synod_n now_o present_a and_o their_o employment_n likewise_o be_v of_o a_o other_o nature_n then_o that_o of_o ordinary_a pastor_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o a_o synod_n and_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v never_o any_o congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n that_o yet_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o synod_n or_o council_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v a_o synod_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o they_o several_o and_o so_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o definition_n and_o therefore_o remain_v not_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n that_o the_o congregationall_a church_n can_v enjoy_v for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o but_o many_o time_n after_o in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n and_o the_o death_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n or_o when_o there_o remain_v but_o one_o alive_a as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v dependent_a if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n or_o else_o be_v no_o church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v ordinance_n that_o near_o concern_v every_o particular_a congregation_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o that_o alone_a for_o how_o can_v a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o ignorant_a man_n and_o woman_n try_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v elect_v or_o put_v over_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o those_o science_n art_n faculty_n and_o history_n and_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o latin_a greek_a hebrew_n and_o be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o in_o some_o competency_n be_v require_v in_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n over_o they_o when_o i_o say_v not_o any_o one_o in_o those_o congregation_n many_o time_n have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o art_n and_o science_n in_o all_o which_o a_o minister_n ought_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v verse_v in_o if_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o high_a call_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o due_o and_o right_o perform_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o have_v such_o intelligible_a member_n who_o when_o they_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o elder_n to_o perform_v &_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n who_o never_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o hold_v and_o teach_v so_o that_o when_o any_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o other_o church_n officer_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o permit_v not_o the_o common_a people_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o but_o always_o desire_v elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o other_o congregation_n to_o do_v it_o without_o who_o help_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v have_v it_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n but_o i_o will_v first_o speak_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n the_o which_o howsoever_o in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o unlearned_a independent_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v of_o small_a weight_n and_o but_o a_o compliment_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n account_n and_o reckon_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n heb._n 6._o for_o 1_o 2_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n master_n henry_n jacob_n by_o name_n who_o first_o baptize_v their_o new_a gather_a church_n with_o that_o compellation_n of_o independent_a church_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n exceed_o urge_v to_o overthrow_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o as_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o england_n err_v in_o the_o foundation_n not_o have_v the_o due_a and_o right_a imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o of_o his_o other_o opinion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v for_o those_o that_o impose_v hand_n upon_o the_o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n be_v presbyter_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o can_v urge_v this_o place_n for_o their_o advantage_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o also_o may_v not_o much_o more_o make_v use_n of_o it_o against_o they_o it_o be_v god_n own_o institution_n and_o to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o world_n end_n in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o this_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o presbytery_n be_v want_v in_o any_o church_n that_o church_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n within_o itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o obtain_v or_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n of_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o often_o in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o and_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o at_o many_o other_o time_n also_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o mortality_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o when_o but_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v alive_a which_o frequent_o happen_v among_o they_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v crave_v the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v dependent_a for_o not_o any_o one_o elder_a alone_a and_o by_o himself_o can_v ordain_v a_o other_o there_o must_v be_v more_o together_o for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v just_o do_v and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v of_o many_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n import_v and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n and_o view_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o a_o establish_a presbytery_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v many_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o they_o appoint_v over_o they_o to_o govern_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a and_o all_o those_o several_a presbytery_n have_v in_o each_o of_o they_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n within_o themselves_o in_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o corporation_n or_o committee_n have_v their_o precedent_n and_o chaire-man_n with_o all_o other_o officer_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o abundance_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v as_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o presbyter_n or_o officer_n dye_v within_o their_o several_a preeinct_n they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o several_a charter_n present_o go_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o new_a one_o and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n and_o choice_n for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v who_o if_o their_o precedent_n die_v or_o any_o of_o their_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o their_o common_a council_n or_o any_o of_o their_o other_o officer_n they_o forthwith_o make_v election_n of_o other_o out_o of_o some_o of_o their_o freeman_n or_o of_o man_n well_o know_v to_o they_o for_o sufficiency_n wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o all_o other_o ability_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o corporation_n for_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o
and_o officer_n much_o less_o in_o synod_n that_o employment_n belong_v whole_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n who_o god_n have_v make_v ruler_n in_o his_o church_n over_o they_o and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o heb._n 13._o and_o therefore_o that_o all_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n affect_v a_o independency_n and_o challenge_v their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n be_v all_o transgressor_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr_n knollys_n his_o vain_a jangle_n against_o my_o three_o proposition_n and_o now_o i_o will_v brief_o answer_v to_o what_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o who_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v but_o we_o distinguish_v say_v he_o between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a say_v he_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o ay_o the_o officer_n ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v ay_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v executative_a power_n as_o you_o demand_v pag._n 93._o but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o as_o those_o place_n allege_v by_o yourself_o show_v express_o act._n 15._o for_o though_o ver_fw-la 2._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o yet_o ver_fw-la 4._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o apostle_n and_o elder_n therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n also_o and_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n ver_fw-la 25._o import_v a_o multitude_n meet_v together_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o that_o multitude_n else_o it_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v convene_v and_o issue_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o only_a the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v mention_v as_o come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o question_n verse_n 6._o yet_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 22._o that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o therefore_o the_o church_n also_o come_v together_o to_o consult_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o cnmmittee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n i_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n ver_fw-la 23._o and_o so_o in_o ordination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ay_o election_n by_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a thus_o speak_v i._n s._n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o my_o three_o proposition_n the_o error_n of_o who_o expression_n shall_v i_o but_o only_o name_v they_o all_o several_o they_o will_v take_v up_o some_o time_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o paper_n but_o shall_v i_o undertake_v the_o full_a confutation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o discover_v all_o the_o impiety_n evil_a and_o wickedness_n that_o lie_v couch_v in_o these_o his_o word_n i_o may_v make_v a_o just_a volumn_n and_o spend_v some_o month_n in_o the_o employment_n for_o grosser_n error_n my_o eye_n never_o behold_v and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o contrary_a unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o church_n but_o to_o the_o very_a dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o the_o independent_o most_o shameful_o disthrone_v as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v god_n assist_v i_o while_o notwithstanding_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n of_o set_v he_o up_o king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n though_o the_o independent_o seem_v to_o hate_v popery_n their_o doctrine_n be_v popery_n itself_o only_o the_o upside_o of_o it_o turn_v down_o and_o the_o rear_v make_v the_o front_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o their_o tenant_n but_o that_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v more_o shameful_o erroneous_a as_o will_v be_v make_v evident_a and_o more_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o more_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o the_o which_o assertion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v a_o little_a more_o evident_o manifest_a i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o and_o examine_v some_o of_o the_o passage_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o to_o discover_v but_o half_a the_o error_n of_o it_o they_o will_v weary_v the_o reader_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o to_o speak_v but_o the_o verity_n he_o that_o shall_v have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o whible_n and_o unlearned_a fellow_n as_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n be_v have_v need_n to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o intolerable_a patience_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v with_o he_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o i._o s._n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o interfer_v tautology_n and_o great_a confusion_n crime_n he_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n to_o use_v some_o of_o his_o own_o language_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o if_o not_o contradiction_n and_o be_v not_o great_a of_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o a_o very_a catechumenos_fw-la and_o one_o that_o have_v as_o well_o need_v of_o instruction_n as_o of_o refutation_n for_o as_o much_o as_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a these_o thing_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o reader_n consideration_n and_o now_o i_o go_v to_o my_o work_n in_o assert_v say_v i_o s._n that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v that_o church_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o say_v he_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o i._o the_o officer_n ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v i._o â—_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n but_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a thus_o profound_a i._n s._n i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n here_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o grant_v and_o what_o he_o deny_v and_o how_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o juggle_v first_o he_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n and_o say_v that_o my_o argument_n hit_v not_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o as_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o assert_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v stay_v here_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ingenuity_n in_o he_o but_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o blast_v yea_o blow_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v former_o set_v up_o and_o that_o with_o a_o windy_a vain_a american_n distinction_n which_o he_o have_v borrow_v out_o of_o some_o of_o those_o monstrous_a pamphlet_n that_o come_v from_o thence_o call_v the_o way_n and_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v fraught_v with_o
read_v this_o book_n i_o will_v here_o again_o repeat_v his_o answer_n to_o my_o argument_n with_o his_o distinction_n the_o jndependent_o say_v he_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o say_v he_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v be_v better_a but_o all_o error_n be_v like_a unto_o sin_n it_o seldom_o go_v single_a and_o alone_a for_o here_o i._n s._n commit_v a_o multiforme_a error_n in_o rob_v not_o only_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n but_o in_o rob_v also_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n himself_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o royalty_n and_o make_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o peculiar_a servant_n but_o the_o vassal_n and_o slave_n of_o the_o people_n who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n so_o that_o according_a to_o i._o s._n his_o learning_n all_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o people_n dispose_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o act_v as_o the_o church_n direct_v they_o and_o they_o must_v do_v it_o always_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o hysteron_fw-gr proteron_fw-gr divinity_n of_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o which_o they_o deal_v most_o wicked_o on_o every_o side_n so_o that_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o minister_n fair_o they_o abuse_v they_o to_o their_o face_n for_o here_o i._n s._n by_o that_o distinction_n of_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o independent_o give_v great_a honour_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o say_v that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v they_o proper_o and_o that_o only_a power_n and_o interest_n belong_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n before_o he_o have_v pass_v two_o step_n by_o his_o own_o description_n of_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o give_v away_o all_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o little_a before_o not_o only_o from_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o christ_n himself_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o he_o call_v the_o church_n say_v that_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a according_a to_o his_o divinity_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o the_o slave_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n he_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n say_v that_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o for_o the_o assistance_n nnd_v concurrence_n of_o the_o multitude_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o all_o which_o if_o hegive_v not_o the_o people_n by_o his_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n a_o great_a authority_n than_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o to_o christ_n himself_o let_v every_o ingenious_a man_n judge_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o horrid_a impiety_n but_o abominable_a in_o justice_n &_o sacrilege_n yea_o every_o man_n may_v plain_o perceive_v &_o that_o out_o of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o he_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o all_o authority_n under_o that_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n for_o in_o say_v in_o the_o same_o pag._n that_o in_o ordination_n election_n of_o officer_n belong_v unto_o the_o brethren_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a by_o these_o word_n he_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o all_o full_a and_o ample_a authority_n as_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o can_v be_v betrust_v with_o for_o among_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o to_o my_o knowledge_n they_o make_v nothing_o of_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o count_v it_o but_o a_o compliment_n that_o make_v nothing_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o officer_n as_o they_o say_v for_o they_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o officer_n or_o minister_n if_o he_o be_v once_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o call_n as_o they_o say_v that_o make_v officer_n without_o which_o they_o affirm_v they_o can_v be_v no_o true_a officer_n so_o that_o if_o election_n be_v the_o main_a and_o essential_a business_n require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o church-officer_n and_o as_o they_o teach_v their_o follower_n and_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o election_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o matter_n not_o with_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v ordain_v or_o have_v any_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o no_o that_o be_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o a_o compliment_n or_o a_o needless_a ceremony_n for_o so_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o speak_v the_o which_o ordination_n also_o though_o they_o say_v it_o belong_v unto_o officer_n notwithstanding_o the_o church_n and_o people_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o exercise_v it_o at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n if_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n daily_o teach_v all_o man_n yea_o we_o may_v gather_v as_o much_o out_o of_o i._o s._n his_o own_o expression_n that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o election_n reside_v in_o the_o people_n and_o lie_v in_o their_o hand_n who_o say_v that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a intimate_v that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o church-officer_n they_o themselves_o may_v then_o ordain_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o all_o which_o their_o language_n and_o proceed_n if_o by_o their_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o do_v not_o assume_v &_o arrogate_v all_o power_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v it_o into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o plenary_a authority_n over_o all_o minister_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o confer_v authority_n on_o any_o people_n it_o be_v most_o notorious_o know_v that_o our_o independent_a gentleman_n will_v place_v all_o authority_n in_o the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o dependent_a upon_o they_o and_o expect_v their_o election_n and_o ordination_n from_o they_o and_o they_o only_o will_v be_v independent_a and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o their_o word_n and_o practice_n and_o out_o of_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n but_o even_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n which_o he_o say_v belong_v unto_o the_o people_n have_v thus_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n sufficient_o elucidate_v that_o by_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o assume_v all_o authority_n to_o themselves_o while_o they_o pretend_v they_o give_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n i_o will_v now_o set_v forth_o their_o wickedness_n in_o show_v how_o they_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o apostle_n also_o and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o their_o dignity_n and_o power_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o their_o deal_n towards_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n all_o those_o that_o know_v how_o the_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n aâ—e_v govern_v know_v that_o all_o their_o counsel_n ambassador_n judge_n ruler_n and_o officer_n under_o they_o either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n or_o war_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o all_o their_o precept_n and_o mandate_n whether_o imparative_fw-it or_o prohibitive_n and_o in_o all_o their_o court_n of_o judicature_n transact_v and_o pass_v all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o writ_n and_o summons_n in_o the_o
persbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v thus_o he_o but_o of_o these_o word_n in_o their_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n lay_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o only_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n as_o the_o steward_n over_o they_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o accusation_n and_o examine_v matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o proceed_v against_o offender_n by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n upon_o evidence_n and_o proof_n make_v against_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v sufficient_o evince_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o their_o minister_n and_o their_o fellow_n member_n as_o to_o censure_v they_o or_o to_o exercise_v any_o act_n of_o government_n over_o they_o neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n in_o write_v unto_o the_o colossian_n and_o bid_v they_o say_v to_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n investe_fw-ge the_o people_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o either_o presbyter_n or_o their_o fellow_n member_n for_o the_o power_n of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n with_o authority_n belong_v primary_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n show_v in_o the_o which_o all_o minister_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o several_a place_n who_o to_o admonish_v and_o how_o who_o to_o ordain_v and_o who_o to_o cast_v out_o and_o how_o to_o exercise_v all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n as_o those_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n and_o censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o minister_n be_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n judicial_o &_o authoritative_o not_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n which_o any_o christian_a upon_o just_a occasion_n observe_v all_o the_o vital_a circumstance_n of_o a_o well_o order_v reproof_n and_o action_n as_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n may_v do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n which_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n as_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n and_o man_n in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o the_o people_n do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n and_o only_a out_o of_o christian_a duty_n and_o not_o with_o any_o authority_n they_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o if_o their_o brethren_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o to_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o then_o to_o refer_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v and_o inform_v their_o several_a presbytery_n of_o it_o the_o people_n be_v confine_v within_o these_o limet_n only_o and_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v and_o go_v out_o of_o these_o bound_n whereas_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n by_o their_o place_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o order_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o which_o the_o people_n have_v not_o neither_o with_o any_o good_a reason_n will_v it_o follow_v if_o any_o private_a christian_a may_v admonish_v a_o minister_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o he_o for_o this_o one_o member_n and_o brother_n have_v not_o over_o another_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o another_o man_n servant_n as_o saint_n paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o although_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v coloss_n the_o 3._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o have_v rule_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o they_o because_o the_o scripture_n witness_v the_o contrary_a but_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o rebuke_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v and_o censure_n as_o ambassador_n steward_n and_o governor_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o over_o they_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n and_o end_n not_o only_o to_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v refractory_a and_o disorderly_a to_o punish_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o place_n as_o they_o be_v officer_n and_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n whereas_o other_o christian_n do_v their_o duty_n only_o out_o of_o love_n as_o brethren_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n so_o that_o what_o the_o people_n do_v either_o in_o admonish_v or_o exhort_v it_o be_v out_o of_o charity_n or_o what_o they_o do_v in_o choose_v of_o officer_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v either_o by_o denomination_n of_o they_o or_o in_o approve_v and_o assent_v unto_o what_o the_o presbytery_n do_v as_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n power_n to_o hinder_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o offender_n if_o he_o be_v prove_v scandalous_a or_o of_o receive_v any_o into_o the_o church_n or_o into_o any_o office_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v think_v fit_a and_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n for_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o these_o be_v all_o action_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o order_v thing_n in_o their_o hand_n which_o i_o affirm_v be_v never_o give_v to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o those_o place_n quote_v by_o mr_n knollys_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o people_n over_o either_o their_o minister_n or_o fellow-member_n be_v not_o for_o his_o purpose_n as_o bâ—ing_v misapply_v and_o abuse_v as_o they_o be_v daily_o by_o the_o independent_a brethren_n so_o that_o to_o all_o rational_a and_o understand_a man_n from_o this_o reproof_n of_o diotrephes_n give_v by_o s._n john_n and_o this_o his_o censure_v of_o he_o for_o usurp_a sole_a authority_n to_o himself_o and_o prate_v malicious_a word_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n he_o write_v to_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o as_o affect_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n within_o itself_o independent_a without_o any_o reference_n or_o relation_n to_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o do_v speak_v malicious_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o do_v cast_v out_o who_o they_o please_v and_o bring_v in_o who_o they_o will_v at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o do_v rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n all_o such_o violate_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o oppose_v that_o government_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o all_o church_n by_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n that_o diotrephes_n be_v and_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o will_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o it_o but_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v such_o the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o minister_n and_o congregation_n as_o give_v the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n either_o whole_o exclude_v the_o minister_n or_o join_v the_o people_n with_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o thus_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v be_v prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o enjoin_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o such_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v ergo_fw-la they_o be_v all_o prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o reply_v unto_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o congregationall_a practice_n there_o yet_o remain_v one_o whible_a cavil_n more_o in_o this_o his_o answer_n
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jerusalem_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v challenge_v i_o by_o name_n say_v page_n 7._o come_v on_o brother_n let_v you_o and_o i_o try_v it_o out_o by_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o sword_n add_v moreover_o these_o word_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o help_n of_o my_o godmake_n no_o long_a work_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v say_v he_o assay_v with_o one_o stroke_n of_o photions_n hatchet_n to_o cut_v in_o two_o the_o long_a thread_n of_o your_o alcibiadian_a fluent_a and_o luxuriant_a rhetorication_n thus_o valiant_a old_a harry_n triumph_n before_o the_o victory_n and_o even_o conjure_v it_o out_o and_o in_o this_o dispute_n between_o my_o force_n and_o all_o the_o independent_a army_n after_o a_o few_o skirmish_n they_o shall_v see_v not_o only_o a_o private_a duel_n fight_v between_o general_n burton_n and_o myself_o but_o the_o fall_n of_o that_o their_o champion_n with_o their_o total_a rout_n and_o see_v their_o whole_a army_n to_o fly_v and_o leave_v the_o field_n and_o that_o most_o cowardly_a though_o they_o be_v three_o to_o one_o howsoever_o their_o scatter_a force_n now_o and_o then_o make_v some_o false_a alarm_n and_o speak_v big_a word_n what_o reserve_v they_o yet_o have_v and_o what_o great_a thing_n they_o will_v do_v and_o how_o they_o will_v rally_v again_o and_o come_v upon_o i_o and_o break_v through_o and_o through_o to_o the_o total_a rout_v of_o all_o my_o force_n they_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o feat_n of_o arm_n and_o expert_a soldier_n in_o this_o militia_n will_v well_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v but_o self_n confidence_n in_o they_o all_o and_o that_o all_o their_o swell_a word_n will_v tend_v to_o their_o own_o dishonour_n i_o have_v three_o general_n to_o encounter_v with_o in_o the_o independent_a army_n two_o under_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o homothumadon_n hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n and_o henry_n burton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n beside_o some_o whible_n reserve_v
