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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n hear_v heathen_a publican_n 4,379 5 11.4435 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A76080 Independency not Gods ordinance: or A treatise concerning church-government, occasioned by the distractions of these times. Wherein is evidently proved, that the Presbyterian government dependent is Gods ordinance, and not the Presbyterian government independent. To vvhich is annexed a postscript, discovering the uncharitable dealing of the independents towards their Christian brethren, and the fraud and jugglings of many of their pastors and ministers, to the misleading of the poor people, not only to their own detriment, but the hurt of church and state; with the danger of all novelties in religion. / By John Bastvvick, Dr in Physick.; Independency not Gods ordinance. Part 1 Bastwick, John, 1593-1654. 1645 (1645) Wing B1063; Thomason E285_2; ESTC R200066 144,017 171

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command_n in_o the_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 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that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o as_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 arbitrement_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 the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o name_n be_v
〈◊〉_d 164●_n man_n day_n be_v vain_a and_o as_o a_o flower_n they_o fade_v here_o be_v one_o proclaim_v whereon_o man_n life_n be_v stay_v his_o suffering_n change_n comfort_n in_o strict_a thrall_n shen_n god_n alone_a preserve_v and_o govern_v all_o independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n or_o a_o treatise_n concern_v church-government_n occasion_v by_o the_o distraction_n of_o these_o time_n wherein_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o postscript_n discover_v the_o uncharitable_a deal_n of_o the_o independent_o towards_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o the_o fraud_n and_o juggle_n of_o many_o of_o their_o pastor_n and_o minister_n to_o the_o mislead_v of_o the_o poor_a people_n not_o only_o to_o their_o own_o detriment_n but_o the_o hurt_n of_o church_n and_o state_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o novelty_n in_o religion_n 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brotherly_a kindness_n because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o salvation_n we_o all_o worship_n one_o god_n we_o be_v all_o consecrate_a to_o he_o with_o one_o baptism_n and_o we_o all_o hope_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a glory_n therefore_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o be_v you_o also_o of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o love_n and_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o this_o exhortation_n there_o be_v now_o singular_a use_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o this_o distract_a nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o the_o division_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o the_o division_n of_o a_o family_n destroy_v it_o the_o division_n between_o brethren_n bring_v a_o confusion_n among_o they_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n &_o opinion_n have_v make_v a_o difference_n in_o 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another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o the_o 20._o verse_n hacred_a say_v the_o apostle_n variance_n emulation_n strife_n etc._n etc._n and_o envy_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a_o double_a misery_n follow_v those_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n misery_n here_o and_o misery_n hereafter_o it_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o heaven_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n that_o will_v inevitable_o come_v upon_o that_o land_n kingdom_n and_o church_n where_o those_o variance_n and_o heartburning_n be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o such_o difference_n in_o affection_n put_v i_o chief_o upon_o this_o employment_n to_o see_v and_o try_v if_o by_o any_o possible_a mean_n i_o can_v by_o show_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o brethren_n lie_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o a_o 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that_o love_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o wish_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n let_v not_o we_o contend_v especial_o with_o evil_a language_n for_o we_o be_v brethren_n we_o have_v one_o father_n we_o worship_v one_o god_n we_o have_v one_o light_n one_o truth_n one_o way_n and_o this_o i_o profess_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o contend_v not_o for_o victory_n but_o for_o that_o ancient_a light_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o for_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o john_n 2._o for_o 14._o for_o the_o old_a way_n verse_n 6._o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14._o and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v never_o prevail_v in_o the_o which_o these_o be_v all_o those_o undeceiveable_a mark_n as_o be_v able_a for_o ever_o to_o declare_v she_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o peter_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v pure_o and_o sincere_o both_o preach_v and_o believe_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o requisite_n that_o make_v she_o a_o true_a church_n and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n that_o i_o have_v dedicate_v this_o treatise_n to_o no_o man_n nor_o seek_v the_o patronage_n of_o any_o authority_n no_o mortal_a creature_n i_o presume_v will_v blame_v i_o know_v my_o reason_n for_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o king_n against_o papal_a usurpation_n i_o dedicate_v my_o book_n unto_o the_o king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n suppose_v myself_o safe_a under_o his_o protection_n who_o honour_n and_o imperial_a dignity_n i_o maintain_v but_o all_o man_n know_v what_o misery_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o i_o my_o
but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n i_o must_v answer_v to_o some_o objection_n make_v by_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o the_o first_o of_o the_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_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 room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n the_o word_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o argument_n be_v these_o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n together_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o men_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o believer_n do_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n include_v or_o confine_v which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o such_o learned_a man_n as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v shall_v so_o argue_v for_o this_o must_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o argument_n if_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o be_v not_o so_o numerous_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o these_o in_o peter_n company_n be_v all_o that_o church_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v their_o meaning_n or_o else_o their_o argument_n conclude_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o invalidity_n of_o the_o which_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equallize_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n &_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21.22_o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_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 to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church-officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o
