_v as_o many_o universal_a church_n at_o least_o as_o there_o have_v be_v age_n since_o christ_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n or_o if_o all_o make_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n the_o direction_n give_v to_o follow_v her_o sentence_n be_v scarce_o practicable_a for_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v what_o be_v hold_v and_o what_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n indeed_o there_o be_v man_n bear_v of_o great_a confidence_n who_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n have_v always_o hold_v such_o doctrine_n and_o such_o traditior_n as_o be_v unwritten_a etc._n etc._n now_o it_o high_o concern_v all_o christian_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o make_v sure_a work_n with_o such_o bold_a talker_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v especial_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o they_o appear_v by_o some_o divine_a record_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o first_o church_n by_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o divine_a institutes_n and_o if_o they_o fail_v here_o it_o will_v be_v ill_o venture_v to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o after-enquiry_n and_o there_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o 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on_o her_o side_n can_v fail_v of_o all_o other_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v any_o way_n necessary_a for_o her_o justification_n for_o indeed_o this_o first_o argument_n do_v infer_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o they_o that_o have_v not_o this_o have_v none_o of_o the_o other_o which_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v look_v back_o upon_o your_o principle_n o_o you_o baptise_a christian_n and_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o they_o even_o by_o your_o adversary_n and_o take_v comfort_n for_o whoever_o boast_v of_o the_o best_a antiquity_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o you_o only_o have_v it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n doubtless_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o so_o let_v the_o
question_n be_v about_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n there_o must_v we_o find_v they_o both_o or_o no_o where_o if_o any_o man_n like_v not_o this_o doctrine_n let_v he_o show_v i_o if_o he_o can_v these_o lovely_a object_n without_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o scripture_n some_o i_o have_v know_v to_o attempt_v this_o but_o with_o lamentable_a success_n be_v soon_o drive_v to_o a_o shameful_a silence_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a world_n must_v depart_v into_o utter_a silence_n as_o touch_v this_o great_a mystery_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n unless_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n through_o faith_n make_v we_o wise_a in_o these_o great_a concernment_n of_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14._o let_v man_n allege_v all_o the_o author_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o tradition_n that_o ever_o be_v if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v not_o be_v their_o own_o evidence_n and_o so_o capable_a to_o command_v our_o belief_n of_o they_o 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and_o prudent_o accept_v for_o such_o by_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o miracle_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o christ_n prove_v himself_o and_o his_o new_a gospel_n but_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o have_v more_o than_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o can_v bear_v witness_n for_o it_o but_o that_o this_o must_v be_v have_v from_o a_o live_a judge_n viz._n the_o church_n the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o god_n word_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v brief_o that_o be_v a_o vicious_a circle_n out_o of_o which_o no_o man_n can_v lawful_o deliver_v himself_o but_o must_v run_v in_o a_o round_a without_o end_n and_o true_o such_o be_v this_o circular_a argumentation_n of_o my_o adversary_n he_o will_v prove_v his_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n 2._o he_o will_v prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a by_o his_o church_n and_o he_o will_v prove_v his_o church_n true_a by_o the_o scripture_n before_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v true_a and_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a after_o it_o have_v prove_v his_o church_n true_a this_o meander_n be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v avoid_v that_o i_o can_v see_v but_o by_o suffer_v either_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o church_n to_o be_v its_o own_o evidence_n for_o his_o demonstrative_a regress_n make_v his_o case_n worse_o for_o by_o it_o they_o be_v both_o sufficient_o prove_v before_o either_o of_o they_o be_v prove_v and_o both_o prudent_o accept_v before_o either_o of_o they_o be_v accept_v and_o which_o be_v most_o strange_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n these_o thing_n be_v all_o do_v before_o the_o scripture_n have_v any_o sense_n know_v for_o of_o this_o he_o be_v the_o most_o of_o all_o confident_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v have_v from_o a_o live_a judge_n viz._n the_o church_n the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o god_n word_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a 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word_n in_o all_o her_o definition_n yet_o they_o hold_v it_o extreme_o irrational_a that_o all_o that_o can_v read_v it_o shall_v be_v his_o own_o interpreter_n of_o it_o for_o so_o say_v they_o he_o will_v be_v his_o own_o judge_n and_o as_o in_o a_o nation_n where_o no_o judge_n of_o the_o law_n be_v appoint_v there_o can_v be_v no_o justice_n but_o every_o man_n will_v be_v his_o own_o judge_n so_o likewise_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n from_o who_o no_o appeal_n may_v be_v allow_v there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o controversy_n etc._n etc._n this_o objection_n be_v considerable_a to_o which_o i_o say_v 1._o what_o my_o adversary_n mean_v by_o god_n reveal_v word_n i_o do_v not_o very_o well_o understand_v but_o i_o doubt_v he_o extend_v that_o term_n far_o than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n else_o i_o be_o sure_a enough_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v in_o very_a many_o of_o her_o observation_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v at_o present_a i_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n thus_o 2._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o many_o dangerous_a supposition_n such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o priest_n for_o we_o must_v hear_v the_o church_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o on_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n in_o a_o civil_a court_n for_o a_o matter_n of_o debt_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o eternal_a life_n than_o to_o search_v the_o statute-book_n for_o our_o temporal_a life_n nay_o here_o i_o do_v they_o no_o wrong_n for_o they_o will_v permit_v we_o to_o read_v the_o statute-book_n but_o they_o forbid_v we_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o suppose_v
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 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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 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