in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n be_v christ_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n and_o fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o great_a elegancy_n be_v call_v name_n the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o use_v for_o to_o express_v man_n only_o of_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o desert_n for_o their_o rare_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o revel_n 3._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o be_v take_v up_o in_o holy_a duty_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o argue_v if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v against_o the_o independent_o those_o homothumadon_n brethren_n all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o and_o their_o itinerary_a preacher_n those_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n those_o name_n be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n on_o one_o of_o their_o feast_n day_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o independent_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n then_o can_v meet_v at_o all_o time_n in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o their_o ordinance_n will_v not_o all_o the_o independent_o laugh_v at_o any_o presbyterian_a that_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v when_o they_o themselves_o boast_v that_o there_o be_v million_o of_o they_o in_o london_n now_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v true_o inform_v there_o be_v million_o of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n only_o that_o be_v present_a together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o the_o other_o believer_n be_v in_o their_o other_o meet_v place_n yea_o beside_o those_o that_o i_o have_v now_o name_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 5._o that_o at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n here_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o these_o and_o all_o these_o be_v then_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v by_o many_o witness_n prove_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o believer_n or_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n how_o therefore_o with_o any_o honesty_n can_v the_o independent_o conclude_v from_o epi_n to_o auto_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n nor_o ever_o after_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v never_o any_o fight_n against_o he_o but_o shall_v i_o yield_v unto_o they_o which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n will_v it_o follow_v in_o any_o sound_a understanding_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o after_o all_o still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v infinite_o daily_o increase_v i_o trow_v not_o for_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o so_o to_o argue_v and_o conclude_v will_v be_v but_o to_o prove_v fighter_n against_o all_o reason_n yea_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o express_a scripture_n as_o will_v forthwith_o appear_v for_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o then_o that_o company_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o place_n spacious_a enough_o for_o to_o break_v bread_n in_o they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v in_o many_o several_a house_n they_o have_v their_o meeting_n to_o communicate_v in_o therefore_o at_o that_o very_a time_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 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church_n at_o one_o time_n without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o then_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n 14._o and_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n mark_v i_o pray_v the_o expression_n multitude_n now_o by_o multitude_n all_o man_n know_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o in_o all_o language_n a_o very_a great_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n or_o company_n whereupon_o the_o scripture_n say_v follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o by_o multitude_n be_v ever_o understand_v some_o vast_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n and_o here_o the_o scripture_n say_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o multitude_n and_o that_o both_o of_o man_n 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in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o here_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v ascertain_v there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o have_v their_o meeting_n not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o several_a private_a house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a witness_n as_o that_o out_o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n daily_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o two_o more_o witness_n also_o in_o this_o five_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v record_v verse_n 14._o that_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o no_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o business_n the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n be_v also_o express_v viz._n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o point_n be_v so_o evident_o apparent_a to_o all_o judicious_a and_o 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this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v without_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n require_v now_o of_o their_o new_a member_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o come_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n before_o their_o admission_n nothing_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n in_o this_o mother-church_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o admission_n in_o our_o new_a congregation_n be_v without_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n and_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v most_o wicked_o to_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o their_o practice_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n but_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v the_o multiplication_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o disciple_n to_o the_o former_a add_v withal_o that_o among_o those_o disciple_n and_o convert_v that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o what_o a_o increase_n of_o believer_n may_v any_o man_n suppose_v there_o must_v then_o needs_o follow_v when_o so_o many_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v convert_v without_o doubt_v when_o the_o people_n see_v their_o priest_n turn_v christian_n and_o hear_v they_o also_o in_o their_o preach_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n for_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v withal_o the_o daily_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v infinite_o multiply_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o conversion_n of_o man_n before_o speak_v of_o yet_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a priest_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v have_v procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o more_o than_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v for_o we_o find_v it_o by_o hourly_a experience_n how_o many_o hundred_o be_v daily_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o a_o few_o temporize_a unstable_a presbyter_n who_o be_v turn_v independent_o and_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o mischief_n they_o have_v do_v here_o among_o we_o so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o place_n can_v contain_v their_o proselyte_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o miracle_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o if_o but_o any_o rich_a and_o craze_a gentlewoman_n or_o any_o confound_a lady_n turn_v independent_a or_o if_o but_o any_o unstable_a man_n of_o any_o eminency_n revolt_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n what_o a_o noise_n there_o be_v by_o and_o by_o make_v at_o it_o and_o how_o many_o giddy_a head_a man_n and_o woman_n especial_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o prodigy_n now_o i_o say_v all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o truth_n shall_v much_o more_o prevail_v then_o error_n and_o that_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n and_o of_o such_o learned_a rabbi_n and_o those_o also_o in_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o people_n have_v withal_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o to_o the_o speedy_a conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o yea_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v to_o say_v convert_v many_o and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o not_o in_o a_o small_a manner_n and_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o
presbyter_n together_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o it_o be_v to_o depend_v and_o to_o which_o in_o all_o weighty_a business_n they_o be_v to_o appeal_v for_o any_o injury_n or_o conceive_a wrong_n or_o scandal_n or_o for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o church-discipline_n upon_o incorrigable_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n as_o admonition_n for_o give_v offence_n suspension_n from_o the_o ordinance_n till_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n or_o if_o obstinate_a excommunion_n or_o whether_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n be_v they_o never_o so_o small_a several_o or_o consider_v a_o part_n and_o by_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v full_a and_o plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o this_o or_o any_o other_o great_a council_n or_o presbytery_n for_o transact_v or_o determine_v all_o difference_n about_o faith_n or_o manner_n among_o themselves_o or_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o grievance_n or_o abuse_n or_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o the_o party_n offend_v conceive_v they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o injury_n or_o wrong_n do_v they_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o two_o presbyter_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n have_v a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o as_o ample_a authority_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18._o and_o to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o question_n which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v propound_v it_o in_o a_o simile_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n well_o know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o government_n of_o this_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n and_o of_o many_o other_o great_a city_n through_o the_o kingdom_n be_v call_v corporation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v majestracy_n and_o have_v in_o they_o a_o secular_a or_o civil_a signory_n or_o presbytry_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a principality_n and_o this_o government_n by_o which_o all_o citizen_n and_o inhabitant_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v as_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n who_o only_o by_o such_o other_o officer_n as_o they_o shall_v elect_v and_o choose_v be_v to_o manage_v and_o exercise_v this_o government_n so_o that_o all_o particular_a citizen_n and_o all_o the_o company_n of_o several_a tradesman_n be_v in_o their_o particular_a ward_n precinct_n and_o fellowship_n by_o their_o constitution_n and_o charter_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o counsel_n and_o be_v to_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o they_o upon_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n or_o conceive_v wrong_v or_o when_o it_o concern_v the_o common_a good_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o stand_v unto_o their_o arbitrement_n now_o then_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v as_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o these_o several_a corporation_n whether_o the_o company_n in_o each_o city_n where_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v all_o their_o officer_n and_o exercise_v also_o a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o jurisdiction_n among_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n or_o alderman_n or_o common-counsel_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n among_o their_o several_a company_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o one_o be_v never_o so_o much_o injure_v and_o damnify_v by_o any_o unjust_a act_n and_o whether_o these_o several_a company_n and_o several_a assembly_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o make_v but_o one_o corporation_n under_o one_o civil_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-counsel_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propound_v that_o every_o one_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o question_n now_o as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n have_v its_o several_a porporation_n through_o all_o pounty_n and_o the_o which_o porporation_n although_o they_o have_v their_o several_a pompany_n in_o they_o yet_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o a_o civil_a presbytery_n and_o common-counsel_n and_o every_o company_n in_o they_o make_v not_o a_o several_a porporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o a_o several_a city_n but_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o common-counsel_n or_o presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o common_a affair_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o take_v away_o and_o remove_v of_o common_a grievance_n and_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n to_o the_o common-counsel_n the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n and_o if_o they_o find_v no_o justice_n there_o nor_o satisfaction_n have_v their_o redress_n and_o appeal_v to_o some_o general_a court_n or_o some_o supreme_a judicature_n as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o redress_n and_o determine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o these_o several_a church_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scrupture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o several_a corporation_n and_o association_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o so_o many_o several_a company_n in_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o presbytery_n or_o common-counsel_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o several_a precinct_n though_o they_o be_v consistent_a of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o according_a to_o the_o several_a hundred_o or_o division_n assign_v to_o each_o presbytery_n and_o all_o these_o several_a association_n to_o be_v grovern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o abuse_n or_o enormity_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o counsel_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n and_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o several_a corporation_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o regulate_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n according_a only_o to_o who_o law_n they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n divide_v into_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n corporation_n or_o precinct_n in_o imitation_n as_o near_o now_o as_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o law_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o their_o government_n doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o the_o several_a church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o particular_a corporation_n or_o association_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o those_o several_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o which_o likewise_o they_o have_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n within_o their_o precinct_n than_o it_o must_v
of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o contrary_a that_o of_o the_o independent_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o it_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n &_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o out_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o 1._o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n &_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20._o 17._o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o life_n i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o
his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o consenâ—s_v to_o that_o i_o have_v write_v to_o be_v true_a to_o wit_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o to_o be_v govern_v that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o several_a presbyter_n be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyteram_fw-la so_o that_o if_o every_o congregat_n on_o and_o particular_a assembly_n than_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_a also_o of_o that_o congregation_n as_o be_v but_o a_o chieâ—e_a member_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o by_o mr_n knollys_n his_o own_o concession_n from_o which_o grant_n of_o he_o i_o shall_v now_o likewise_o deduce_v these_o ensue_a conclusion_n which_o will_v necessary_o follow_v out_o of_o his_o word_n and_o all_o of_o they_o fatal_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n the_o first_o that_o the_o people_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o the_o people_n and_o church_n though_o presbyterate_v as_o they_o speak_v have_v not_o the_o government_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o as_o never_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n nor_o never_o have_v be_v make_v steward_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o either_o receive_v in_o member_n or_o cast_v out_o offender_n for_o all_o these_o be_v act_n of_o government_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n who_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o grant_v and_o by_o this_o he_o overthrow_v all_o that_o which_o afterward_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o which_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a have_v power_n over_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n that_o of_o necessity_n follow_v out_o of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n but_o more_o of_o this_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o follow_v out_o of_o his_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o government_n be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o one_o elder_a with_o his_o congregation_n but_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o elder_n that_o be_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n to_o wit_n the_o court_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o they_o and_o they_o only_a joint_o and_o together_o have_v the_o power_n both_o to_o question_v convent_n and_o censure_n for_o m._n knollys_n say_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n but_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n according_a to_o that_o of_o s._n john_n if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v diotrephes_n like_v endeavour_v to_o alter_v this_o government_n and_o assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o other_o elder_n and_o from_o the_o presbyter_n or_o to_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o or_o join_v they_o in_o commission_n with_o the_o elder_n or_o to_o arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o or_o to_o their_o particular_a congregation_n a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o and_o a_o independency_n from_o they_o and_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o disgrace_n and_o prate_v against_o the_o presbyter_n and_o labour_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n at_o pleasure_n to_o cast_v out_o who_o they_o will_v out_o of_o their_o congregation_n or_o to_o bring_v in_o who_o they_o please_v upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a lordly_a dominion_n among_o themselves_o over_o their_o congregation_n and_o the_o several_a member_n in_o they_o all_o such_o be_v guilty_a of_o diotrephes_n his_o sin_n and_o offend_v in_o like_a manner_n and_o be_v equal_o to_o be_v blame_v as_o assumer_n unto_o themselves_o of_o that_o power_n which_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o presbytery_n now_o when_o all_o the_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n they_o may_v just_o with_o diotrephes_n be_v censure_v and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o necessary_o follow_v from_o mr._n knollys_n his_o word_n the_o three_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o yet_o make_v all_o of_o they_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o one_o church_n for_o so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o church_n that_o saint_n john_n write_v unto_o where_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n as_o master_n knollys_n confess_v in_o the_o which_o every_o elder_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n as_o well_o as_o diotrephes_n for_o they_o be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n they_o each_o of_o they_o several_o have_v their_o congregation_n likewise_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o kind_n of_o government_n diotrephes_n oppose_v or_o refuse_v obedience_n unto_o and_o affect_v a_o supremacy_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n independent_a from_o the_o presbytery_n be_v just_o blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n in_o that_o he_o prate_v against_o the_o presbyter_n with_o malicious_a word_n so_o that_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v these_o three_o position_n be_v clear_o manifest_v which_o master_n knollys_n deny_v viz_o the_o first_o that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o second_o that_o he_o affect_v a_o absolute_a jurisdicton_n within_o himself_o and_o to_o have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n for_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o that_o prate_v malicious_a word_n against_o the_o presbytery_n before_o the_o three_o that_o the_o church_n that_o saint_n john_n write_v unto_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o saint_n john_n do_v then_o acknowledge_v a_o court_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n both_o classical_a and_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o all_o which_o master_n knollys_n notwithstanding_o do_v peremptory_o deny_v but_o for_o the_o full_a elucidation_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v first_o make_v all_o these_o proposition_n good_a from_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n and_o then_o i_o will_v prove_v those_o several_a appeal_n i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o and_o after_o that_o evident_o evince_v that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n in_o any_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a babble_n in_o m._n knollys_n to_o say_v that_o if_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n be_v to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o then_o saint_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v methodical_o handle_v and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o answer_v whatsoever_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o other_o argument_n in_o their_o due_a place_n and_o for_o proof_n that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o master_n knollys_n say_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o wave_v the_o reason_n above_o specify_v from_o that_o nigh_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v so_o much_o urge_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o i_o say_v wave_v all_o those_o reason_n i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v believe_v himself_o and_o perhaps_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v give_v more_o credit_n to_o he_o who_o they_o account_v very_o learned_a then_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o they_o will_v due_o consider_v and_o ponder_v his_o expression_n they_o will_v then_o perceive_v not_o only_o his_o error_n but_o how_o palpable_o he_o everywhere_o contradict_v himself_o and_o wound_v their_o cause_n and_o evert_v their_o opinion_n while_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o diotrephes_n say_v he_o oppose_v the_o brethren_n and_o forbid_v they_o
that_o will_v have_v receive_v they_o yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o ver_fw-la 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o but_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o nâ—_n say_v he_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow_n elder_n or_o fellow_n saint_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o in_o master_n knollys_n his_o opinion_n diotrephes_n be_v a_o saint_n saint_n diotrephes_n therefore_o let_v he_o be_v even_o such_o another_o saint_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v diotrephes_n say_v he_o love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v the_o doctor_n marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v this_o place_n against_o the_o court_n of_o preshyters_n thus_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o answer_v most_o malicious_o and_o wicked_o calumniate_v his_o brethren_n and_o labour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n be_v like_o diotrephes_n in_o affect_v supremacy_n over_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o enrage_v the_o people_n against_o they_o when_o it_o be_v they_o themselves_o that_o will_v bring_v all_o man_n under_o their_o slavery_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a in_o their_o several_a congregation_n within_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o diotrephes_n but_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v synonimae_n in_o his_o dialect_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o evident_a from_o his_o word_n page_n the_o 7._o which_o be_v these_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n writ_n to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o these_o be_v master_n knollys_n formal_a expression_n out_o of_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o and_o that_o diotrophe_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n among_o they_o for_o so_o master_n knollys_n do_v in_o express_a term_n acknowledge_v and_o in_o so_o speak_v contradict_v himself_o and_o vindicate_v i_o from_o the_o error_n he_o accuse_v i_o of_o who_o affirm_v i_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n say_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v and_o yet_o here_o he_o assert_v that_o saint_n john_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n for_o i_o once_o and_o again_o and_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n he_o charge_v i_o with_o page_n 6_o and_o page_n 7._o by_o which_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o contentiousnesse_n and_o restlessness_n of_o the_o creature_n spirit_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n who_o contradict_v himself_o at_o every_o hand_n but_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n all_o the_o which_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o diotrephes_n aspire_v to_o the_o primacy_n among_o they_o and_o seek_v to_o stand_v singular_a by_o himself_o with_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o be_v independent_a and_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o reference_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n become_v a_o offender_n by_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o severe_o reprove_v by_o saint_n john_n for_o his_o so_o do_v in_o oppose_v his_o brethren_n in_o take_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o what_o member_n he_o please_v by_o his_o sole_a and_o absolute_a authority_n all_o which_o mr_n knollys_n accord_v to_o whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o whether_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o affront_v a_o court_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n see_v we_o read_v of_o none_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n before_o he_o and_o whether_o those_o that_o now_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o congregation_n within_o themselves_o independent_a be_v not_o rather_o like_o diotrephes_n than_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o government_n in_o common_a according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o consider_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o palpable_o contradict_v himself_o in_o all_o this_o his_o discourse_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o oppose_v the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v whether_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o mere_o to_o trifle_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o intelligible_a man_n i_o conceive_v that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n when_o they_o shall_v well_o consider_v my_o argument_n and_o mr_n knollys_n his_o reply_n unto_o it_o will_v say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o a_o offender_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v say_v wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o we_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v saint_n john_n himself_o and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n for_o he_o include_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o diotrephes_n prate_v against_o and_o oppose_v now_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o elder_a for_o so_o he_o call_v himself_o and_o mr_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o and_o confess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n and_o against_o all_o those_o do_v diotrephes_n prate_v with_o malicious_a word_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o authority_n which_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o gainsay_v yea_o he_o affirmrth_n it_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow-saint_n he_o will_v be_v primate_n say_v he_o and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o do_v it_o not_o then_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o mr_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o that_o affront_v the_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o speak_n of_o malicious_a word_n against_o they_o &_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o take_n in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n and_o rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n and_o with_o a_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n within_o himself_o in_o his_o congregation_n and_o violate_v that_o order_n of_o government_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n judgement_n to_o assume_v that_o authority_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o open_o to_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o to_o affront_v all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v i_o be_o confident_a all_o intelligible_a christian_n will_v say_v there_o be_v never_o any_o opposition_n of_o any_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n if_o this_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o he_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n in_o formal_a word_n whether_o
they_o and_o to_o convent_v any_o offender_n before_o they_o and_o to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n if_o the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n such_o a_o power_n be_v every_o presbytery_n invest_v with_o through_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o this_o mr_n knollys_n have_v acknowledge_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o this_o his_o pamphlet_n &_o in_o this_o his_o very_a answer_n concern_v diotrephes_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o and_o all_o this_o s._n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o he_o be_v both_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o member_n that_o the_o presbytery_n rule_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n make_v their_o address_n as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o better_a rectify_v of_o abuse_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n and_o appeal_v always_o unto_o they_o and_o never_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o particular_n as_o first_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o direction_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n but_o to_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o guide_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o fact_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n when_o they_o have_v purloin_v the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v order_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o price_n of_o those_o possession_n that_o be_v sell_v shall_v be_v lay_v down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o that_o distribution_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_n contrary_a to_o this_o order_n ananias_n keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n saphira_n his_o wife_n also_o be_v privy_a to_o it_o hereupon_o the_o people_n appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n than_o lie_v and_o who_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o do_v for_o that_o their_o delinquency_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v act_n the_o 5._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o church_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o of_o this_o proceed_n saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a again_o when_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o this_o abuse_n they_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o of_o the_o act_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o people_n who_o order_v that_o business_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n among_o they_o to_o which_o the_o people_n assent_v this_o also_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o other_o church_n have_v power_n to_o send_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o other_o minister_n into_o any_o other_o place_n to_o preach_v or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 8_o and_o act_n 14_o &_o 15._o for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o preach_v among_o the_o people_n there_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v except_o the_o presbitry_n have_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o they_o we_o see_v also_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o the_o presbitry_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o the_o presbitry_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o likewise_o send_v their_o decree_n by_o their_o minister_n through_o all_o city_n and_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o minister_n again_o s._n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n lay_v not_o in_o the_o people_n hand_n for_o we_o read_v act_n the_o 9_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o &_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n st_n paul_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n lie_v and_o declare_v unto_o they_o how_o matter_n be_v they_o admit_v he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n &_o their_o good_a like_n for_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o these_o proceed_n saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o council_n to_o appeal_v to_o in_o all_o church_n yea_o saint_n john_n know_v also_o that_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n convent_v they_o before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 11._o chap._n and_o 21._o where_o peter_n be_v call_v before_o the_o presbytery_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n there_o which_o he_o do_v all_o with_o show_n there_o be_v there_o a_o stand_a court_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n the_o presbytry_n give_v saint_n paul_n a_o order_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o the_o weak_a one_o which_o he_o follow_v all_o which_o show_v that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v s._n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o &_o therefore_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o where_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o presbyter_n there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v that_o which_o to_o any_o understand_a man_n be_v as_o evident_a a_o and_o clear_a as_o almost_o any_o other_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o when_o mr_n knollys_n have_v prove_v it_o himself_o in_o formal_a word_n in_o many_o place_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o he_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n establish_v in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v those_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o in_o express_a term_n page_n the_o seven_o say_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n may_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o verse_n 17._o in_o these_o word_n he_o confess_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o which_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o court_n there_o for_o judgement_n and_o censure_n and_o inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o court_n or_o magistracy_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n beside_o for_o further_a illustration_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o its_o member_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v over_o its_o member_n now_o all_o man_n that_o have_v read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o plenary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o both_o to_o convent_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o with_o the_o severe_a punishment_n those_o that_o do_v public_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n now_o if_o that_o church_n that_o st._n john_n write_v unto_o be_v equal_a in_o power_n to_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o that_o