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 2.46_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 worship_n for_o here_o in_o express_a word_n the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v be_v specify_v and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o candid_a or_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o three_o thousand_o christian_n may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n ergò_fw-la all_o that_o believe_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o christ_n ministry_n and_o miracle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n before_o christ_n suffering_n and_o all_o that_o be_v after_o his_o resurrection_n convert_v for_o twenty_o year_n together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v yet_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o edification_n i_o refer_v this_o i_o say_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v if_o one_o shall_v argue_v against_o they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v within_o these_o seven_o year_n all_o the_o independent_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n ergò_fw-la there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o but_o one_o church_n still_o of_o independent_o in_o london_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n will_v not_o the_o brethren_n make_v themselves_o as_o merry_a with_o such_o a_o way_n of_o dispute_v as_o they_o have_v make_v other_o sad_a with_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v yes_o doubtless_o the_o truth_n be_v their_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v not_o to_o their_o own_o honour_n to_o speak_v but_o favourable_o of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o that_o time_n this_o place_n of_o scripture_n speak_v of_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n specify_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o these_o three_o thousand_o new_a coavert_n and_o accord_n also_o unto_o they_o that_o all_o these_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v grant_v they_o for_o divers_a reason_n for_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o although_o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n yet_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v some_o of_o they_o do_v daily_o meet_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o several_a employment_n and_o other_o in_o private_a and_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a communion_n or_o sacrament_n in_o several_a house_n from_o which_o it_o be_v manifelt_o evident_a that_o then_o when_o there_o be_v new_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n they_o have_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v they_o be_v still_o distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o have_v their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n in_o several_a house_n and_o place_n beside_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o those_o several_a house_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o 41_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o the_o 47._o but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o silence_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v nothing_o and_o shall_v i_o grant_v to_o our_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o and_o that_o these_o three_o thousand_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o ten_o thousand_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o more_o to_o they_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o more_o to_o all_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n many_o hundred_o thousand_o more_o will_v any_o man_n think_v or_o believe_v that_o ten_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n much_o less_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o think_v no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o abdicate_v his_o understanding_n will_v so_o conclude_v so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argumentation_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o have_v defend_v themselves_o and_o wound_v the_o truth_n they_o wound_v themselves_o and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o tenant_n as_o god_n willing_a i_o shall_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o out_o of_o chap._n 5._o our_o brethren_n conceive_v they_o have_v a_o very_a strong_a &_o invincible_a argument_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o after_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n be_v miraculous_o take_v away_o for_o lie_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v among_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n ergò_fw-la say_v they_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v meet_v be_v set_v down_o viz._n in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o it_o be_v further_o specify_v that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o that_o place_n this_o be_v their_o argument_n faithful_o and_o true_o set_v down_o and_o with_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o their_o cause_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o argue_v have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o neither_o do_v it_o beseem_v grave_a man_n to_o trifle_v thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o then_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o john_n