independent_a government_n be_v such_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o that_o government_n only_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o have_v both_o precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o god_n word_n upon_o which_o they_o depend_v and_o this_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o not_o that_o which_o master_n knollys_n will_v grollish_o put_v upon_o i_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o piece_n of_o nonsense_n of_o he_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o his_o answer_n and_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n in_o any_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o have_v and_o for_o instance_n produce_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n understand_v by_o church_n the_o people_n who_o he_o say_v have_v power_n over_o the_o member_n miserable_o mistake_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a soul_n by_o it_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v to_o those_o that_o can_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v or_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v in_o matter_n of_o government_n either_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a for_o if_o man_n do_v once_o but_o right_o understand_v what_o a_o church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o new-testament_n and_o consider_v withal_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o by_o saint_n paul_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o governor_n and_o ruler_n be_v compare_v unto_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o eye_n ear_n hand_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o other_o member_n in_o the_o body_n and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o head_n and_o other_o more_o noble_a part_n and_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o direction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n some_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o other_o to_o be_v rule_v in_o it_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v for_o none_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v their_o station_n unless_o they_o by_o violence_n be_v cut_v off_o as_o all_o rational_a creature_n do_v very_o well_o know_v for_o the_o head_n be_v ever_o the_o head_n the_o eye_n be_v ever_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n be_v ever_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n be_v ever_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n for_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n &c_n &c_n intimate_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n and_o help_v in_o government_n in_o the_o church_n every_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o station_n to_o wit_n they_o that_o be_v once_o apostle_n teacher_n or_o governor_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n ever_o so_o to_o be_v and_o never_o lose_v their_o place_n but_o always_o to_o the_o day_n of_o their_o death_n remain_v and_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o where_o saint_n paul_n say_v he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o come_v all_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o of_o those_o true_a minister_n be_v at_o any_o time_n degrade_v or_o lose_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o their_o title_n or_o of_o their_o authority_n but_o as_o god_n have_v put_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n so_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o several_a church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n ordain_v as_o act_v the_o 14._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o the_o people_n and_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v command_v to_o obey_v their_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o heb._n 13._o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v we_o find_v likewise_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o precedent_n of_o all_o other_o church_n that_o the_o people_n there_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o assume_v not_o the_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n but_o apply_v themselves_o and_o make_v their_o address_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o they_o order_v every_o thing_n according_a as_o they_o think_v good_a and_o that_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n we_o find_v further_o that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o question_v any_o offender_n for_o the_o censure_a and_o punish_v of_o they_o for_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o excommunication_n it_o be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o office_n and_o not_o by_o the_o multitude_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o cor._n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 6._o a_o place_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o the_o independent_o sufficient_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o censure_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inflict_v by_o all_o the_o people_n but_o by_o such_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n lay_v which_o be_v the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o many_o or_o of_o many_o and_o true_o if_o we_o will_v but_o due_o read_v the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o they_o and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v only_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a church_n through_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n as_o the_o ruler_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o to_o obey_v again_o if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 2._o &_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o epistle_n christ_n write_v unto_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o several_a church_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n lay_v and_o who_o have_v both_o the_o praise_n of_o well_o do_v and_o blame_v of_o any_o evil_a either_o commit_v or_o tolerate_v by_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o steward_n and_o guide_n of_o those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o all_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o malversation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n in_o they_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o not_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n
and_o they_o only_a in_o every_o church_n have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o more_o noble_a member_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o man_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o that_o office_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o keep_v himself_o in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o at_o large_a rom._n 12._o ver_fw-la 6._o have_v gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o find_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o office_n he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o wait_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_v they_o be_v ever_o to_o rule_v and_o the_o other_o that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v every_o member_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o station_n in_o this_o mystical_a body_n the_o magistrate_n and_o parent_n and_o master_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o rank_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o place_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o whether_o subject_n child_n or_o servant_n they_o be_v likewise_o to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o to_o obey_v all_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v their_o place_n for_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o teach_v we_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o 7._o of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o corinth_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o circumcision_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o yield_a of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obey_n of_o those_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o and_o the_o honour_v of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o our_o power_n be_v that_o that_o commend_v any_o man_n unto_o god_n especial_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o reverence_v of_o our_o godly_a minister_n and_o painful_a pastor_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 12._o know_v they_o which_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n for_o god_n have_v make_v they_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o people_n their_o flock_n they_o father_n and_o the_o people_n child_n beget_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o bvilder_n and_o the_o people_n the_o stone_n lay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o build_n they_o steward_n and_o the_o people_n domestics_n under_o they_o and_o their_o conduct_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o until_o they_o by_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o eminent_a ability_n be_v remove_v to_o a_o high_a calling_n or_o else_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 7._o ver_fw-la 20._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v once_o specify_v his_o mind_n in_o this_o business_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n he_o reiterate_v this_o precept_n say_v brethren_n let_v every_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v therein_o abide_v with_o god_n so_o that_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o master_n or_o parent_n of_o family_n for_o either_o of_o they_o i_o say_v to_o leave_v their_o call_n in_o their_o particular_a place_n of_o rule_v and_o for_o either_o the_o flock_n under_o the_o pastor_n or_o subject_n under_o the_o magistrate_n or_o servant_n and_o child_n in_o the_o several_a family_n under_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n to_o offer_v to_o take_v the_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n in_o either_o church_n state_n or_o family_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o leave_v their_o calling_n and_o so_o to_o transgress_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v enjoin_v the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o each_o of_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n and_o station_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v find_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o violator_n of_o that_o order_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n in_o both_o now_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o have_v enjoin_v all_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o rule_v and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_n and_o yield_v double_a honour_n unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n they_o be_v ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n god_n appoint_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o shall_v rule_v in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o too_o too_o many_o have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o now_o the_o church_n and_o state_n be_v imbroyl_v with_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v learn_v but_o this_o lesson_n to_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v he_o will_v know_v that_o the_o magistrate_n place_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclersiasticall_a be_v to_o command_v and_o that_o the_o subject_n and_o people_n place_n under_o they_o in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n be_v to_o obey_v they_o will_v understand_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o kingdom_n commonwealth_n corporation_n or_o in_o any_o province_n and_o country_n or_o church_n that_o howsoever_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o each_o of_o those_o government_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o and_o rule_v and_o order_v of_o they_o respective_o belong_v and_o pertain_v only_o to_o those_o in_o authority_n as_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o republic_n howsoever_o the_o embasladour_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v send_v into_o such_o a_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n about_o business_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o whole_a country_n yet_o none_o but_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n or_o the_o state_n have_v the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o the_o people_n and_o subject_n under_o they_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o those_o high_a affair_n for_o they_o be_v arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la and_o appertain_v not_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o every_o corporation_n howsoever_o the_o letter_n or_o mandate_n from_o either_o king_n parliament_n or_o state_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o several_a county_n hundred_o or_o corporation_n or_o city_n yet_o the_o lieutenant_n governor_n sheriff_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-councell_n in_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n what_o they_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v by_o either_o letter_n or_o mandate_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o several_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v according_a to_o the_o several_a exigence_n of_o the_o time_n as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o direct_n of_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o several_a county_n or_o hundred_o or_o corporation_n in_o general_a do_v not_o invest_v all_o the_o people_n with_o power_n or_o join_v they_o in_o commission_n with_o the_o magistrate_n of_o those_o respective_a place_n but_o leave_v the_o transact_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o those_o only_a in_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n which_o the_o people_n be_v not_o yea_o
this_o truth_n be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o wilful_o blind_v themselves_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v hourly_a experience_n furnish_v man_n with_o precedent_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o delinquent_n be_v find_v out_o they_o be_v not_o hail_v before_o the_o people_n but_o before_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a hew_v and_o cry_v that_o be_v send_v to_o any_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o his_o deputy_n and_o to_o such_o in_o that_o town_n or_o village_n as_o be_v in_o place_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o people_n trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o it_o yea_o they_o will_v ordinary_o say_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o place_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o business_n of_o state_n that_o they_o affirm_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n secular_a and_o in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n those_o in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o people_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o corporation_n a_o stand_a presbytery_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n and_o ruler_n in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n of_o they_o all_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n lay_v the_o which_o government_n they_o be_v ever_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a agreement_n with_o which_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o intermeddle_v for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v that_o order_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o each_o church_n and_o this_o all_o well-instructed_n christian_n know_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n not_o any_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v of_o oppose_a that_o government_n before_o diotrephes_n who_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o his_o temerity_n by_o st._n john_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a leave_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o howsoever_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o sant_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n steward_n and_o angel_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o place_n that_o the_o independent_o so_o much_o abuse_v howsoever_o paul_n epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o officer_n only_o and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n both_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o and_o the_o take_n of_o he_o in_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 2_o epistle_n and_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o punishment_n inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v not_o censure_v he_o or_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o but_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n and_o this_o agreeable_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n be_v mighty_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n in_o say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o 17._o so_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v he_o these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o double_a yea_o a_o treble_a fallacy_n for_o first_o he_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o which_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o for_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n and_o he_o only_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o by_o this_o he_o deceive_v the_o reader_n 2_o by_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o people_n the_o presbyter_n exclude_v and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n whereas_o indeed_o though_o in_o all_o those_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n yet_o it_o lay_v soe_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o they_o only_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o stand_v to_o their_o order_n so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o this_o business_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequiturâ—unc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o error_n that_o ensue_v from_o groundless_a principle_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a consequence_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o 1._o and_o 5._o say_v vers_n 5._o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o i_o assert_v do_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o good_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o ambassador_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n now_o or_o if_o any_o message_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o any_o corporation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n command_v such_o service_n from_o it_o to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o people_n in_o those_o corporation_n shall_v intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n but_o all_o sound_a understanding_n man_n will_v say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o grave_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o manage_v public_a affair_n and_o to_o the_o major_a and_o aldermèn_fw-fr and_o the_o common-council_n of_o each_o corporation_n to_o transact_v and_o order_v the_o public_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n in_o those_o several_a place_n that_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o they_o to_o order_v all_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n who_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v call_v and_o appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o as_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o take_v in_o according_a to_o divine_a authority_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o people_n in_o any_o church_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n now_o when_o master_n knollys_n by_o church_n understand_v a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o abuse_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o all_o those_o poor_a delude_a people_n that_o follow_v he_o yea_o he_o destroy_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o i_o s._n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n in_o every_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v often_o cite_v before_o and_o i_o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20._o 21._o and_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o judicature_n in_o those_o time_n in_o censure_a man_n manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v and_o administer_v by_o a_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o learned_a experience_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n consistory_n or_o college_n of_o able_a man_n for_o government_n choose_v and_o select_v out_o of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n by_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o their_o ability_n the_o which_o assembly_n and_o company_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o do_v represent_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n christ_n do_v establish_v the_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o apostle_n this_o representative_a body_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o privilege_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v now_o all_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n nor_o by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v but_o by_o a_o assembly_n senate_n council_n or_o presbytery_n of_o understand_a man_n assign_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n &_o this_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o several_a presbytery_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n in_o judas_n his_o place_n and_o in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o emninent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o abitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o
more_o close_o to_o examine_v i._o s._n his_o word_n that_o we_o may_v discover_v yet_o more_o full_o the_o fallacious_a juggle_n of_o both_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o mould_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n all_o which_o term_n and_o expression_n be_v well_o explain_v than_o the_o grollery_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v therefore_o that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o term_n these_o juggler_n use_n first_o say_v something_o brief_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n and_o under_o the_o king_n both_o of_o juda_n and_o israel_n through_o all_o their_o city_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v requisite_a and_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o cast_n off_o any_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n which_o be_v declare_v the_o trifle_n of_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n will_v be_v more_o obvious_a to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o under_o a_o double_a nation_n as_o it_o have_v a_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o a_o moral_a worship_n and_o both_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o former_a but_o temporary_a the_o other_o for_o duration_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n it_o be_v divers_a for_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v order_v after_o a_o monarchical_a way_n there_o be_v a_o high_a priest_n that_o typify_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o atonement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o mediate_v with_o god_n for_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o have_v many_o priest_n under_o he_o for_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o daily_a sacrifice_n either_o of_o praise_n or_o of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o material_a temple_n they_o be_v tie_v but_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o go_v once_o a_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o atonement_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n and_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a high_a priest_n typify_v and_o who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n have_v offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n to_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 10._o 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of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o for_o the_o place_n where_o these_o scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n be_v and_o where_o christ_n then_o be_v and_o where_o all_o those_o people_n be_v be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o people_n well_o know_v to_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n to_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o so_o that_o all_o man_n now_o may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o may_v also_o behold_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n which_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n time_n unless_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n and_o those_o inhabitant_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n which_o be_v a_o grollery_n yea_o madness_n to_o suppose_v or_o think_v and_o 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last_o argument_n as_o it_o be_v page_n 9_o 10._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o note_n say_v he_o a_o absurdity_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o discourse_n where_o the_o doctor_n have_v get_v a_o multiply_a glass_n in_o his_o hand_n go_v on_o to_o make_v strange_a discovery_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n pag._n 36._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o when_o as_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o you_o affirm_v before_o page_n 32._o and_o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o what_o ever_o you_o determine_v of_o it_o here_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n act_n 2._o last_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o sequel_n you_o reckon_v this_o to_o the_o apostle_n also_o express_o page_v 56._o judge_n if_o here_o be_v not_o false_a muster_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o give_v we_o occasion_n shrewd_o to_o suspect_v your_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o to_o talk_n of_o a_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o our_o saviour_n thus_o he_o if_o i_o shall_v discover_v all_o the_o error_n that_o be_v in_o this_o reply_n i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a volume_n but_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n childishness_n and_o horrid_a impiety_n of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o very_a read_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o large_a in_o 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shadow_n and_o vapour_n like_o a_o conqueror_n as_o i._n s._n do_v here_o but_o now_o for_o answer_v brief_o i_o affirm_v that_o i._o s._n in_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o his_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v against_o i_o as_o he_o do_v against_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o very_a scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n i_o make_v by_o my_o multiply_a glass_n as_o he_o ridiculous_o speak_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n be_v no_o false_a muster_n as_o he_o childish_o scible_v for_o i_o discover_v only_o and_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o increase_v of_o christian_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n assert_v john_n the_o 4._o where_o it_o be_v record_v vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jesusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n now_o the_o make_n of_o more_o disciple_n be_v the_o add_v of_o more_o to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o not_o only_o to_o i_o but_o to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o i_o to_o affirm_v the_o same_o so_o that_o while_o i._o s._n labour_v to_o confute_v my_o argument_n he_o fight_v indeed_o against_o the_o evangelist_n that_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n but_o say_v he_o here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n the_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n these_o in_o i._n s._n his_o opinion_n be_v paradox_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o ludibry_a in_o his_o dialect_n yet_o both_o these_o truth_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v clear_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o wound_v i_o he_o vulnerate_v saint_n john_n and_o blaspheme_v for_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o deny_v the_o scripture_n that_o assert_n that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v more_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o of_o unbeliever_n and_o of_o enemy_n they_o be_v make_v disciple_n christian_n and_o friend_n and_o therefore_o take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o
that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o 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congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o 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the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o such_o as_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o preacher_n and_o minister_n by_o office_n and_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o send_v out_o by_o christ_n or_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v be_v all_o minister_n and_o preacher_n by_o their_o place_n and_o office_n and_o not_o only_o gift_v brethren_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o it_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a for_o it_o say_v wherefore_o of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o beginning_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o the_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n wherefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v ancient_a and_o inveterate_a disciple_n and_o minister_n by_o office_n or_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v judge_v they_o fit_a for_o a_o apostleship_n and_o all_o these_o continue_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o aught_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o contrary_a till_o their_o persecution_n and_o be_v of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o that_o church_n and_o then_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o scatter_a save_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o those_o that_o go_v abroad_o preach_v the_o word_n after_o their_o dispersion_n and_o publish_v the_o gospel_n be_v minister_n and_o preacher_n by_o office_n which_o teach_v by_o the_o way_n of_o sermon_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v and_o not_o out_o of_o charity_n as_o gift_a brethren_n as_o i_o have_v former_o sufficient_o prove_v upon_o that_o place_n whether_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o fear_v here_o to_o conclude_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o have_v employ_v so_o many_o faithful_a minister_n and_o diligent_a preacher_n almost_o a_o hundred_o so_o long_a a_o time_n and_o the_o which_o in_o this_o their_o hot_a persecution_n take_v up_o and_o employ_v twelve_o of_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o laborious_a minister_n in_o the_o world_n who_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o pray_v and_o preach_v among_o they_o and_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o each_o of_o their_o duty_n all_o intelligible_a christian_n will_v also_o gather_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o all_o of_o they_o can_v not_o preach_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n even_o under_o the_o persecution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o which_o afterward_o be_v exceed_o multitply_v and_o increase_v when_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v the_o which_o amount_v to_o many_o ten_o thousand_o all_o the_o which_o can_v not_o then_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o ever_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v vain_o and_o impious_o to_o cavil_v against_o such_o of_o my_o argument_n as_o they_o think_v themselves_o best_a able_a by_o their_o learning_n to_o deal_v with_o for_o the_o seduce_a of_o unstable_a and_o ungrounded_a people_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v against_o all_o my_o forego_v argument_n who_o word_n be_v these_o but_o i_o come_v brief_o to_o your_o argument_n whereby_o you_o will_v prove_v your_o classical_a presbyterian_a government_n and_o so_o upward_o the_o pattern_n hereof_o you_o take_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n hereof_o many_o argument_n or_o rather_o word_n and_o tautology_n you_o multiply_v and_o toil_n yourself_o and_o vex_v your_o reader_n withal_o which_o you_o may_v have_v reduce_v to_o one_o it_o be_v in_o sum_n this_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v many_o christian_a congregation_n and_o all_o these_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o so_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o prime_a apostolic_a church_n be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o succeed_a church_n ergo_fw-la all_o church_n government_n ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o that_o and_o consequent_o by_o a_o presbytery_n over_o many_o congregation_n as_o for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o which_o though_o consist_v of_o five_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o church_n and_o they_o continue_v daily_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n together_o vers_n 1._o and_o in_o the_o temple_n ver_fw-la 44._o 46._o grow_v from_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 15._o to_o three_o thousand_o more_o chap._n 2._o 41._o and_o then_o in_o all_o to_o five_o thousand_o chap._n 4._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o but_o one_o church_n which_o assemble_v together_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o although_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o whereinto_o break_n bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n altogether_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v yet_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o you_o never_o read_v the_o church_n at_o or_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o no_o national_a church_n neither_o witness_v those_o church_n in_o judea_n gal._n 1._o 22._o whereupon_o i_o answer_v to_o your_o argument_n and_o first_o to_o your_o proposition_n i_o deny_v that_o those_o congregation_n you_o name_v be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o this_o i_o put_v you_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o your_o 11._o or_o 12._o sheet_n spend_v about_o that_o argument_n prove_v to_o be_v mere_a waste_n paper_n and_o for_o your_o assumption_n that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v a_o prime_a apostolic_a church_n be_v therefore_o a_o pattern_n for_o all_o succeed_a church_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n you_o must_v first_o prove_v your_o proposition_n as_o before_o that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n constitute_v in_o their_o distinct_a form_n and_o body_n second_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a a_o pattern_n as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o be_v necessary_o to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o at_o first_o deacon_n till_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n which_o be_v no_o pattern_n for_o every_o church_n to_o have_v seven_o deacon_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n that_o of_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v