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 then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_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 and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a 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 do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v he_o save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n god_n work_v with_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o believer_n that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v convert_v and_o such_o as_o be_v former_o baptize_v three_o thousand_o more_o a_o great_a miracle_n all_o which_o with_o the_o many_o other_o that_o be_v convert_v afterward_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v we_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o of_o a_o world_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n before_o this_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n conceive_v that_o all_o these_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o let_v we_o go_v on_o in_o the_o 3_o and_o 4_o chapter_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o peter_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o new_a believer_n be_v there_o specify_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n which_o be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o all_o the_o former_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o eight_o thousand_o new_a member_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 110_o psalm_n vers_fw-la 3._o be_v not_o fulfil_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n his_o willing_a people_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n shall_v be_v multiply_v as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o due_a notice_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v man_n not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o without_o doubt_n these_o new_a believer_n endeavour_v to_o convert_v their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o truth_n with_o such_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n annex_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o prevalent_a to_o convert_v woman_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o whole_a family_n as_o error_n and_o novelty_n in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v able_a to_o mislead_a those_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o which_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v every_o newborn_a truth_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o follow_v every_o new_a light_n and_o every_o new-found_a way_n though_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o but_o to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v without_o miracle_n be_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o those_o poor_a woman_n that_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n from_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n as_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v down_o dead_a and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 11._o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o as_o many_o that_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o malignant_a party_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o and_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o come_v in_o the_o good_a woman_n now_o and_o in_o verse_n 26._o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o captain_n with_o the_o officer_n bring_v the_o apostle_n without_o violence_n for_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v stone_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a effect_n these_o miracle_n wrought_v the_o first_o be_v that_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n come_v on_o all_o the_o church_n god_n own_o people_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o addition_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v still_o but_o one_o church_n the_o second_o that_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o contrary_a party_n the_o pharisaical_a malignant_a crew_n the_o three_o that_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o multitude_n no_o small_a company_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o be_v a_o new_a increase_n and_o that_o a_o great_a one_o the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o very_a captain_n and_o officer_n be_v awe_v and_o keep_v in_o fear_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o those_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n be_v afraid_a of_o his_o servant_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o party_n of_o believer_n do_v balance_v the_o number_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o pharisaical_a party_n if_o not_o by_o far_o exceed_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o all_o probability_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n and_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n and_o such_o a_o number_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n nor_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divers_a jew_n that_o be_v then_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o their_o several_a minister_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o several_a language_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v i_o say_v for_o the_o present_a to_o wave_v all_o this_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v positive_o set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n
place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergò_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v the_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n &_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_n very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 21_o 22._o and_o from_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 2._o &_o 4._o chap._n 8._o verse_n 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a &_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n &_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2_o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o v._n 12._o &_o v._o 42._o &_o chap._n 3._o v._n 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a
apostle_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n after_o the_o persecution_n then_o before_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o clear_a as_o no_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n prove_v it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n for_o in_o the_o 15_o of_o john_n verse_n 16._o our_o saviour_n speak_v there_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v that_o be_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v man_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o cause_v the_o multiplycation_n of_o believer_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v romans_z 10._o now_o this_o scripture_n be_v here_o fulfil_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o increase_v of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o convert_v many_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n 20_o verse_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n and_o with_o the_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o first_o assertion_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o saint_n paul_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o place_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o and_o not_o of_o stranger_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v and_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o they_o think_v paul_n then_o be_v which_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v with_o many_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o of_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o as_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n last_v but_o one_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n when_o ordinary_o but_o few_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o israel_n be_v enjoin_v to_o come_v to_o that_o feast_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o feast_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o dwell_v in_o such_o remote_a country_n except_o they_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o run_v about_o so_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v or_o no_o to_o all_o those_o several_a feast_n though_o i_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o best_a able_a and_o rich_a of_o they_o and_o that_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n that_o they_o will_v spare_v neither_o pain_n nor_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o brethren_n beside_o we_o read_v but_o of_o very_a few_o stranger_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v there_o and_o they_o be_v they_o of_o asia_n which_o be_v persecutor_n rather_o than_o believer_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v verse_n 27_o 28._o now_o the_o multitude_n of_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o 22_o verse_n they_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o be_v all_o stranger_n to_o paul_n and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o myriad_n of_o believe_a jew_n be_v inform_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n they_o then_o be_v inform_v that_o paul_n have_v teach_v other_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v they_o who_o paul_n have_v so_o teach_v and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v inform_v have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o what_o st._n paul_n have_v teach_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o text_n i_o thus_o argue_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a all_o reason_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n itself_o confirm_v it_o neither_o do_v that_o word_n ever_o express_v less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o as_o may_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o divers_a author_n and_o true_o to_o any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n it_o will_v seem_v strange_a yea_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o jerusalem_n the_o theatre_n of_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o where_o there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a and_o so_o many_o famous_a preacher_n and_o presbyter_n and_o who_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o powerful_a preach_n and_o a_o few_o miracle_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n convert_v about_o eight_o thousand_o people_n beside_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n beside_o priest_n and_o who_o preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o for_o above_o twenty_o year_n together_o as_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v without_o interruption_n that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n spring_n and_o that_o in_o so_o populous_a and_o numerous_a a_o city_n that_o all_o these_o famous_a minister_n shall_v convert_v no_o more_o to_o the_o faith_n then_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o say_v all_o this_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o have_v out_o of_o many_o place_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v and_o out_o of_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v which_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n no_o not_o in_o a_o few_o whether_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o by_o this_o and_o the_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o argument_n out_o of_o both_o
seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act._n 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n ot_fw-mi corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o major_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o three_o several_a presbyter_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_z country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o indepency_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 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 of_o govern_v they_o yea_o act_n 15.2_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 argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necetssity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocrattical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o coat_v prove_v a_o presbytry_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_a the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governout_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_o
it_o be_v not_o only_o set_v down_o that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o which_o have_v it_o only_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n will_v meet_v together_o for_o a_o salutation_n they_o do_v much_o more_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o specify_v that_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o consultation_n in_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o what_o they_o act_v upon_o deliberation_n and_o that_o be_v to_o advise_v paul_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v which_o council_n of_o they_o be_v not_o lax_n but_o restrictive_a and_o bind_a ver_fw-la 23._o do_v therefore_o that_o which_o we_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o meet_v about_o act_n of_o government_n when_o they_o give_v a_o order_n and_o rule_v to_o paul_n himself_o how_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n follow_v their_o counsel_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o order_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o i_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o these_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o those_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n ergo_fw-la inthe_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_a no_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n or_o judgement_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n it_o have_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 21._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n there_o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n the_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o they_o do_v also_o accord_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v presbyterian_o rule_v but_o withal_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v have_v their_o church_n govern_v after_o that_o manner_n but_o this_o be_v all_o the_o debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n that_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o understand_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o conclusion_n or_o proposition_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o four_o viz._n that_o the_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 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 and_o presbyter_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 