by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o part_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 12._o again_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n if_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o other_o church_n then_o in_o this_o that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o act_n 15._o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o those_o thing_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v inspire_v in_o which_o respect_n their_o resolution_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o that_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o say_v it_o follow_v that_o 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reader_n i_o pass_v it_o by_o as_o neither_o regard_v his_o pr_v yse_n nor_o sleighting_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o constant_a to_o the_o principle_n either_o of_o humanity_n or_o religion_n but_o like_o the_o chameleon_n he_o speak_v of_o page_n 3._o receive_v impression_n of_o sundry_a form_n changeable_a according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o that_o he_o never_o spare_v any_o man_n in_o his_o rage_n so_o it_o may_v true_o be_v aver_v of_o he_o that_o he_o never_o spare_v any_o in_o his_o fury_n &_o passion_n neither_o live_v nor_o dead_a upon_o the_o least_o conceive_a displeasure_n against_o they_o no_o not_o those_o he_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o as_o all_o that_o have_v be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o frothy_a pamphlet_n and_o language_n can_v testify_v for_o he_o spare_v not_o the_o king_n himself_o nor_o parliament_n upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o the_o one_o of_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v not_o only_o oblige_v in_o all_o loyalty_n as_o a_o subject_n but_o as_o a_o special_a servant_n and_o to_o the_o other_o if_o ever_o any_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o veneration_n he_o be_v who_o be_v bind_v unto_o that_o great_a council_n for_o his_o liberty_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o life_n and_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o good_a name_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v spare_v neither_o but_o have_v most_o unchristian_o and_o undutiful_o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o asperse_v they_o upon_o all_o occurrence_n and_o therefore_o if_o at_o pleasure_n he_o can_v vilipend_v sleight_n traduce_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o dignity_n i_o may_v not_o think_v myself_o aggrieve_v if_o he_o most_o unbrother_o in_o his_o scribble_n abuse_v i_o yea_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o for_o this_o his_o so_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o i_o think_v myself_o honour_v by_o it_o and_o account_v it_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v have_v learn_v that_o lesson_n of_o my_o heavenly_a master_n that_o when_o man_n revile_v i_o reproach_n i_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a of_o i_o false_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n that_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o so_o they_o have_v do_v by_o all_o the_o prophet_n matth._n 5._o luke_n the_o 6._o and_o paul_n take_v such_o deal_n from_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o his_o time_n for_o matter_n of_o triumph_n 2_o cor._n 12._o verse_n 10._o say_v i_o take_v pleasure_n in_o infirmity_n in_o reproach_n in_o necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a this_o i_o apply_v unto_o myself_o who_o have_v suffer_v as_o much_o from_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n in_o reproach_n in_o persecution_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o revile_v and_o blast_a language_n as_o their_o daily_a pamphlet_n and_o word_n can_v witness_v as_o any_o man_n now_o live_v and_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o that_o i_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o error_n and_o oppose_v the_o novelty_n and_o groundless_a opinion_n of_o the_o time_n all_o the_o which_o will_v the_o more_o aggravate_v their_o judgement_n because_o they_o do_v as_o immoderate_o praise_v i_o as_o can_v be_v prove_v before_o they_o know_v my_o differ_a opinion_n from_o they_o as_o they_o do_v now_o malicious_o and_o causeless_o vituperate_v i_o and_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o i_o be_o not_o change_v in_o my_o opinion_n in_o any_o know_a truth_n from_o what_o i_o both_o believe_v and_o to_o my_o power_n practise_v above_o these_o thirty_o year_n neither_o have_v i_o any_o reason_n to_o vary_v from_o my_o principle_n they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unerring_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o his_o party_n slight_v of_o i_o and_o my_o endeavour_n i_o wave_v they_o as_o mere_a grollery_n know_v that_o my_o book_n have_v be_v read_v by_o more_o judicious_a man_n then_o either_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n and_o have_v have_v the_o approbation_n of_o learned_a man_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o argument_n for_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o candour_n and_o fair_a deal_n in_o he_o as_o to_o lay_v down_o my_o reason_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n but_o conceal_v they_o all_o and_o make_v a_o syllogism_n of_o his_o own_o or_o else_o have_v borrow_v it_o from_o some_o of_o his_o american_n friend_n and_o fetch_v it_o out_o of_o the_o new_a world_n for_o i_o never_o read_v the_o like_a in_o either_o europian_n or_o asian_a writer_n no_o nor_o in_o any_o african_a author_n &_o yet_o that_o country_n be_v famous_a for_o monster_n and_o usual_o esteem_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nursery_n of_o prodigious_a birth_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o syllogism_n i_o never_o see_v bring_v forth_o by_o any_o of_o that_o nation_n as_o this_o of_o his_o frame_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o every_o suck_a sophister_n will_v be_v ready_a true_o to_o say_v of_o it_o as_o he_o false_o speak_v of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n &_o christ_n disciple_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n the_o same_o i_o say_v will_v any_o but_o a_o novice_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n conclude_v of_o his_o syllogism_n that_o it_o have_v neither_o form_n mood_n or_o figure_n and_o that_o i_o can_v easy_o make_v evident_a be_v it_o not_o for_o mispend_v of_o precious_a time_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o displease_v the_o good_a old_a father_n in_o discover_v his_o nakedness_n and_o infirmity_n who_o if_o he_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v with_o i_o because_o he_o conceive_v i_o mean_v he_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o baskethilted_n beard_n how_o much_o will_v he_o be_v enrage_v if_o i_o shall_v discover_v his_o ignorance_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n in_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n which_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n in_o but_o leave_v that_o i_o will_v come_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o must_v needs_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o unjust_a deal_n who_o at_o one_o time_n rob_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o they_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o the_o only_a visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n and_o proclaim_v by_o christ_n himself_o john_n 4._o to_o be_v the_o
i_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o say_v that_o i_o ever_o yet_o talk_v with_o now_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o old_a disciple_n and_o father_n among_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v that_o i_o labour_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n now_o all_o man_n know_v where_o there_o be_v seven_o treasurer_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o two_o or_o three_o treasurer_n will_v have_v serve_v any_o one_o congregation_n though_o it_o have_v consist_v of_o many_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o now_o that_o there_o be_v seâ—en_v at_o the_o first_o appoint_v it_o show_v a_o mighty_a vast_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o in_o its_o infancy_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ordain_v how_o many_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v afterward_o in_o future_a time_n make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o deny_v now_o if_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o true_o conclude_v of_o he_o and_o say_v as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o write_v his_o protestation_n protest_v of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v that_o dispute_n to_o those_o that_o have_v many_o year_n study_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n many_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o they_o for_o judgement_n have_v already_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o he_o and_o that_o for_o his_o very_a vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la or_o rather_o falsitatis_fw-la and_o for_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o this_o employment_n as_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o passion_n and_o choler_n then_o ground_v reason_n and_o argumentation_n and_o therefore_o will_v spoil_v their_o cause_n but_o now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n which_o concession_n of_o his_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o yet_o say_v he_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o say_v he_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o as_o not_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v between_o church_n and_o congregation_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o make_v they_o synonima_n as_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n usual_o do_v and_o think_v by_o this_o his_o grollery_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o convince_v they_o the_o question_n therefore_o between_o i_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n communicate_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v say_v that_o although_o i_o call_v they_o so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o gratify_v my_o kind_a brother_n &_o to_o show_v how_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n i_o do_v undertake_v that_o work_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v &_o evince_n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o my_o elevenor_n twelve_o sheet_n spend_v about_o this_o argument_n prove_v no_o waste_n paper_n and_o then_o also_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o he_o must_v turn_v presbyterian_a dependent_a if_o he_o have_v any_o honesty_n in_o he_o this_o then_o be_v my_o task_n to_o maintain_v and_o prove_v that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n or_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v good_a although_o he_o have_v sufficient_o himself_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n by_o the_o very_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o the_o way_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o premise_v thus_o much_o if_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v orthodox_n divinity_n viz._n that_o the_o sever_n of_o themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o into_o many_o several_a congregation_n in_o several_a private_a house_n for_o the_o partake_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o edify_v make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n the_o communicate_v and_o participate_v notwithstanding_o in_o all_o the_o which_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o formal_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o i_o affirm_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n as_o be_v found_v and_o build_v upon_o that_o one_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n that_o only_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o his_o principle_n viz._n if_o the_o sever_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n make_v they_o not_o several_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n teach_v because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n then_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n through_o the_o world_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o so_o by_o his_o learning_n there_o shall_v now_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o let_v all_o man_n turn_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o the_o world_n
assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o major_n no_o well_o ground_v christian_n will_v deny_v it_o especial_o the_o independent_o 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the_o author_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o declare_v their_o judgement_n concering_n this_o business_n who_o word_n i_o will_v set_v down_o at_o large_a desire_v to_o deliver_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o own_o expression_n rather_o than_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o accuse_v i_o to_o have_v pick_v and_o choose_v what_o make_v most_o for_o i_o and_o against_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o object_n it_o may_v possible_o here_o be_v object_v how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n answ_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_a by_o this_o ensue_a argument_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o two_o or_o three_o so_o join_v together_o do_v constitute_v 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christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v neither_o be_v this_o destitute_a of_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o it_o humfred_n de_fw-fr religione_fw-la vera_fw-la conservanda_fw-la pag._n 24._o ecclesiam_fw-la cum_fw-la dico_fw-la non_fw-la unum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aut_fw-la ministrum_fw-la sed_fw-la legitimum_fw-la ac_fw-la christianum_fw-la catum_fw-la nomino_fw-la et_fw-la innuo_fw-la beside_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n will_v prove_v the_o consequent_a a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n &_o unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o 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they_o in_o all_o which_o ordinance_n every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n do_v daily_o partake_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o assembly_n a_o true_a and_o complete_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n they_o enjoy_v all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a meet_v house_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o three_o or_o four_o good_a woman_n and_o as_o many_o man_n every_o one_o of_o these_o several_a congregation_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o the_o name_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o do_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o church_n 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intelligible_a reader_n from_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v evince_v and_o that_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o under_o one_o presbytery_n govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o my_o brother_n burton_n &_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n a_o subordination_n or_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
people_n hand_n and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n they_o call_v for_o in_o all_o church_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o rigid_o exact_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n and_o form_v of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o a_o perfect_a church_n at_o that_o time_n but_o because_o he_o requre_v of_o i_o to_o show_v he_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o in_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o which_o he_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o desire_v of_o he_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o that_o whole_a church_n that_o he_o demand_v of_o i_o in_o its_o part_n without_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o which_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v be_v nothing_o and_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o that_o distinction_n i_o say_v of_o officer_n and_o member_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o he_o confess_v at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o have_v see_v or_o talk_v with_o say_v they_o read_v of_o no_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o first_o form_v of_o this_o church_n and_o we_o read_v not_o at_o any_o time_n of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o of_o any_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n join_v with_o that_o pastor_n as_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n all_o the_o people_n apply_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o all_o lay_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o deacon_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o we_o hear_v nothing_o i_o say_v of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o of_o any_o elder_n all_o this_o while_n and_o yet_o by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n then_o and_o we_o neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v also_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o rigid_o require_v of_o all_o such_o â—s_n desire_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o cordial_o desire_v of_o my_o brother_n burton_n see_v the_o underwriter_n his_o tributary_n have_v give_v he_o leave_v as_o he_o say_v in_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o shall_v balk_v no_o truth_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o plough_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o shall_v preach_v every_o truth_n i_o say_v he_o have_v obtain_v this_o christian_a liberty_n of_o his_o benefactor_n and_o truth_n be_v now_o no_o more_o in_o prison_n that_o he_o will_v candid_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o reserve_n doâ—eâ—_n ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redieritre_n tell_v i_o the_o next_o time_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o particular_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v their_o particular_a doctor_n or_o teacher_n who_o be_v their_o elder_n who_o be_v their_o deacon_n see_v my_o brother_n burton_n deni_v any_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o have_v not_o its_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n therefore_o i_o put_v he_o upon_o this_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o write_v both_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o his_o vindication_n will_v all_o prove_v but_o waste_a paper_n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o james_n or_o peter_n be_v their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v into_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v either_o the_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o church_n for_o as_o the_o independent_o teach_v they_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o shall_v not_o leave_v their_o charge_n and_o flock_n neither_o can_v my_o brother_n burton_n tell_v which_o be_v their_o elder_n for_o the_o independent_o say_v they_o read_v of_o none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o twelve_o of_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n they_o then_o have_v none_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n opinion_n â—or_a he_o â—aith_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n which_o if_o they_o have_v have_v elder_n they_o can_v not_o have_v want_v and_o for_o deacon_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v none_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n either_o for_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o require_v i_o shall_v show_v he_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n &_o congregation_n without_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o his_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_fw-la itself_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v therefore_o when_o he_o be_v at_o plough_n again_o as_o now_o i_o understand_v he_o be_v i_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v furrow_v up_o this_o truth_n unto_o i_o and_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n withal_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v how_o he_o come_v to_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n make_v a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v the_o material_n only_a of_o a_o church_n all_o these_o truth_n i_o desire_v and_o that_o earnest_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o his_o next_o go_v to_o plough_v he_o will_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v unto_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o singular_a tiller_n and_o a_o very_a good_a husbandman_n in_o christ_n field_n his_o church_n or_o otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a either_o to_o make_v a_o complete_a independent_a country_n courtier_n or_o a_o absolute_a independent_a gentleman_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o haberdasher_n in_o the_o small_a ware_n of_o independency_n and_o with_o those_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v be_v best_o able_a to_o trade_n with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o i_o hear_v from_o he_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v deacon_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o many_o other_o good_a thing_n they_o require_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o that_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o saint_n of_o those_o time_n make_v any_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n though_o they_o want_v officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n require_v now_o by_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o those_o primitive_a and_o holy_a christian_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o want_n of_o some_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o for_o want_n of_o some_o officer_n
or_o for_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o exact_v of_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o complete_n and_o mould_v of_o they_o into_o church_n body_n pro_fw-la per_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v perfect_o convert_v and_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o yet_o that_o for_o some_o want_v they_o make_v no_o separation_n rend_v or_o schism_n from_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o they_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n open_o and_o that_o in_o all_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o yet_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v believe_v they_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o distinction_n of_o officer_n nor_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o of_o their_o requisite_n so_o that_o from_o the_o pious_a and_o godly_a example_n of_o those_o glorious_a saint_n i_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o rent_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v among_o brethren_n for_o some_o fail_n in_o any_o church_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n not_o only_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n but_o a_o very_a want_n of_o officer_n themselves_o and_o of_o a_o good_a discipline_n also_o in_o any_o church_n or_o church_n and_o that_o they_o that_o do_v make_v rent_n and_o division_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o withal_o i_o learn_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o fail_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o want_n of_o some_o chief_a officer_n and_o member_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o form_v church_n although_o it_o want_v both_o officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n they_o now_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v member_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o he_o now_o preach_v be_v solid_a and_o orthodox_n divinity_n and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o he_o write_v as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o those_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a want_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n officer_n which_o we_o may_v long_o since_o have_v enjoy_v have_v not_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n hinder_v our_o happy_a begin_v reformation_n especial_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v when_o there_o be_v no_o fail_v or_o want_n in_o any_o dominative_a or_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o where_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n requisite_a to_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v daily_o public_o teach_v in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o congregation_n and_o church_n all_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v we_o want_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v that_o discipline_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n yea_o the_o independent_o themselves_z hold_v that_o officer_n in_o a_o church_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o it_o as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n apparent_o delucidate_v for_o they_o say_v though_o the_o officer_n all_o dye_n yet_o the_o church_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v discipline_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n i_o maintain_v that_o in_o all_o he_o assert_v he_o be_v not_o only_o exceed_v erroneous_a and_o ignorant_a but_o understand_v not_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v all_o against_o he_o in_o those_o his_o assertion_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v it_o in_o their_o writing_n that_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v virtual_o in_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n if_o their_o concession_n be_v true_a nor_o any_o church_n officer_n which_o be_v point_n blank_a against_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o opinion_n they_o confess_v likewise_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n viz_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n they_o acknowledge_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v equal_a power_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n as_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v both_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o their_o several_a church_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o their_o particular_a right_n &_o impeach_v neither_o of_o they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o they_o do_v also_o confess_v that_o as_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n do_v excommunicate_a hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o and_o other_o so_o may_v the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o like_a occasion_n give_v they_o and_o may_v have_v put_v any_o church_n not_o only_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n but_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o also_o to_o have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n as_o both_o paul_n do_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v all_o well_o constitute_v and_o well_o and_o perfect_a form_v church_n by_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n so_o as_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o independent_o do_v accord_n unto_o and_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o perfect_a church_n at_o its_o first_o constitution_n before_o the_o incestuous_a person_n appear_v in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o they_o will_v say_v of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaiâ—tans_n and_o that_o of_o baalam_n and_o jezabell_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o and_o before_o those_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n appear_v and_o all_o the_o other_o offender_n there_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v any_o perfection_n to_o those_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o deformity_n to_o they_o all_o to_o have_v such_o creature_n and_o fail_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v repute_v their_o great_a sin_n to_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o in_o their_o bowel_n which_o by_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o have_v power_n to_o have_v cast_v out_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o those_o church_n at_o their_o first_o plantation_n and_o sound_n have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o all_o other_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o consist_v of_o saint_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o several_a church_n both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o this_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n but_o be_v all_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n the_o first_o day_n contrary_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v likewise_o by_o the_o independent_o and_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n himself_o that_o where_o there_o be_v church_n officer_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n with_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o few_o visible_a saint_n if_o they_o amount_v but_o to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v but_o ten_o or_o twelve_o gather_v together_o according_a to_o their_o method_n that_o there_o be_v a_o complete_a form_v church_n where_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o this_o church_n be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n the_o which_o
to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n for_o will_v they_o but_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o relate_v it_o the_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o the_o word_n church_n in_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o either_o for_o all_o the_o catholic_a invisible_a or_o visible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n all_o combine_a together_o under_o one_o government_n either_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o godly_a discipline_n not_o only_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o those_o several_a city_n but_o through_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n that_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v then_o of_o necessity_n when_o that_o church_n be_v multiply_v into_o many_o ten_o thousand_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o many_o congregation_n and_o church_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a every_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n mere_o trifle_n and_o delude_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n
waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v and_o let_v we_o consider_v one_o a_o other_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o a_o other_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v it_o seem_v the_o jew_n presume_v of_o their_o own_o holiness_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n think_v base_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o begin_v to_o separate_v in_o that_o regard_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o too_o many_o now_o adays_o of_o the_o ildependents_n do_v from_o their_o brethren_n think_v themselves_o more_o holy_a than_o they_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o write_v to_o his_o country_n man_n the_o jew_n blame_v they_o for_o this_o and_o in_o they_o reprove_v all_o that_o do_v the_o like_a and_o forbid_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o saint_n john_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n say_v that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v not_o have_v go_v out_o and_o depart_v from_o among_o we_o but_o in_o that_o they_o separate_v from_o among_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o so_o that_o he_o make_v it_o a_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o apostate_n to_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o any_o church_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o all_o these_o regard_v therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o separation_n and_o aught_o in_o this_o to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n our_o pattern_n and_o example_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n though_o indeed_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o fayling_n in_o they_o which_o when_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n daily_o do_v they_o be_v high_o to_o be_v blame_v as_o offender_n against_o precept_n and_o precedent_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o never_o do_v it_o all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v aught_o to_o be_v confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n they_o therefore_o not_o follow_v their_o pattern_n but_o make_v rent_n have_v in_o their_o so_o do_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o last_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n in_o their_o well_o do_v and_o in_o what_o be_v praise_v worthy_a so_o likewise_o wherein_o either_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n in_o they_o be_v fail_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o for_o it_o either_o reprove_v threaten_v or_o punish_v for_o their_o own_o disobedience_n or_o but_o for_o their_o indulgence_n at_o other_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o old_a ely_n i_o sam._n 3._o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o correct_v and_o chastise_v his_o wicked_a son_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o their_o particular_a fayling_n especial_o those_o of_o pergamos_n thyatira_n and_o laodicea_n for_o suffer_v the_o doctrinc_fw-la of_o balaam_n jezebel_n and_o of_o the_o nicolaitan_n though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o but_o only_o in_o that_o they_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o do_v not_o exercise_v their_o power_n in_o cast_v out_o those_o offender_n and_o punish_v those_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n who_o be_v indifferent_a what_o religion_n be_v set_v up_o or_o embrace_v among_o they_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n both_o these_o church_n and_o people_n and_o all_o other_o church_n for_o their_o fayling_n and_o punishment_n be_v example_n to_o we_o to_o teach_v and_o forewarn_v we_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n lest_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n we_o partake_v with_o they_o also_o in_o their_o several_a plague_n and_o punishment_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v pen_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 1_o cor._n 10._o verse_n 11._o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v tolerate_v all_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o god_n and_o labour_n by_o all_o our_o might_n to_o establish_v his_o true_a worship_n and_o for_o the_o extirpate_v of_o all_o heresy_n and_o scandal_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v a_o controversy_n against_o we_o as_o he_o have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o we_o repent_v not_o will_v remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n as_o he_o have_v do_v those_o church_n in_o asia_n who_o be_v all_o now_o under_o the_o mahometan_a superstition_n for_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o as_o every_o command_n of_o god_n be_v both_o preceptive_a and_o prohibitive_a so_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o god_n as_o that_o in_o the_o israelite_n 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o in_o the_o above_o mention_v church_n that_o have_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v as_o their_o special_a sin_n and_o fayling_n and_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o likewise_o to_o be_v imitate_v as_o their_o zeal_n piety_n virtue_n and_o godly_a example_n and_o holy_a courage_n which_o as_o they_o be_v all_o praise_n worthy_a and_o for_o which_o they_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v honour_v so_o they_o be_v set_v down_o for_o our_o learning_n and_o imitation_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o yea_o this_o their_o example_n be_v as_o a_o command_n to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v they_o in_o this_o their_o well_o do_v and_o where_o they_o do_v evil_a and_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o there_o be_v a_o prohibition_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o 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it_o as_o the_o ensue_a place_n sufficient_o prove_v rom._n 16._o ver_fw-la 17_o and_o 18._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o 1_o cor._n chap._n the_o 5._o ver_fw-la 11._o but_o now_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o say_v saint_n paul_n not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v 1_o tim._n chap._n the_o 6._o ver_fw-la the_o 3._o and_o 5._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n from_o such_o withdraw_v thyself_o and_o 2_o tim._n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o in_o the_o last_o day_n say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v perilous_a time_n come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n without_o natural_a affection_n covenant_n or_o truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n or_o makebate_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a traitorous_a heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o tâ—rne_n away_o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o widow_n house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n etc._n etc._n tit._n 3._o ver_fw-la 10._o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v say_v the_o apostle_n 2._o john_n ver_fw-la 10._o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o say_v saint_n john_n and_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n 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of_o their_o witness_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o rail_n error_n and_o lie_n and_o bad_a practice_n may_v be_v yet_o more_o evident_a my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o vindication_n have_v these_o ensue_a word_n against_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o first_o against_o the_o minister_n of_o who_o he_o say_v that_o they_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n so_o that_o such_o a_o conversion_n as_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o come_v not_o home_n to_o whole_a christ_n and_o such_o with_o their_o converter_n do_v deny_v christ_n kingly_a government_n or_o at_o least_o and_o best_a they_o be_v convert_v but_o in_o part_n and_o that_o main_a thing_n be_v want_v to_o wit_n christ_n kingly_a office_n and_o in_o his_o vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la he_o accuse_v i_o pag._n 21._o for_o take_v christ_n name_n in_o vain_a because_o in_o my_o book_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n which_o for_o i_o to_o affirm_v he_o say_v it_o be_v to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o vain_a his_o word_n be_v these_o and_o here_o say_v he_o i_o challenge_v our_o brother_n for_o take_v christ_n name_n in_o vain_a when_o instead_o of_o find_v christ_n set_v upon_o his_o throne_n in_o their_o congregation_n we_o find_v there_o no_o more_o but_o a_o image_n such_o as_o michal_n have_v make_v up_o instead_o of_o king_n david_n or_o as_o those_o that_o in_o mockery_n make_v of_o christ_n a_o pageant_n king_n strip_v he_o and_o put_v on_o he_o a_o scarlet_a robe_n and_o on_o his_o head_n a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n a_o reed_n salute_v he_o with_o haile_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o which_o title_n over_o his_o head_n they_o crucify_v he_o therefore_o say_v he_o those_o passage_n quote_v out_o of_o my_o book_n will_v stand_v good_a against_o their_o 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religion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o profaneness_n and_o all_o licentiousness_n which_o be_v against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o against_o their_o solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n make_v before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n as_o all_o the_o ildependents_a daily_o do_v they_o be_v no_o saint_n in_o god_n dialect_n nor_o good_a daemon_n but_o a_o generation_n of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n with_o who_o all_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o in_o holy_a thing_n as_o not_o be_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n but_o will_v some_o say_v though_o some_o of_o the_o independent_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o all_o these_o crime_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o all_o to_o be_v condemn_v as_o equal_o guilty_a for_o answer_v here_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n learning_n pag._n 16._o where_n endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o the_o conformist_n guilty_a of_o persecution_n he_o have_v these_o word_n the_o most_o of_o the_o conformist_n say_v he_o if_o not_o all_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n less_o or_o more_o either_o by_o act_v or_o assent_v or_o by_o silence_n or_o connivance_n in_o the_o persecution_n of_o those_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n which_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n over_o their_o conscience_n infer_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v equal_o guilty_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o his_o word_n though_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n both_o jewish_a christian_a and_o heathenish_a who_o adjudge_v consentor_n connivers_n and_o abettor_n and_o all_o the_o complice_n in_o any_o treason_n conspiracy_n wickedness_n and_o malefice_fw-la as_o equal_o guilty_a as_o the_o actor_n plotter_n or_o contriver_n as_o 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allow_v of_o their_o do_n and_o in_o express_a word_n charge_v they_o as_o equal_o guilty_a the_o same_o he_o say_v of_o they_o concern_v the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n you_o say_v he_o have_v do_v to_o he_o whatsoever_o seem_v good_a unto_o you_o whereas_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v herod_n act_n who_o only_o be_v say_v to_o have_v command_v that_o john_n shall_v be_v behead_v yet_o this_o wickedness_n be_v lay_v upon_o all_o the_o jew_n as_o conniver_n and_o by_o their_o silence_n consenter_n unto_o it_o and_o paul_n in_o like_a manner_n accuse_v all_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n he_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n though_o they_o be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o actor_n and_o committer_n of_o these_o haivous_a crime_n but_o in_o that_o they_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o by_o their_o silence_n allow_v of_o they_o or_o hinder_v they_o not_o or_o by_o punish_v the_o offender_n prevent_v they_o not_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o old_a ely_n in_o not_o punish_v his_o son_n for_o their_o wickedness_n so_o that_o by_o all_o these_o example_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o learning_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a thaâ—_n all_o such_o as_o by_o their_o silence_n connive_v and_o assent_v unto_o any_o wickedness_n persecution_n rail_v or_o covenant-breaking_a they_o be_v as_o â—qâ—ally_v guilty_a as_o the_o actor_n and_o contriver_n now_o when_o all_o the_o iâ—_n dependants_n as_o well_o minister_n as_o people_n in_o any_o of_o thâ—se_a wayâ—s_n or_o in_o all_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o rail_v revile_v seduce_a and_o covenant-breaking_a and_o make_v division_n contrary_a unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o hinder_v reformation_n and_o of_o break_v the_o union_n between_o the_o nation_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v it_o follow_v thâ—y_o be_v neither_o visible_a saint_n nor_o good_a daemon_n and_o that_o those_o church_n that_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o they_o be_v to_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o they_o aught_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o all_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n in_o holy_a thing_n as_o be_v mix_v congregation_n and_o tagg_n rag_n and_o such_o saint_n as_o â—ob_v will_v not_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o fiâ—st_a argument_n my_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n who_o member_n contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o be_v ever_o humble_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n continual_o false_o and_o pharisaical_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n boast_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n so_o much_o condemn_v in_o holy_a writ_n calling_n themselves_o the_o precious_a and_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n the_o godly_a party_n the_o pray_a people_n the_o only_a man_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n the_o saint_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a hate_v and_o despise_v their_o poor_a brethren_n and_o be_v ever_o plot_v against_o they_o account_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n and_o depart_v from_o they_o as_o more_o holy_a than_o they_o all_o such_o i_o say_v be_v neither_o visible_a saint_n nor_o good_a daemon_n as_o be_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n condemn_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n â—orm_n who_o member_n ought_v to_o be_v all_o visible_a saint_n but_o be_v mix_v congregation_n with_o who_o true_o godly_a soul_n ought_v not_o to_o communicate_v in_o holy_a thing_n but_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o ildependents_a be_v such_o as_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v neither_o visible_a saint_n nor_o good_a daemon_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o by_o all_o the_o true_o godly_a soul_n for_o the_o major_a proposition_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v it_o now_o if_o the_o minor_a be_v confirm_v then_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o will_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n for_o that_o will_v necessary_o ensue_v from_o the_o premise_n the_o part_n of_o the_o minor_n be_v these_o the_o first_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n to_o be_v humble_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o second_o that_o god_n do_v ever_o condemn_v such_o as_o justify_v they_o self_n and_o boast_a of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n the_o three_o that_o the_o ildependents_a do_v both_o false_o and_o pharisaical_o boast_v themselves_o when_o they_o call_v themselves_o the_o precious_a and_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n the_o godly_a party_n the_o pray_a people_n the_o only_a man_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n the_o saint_n and_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a the_o four_o that_o they_o do_v despise_v their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o they_o by_o all_o which_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v neither_o saint_n indeed_o nor_o good_a daemon_n nor_o a_o church_n or_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o i_o shall_v now_o prove_v all_o these_o part_n in_o order_n beginning_n with_o the_o first_o by_o which_o the_o conclusion_n will_v be_v the_o more_o obvious_a to_o every_o judicious_a reader_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o many_o of_o the_o ildependents_a themselves_o if_o they_o will_v
at_o among_o they_o or_o tolerate_v or_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o establish_v in_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o in_o that_o they_o walk_v and_o persevere_v they_o decline_v not_o in_o their_o love_n to_o it_o they_o go_v not_o backward_o with_o demas_n to_o embrace_v the_o present_a world_n nor_o with_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n they_o will_v deny_v no_o truth_n of_o god_n nor_o with_o any_o heretic_n innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o religion_n but_o they_o walk_v upright_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o high_a call_n in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o stand_v not_o still_o neither_o nor_o make_v no_o pause_n in_o their_o way_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o journey_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o well_o do_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o heavenly_a zion_n they_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o their_o religion_n yea_o they_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o that_o through_o thick_a and_o thin_a of_o all_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n and_o abate_v not_o their_o pace_n cast_v aside_o every_o thing_n that_o press_v down_o as_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o honour_n and_o riches_n the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n the_o love_n of_o profit_n the_o love_n of_o friend_n and_o all_o earthly_a emolument_n yea_o and_o the_o sin_n that_o stick_v so_o close_o unto_o they_o all_o their_o hereditaty_n and_o inbred_a corruption_n yea_o they_o reject_v likewise_o all_o novelty_n in_o religion_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o old_a way_n god_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o but_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o impediment_n they_o not_o only_o walk_v but_o run_v the_o race_n and_o the_o whole_a race_n set_v before_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o their_o faith_n jesus_n christ_n who_o for_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v now_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n heb._n 12._o 2._o he_o make_v that_o good_a confession_n to_o the_o death_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o witness_v the_o truth_n all_o they_o therefore_o that_o be_v conformable_a to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o desire_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o step_n and_o that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a can_v never_o endure_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o walk_v upright_o with_o their_o god_n nor_o after_o christ_n example_n for_o christ_n whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o will_v not_o tolerate_v they_o but_o lay_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o evil_n do_v and_o preach_v against_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o saducee_n and_o all_o erroneous_a sect_n in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o after_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatyra_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o suffering_n and_o tolerate_v among_o they_o any_o other_o religion_n then_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o for_o but_o connive_v at_o any_o novelty_n in_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n they_o therefore_o that_o follow_v the_o ill_a example_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatyra_n and_o not_o only_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o but_o labour_n and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v a_o indulgence_n and_o a_o toleration_n for_o all_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n they_o follow_v not_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n jacob_n joshua_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o bless_a apostle_n who_o abhor_v all_o novelty_n and_o toleration_n and_o therefore_o they_o walk_v not_o upright_o with_o their_o god_n and_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o according_a to_o god_n own_o description_n of_o a_o true_a saint_n now_o whether_o therefore_o the_o ildependents_a by_o their_o practice_n can_v challenge_v this_o character_n to_o themselves_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a when_o they_o will_v have_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o now_o to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o character_n of_o a_o true_a saint_n he_o that_o work_v righteousness_n say_v the_o spirit_n they_o that_o make_v it_o their_o employment_n to_o render_v to_o every_o one_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13._o tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n custom_n to_o who_o custom_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a and_o they_o that_o will_v owe_v no_o man_n nothing_o but_o love_n and_o that_o love_v one_o another_o know_v that_o he_o that_o love_v fulfil_v the_o law_n they_o be_v saint_n proper_o so_o call_v v._o the_o 7._o in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o in_o god_n repute_n work_v righteousness_n they_o first_o give_v unto_o god_n his_o true_a worship_n and_o labour_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o religion_n only_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o can_v endure_v the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n neither_o will_v they_o connive_v at_o or_o indulge_v that_o any_o way_n of_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v permit_v where_o they_o have_v power_n and_o ability_n to_o hinder_v it_o but_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v for_o they_o know_v that_o that_o be_v not_o to_o work_v righteousness_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o give_v god_n his_o own_o for_o he_o appoint_v but_o one_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o challenge_v for_o his_o own_o so_o then_o they_o that_o set_v up_o any_o other_o but_o that_o or_o tolerate_v more_o or_o allow_v of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n they_o work_v not_o righteousness_n towards_o god_n for_o that_o be_v unjustice_n and_o a_o thing_n high_o displease_v unto_o his_o divine_a majesty_n as_o take_v his_o right_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n who_o be_v king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o substitute_v themselves_o in_o his_o place_n which_o be_v the_o great_a injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v the_o true_a saint_n indeed_o and_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a dare_v not_o attempt_v any_o such_o unjust_a thing_n for_o they_o work_v righteousness_n again_o the_o true_a saint_n in_o like_a manner_n work_v righteousness_n towards_o all_o man_n they_o yield_v all_o subjection_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o they_o give_v the_o magistrate_n their_o due_a honour_n and_o reverence_n yield_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n and_o veneration_n and_o they_o yield_v unto_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o their_o true_a honour_n and_o so_o be_v fulfiller_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o that_o malign_v their_o brethren_n and_o detract_v from_o their_o praise_n and_o hate_v they_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o rail_v of_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n by_o their_o daily_a traduce_v of_o they_o and_o assume_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o they_o unto_o themselves_o and_o all_o such_o as_o do_v assent_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n they_o do_v not_o work_v righteousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o god_n dialect_n they_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o nor_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a for_o it_o be_v great_a injustice_n to_o detract_v from_o any_o their_o due_a honour_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligible_a man_n whether_o or_o no_o those_o that_o write_v defamatory_n book_n and_o daily_o utter_v injurious_a and_o reproachful_a word_n against_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n traduce_v they_o before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o accuse_v they_o of_o injustice_n and_o of_o exercise_v a_o lawless_a and_o a_o arbitrary_a government_n over_o the_o people_n proclaim_v they_o tyrant_n and_o as_o bad_a as_o strafford_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n and_o that_o at_o pleasure_n can_v impeach_v any_o of_o the_o parliament_n and_o accuse_v they_o to_o the_o people_n as_o traitor_n and_o such_o as_o keep_v correspondency_n with_o the_o enemy_n and_o be_v betrayer_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o those_o that_o do_v allow_v of_o such_o man_n favour_v they_o and_o encourage_v they_o by_o their_o countenance_n or_o connivance_n i_o say_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o whether_o they_o that_o do_v or_o assent_v to_o such_o do_n do_v work_v righteousness_n when_o they_o do_v apparent_o
may_v we_o suppose_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o 21._o chap._n of_o the_o act_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n there_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o must_v needs_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o mighty_a many_o of_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o believer_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n do_v both_o witness_n they_o then_o have_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v now_o great_a hope_n that_o not_o only_a mr_n knollys_n will_v confess_v the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n also_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o point_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v ratify_v not_o only_o by_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n but_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o will_v yet_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o more_o saint_n there_o then_o can_v or_o do_v daily_o all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n than_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gentleman_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o knight_n of_o the_o post_n whether_o i_o send_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v out_o of_o his_o grollery_n have_v for_o the_o gratify_a mr_n knollys_n and_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o all_o cordial_a and_o well_o affect_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o they_o there_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v either_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o to_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v judge_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o prime_a witness_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n by_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n mr_n henry_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v by_o name_n i_o shall_v again_o challenge_v mr_n knollys_n his_o promise_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n evince_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o grollish_a opinion_n of_o independency_n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o have_v do_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o two_o witness_n above_o specify_v i_o say_v again_o i_o challenge_v his_o promise_n and_o if_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v write_v will_v not_o abandon_v this_o his_o error_n i_o shall_v never_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o man_n of_o faith_n or_o common_a honesty_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o proclaim_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o he_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o resister_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o second_o proposition_n and_o come_v now_o to_o see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o three_o my_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v ordered_n and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n some_o of_o which_o with_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o relate_v in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v first_o set_v down_o in_o my_o book_n call_v independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o which_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v unto_o and_o after_o i_o have_v faithful_o relate_v the_o argument_n i_o deduce_v from_o those_o several_a scripture_n by_o which_o i_o then_o make_v good_a my_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v also_o true_o set_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n to_o all_o those_o argument_n the_o place_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n with_o my_o argument_n gather_v from_o thence_o be_v these_o follow_v act_v 11._o 27._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_v and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judaea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judaea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judaea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n that_o be_v abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_n unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o master_n knollys_n page_n 11._o repli_v as_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o this_o i_o conceive_v by_o the_o doctor_n favour_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n much_o less_o do_v that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n but_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o and_o and_z chap._n 16._o 4._o and_o chap._n 21._o 17_o 18._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n say_v the_o doctor_n be_v express_v these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n with_o his_o reply_n and_o answer_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n in_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v and_o what_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n take_v i_o pray_v his_o own_o expression_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o it_o lay_v only_o in_o their_o hand_n as_o to_o who_o it_o be_v sole_o delegated_a so_o that_o he_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n by_o which_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n may_v now_o perceive_v that_o mr_n knollys_n and_o the_o brethren_n do_v accord_n unto_o this_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v member_n so_o that_o i_o have_v as_o much_o assent_v unto_o by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o i_o desire_v by_o the_o which_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v he_o have_v utter_o exclude_v the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n and_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a assembly_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o hereafter_o i_o hope_v the_o brethren_n will_v not_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o i_o if_o i_o believe_v as_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n believe_v and_o as_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n believe_v those_o confide_a 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government_n they_o will_v in_o time_n prove_v themselves_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o a_o company_n of_o groll_n and_o ninnye_n and_o i_o hope_v yet_o to_o see_v that_o day_n that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o explode_v &_o baffle_v out_o of_o their_o fond_a whimsy_n as_o ever_o the_o prelate_n be_v or_o any_o distemper_a sect_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v master_n knollys_n his_o error_n and_o the_o groundlessenesse_n of_o his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n who_o say_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n because_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n speak_v something_o concern_v politic_n and_o show_v wherein_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n it_o reside_v and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a property_n or_o rather_o part_n of_o government_n in_o either_o of_o they_o so_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o country_n or_o common_a wealth_n those_o man_n only_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o they_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v betrust_v either_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o those_o several_a government_n lie_v and_o be_v deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n that_o manage_v they_o and_o in_o no_o body_n else_o but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o their_o appointment_n or_o good_a like_n and_o love_n and_o if_o man_n will_v then_o serious_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o government_n secular_a in_o all_o state_n and_o country_n and_o compare_v the_o ecclesiastical_a with_o they_o which_o without_o any_o offence_n they_o 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authority_n in_o any_o state_n and_o that_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n who_o be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n there_o the_o second_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o government_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o can_v erect_v and_o create_v new_a office_n and_o new_a officer_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o set_v up_o new_a court_n and_o judge_n and_o can_v confer_v name_n honour_n and_o title_n of_o dignity_n upon_o they_o several_o and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a place_n office_n and_o judicature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o essential_a property_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o power_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v the_o ruler_n in_o that_o government_n and_o no_o other_o
person_n the_o three_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o state_n be_v this_o to_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n at_o pleasure_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestical_a upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o militia_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o those_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n this_o authority_n lie_v they_o be_v repute_v and_o indeed_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o that_o state_n the_o four_o essential_a property_n of_o superlative_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o any_o government_n or_o state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v a_o court_n of_o ultimate_a resort_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v fly_v for_o relief_n and_o to_o the_o which_o all_o appeal_v by_o all_o person_n from_o all_o part_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o all_o inferior_a court_n be_v make_v upon_o any_o unjustice_n do_v they_o there_o or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o grievance_n by_o any_o one_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o end_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n and_o difference_n or_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o authority_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v say_v to_o exercise_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a governor_n and_o moderator_n in_o that_o state_n the_o five_o and_o last_o paâ—t_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o press_v and_o stamp_v money_n and_o coin_n and_o set_v the_o valution_n upon_o they_o or_o any_o other_o money_n that_o be_v currant_n in_o their_o country_n or_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o have_v the_o exchequer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o they_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o tribute_n subsidy_n assessment_n custom_n benevolence_n and_o collection_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o the_o common_a 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the_o kingdom_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v now_o at_o their_o dispose_n i_o believe_v the_o great_a council_n will_v teach_v he_o a_o little_a more_o wit_n and_o all_o those_o his_o brethren_n that_o shall_v join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o argumentation_n a_o little_a better_a manner_n now_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o whatsoever_o can_v prove_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o secular_a government_n to_o be_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n which_o exercise_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o it_o that_o the_o government_n and_o sovereign_a power_n in_o that_o church_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n only_o so_o that_o it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o my_o argument_n will_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o master_n knolly_n fond_a cavil_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o these_o two_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o church_n be_v the_o only_a governor_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o follow_v the_o second_o truth_n that_o will_v result_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n both_o which_o master_n knollys_n vain_o deny_v will_v follow_v from_o my_o argument_n but_o for_o the_o far_a elucidation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o essential_a property_n and_o part_n of_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o show_v that_o they_o reside_v only_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o commit_v only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chapter_n the_o 2._o verse_n 2._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 and_o act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