presbitry_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n for_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o mother_n church_n must_v give_v a_o example_n of_o government_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n now_o then_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o mother_n church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n and_o by_o her_o first_o constitution_n be_v confi_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o presbitry_n or_o a_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o mother_n church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o that_o misprision_n and_o mistake_n that_o she_o be_v consist_v of_o but_o as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n they_o take_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o imitation_n and_o teach_v all_o their_o several_a congregation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n among_o themselves_o independent_a and_o to_o govern_v with_o as_o absolute_a a_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o the_o which_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o appeal_n as_o all_o that_o know_v their_o tenant_n can_v witness_v so_o that_o this_o last_o proposition_n be_v strengthen_v both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admitring_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n viz._n whether_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o already_o congregat_v assembly_n of_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principle_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church-fellowship_n peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o and_o admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o society_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o question_n branch_v itself_o into_o these_o several_a query_n the_o first_o whether_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n there_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v ever_o leave_v their_o own_o ordinary_a charge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o whereto_o they_o be_v fix_v with_o a_o command_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a way_n or_o a_o new_a bear_v truth_n or_o a_o new_a light_n do_v run_v about_o and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n well-affected_n former_o to_o their_o several_a minister_n as_o of_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v as_o who_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o feed_v they_o still_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o say_v the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o there_o be_v precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o any_o true_a minister_n so_o do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n &_o primitive_a time_n that_o any_o believe_a christian_n be_v in_o great_a number_n congregat_v from_o among_o other_o believe_a christian_n and_o mould_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a body_n and_o church_n from_o they_o and_o who_o have_v no_o church-fellowship_n with_o the_o other_o congregation_n nor_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v independent_a from_o they_o and_o absolute_a among_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o make_v devision_n and_o schism_n in_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 &_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 covenant_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 devision_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 their_o husband_n go_v out_o one_o way_n the_o wife_z another_z their_o child_n to_o this_o assembly_n their_o servant_n to_o that_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n which_o paul_n blame_v in_o they_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n the_o three_o i_o be_o of_o coephas_n and_o so_o they_o flutter_v about_o like_o a_o company_n of_o chicking_n without_o either_o head_n or_o wit_n and_o none_o will_v be_v under_o obedience_n to_o either_o parent_n or_o master_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v command_v child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n and_o servant_n their_o master_n no_o far_o than_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o young_a and_o whether_o i_o have_v wrong_v the_o brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o report_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o distract_a family_n in_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o have_v be_v preach_v and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_a and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v now_o in_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o new_a teacher_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o hindrance_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o allienate_n of_o the_o affection_n one_o from_o another_o of_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o nigh_a relation_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 sheepfold_a 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 foul_v 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 ver_fw-la 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 devision_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 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unto_o themselves_o and_o examine_v their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o offend_v and_o so_o make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o holy_a thing_n and_o give_v they_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o the_o profane_a but_o no_o way_n tolerate_v they_o to_o separate_v only_o he_o bid_v they_o not_o be_v familiar_a with_o such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v learn_v to_o amend_v their_o life_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o what_o judgement_n have_v always_o happen_v to_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o bid_v they_o by_o their_o example_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o provoke_v god_n by_o the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o command_v they_o to_o make_v no_o separation_n but_o from_o idolater_n and_o infidel_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n he_o say_v for_o his_o own_o particular_a he_o can_v wish_v that_o they_o that_o trouble_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o yet_o he_o 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that_o those_o faithful_a minister_n that_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_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 unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_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 teach_v the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o that_o instruct_v all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n they_o shall_v serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o