office_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o 14._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o appoint_v they_o first_o in_o the_o mother-church_n jerusalem_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n say_v the_o prophet_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 yea_o they_o give_v those_o officer_n their_o name_n and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a office_n as_o be_v manifest_a act_v the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n they_o also_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o all_o such_o as_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o denounce_v war_n and_o death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o judgement_n to_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thess_n 1._o verse_n 8._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n likewise_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_n and_o extreme_a refuge_n and_o relief_n and_o help_n all_o appeal_n be_v make_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o same_o book_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a tribunal_n upon_o earth_n in_o god_n matter_n in_o who_o hand_n all_o the_o high_a power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o reside_v and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o decide_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o they_o the_o which_o example_n of_o they_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o precedent_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o in_o that_o controversy_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o christian_n at_o antioch_n through_o false_a teacher_n by_o who_o that_o heresy_n be_v broach_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o believer_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o by_o which_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a lewes_z who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n because_o they_o do_v neglect_v those_o ceremony_n whereupon_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a schism_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o for_o the_o decide_n and_o determine_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o know_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o dogmatic_a diatacticall_a and_o critical_a yea_o authoritative_a and_o command_a who_o enter_v into_o a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o reason_n argument_n and_o disputation_n and_o find_v by_o disquisition_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n they_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n not_o pretend_v any_o new_a revelation_n or_o new_a light_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o superlative_a assistance_n in_o the_o decide_n that_o debate_n but_o only_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o first_o show_v and_o put_v forth_o their_o dogmatic_a power_n confute_v and_o convince_a the_o heresy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n second_o they_o declare_v their_o diatacticall_a authority_n make_v a_o practical_a canon_n or_o law_n for_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o three_o they_o exercise_v their_o critical_a power_n and_o judiciary_n authority_n verse_n 24._o condemn_a and_o brand_a those_o teacher_n with_o that_o infamous_a and_o black_a mark_n of_o liar_n subverter_n of_o soul_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n four_o and_o last_o they_o sufficient_o manifest_v their_o imparative_fw-it and_o authoritative_a power_n in_o send_v those_o decree_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o do_v this_o and_o live_v v._o 29._o for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v which_o when_o they_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o there_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n likewise_o remain_v and_o reside_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o they_o exercise_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n ever_o run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n last_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o that_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o the_o other_o church_n have_v for_o they_o bring_v the_o money_n always_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 4._o and_o afterward_o all_o the_o money_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o all_o church_n as_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n lay_v which_o they_o never_o give_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o relinquish_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n give_v direction_n to_o their_o several_a deacon_n how_o to_o distribute_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o common_a emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o poor_a saint_n for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o alm_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o judaea_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v the_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o those_o church_n and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o they_o belong_v and_o who_o only_o and_o whole_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o now_o then_o when_o the_o contribution_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n which_o they_o ever_o exercise_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o common_a to_o dispose_v of_o they_o now_o before_o this_o relief_n be_v send_v thither_o and_o long_o after_o that_o as_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n declare_v most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v there_o and_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v presbyter_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o relate_v that_o the_o alm_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n say_v they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n now_o they_o be_v all_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a and_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o dialect_n of_o holy_a write_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n we_o shall_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n that_o either_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o more_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o make_v mention_n of_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a moderator_n and_o prime_a agent_n in_o the_o business_n which_o be_v never_o carry_v by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o multitude_n or_o people_n and_o it_o it_o be_v credible_o believe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o judaea_n till_o after_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o and_o for_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o he_o continue_v precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n his_o whole_a life_n time_n
and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v not_o only_o against_o all_o sound_a divinity_n but_o against_o all_o reason_n while_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v equal_a suffrage_n and_o voice_n or_o vote_n with_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o master_n who_o have_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o have_v he_o ever_o read_v any_o thing_n concern_v counsel_n in_o either_o he_o will_v never_o have_v so_o argue_v for_o counsel_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v of_o peculiar_a and_o select_a man_n who_o for_o their_o gravity_n wisdom_n learning_n and_o their_o inveterate_a experience_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o who_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o intrude_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n who_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o will_v go_v about_o or_o endeavour_v to_o change_v this_o order_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o will_v speedy_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o by_o such_o man_n only_o as_o upon_o who_o shoulder_n god_n have_v lay_v that_o government_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n those_o ensign_n of_o authority_n now_o when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o calling_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n in_o they_o for_o the_o roll_a and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v only_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o their_o ordinance_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o voice_n or_o vote_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n in_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n for_o he_o by_o brethren_n understand_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believert_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v import_v be_v present_a in_o that_o council_n speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o have_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o that_o be_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v come_v together_o in_o one_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v send_v commissioner_n and_o delegated_a out_o of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o those_o counsel_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o well_o manage_v of_o the_o government_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v their_o call_n and_o for_o the_o other_o people_n as_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o call_n and_o statiou_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o all_o under_o authority_n be_v therein_o to_o abide_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o follow_v their_o particular_a negotiation_n and_o affair_n yield_v obedience_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o woman_n especial_o by_o a_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n to_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vote_n it_o in_o synod_n neither_o be_v woman_n ever_o that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o teacher_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n permit_v to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n and_o synod_n which_o when_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n then_o assemble_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v with_o good_a authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o synod_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o synod_n consist_v of_o brethren_n and_o not_o sister_n who_o have_v never_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o or_o any_o voice_n there_o as_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o asserâ—eth_v and_o therefore_o for_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v they_o when_o the_o sister_n be_v exempt_v there_o be_v none_o but_o brethren_n beside_o it_o be_v against_o another_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o say_v for_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o dispute_n for_o they_o be_v not_o well_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o religion_n will_v have_v either_o be_v more_o embitter_v against_o one_o another_o or_o fill_v more_o full_a of_o scruple_n then_o resolve_v as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n who_o see_v what_o a_o confusion_n such_o paltry_a fellow_n as_o master_n knollys_n be_v have_v already_o bring_v inâ—o_o the_o world_n by_o admit_v their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o their_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o vain_a jangle_n uâ—on_v all_o occasion_n neither_o will_v i_o ever_o believe_v for_o my_o part_n that_o the_o apostle_n â—ould_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_n the_o contrary_a now_o when_o saint_n paul_n have_v make_v that_o law_n that_o the_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v admit_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n into_o the_o synoâ—_n to_o those_o dispute_n and_o so_o have_v violate_v this_o law_n and_o statute_n from_o heaven_n especial_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n believe_v this_o when_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o will_v have_v put_v the_o people_n in_o a_o uproar_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o many_o year_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o their_o christian_a liberty_n they_o remain_v still_o so_o zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o out_o of_o a_o distemper_a zeal_n will_v have_v destroy_v paul_n and_o only_o because_o they_o hear_v that_o hâ—_n teach_v the_o gentile_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o will_v all_o those_o weak_a brethren_n have_v be_v enrage_v against_o all_o the_o apostle_n
name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n and_o for_o any_o magistrate_n or_o any_o court_n to_o issue_n out_o any_o writ_n warrant_v mandate_n or_o summons_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n make_v they_o fall_v into_o a_o praemunire_n and_o make_v they_o guilty_a laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o warrant_v run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n and_o whosoever_o fail_v in_o this_o kind_n as_o not_o to_o command_v in_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n name_n do_v make_v himself_o a_o delinquent_n and_o this_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v be_v one_o of_o the_o charge_n against_o the_o prelate_n of_o canterbury_n that_o he_o issue_v out_o writ_n and_o summons_n in_o his_o own_o name_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o court._n now_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a king_n of_o his_o church_n that_o immortal_a and_o mighty_a potentate_n in_o who_o name_n all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a issue_v out_o all_o their_o warrant_n and_o mandate_n speak_v ever_o to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n in_o those_o day_n and_o god_n never_o change_v the_o stile_n of_o issue_v out_o his_o warrant_n neither_o do_v christ_n resign_v his_o regal_a dignity_n or_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v still_o their_o king_n and_o he_o keep_v the_o same_o tenure_n still_o all_o through_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o through_o the_o old_a command_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n say_v matth._n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o all_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o 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verse_n the_o 6._o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n say_v he_o rise_v and_o walk_v and_o so_o saint_n paul_n have_v learn_v his_o lesson_n well_o who_o when_o he_o cast_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n out_o of_o the_o damsel_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 18._o say_v unto_o it_o i_o command_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o and_o he_o come_v out_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o those_o day_n in_o the_o church_n name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o king_n jesus_n christ_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o place_n we_o have_v a_o special_a command_n in_o the_o 3._o of_o the_o coloss_n verse_n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o in_o christ_n their_o king_n name_n yea_o the_o apostle_n 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be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o king_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o new_a stile_n that_o our_o independent_o and_o learned_a i._n s._n publish_v to_o the_o world_n who_o in_o terminis_fw-la say_v that_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n say_v the_o officer_n ordain_v and_o they_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n &_o dispute_n &_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o that_o be_v in_o his_o learning_n the_o officer_n must_v yet_o exercise_v their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o church_n servant_n at_o pleasure_n and_o their_o executioner_n this_o be_v our_o american_n divinity_n so_o that_o whereas_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n these_o our_o confide_a brethren_n and_o our_o itinerary_n illdependent_a predicant_o have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a stile_n of_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o not_o in_o christ_n the_o king_n name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a monarchy_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o command_n and_o in_o his_o name_n they_o have_v change_v this_o monarchy_n into_o so_o many_o thousand_o suck_v democrasies_n or_o rather_o so_o many_o anarchy_n in_o all_o the_o which_o they_o transact_v all_o thing_n and_o send_v out_o all_o their_o writ_n &_o warrant_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o several_a new_a church_n and_o so_o have_v dis-throned_n christ_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n but_o whether_o in_o this_o their_o so_o deal_v with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o people_n and_o subject_n they_o be_v not_o more_o independent_o and_o arrogant_o blasphemous_a than_o the_o pope_n himself_o or_o any_o prelate_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o sad_a thought_n &_o deep_a consideration_n of_o all_o such_o as_o true_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o desire_v from_o their_o soul_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o
that_o by_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o not_o only_o rob_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o i_o make_v good_a before_o but_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o presbyter_n his_o minister_n and_o servant_n also_o of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o which_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o shall_v again_o brief_o consider_v and_o but_o take_v notice_n first_o what_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o that_o be_v all_o power_n in_o his_o church_n under_o he_o matth._n 28._o and_o mark_v 16._o i_o say_v if_o we_o shall_v due_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n christ_n special_a minister_n and_o servant_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o invest_v with_o all_o authority_n and_o guide_v in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v as_o his_o minister_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v also_o what_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o which_o minister_n likewise_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n and_o overseer_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o but_o due_o weigh_v all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o invest_v with_o plenary_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o god_n for_o 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honour_n dignity_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o be_v a_o double_a injustice_n first_n in_o take_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n that_o which_o be_v their_o due_a and_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o second_o in_o give_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o which_o pertain_v not_o to_o they_o and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n and_o with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o doctrine_n what_o he_o hold_v and_o believe_v concern_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n page_n 12._o in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o brethren_n jmposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a otherwise_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o complete_a according_a to_o his_o learning_n the_o people_n may_v do_v it_o thus_o i._n s._n speak_v there_o and_o in_o the_o 11_o page_n he_o grant_v it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n as_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v he_o come_v in_o with_o a_o but_o say_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o jnterest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o officer_n say_v he_o ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o that_o be_v in_o his_o dialect_n as_o he_o declare_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n go_v before_o the_o officer_n must_v exercise_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v do_v as_o the_o people_n shall_v direct_v they_o for_o their_o power_n be_v only_o the_o executive_a power_n they_o be_v only_o the_o executioner_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v neither_o elect_v any_o officer_n nor_o excommunicate_v any_o without_o they_o have_v the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n from_o the_o people_n for_o the_o radical_a and_o original_a power_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n and_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o to_o make_v they_o nothing_o but_o cypher_n in_o the_o church_n and_o most_o sacrilegious_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o power_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v they_o and_o to_o arrogate_v it_o and_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o injustice_n in_o the_o independent_o that_o can_v be_v commit_v against_o man_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o 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and_o man_n as_o can_v by_o mortal_a creature_n be_v commit_v which_o wickedness_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v suffer_v to_o go_v unpunished_a i_o most_o confident_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v take_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o righteousservant_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v pour_v down_o his_o plague_n both_o on_o they_o and_o all_o their_o complice_n and_o abettor_n and_o now_o i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a how_o they_o rob_v all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o power_n i_o will_v make_v it_o likewise_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n also_o be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o same_o predicament_n and_o that_o they_o deal_v no_o better_o with_o they_o who_o they_o have_v rob_v also_o and_o spoil_v of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o authority_n and_o count_v of_o they_o all_fw-mi no_o otherwise_o then_o of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a minister_n and_o but_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o executioner_n for_o we_o must_v take_v what_o i._o s._n speak_v in_o this_o business_n to_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o he_o be_v but_o their_o mouth_n and_o his_o book_n come_v forth_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o be_v esteem_v of_o as_o a_o goodly_a piece_n and_o he_o high_o honour_v among_o they_o for_o it_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 12._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n say_v he_o as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n
same_o word_n be_v use_v matth._n 19_o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n now_o say_v he_o we_o know_v that_o a_o man_n cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n by_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o so_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v say_v why_o not_o so_o unto_o christ_n he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o we_o be_v marry_v only_o unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n husband_n and_o we_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o to_o another_o neither_o do_v any_o christian_a yet_o ever_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o will_v be_v join_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o house_n and_o family_n and_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o must_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n unto_o their_o king_n christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v enter_v into_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n this_o i_o say_v all_o man_n accord_v unto_o when_o man_n be_v first_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o this_o covenant_n i_o say_v all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o family_n must_v take_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v after_o they_o be_v baptize_v enter_v into_o another_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o by_o that_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n i_o affirm_v there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n either_o of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o mystery_n in_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o employ_v so_o much_o for_o we_o know_v the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 29._o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o philip_n go_v near_o and_o join_v thyself_o to_o this_o chariot_n where_o the_o word_n join_v in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o which_o word_n philip_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o he_o must_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n no_o more_o ought_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o conceive_v that_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n that_o by_o that_o he_o will_v have_v take_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n of_o church_n fellowship_n this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o to_o amuse_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o deceive_v they_o by_o tainter_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o stretch_v they_o beyong_a their_o native_a signification_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o their_o occasion_n that_o they_o may_v juggle_v the_o better_a to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trisle_v about_o word_n till_o they_o lose_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o their_o poor_a soul_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o word_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v use_v metaphorical_o as_o be_v take_v from_o joiner_n and_o craft_n man_n that_o join_v many_o thing_n together_o by_o glue_n and_o â—o_o ordinary_a discourse_n it_o intimate_v a_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a as_o a_o branch_n to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o as_o when_o mason_n join_v stone_n together_o or_o carpenter_n timber_n to_o make_v a_o house_n but_o that_o this_o word_n join_v shall_v always_o employ_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n to_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n when_o any_o man_n take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o it_o and_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o it_o i_o affirm_v there_o be_v not_o one_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o any_o command_n that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v do_v it_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a will-worship_n and_o one_o of_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o detestation_n because_o they_o make_v it_o one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o part_n of_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o very_a form_n of_o a_o church_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o batch_n of_o their_o own_o leven_a by_o which_o they_o have_v of_o late_a much_o sour_v the_o truth_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o i_o say_v now_o again_o that_o christian_n be_v to_o swear_v fealty_n only_o to_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o his_o own_o house_n and_o church_n and_o who_o voice_n be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o who_o law_n be_v only_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o listen_v unto_o &_o we_o swear_v no_o allegiance_n or_o fealty_n to_o the_o church_n for_o we_o be_v all_o his_o servant_n &_o domestics_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o impose_v law_n upon_o each_o other_o or_o to_o enter_v in_o to_o any_o covenant_n among_o ourselves_o without_o a_o special_a command_n from_o christ_n and_o as_o when_o steward_n of_o prince_n or_o nobleman_n take_v any_o in_o to_o their_o master_n family_n they_o swear_v they_o only_o to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o never_o hear_v that_o the_o servant_n enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o or_o join_v or_o unite_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n one_o to_o cleave_v unto_o another_o such_o proceed_n among_o servant_n will_v never_o be_v allow_v or_o tolerate_v among_o man_n it_o will_v be_v think_v rather_o a_o conspiracy_n or_o a_o confederation_n to_o do_v mischief_n if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o when_o those_o man_n enter_v in_o to_o a_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n yea_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o country_n that_o when_o servant_n begin_v once_o to_o combine_v together_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o by_o secret_a covenant_n they_o have_v always_o plot_v mischief_n and_o therefore_o there_o have_v be_v special_a care_n use_v to_o prevent_v such_o conspiracy_n and_o all_o man_n may_v well_o perceive_v by_o this_o their_o covenant_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n what_o it_o tend_v to_o if_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n prevent_v not_o their_o design_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o be_v christ_n domestics_n and_o his_o church_n and_o be_v his_o house_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o it_o and_o our_o king_n we_o be_v to_o smite_v our_o covenant_n only_o with_o he_o and_o to_o swear_v fealty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o only_o and_o his_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o malachi_n the_o first_o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o reverence_n if_o i_o be_v a_o lord_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o obey_v i_o not_o we_o be_v only_o therefore_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n or_o to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n now_o then_o when_o the_o independent_o impose_v this_o their_o covenant_n upon_o the_o people_n as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o their_o new_a church_n without_o enter_v in_o to_o this_o conspiracy_n i_o say_v by_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o dis-throne_n christ_n in_o prefer_v their_o own_o law_n before_o he_o wherein_o they_o commit_v a_o detestable_a wickedness_n and_o this_o shâ—ll_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o four_o quere_z and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o five_o of_o woman_n vote_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o election_n to_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n thus_o reply_v page_n 15._o we_o say_v he_o tie_v not_o the_o key_n to_o woman_n girdle_n and_o i._n s._n page_n 19_o but_o as_o for_o this_o of_o woman_n vote_v in_o the_o church_n say_v he_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o i_o know_v thus_o he_o for_o answer_v to_o both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o of_o which_o and_o those_o the_o
true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n right_o call_v upon_o and_o all_o those_o essential_a mark_n make_v that_o church_n a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n if_o the_o scripture_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o therefore_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o as_o a_o special_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o he_o make_v excommunication_n the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o which_o his_o tenant_n i_o believe_v he_o will_v find_v some_o moderate_a check_n or_o other_o from_o some_o of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n who_o hold_v that_o their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o second_o grollery_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o three_o grollery_n be_v that_o he_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o contrary_a unto_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o god_n give_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o &_o matt._n 18._o and_o matth._n 28._o and_o they_o that_o have_v the_o key_n and_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n family_n can_v only_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o please_v without_o the_o people_n and_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n without_o the_o people_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n those_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_v yea_o and_o receive_v paul_n into_o their_o fellowship_n contrary_a unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o people_n mind_n act_v 9_o and_o we_o know_v that_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o power_n do_v excommunicate_a and_o deliver_v to_o satan_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n and_o other_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1._o and_o we_o learn_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o lord_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n send_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n as_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o blame_v they_o for_o neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o not_o cast_v out_o those_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v among_o they_o by_o all_o which_o testimony_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o the_o minister_n only_o aught_o by_o themselves_o to_o manage_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a office_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o even_o out_o of_o 2._o cor._n 2._o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a by_o many_o not_o al._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a great_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n to_o conclude_v because_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n therefore_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o these_o be_v the_o unsound_a conclusion_n that_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n gather_v too_o too_o often_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o ingratiate_a of_o themselves_o among_o the_o people_n who_o they_o pretend_v much_o to_o honour_n in_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n have_v and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o challenge_v this_o to_o themselves_o joly_a it_o be_v only_o to_o enslave_v the_o people_n and_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o and_o that_o worse_a than_o the_o prelate_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v do_v my_o brother_n burton_n bring_v in_o this_o cavil_n in_o opposition_n to_o my_o argument_n which_o not_o withstand_v stand_v firm_a to_o prove_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o people_n execute_v his_o commission_n and_o receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n example_n all_o other_o minister_n may_v take_v this_o example_n and_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o cavil_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o grollery_n of_o the_o same_o concern_v the_o baptist_n and_o his_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o at_o their_o first_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n have_v preach_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o hear_v they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n address_v themselves_o only_o unto_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n act._n 2._o 23_o 24_o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o multitude_n or_o church_n admit_v the_o people_n into_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o believer_n second_o that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o their_o warrant_n and_o according_a to_o their_o injunction_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o propound_v no_o other_o condition_n or_o term_n for_o the_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n the_o which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v accept_v of_o they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o testimony_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n or_o further_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o repentance_n without_o any_o witness_n from_o other_o of_o their_o conversation_n and_o without_o the_o voice_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o commission_n or_o consult_v with_o by_o they_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v or_o no_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o demand_v or_o ask_v by_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v some_o time_n of_o further_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v further_o be_v confirm_v that_o their_o conversion_n be_v sound_a and_o well_o neither_o do_v any_o call_n for_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n to_o the_o congregation_n that_o they_o be_v convert_v real_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o private_a covenant_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o specify_v but_o it_o be_v only_o relate_v that_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o that_o power_n that_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n admit_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n i_o expect_v in_o this_o place_n to_o have_v meet_v with_o general_n burton_n or_o cavalier_n hanserdo_n saint_n george_n his_o chaplain_n know_v what_o dare_a man_n they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v fight_v i_o here_o especial_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o have_v beat_v i_o from_o this_o ground_n a_o place_n so_o advantageous_a that_o they_o that_o be_v master_n of_o it_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o powerful_a and_o potent_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o expect_v their_o encounter_n here_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v give_v i_o battle_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o pitch_a field_n for_o it_o because_o they_o
have_v ever_o pretend_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o yea_o and_o challenge_v a_o right_n unto_o it_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v they_o and_o which_o be_v more_o they_o have_v by_o usurpation_n get_v this_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o have_v thus_o attain_v unto_o their_o design_n be_v back_v with_o great_a friend_n some_o tobiass_n and_o sanballet_n they_o begin_v to_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o make_v fortification_n in_o their_o brain_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n in_o their_o fantasy_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v a_o independent_a church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o god_n service_n and_o pretend_v that_o this_o church_n be_v the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o example_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o that_o all_o church_n through_o the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v after_o that_o model_n and_o be_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o many_o sanballat_n and_o tobiess_n much_o strengthen_v as_o i_o say_v before_o they_o begin_v to_o insult_v and_o to_o give_v law_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o to_o gather_v and_o set_v up_o church_n after_o their_o own_o model_n and_o be_v much_o assure_v of_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o bad_a defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n fling_v and_o cast_v their_o glove_n to_o all_o their_o enemy_n assemble_v and_o not_o assemble_v whereupon_o i_o be_v a_o commander_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a army_n and_o take_v up_o the_o glove_n come_v out_o against_o they_o and_o by_o divine_a assistance_n reduce_v this_o place_n and_o take_v it_o from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v sometime_o unjust_o detain_v from_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o who_o indeed_o it_o belong_v by_o the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n and_o succession_n i_o say_v i_o have_v by_o conquest_n take_v this_o strong_a city_n from_o the_o independent_a usurper_n that_o now_o labour_v to_o manage_v all_o government_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n in_o church_n and_o state_n pretend_v they_o be_v saint_n and_o that_o the_o saint_n must_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o i_o expect_v that_o those_o two_o confide_a commander_n saint_n hanserdo_n valiant_a and_o venerable_a old_a henry_n be_v so_o complete_o arm_v as_o he_o be_v with_o his_o sword_n and_o photions_n hatchet_n and_o with_o his_o great_a white_a baskethilted_n beard_n that_o both_o of_o they_o assist_v also_o with_o i._o s._n will_v have_v come_v out_o in_o battle_n against_o i_o and_o will_v not_o have_v leave_v the_o field_n as_o van_n trump_n late_o leave_v the_o sea_n especial_o see_v in_o their_o march_n they_o all_o pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v also_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n against_o i_o they_o be_v three_o to_o one_o which_o make_v i_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v all_o either_o desperate_a coward_n or_o terrible_o treacherous_a and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v general_n and_o commander_n any_o long_o in_o so_o great_a a_o army_n as_o that_o of_o the_o illdependents_a yea_o this_o their_o decline_a battle_n with_o i_o make_v i_o bold_o conclude_v of_o they_o that_o they_o deal_v unmanly_a on_o all_o side_n for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o or_o a_o right_n unto_o it_o why_o do_v they_o not_o now_o engage_v themselves_o in_o her_o quarrel_n and_o fight_v for_o she_o especial_o when_o all_o their_o army_n lie_v in_o the_o field_n certain_o it_o have_v be_v much_o for_o all_o their_o honour_n now_o to_o have_v show_v their_o valour_n and_o therefore_o they_o all_o of_o they_o not_o strike_v a_o stroke_n proclaim_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n their_o want_n both_o of_o animosity_n and_o all_o heroical_a virtue_n and_o their_o want_n also_o of_o honesty_n in_o that_o they_o pretend_v a_o right_n unto_o that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a title_n or_o claim_n to_o and_o for_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o fight_v in_o that_o they_o amuse_v the_o people_n and_o stir_v up_o faction_n on_o every_o side_n and_o all_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o groundless_a combustion_n in_o church_n &_o state_n tell_v the_o people_n that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n which_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereupon_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o relinquish_v this_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o presbyter_n they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o then_o ever_o the_o prelate_n do_v and_o they_o teach_v they_o far_o that_o this_o right_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n who_o when_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n as_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n have_v not_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o govern_v they_o but_o the_o people_n also_o be_v join_v with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n both_o in_o elect_v of_o officer_n and_o in_o receive_v in_o of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o offender_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o wish_v all_o the_o people_n to_o stand_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o liberty_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a these_o and_o such_o like_a unsound_a principle_n they_o season_v the_o people_n with_o for_o the_o enrage_v of_o they_o against_o the_o presbyter_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o new-found_a way_n of_o independency_n and_o labour_v continual_o by_o shift_n and_o juggle_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o any_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o for_o the_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n reside_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n hand_n both_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n with_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o who_o only_o exercise_v it_o in_o their_o day_n as_o by_o innumerable_a example_n may_v be_v prove_v as_o by_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o latter_a example_n both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o j._n s._n pass_v by_o with_o great_a silence_n wherein_o they_o deal_v most_o dishonest_o as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o for_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n my_o brother_n burton_n set_v upon_o that_o at_o first_o pretend_v to_o the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o johns_n gather_v in_o of_o people_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n gather_v by_o he_o be_v not_o formedinto_o christian_a church_n these_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 16._o and_o that_o those_o church_n only_o which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n unto_o all_o christian_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o say_v if_o we_o visit_v they_o we_o shâ—ll_v find_v that_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 2._o which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o all_o church_n and_o thereupon_o conclude_v and_o so_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o receive_v in_o and_o admit_v of_o member_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n can_v be_v a_o example_n &_o pattern_n to_o the_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o that_o argument_n by_o such_o turn_n and_o evasion_n as_o these_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o those_o congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v by_o he_o not_o be_v in_o a_o gospel-form_n nor_o mould_v up_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n can_v be_v bind_o presidential_a and_o therefore_o for_o our_o imitation_n he_o affirm_v we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o that_o one_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o which_o
say_v my_o brother_n burton_n the_o people_n have_v authority_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o those_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n only_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o minister_n of_o govern_v by_o and_o not_o that_o of_o the_o baptist_n and_o by_o this_o their_o craft_n and_o juggle_n and_o by_o these_o fallacious_a mean_n and_o unwarrantable_a way_n my_o brother_n burton_n hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n with_o all_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o illdependent_a predicant_o have_v prepossess_v the_o people_n with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n against_o their_o faithful_a minister_n as_o if_o they_o affect_v a_o lordly_a power_n over_o they_o and_o more_o than_o prelatical_a they_o have_v i_o say_v by_o this_o craft_n so_o infatuate_v they_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o leave_v a_o ear_n open_a in_o many_o of_o they_o to_o hear_v the_o just_a defence_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v or_o read_v what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o and_o against_o all_o their_o calumny_n which_o wickedness_n and_o deceitful_a deal_n of_o the_o ildependents_n itinetary_a preacher_n be_v unexcusable_a but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n not_o only_o carp_n at_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n but_o likewise_o at_o those_o i_o bring_v of_o the_o eunuch_n of_o paul_n of_o cornelius_n of_o lydia_n and_o of_o the_o gaoler_n mr._n knollys_n also_o join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o good_a service_n and_o skirmish_n the_o which_o after_o that_o both_o himself_o and_o absurdo_fw-la know-lesse_a for_o so_o he_o may_v true_o be_v call_v have_v spend_v their_o breath_n and_o strength_n to_o evade_v and_o yet_o perceive_v evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o so_o apparent_o perspicuous_a as_o it_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n they_o cry_v out_o that_o those_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n and_o not_o bind_v because_o those_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o admit_v or_o receive_v member_n into_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o those_o example_n be_v not_o for_o our_o imitation_n we_o look_v only_o for_o the_o example_n of_o such_o church_n as_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o gospel-form_n and_o into_o the_o mould_n of_o the_o new_a testament-form_n now_o what_o a_o height_n of_o wickedness_n be_v it_o in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trifle_v for_o the_o delude_n of_o the_o simple_a people_n and_o to_o pretend_v unto_o they_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o christ_n church_n one_o way_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o another_o of_o admit_v member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o by_o the_o example_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a by_o i_o produce_v be_v sufficient_o apparent_a for_o they_o be_v all_o admit_v after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n and_o i_o have_v two_o example_n of_o receive_v in_o member_n into_o church_n constitute_v after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o damaseus_fw-la both_o church_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-form_n and_o there_o be_v there_o three_o thousand_o receive_v member_n at_o one_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o require_v at_o their_o member_n hand_n and_o paul_n also_o be_v receive_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o damascus_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o example_n be_v bind_o presidential_a and_o these_o two_o example_n be_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o be_v pass_v by_o and_o all_o the_o other_o count_v extraordinary_a by_o they_o and_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v delude_v and_o miserable_o abuse_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a imposture_n or_o deceit_n in_o any_o that_o pretend_v unto_o religion_n and_o honesty_n then_o that_o in_o these_o man_n when_o they_o say_v in_o their_o writing_n upon_o all_o occasion_n produce_v we_o some_o example_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n wherein_o any_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o minister_n sole_a authority_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o without_o those_o condition_n we_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o our_o church_n and_o then_o you_o do_v some_o thing_n can_v there_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a deceit_n in_o any_o man_n than_o this_o of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o such_o example_n produce_v when_o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v set_v that_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o damascus_n both_o constitute_v after_o the_o gospel-form_n before_o their_o eye_n in_o both_o of_o which_o their_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o sole_a and_o alone_a authority_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o without_o any_o of_o those_o requisite_n they_o now_o demand_v of_o their_o member_n in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n by_o which_o their_o proceed_n they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n of_o indirect_a deal_n and_o of_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o manifest_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v resolve_v against_o all_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n obstinate_o to_o persist_v in_o their_o erroneous_a way_n which_o be_v the_o great_a height_n of_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o less_o than_o to_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o the_o least_o dram_n of_o candour_n and_o fair_a deal_n in_o they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v utter_v such_o word_n and_o have_v there_o be_v but_o any_o christian_a honesty_n and_o love_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o have_v pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o damascus_n unsaluted_a and_o without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o fall_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o then_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v my_o fair_a deal_n with_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o delude_a people_n i_o will_v in_o this_o place_n to_o gratify_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o absurdo_fw-la know-lesse_a set_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o example_n of_o the_o two_o mother_n church_n in_o their_o gospel-form_n viz._n that_o of_o jerusalem_n &_o samaria_n that_o so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n the_o truth_n 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and_o without_o any_o deliberation_n admit_v of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n which_o ought_v according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n ever_o to_o be_v do_v with_o great_a caution_n who_o say_v in_o his_o 14._o page_n multa_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la add_v moreover_o that_o in_o thing_n weighty_a we_o can_v be_v too_o wary_a in_o regard_n they_o look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n and_o in_o regard_n also_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o provident_a care_n for_o prevent_a inconvenience_n and_o scandal_n see_v turpius_fw-la ejiciâ—ur_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la admittitur_fw-la hospes_fw-la it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o guest_n to_o be_v keep_v out_o then_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o all_o which_o his_o expression_n and_o by_o their_o daily_a practice_n they_o do_v no_o less_o then_o proclaim_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o so_o prudent_a in_o 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of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o believe_a repentance_n and_o baptism_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v here_o be_v nothing_o record_v of_o walk_v any_o time_n for_o they_o be_v sudden_o admit_v here_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n nothing_o of_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n nothing_o of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o practice_n and_o prattle_v of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o mother_n church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o produce_v a_o example_n or_o two_o more_o omit_v many_o through_o the_o acts._n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o sudden_a and_o miraculous_a death_n of_o ananias_n &_o 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now_o before_o their_o eye_n a_o precedent_n of_o so_o gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o false_a deal_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o what_o a_o consternation_n come_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o it_o and_o by_o the_o which_o also_o god_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v they_o may_v then_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n if_o at_o any_o time_n have_v urge_v all_o those_o condition_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v well_o have_v add_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o all_o which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n communion_n without_o they_o and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o admit_v member_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o when_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n daily_o swarve_v from_o in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n they_o be_v in_o their_o so_o do_v prevaricator_n both_o against_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o they_o make_v themselves_o offender_n in_o a_o elevate_a nature_n now_o i_o will_v add_v one_o example_n more_o of_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o church_n chap._n 6._o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 7._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o these_o also_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n sole_a authority_n admit_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o here_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n have_v urge_v the_o impose_v of_o new_a condition_n of_o admit_v member_n if_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n have_v do_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o priest_n for_o they_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o have_v be_v christ_n enemy_n in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o â—ad_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o his_o crucify_a and_o therefore_o if_o the_o disciple_n be_v afraid_a of_o paul_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n because_o he_o have_v persecute_v the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v unwilling_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o joint_a member_n with_o they_o they_o have_v very_o good_a warrant_n here_o of_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v desire_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o church-fellowship_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o testimony_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o that_o they_o may_v also_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o be_v receive_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v they_o may_v have_v urge_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o have_v be_v as_o well_o afraid_a of_o these_o priest_n as_o they_o be_v of_o paul_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v here_o of_o all_o those_o priest_n as_o they_o do_v of_o paul_n act_v 9_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n and_o without_o their_o either_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o fellowship_n some_o time_n or_o without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o without_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o impose_v other_o law_n upon_o the_o people_n in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v trangrâ—ssors_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n against_o both_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o refuse_v none_o and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o congregational_a by-path_n that_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o set_v before_o they_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n still_o persist_v in_o their_o unwarrantable_a practice_n against_o both_o the_o precâ—pâ—_n and_o precedent_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o his_o blessed_a apostle_n they_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o iâ—_n they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o that_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n in_o these_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n speedy_o repent_v and_o relinguish_v thâ—se_a theâ—â—_n rebellious_a course_n they_o will_v high_o provoke_v the_o lord_n &_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o come_v out_o in_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o who_o know_v but_o as_o he_o let_v the_o devil_n loose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o sceva_n those_o exorcist_n for_o abuse_v his_o authority_n and_o use_v his_o nâ—mâ—_n for_o all_o their_o wicked_a deal_n i_o say_v who_o know_v but_o the_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n may_v in_o
like_a manner_n if_o they_o will_v still_o persist_v &_o go_v on_o in_o these_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a course_n to_o seduce_v his_o people_n and_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n from_o he_o for_o their_o preach_n and_o practise_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o they_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v in_o justice_n let_v the_o devil_n loose_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o their_o tub_n certain_a i_o be_o they_o by_o all_o these_o their_o deal_n high_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n and_o that_o daily_a so_o that_o if_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v some_o speedy_a course_n for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o god_n honour_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v the_o lord_n will_v from_o heaven_n show_v some_o fearful_a judgement_n upon_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o visit_v it_o with_o so_o many_o plague_n and_o such_o sore_a calamity_n as_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o will_v desire_v &_o wish_v that_o the_o mountain_n may_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o hill_n cover_v they_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o from_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n the_o which_o that_o they_o may_v not_o happen_v upon_o this_o nation_n shall_v be_v my_o daily_a &_o constant_a prayer_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o concern_v the_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n in_o it_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n and_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n all_o form_a church_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-form_n and_o brief_o show_v how_o member_n be_v admit_v into_o they_o all_o and_o by_o who_o and_o upon_o what_o condition_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o precedent_n to_o convince_v the_o ildependents_n of_o their_o grollery_n in_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v relate_v there_o that_o through_o the_o miracle_n of_o philip_n and_o through_o his_o preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o verse_n 10_o 12._o and_o be_v all_o admit_v unto_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o by_o philip_n sole_a authority_n and_o this_o his_o method_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n and_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o in_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v plant_v a_o church_n and_o convert_v many_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n and_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n give_v heed_n unto_o those_o thing_n that_o philip_n speak_v and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a joy_n in_o that_o city_n verse_n 6_o 8._o and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o we_o have_v neither_o any_o walk_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n for_o he_o better_a assurance_n either_o of_o philip_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n here_o be_v no_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n require_v before_o their_o admittance_n into_o church-fellowship_n here_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n call_v for_o here_o be_v no_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n demand_v of_o they_o here_o be_v no_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n desire_v before_o their_o admission_n into_o church_n communion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o church_n establish_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-form_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o two_o mother_n church_n in_o judea_n and_o israel_n all_o believer_n be_v admit_v member_n and_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n now_o require_v of_o all_o those_o of_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o high_a presumption_n and_o arrogancy_n in_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o slight_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o bless_a apostle_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o prudent_a and_o advise_v christian_n i_o will_v now_o to_o satisfy_v my_o brother_n burtons_n desire_n visit_v some_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n form_v according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o i_o will_v first_o in_o this_o visitation_n begin_v with_o that_o church_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v set_v before_o all_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n viz._n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o eighteen_o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v record_v that_o when_o silas_n and_o timothy_n be_v come_v unto_o paul_n to_o corinth_n the_o jew_n refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shake_v his_o raiment_n against_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o your_o blood_n be_v upon_o your_o own_o head_n i_o be_o clear_a from_o henceforth_o i_o will_v go_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o depart_v thence_o he_o enter_v into_o one_o house_n name_v justus_n one_o that_o worship_v god_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o it_o be_v say_v that_o crispus_n a_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o many_o of_o the_o corinthian_n hear_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v here_o we_o see_v in_o a_o church_n put_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o saint_n paul_n and_o that_o bare_o upon_o their_o hear_n and_o believe_v for_o the_o apostle_n require_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o they_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o church_n fellowship_n he_o say_v not_o unto_o those_o many_o that_o be_v baptize_v that_o before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n they_o must_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n neither_o do_v he_o enjoin_v they_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o to_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o do_v paul_n require_v of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o this_o church_n after_o the_o gospel_n form_n but_o follow_v christ_n the_o king_n commission_n upon_o their_o faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n he_o hy_z his_o own_o and_o sole_a authority_n admit_v they_o the_o same_o way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o nineteenth_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n there_o be_v full_o set_v down_o and_o that_o be_v a_o church_n also_o my_o brother_n burton_n set_v down_o among_o those_o that_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n now_o in_o all_o those_o church_n they_o be_v all_o admit_v upon_o christ_n own_a term_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n sole_a authority_n without_o either_o walk_n sometime_o with_o the_o church_n or_o without_o any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o private_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n how_o unsufferable_a a_o thing_n therefore_o be_v it_o now_o then_o in_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o demand_v other_o condition_n of_o all_o their_o member_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o than_o those_o that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n demand_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o presumption_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o very_o ruggede_a independent_o upon_o due_a deliberation_n desit_v they_o may_v all_o serious_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o timely_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v indeed_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o dis-throners_a of_o christ_n the_o king_n when_o they_o shall_v slight_v both_o his_o law_n and_o example_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a gospel_n form_v church_n and_o set_v up_o new_a law_n and_o
let_v they_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o saint_n paul_n write_v to_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n he_o write_v to_o all_o church_n and_o proclaim_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 37._o so_o that_o god_n have_v command_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n they_o shall_v and_o yet_o in_o these_o our_o day_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n they_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o have_v all_o of_o they_o peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o make_v learned_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o dispute_v question_n and_o debate_n of_o matter_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la as_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v and_o other_o of_o they_o set_v â—orth_o and_o print_v learned_a treatise_n in_o polemicall_a divinity_n with_o great_a applause_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n who_o cite_v their_o authority_n and_o quote_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n as_o classical_a author_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o ludibry_n of_o religion_n and_o howsoever_o there_o be_v not_o any_o that_o shall_v more_o honour_v the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a of_o that_o sex_n than_o myself_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o see_v how_o far_o they_o become_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v not_o only_o forbid_v but_o proclaim_v a_o shame_n i_o can_v but_o exceed_o blame_v they_o and_o those_o minister_n that_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o such_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o special_a care_n in_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a of_o woman_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o foresee_v the_o confusion_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v he_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 11._o 12._o he_o say_v let_v the_o woman_n learn_v in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n for_o i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v than_o eve_n and_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o apostle_n again_o and_o again_o twice_o in_o these_o few_o word_n enjoin_v they_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n i_o suffer_v not_o say_v he_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v or_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silene_n and_o he_o give_v his_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n because_o say_v he_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v not_o by_o the_o woman_n nor_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v usurp_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o masculine_a sex_n especial_o in_o god_n matter_n and_o she_o be_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o man_n and_o not_o the_o man_n her_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o that_o superiority_n that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v establish_v upon_o the_o man_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o do_v now_o re-establish_a upon_o he_o again_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n after_o all_o thing_n through_o sin_n have_v be_v disorder_v and_o confuse_a and_o command_v the_o woman_n to_o be_v both_o subject_n and_o silent_a especial_o in_o the_o church_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n be_v because_o the_o woman_n be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o adam_n fall_n as_o he_o accuse_v she_o and_o her_o dispute_v and_o voice_n of_o it_o then_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o she_o so_o do_v s._n paul_n conclude_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o hold_v her_o peace_n &_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o aught_o to_o learn_v in_o silence_n at_o home_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o they_o come_v to_o voice_n it_o once_o again_o in_o the_o church_n as_o eve_n bring_v confusion_n upon_o mankind_n by_o her_o disputation_n and_o reason_n so_o these_o with_o their_o loquacity_n and_o babble_n and_o confusion_n of_o voice_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a babel_n into_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o have_v pretty_o well_o already_o begin_v to_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n here_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 14._o command_v they_o silence_n and_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v and_o express_o forbid_v they_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o viril_n sex_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o understand_a creature_n whether_o or_o no_o to_o make_v large_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o church_n as_o many_o of_o they_o upon_o occasion_n do_v and_o dispute_v and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o whither_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o either_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o either_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o hinder_v their_o come_n in_o or_o have_v their_o voice_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v exercise_n and_o usurp_v authority_n over_o those_o they_o so_o deal_v with_o and_o therefore_a they_o do_v against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v usurp_v this_o authority_n and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o have_v permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v or_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o great_a contumacy_n against_o god_n and_o ought_v serious_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o their_o temerity_n and_o rebellion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o intermedle_v and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o speedy_a course_n take_v by_o authority_n to_o forbid_v such_o disorder_n we_o may_v promise_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o confusion_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n when_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n intermeddle_v in_o government_n and_o matter_n of_o state_n that_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n be_v very_o craze_a and_o not_o far_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o we_o need_v not_o look_v into_o many_o age_n or_o country_n for_o precedent_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o if_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o kingdom_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o fatal_a unto_o they_o what_o may_v any_o man_n think_v in_o time_n will_v become_v of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o the_o woman_n have_v get_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o a_o power_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n in_o church_n affair_n certain_o nothing_o but_o confusion_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o this_o their_o do_v be_v against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o never_o be_v it_o yet_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o well_o govern_v city_n or_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n that_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v officer_n or_o burgess_n or_o make_v of_o freeman_n or_o disfranchise_v of_o they_o or_o be_v permit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n with_o they_o much_o less_o to_o rule_v and_o give_v law_n to_o other_o out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o that_o sex_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o wel-governed_n church_n and_o state_n and_o as_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o know_v their_o
place_n so_o ought_v all_o man_n that_o be_v under_o obedience_n to_o learn_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o which_o god_n never_o give_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n either_o in_o make_v of_o member_n in_o church_n or_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n or_o of_o impose_v law_n upon_o other_o either_o of_o make_v public_a confession_n before_o the_o congregation_n or_o of_o produce_v evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n or_o of_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o any_o that_o shall_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n neither_o may_v the_o presbyter_n usurp_v authority_n but_o they_o also_o must_v exercise_v it_o only_o according_a to_o the_o commission_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o may_v not_o transgress_v it_o or_o go_v beyond_o it_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o therefore_o when_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n call_v for_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o man_n faith_n to_o be_v make_v in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o be_v produce_v and_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o they_o before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v before_o in_o infidelity_n who_o notwithstanding_o be_v know_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o godly_a christian_n and_o as_o true_a believer_n as_o any_o that_o now_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o think_v they_o only_a christian_n and_o believer_n that_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o and_o count_v of_o other_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o custom_n and_o novelty_n but_o as_o the_o off-scowring_a and_o refuse_v and_o no_o christian_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a usurpation_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o never_o before_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o church_n either_o jewish_a or_o christian_a till_o these_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n in_o his_o commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o minister_n bid_v they_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o quench_v not_o the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n now_o then_o when_o they_o know_v thousand_o in_o this_o kingdom_n that_o do_v believe_v and_o be_v man_n of_o unblamable_a life_n and_o such_o as_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v baptize_v what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o and_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n with_o they_o or_o to_o debar_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o think_v the_o vision_n to_o saint_n peter_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n shall_v teach_v such_o man_n their_o duty_n when_o god_n say_v unto_o peter_n rise_v kill_v and_o eat_v peter_n say_v not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a and_o unclean_a and_o the_o voice_n say_v what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v call_v not_o thou_o common_a and_o this_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v do_v thrice_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v confirm_v to_o peter_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n not_o to_o call_v those_o people_n common_a profane_a and_o unclean_a and_o to_o count_v they_o but_o rubbish_n who_o god_n have_v grace_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o have_v sanctify_v and_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o dare_v not_o show_v their_o face_n but_o run_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o desert_v it_o or_o at_o least_o temporize_v and_o such_o as_o if_o the_o like_a occasion_n be_v offer_v will_v manifest_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o god_n assistance_n that_o their_o life_n and_o all_o they_o have_v shall_v not_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o restimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o these_o must_v be_v debar_v from_o the_o communion_n in_o their_o assembly_n unless_o they_o will_v conform_v to_o their_o newborn_a tradition_n for_o these_o be_v no_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o young_a and_o if_o christ_n in_o his_o time_n sharp_o reprove_v those_o that_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o deep_o reprove_v the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n for_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o prefer_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v those_o minister_n will_v have_v to_o answer_v at_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n think_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o people_n that_o account_n of_o such_o novelty_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o seamlesse_a garment_n of_o the_o church_n through_o these_o tradition_n surely_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o our_o saviour_n say_v woe_n be_v to_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v matthew_n 18_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n through_o their_o tradition_n and_o to_o offend_v those_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v but_o count_v they_o as_o alien_n and_o stranger_n yea_o infidel_n and_o rubbish_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a understanding_n for_o god_n command_n unto_o all_o minister_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v admit_v all_o such_o into_o the_o church_n as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v upon_o their_o desire_v it_o without_o any_o confession_n either_o private_a or_o public_a or_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n now_o this_o command_n of_o god_n they_o transgress_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o keep_v out_o many_o thousand_o of_o believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n as_o unholy_a and_o as_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o ordinance_n because_o forsooth_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v their_o newborn_a law_n and_o tradition_n for_o where_o do_v ever_o god_n command_v that_o no_o believer_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n except_o they_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o and_o then_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o give_v the_o church_n satisfaction_n or_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o practise_v by_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n or_o by_o paul_n preach_n be_v lydia_n when_o god_n open_v her_o heart_n to_o believe_v paul_n preach_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o any_o such_o term_n be_v the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o convert_a family_n force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n to_o the_o church_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a convenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v the_o church_n assent_n require_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o make_v member_n of_o it_o or_o be_v ever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o impose_v upon_o christian_n now_o require_v at_o believer_n hand_n before_o these_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v abominate_v as_o vain_a tradition_n and_o such_o as_o by_o which_o they_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o through_o all_o the_o family_n and_o house_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o neither_o master_n of_o family_n nor_o parent_n have_v any_o rule_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n or_o servant_n
not_o speedy_o repent_v for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o relinquish_v their_o ungodly_a unchristian_a and_o unbrother_o practise_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n will_v show_v his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o he_o will_v vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o he_o avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o that_o speedy_o luke_n 17._o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o impious_a cavil_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o hanserdo_v now_o for_o that_o instance_n that_o master_n knollys_n bring_v it_o quite_o overthrow_v their_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v point_n bank_n against_o it_o and_o their_o practice_n for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o true_a believer_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o extreme_a refuge_n upon_o just_a offence_n yet_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judge_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o business_n according_a to_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n so_o that_o those_o that_o complain_v may_v not_o be_v both_o plaintiff_n and_o judge_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o know_v a_o maxim_n that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o beside_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o we_o never_o read_v inall_n the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o disciple_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o question_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellow_n ship_n or_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o but_o paul_n &_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a enemy_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a persecutor_n and_o be_v then_o ignorant_a of_o his_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n i_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o any_o church_n may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o may_v fear_v such_o a_o one_o and_o suspect_v he_o and_o complain_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o can_v do_v but_o power_n they_o have_v none_o to_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o church-fellowship_n if_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n examine_v of_o the_o business_n they_o find_v that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o believer_n and_o convert_v from_o his_o sinful_a course_n for_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o their_o good_a like_n or_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o if_o the_o people_n shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o they_o he_o may_v appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v god_n steward_n and_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v be_v fit_a and_o for_o this_o his_o so_o do_v and_o for_o the_o presbyter_n accept_v of_o his_o appeal_n they_o have_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o when_o the_o disciple_n fear_v paul_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v he_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o he_o forth_o with_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o his_o appeal_n admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o now_o impose_v upon_o their_o member_n as_o by_o this_o very_a example_n and_o instance_n of_o mr._n knollys_n do_v abundant_o appear_v which_o make_v whole_o against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v their_o tenant_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n lie_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n only_o and_o sole_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o make_v steward_n and_o overseer_n and_o guide_v of_o his_o church_n his_o house_n which_o when_o they_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n they_o only_o and_o not_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n both_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o all_o the_o example_n i_o have_v produce_v and_o by_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o saint_n paul_n allege_v by_o master_n knollys_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n but_o against_o their_o good_a like_n it_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v clear_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v ever_o safe_a to_o abide_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o perpetual_a security_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o all_o that_o mr._n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n and_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v i_o hope_v it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o look_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n &_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o footstep_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o congregate_a of_o their_o assembly_n as_o for_o christ_n disciple_n they_o be_v all_o send_v to_o gather_v in_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o go_v not_o to_o gather_v in_o convert_a man_n from_o among_o convert_a man_n for_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n and_o we_o be_v teach_v there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n we_o never_o read_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o fold_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n that_o any_o true_a pastor_n come_v into_o the_o fold_n and_o flock_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o best_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n and_o the_o most_o wholesome_a and_o mould_v they_o into_o a_o independent_a fold_n by_o themselves_o as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o get_v away_o of_o other_o sheep_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15._o and_o preach_v christ_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o he_o before_o and_o plant_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n himself_o and_o leave_v apollo_n to_o water_v it_o and_o commit_v all_o the_o flock_n that_o he_o have_v gather_v as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o command_v both_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o in_o they_o all_o shepherd_n and_o fold_n to_o keep_v unity_n and_o love_n one_o with_o another_o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v separation_n and_o division_n and_o schism_n between_o flock_n and_o flock_n and_o this_o method_n he_o use_v wheresoever_o he_o come_v yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galathian_o he_o go_v into_o arabia_n and_o preach_v there_o among_o the_o poor_a infidel_n he_o get_v not_o other_o man_n sheep_n from_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v any_o separation_n of_o sheep_n from_o sheep_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o flock_n and_o church_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o colosse_n where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o against_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n and_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v very_o
the_o heart_n of_o their_o brethren_n more_o than_o all_o their_o former_a affliction_n and_o give_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o scandalise_v the_o gospel_n and_o expose_v both_o themselves_o and_o we_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o the_o malignant_n who_o ordinary_o jeer_v and_o say_v see_v those_o holy_a brethren_n that_o lose_v their_o ear_n together_o be_v now_o together_o by_o the_o care_n and_o count_v one_o of_o another_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o disclaim_v all_o holy_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o admit_v of_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n or_o suffer_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v that_o that_o make_v all_o man_n wonder_v to_o hear_v they_o proclaim_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o as_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n when_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a both_o by_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n and_o all_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o ever_o advance_v christ_n kingly_a government_n as_o real_o as_o any_o of_o those_o that_o oppose_v they_o who_o in_o preach_v up_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n and_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o they_o in_o this_o work_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o those_o minister_n set_v up_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n that_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o teach_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o when_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v they_o give_v themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o upto_o his_o minister_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o after_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o those_o minister_n that_o teach_v all_o these_o thing_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o those_o people_n that_o embrace_v this_o doctrine_n make_v christ_n their_o king_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2_o cor._n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 5._o tit._n 2._o verse_n 12._o for_o christ_n sit_v as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n when_o he_o be_v believe_v in_o to_o be_v that_o horn_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v raise_v up_o for_o we_o in_o the_o house_n of_o david_n that_o have_v save_v and_o deliver_v all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n both_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a that_o they_o may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n and_o when_o christ_n rule_v in_o all_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o when_o they_o own_v he_o as_o their_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o accord_v unto_o this_o now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n how_o can_v they_o be_v true_o say_v to_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n and_o how_o can_v that_o people_n be_v say_v true_o to_o deny_v christ_n kingly_a government_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n practise_v this_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o word_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o a_o unjust_a and_o unchristian_a calumny_n lay_v both_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_n doubtless_o all_o charitable_a mind_a christian_n if_o they_o consider_v all_o thing_n aright_o will_v not_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o neither_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n not_o of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o ministry_n for_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v free_v from_o that_o heavy_a accusation_n by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n who_o when_o it_o be_v relate_v unto_o he_o by_o saint_n john_n mark_v 9_o ver_fw-la 38._o that_o they_o have_v see_v one_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n which_o follow_v they_o not_o and_o that_o the_o disciple_n have_v forbid_v he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o our_o saviour_n christ_n reply_v forbid_v he_o not_o say_v he_o for_o whosoever_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n now_o these_o minister_n that_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n they_o can_v be_v esteem_v enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v against_o christ_n but_o for_o he_o and_o ought_v high_o to_o be_v honour_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 13._o and_o singular_o to_o be_v belove_v and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v malign_v and_o reproach_v especial_o by_o brethren_n who_o owe_v all_o their_o conversion_n next_o unto_o god_n to_o their_o ministry_n yea_o both_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o all_o the_o new_a congregat_v church_n be_v behold_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o conversion_n for_o they_o admit_v none_o into_o their_o assembly_n but_o believer_n and_o they_o be_v make_v believer_n and_o convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v friend_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o his_o enemy_n and_o they_o ought_v all_o of_o they_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o father_n and_o on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o their_o mother_n and_o on_o the_o believer_n of_o england_n as_o their_o brethren_n and_o ought_v not_o thus_o unchristian_o and_o ungrateful_o to_o cast_v dirt_n in_o all_o their_o face_n saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 1._o have_v these_o word_n some_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n even_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n and_o some_o also_o of_o good_a will_n the_o one_o preach_v christ_n of_o contention_n and_o not_o sincere_o think_v to_o add_v affliction_n to_o my_o bond_n but_o the_o other_o of_o love_n what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o i_o will_v rejoice_v saint_n paul_n speak_v here_o of_o such_o as_o preach_v pure_a doctrine_n though_o not_o with_o a_o pure_a mind_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o count_v they_o not_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v the_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o galatian_n who_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o their_o own_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o he_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o in_o this_o place_n he_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v pure_o preach_v though_o it_o be_v of_o envy_n now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n pure_o but_o of_o sincerity_n and_o of_o love_n and_o mingle_v not_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o follow_v their_o commission_n how_o can_v any_o man_n without_o intolerable_a injustice_n proclaim_v they_o the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n under_o the_o name_n of_o presbyterian_o who_o they_o persuade_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v prove_v more_o cruel_a taskmaster_n than_o the_o prelate_n yea_o and_o they_o have_v general_o possess_v the_o people_n with_o so_o prejudicate_a a_o opinion_n of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o than_o ever_o the_o bishop_n do_v and_o causeless_o have_v move_v the_o people_n to_o hate_v the_o name_n of_o presbytery_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o themselves_o pretend_v they_o contend_v for_o the_o ancient_a presbytery_n and_o by_o this_o make_v themselves_o presbyterian_o as_o well_v as_o the_o other_o what_o justice_n or_o equity_n than_o be_v there_o in_o their_o deal_n to_o make_v their_o brethren_n odious_a to_o the_o world_n for_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n after_o god_n word_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v presbyterian_o and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n of_o
for_o in_o such_o term_n they_o usual_o express_v themselves_o now_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o care_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o superstition_n and_o popish_a ceremony_n and_o all_o will_n worship_n be_v also_o root_v out_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o and_o faithful_o by_o they_o preach_v both_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n true_o invocate_v and_o the_o sacrament_n due_o and_o right_o administer_v what_o just_a cause_n have_v the_o independent_o now_o either_o of_o separation_n or_o of_o traduce_v either_o minister_n or_o people_n of_o be_v enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n when_o by_o all_o their_o endeavour_n they_o only_o seek_v the_o advancement_n of_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n among_o they_o i_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o all_o moderate_a mind_a christian_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v and_o true_o and_o faithful_o set_v down_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o have_v former_o be_v alienate_v from_o they_o will_v again_o be_v now_o undeceive_v return_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o their_o own_o pastor_n by_o who_o ministry_n they_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o that_o all_o other_o understand_v man_n will_v not_o only_o have_v more_o charitable_a thought_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o will_v likewise_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o and_o examine_v more_o diligent_o all_o those_o new_a way_n and_o by_o find_v they_o out_o to_o be_v indeed_o but_o new_a will_v seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n and_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o true_o it_o stand_v all_o man_n now_o in_o hand_n that_o desire_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n yea_o the_o safety_n tranquillity_n and_o felicity_n of_o three_o kingdom_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o they_o all_o and_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o zion_n and_o indeed_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o family_n and_o a_o good_a accord_n harmony_n love_n and_o unity_n among_o brethren_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o peace_n which_o can_v never_o be_v preserve_v where_o difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n with_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v allow_v of_o for_o they_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o dis-union_n and_o to_o a_o violation_n of_o all_o bond_n of_o true_a and_o cordial_a affection_n for_o they_o can_v never_o love_v such_o as_o they_o have_v a_o command_n to_o shun_v nor_o never_o real_o affect_v such_o man_n company_n and_o acquaintance_n who_o they_o be_v ever_o jealous_a of_o that_o they_o will_v seduce_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n therefore_o i_o say_v that_o all_o people_n may_v not_o only_o seek_v for_o but_o find_v that_o old_a way_n of_o peace_n shall_v ever_o be_v his_o prayer_n that_o wish_v that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v 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all_o the_o revile_n scorn_n vilify_n unsufferable_a and_o unchristian_a language_n which_o those_o of_o your_o fraternity_n after_o i_o have_v declare_v myself_o to_o be_v none_o of_o your_o party_n before_o any_o of_o my_o book_n come_v forth_o do_v and_o still_o do_v provoke_v and_o salute_v i_o with_o even_o in_o the_o open_a street_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o profession_n yet_o in_o the_o 27._o page_n of_o your_o book_n approve_v of_o they_o will_v rise_v to_o a_o volume_n but_o i_o have_v learn_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o pass_v through_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n through_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o yet_o true_a two_o cor._n 6._o 8._o be_v therefore_o nothing_o move_v with_o their_o railing_n i_o spread_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o brevity_n sake_n will_v not_o here_o repeat_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v a_o note_n of_o some_o pass_v by_o many_o of_o the_o unbrother_o reproach_n false_a accusation_n and_o 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not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v peace_n upon_o earth_n i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 10._o 34_o 35_o 36._o and_o that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o so_o great_a distraction_n when_o your_o party_n have_v subtle_o spread_v schism_n faction_n and_o cause_v fraction_n and_o division_n through_o the_o kingdom_n and_o consider_v withal_o how_o ready_a tumultuous_a and_o turbulent_a people_n be_v especial_o upon_o such_o advantage_n as_o these_o to_o misapply_v christ_n word_n as_o all_o man_n may_v see_v and_o by_o their_o daily_a expression_n plain_o perceive_v they_o do_v and_o from_o that_o text_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v they_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o warrant_v to_o fight_v against_o their_o christian_a brethren_n to_o maintain_v error_n and_o their_o own_o whimsy_n i_o
cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o independency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o their_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n or_o care_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o yea_o act._n 15._o 2._o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o 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that_o