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man_n visible_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o king_n to_o who_o person_n and_o infant_n the_o very_a sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o grace_n with_o all_o church-communion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v deny_v can_v any_o true_a christian_n be_v real_a friend_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n he_o say_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor_fw-la chap._n 16._o v._n 22_o that_o love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v anathama_n maranatha_n will_v any_o true_a christian_n bless_v those_o that_o god_n have_v curse_v david_n say_v i_o hate_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o yea_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o sure_o those_o that_o be_v true_a friend_n to_o christ_n hate_v all_o his_o enemy_n now_o they_o look_v upon_o our_o minister_n as_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o all_o the_o people_n under_o their_o ministry_n as_o 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great_a calamity_n to_o the_o poor_a sufferer_n under_o the_o prelate_n tyranny_n and_o to_o all_o those_o distress_a christian_n that_o be_v hale_v into_o the_o high-commission_n court_n or_o into_o the_o star-chamber_n or_o before_o the_o counsel_n table_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o many_o thousand_o through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n that_o common_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v those_o of_o their_o own_o house_n their_o parent_n their_o brethren_n and_o fister_n will_v be_v the_o chief_a calumniator_n &_o reproacher_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n will_v most_o despiteful_o persecute_v they_o deny_v they_o the_o common_a humanity_n of_o hospitality_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v on_o they_o except_o it_o be_v to_o revile_v they_o and_o insult_v over_o they_o and_o will_v ordinary_o join_v with_o their_o enemy_n both_o private_o and_o public_o and_o desert_n they_o in_o their_o great_a strait_n as_o all_o of_o they_o can_v general_o witness_v which_o not_o only_o encourage_v their_o enemy_n against_o they_o but_o add_v credit_n to_o their_o false_a accusation_n and_o calumny_n for_o they_o will_v usual_o say_v you_o may_v see_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n these_o be_v who_o nigh_a friend_n be_v not_o only_o ashamed_a of_o but_o thus_o speak_v of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o great_a affliction_n unto_o they_o than_o all_o the_o other_o misery_n and_o suffering_n they_o undergo_v for_o have_v they_o be_v their_o profess_a enemy_n as_o david_n say_v they_o can_v easy_o have_v endure_v it_o and_o there_o will_v less_o credit_v and_o regard_n have_v be_v give_v to_o their_o word_n but_o they_o be_v their_o parent_n brethren_n sister_n and_o familiar_n and_o therefore_o it_o add_v more_o sharp_o to_o their_o affliction_n so_o have_v they_o be_v our_o profess_a enemy_n as_o papist_n socinian_o arminian_o or_o those_o of_o the_o prelatical_a faction_n that_o shall_v have_v proclaim_v we_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o have_v they_o deny_v unto_o we_o and_o out_o child_n the_o seal_n of_o grace_n with_o all_o church_n communion_n it_o will_v not_o have_v trouble_v we_o but_o tu_fw-la brute_n that_o brethren_n that_o fellow-sufferer_n in_o affliction_n that_o have_v go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n together_o and_o have_v take_v sweet_a counsel_n together_o that_o they_o shall_v now_o proclaim_v we_o the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o deny_v communion_n with_o we_o oh_o let_v not_o this_o be_v speak_v in_o gath_n and_o ashkelon_n this_o be_v that_o that_o grieve_v and_o fad_v 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 care_n together_o be_v now_o together_o by_o the_o ear_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 unto_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●●_n 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 ●_o ver_fw-la 5._o tit._n 2._o ver_fw-la 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
evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n or_o otherwise_o if_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o law_n and_o come_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o condition_n receive_v they_o not_o into_o your_o assembly_n nor_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o member_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o christ_n commission_n nor_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n nor_o any_o precedent_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o sacred_a authority_n and_o therefore_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o primitive_a minister_n admit_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o but_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o baptize_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church-without_a any_o gainsay_n or_o question_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o of_o lake_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n and_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o eunuch_n desire_v baptism_n but_o philip_n grant_v it_o the_o gaoler_n do_v but_o ask_v paul_n and_o silas_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o say_v believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o gaoler_n and_o all_o his_o be_v straightway_o baptize_v act_v 16._o ver_fw-la 31_o 32_o 33._o that_o be_v they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o either_o walk_v any_o time_n with_o the_o church_n for_o their_o approbation_n or_o without_o either_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n or_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n notwithstanding_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o as_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o independent_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v none_o of_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n and_o they_o can_v then_o see_v how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n without_o their_o new_a light_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v then_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n set_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n in_o all_o those_o primitive_a church_n so_o he_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o the_o true_a protestant_a church_n through_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o independent_a assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v and_o be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o new_a way_n so_o that_o any_o understanding_n christian_n may_v gather_v that_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n be_v no_o way_n requisite_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingly_a government_n for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n will_v have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o holy_a thost_n who_o bring_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n 1._o into_o their_o memory_n will_v have_v suggest_v all_o these_o thing_n the_o new_a way_n the_o new_a bear_v truth_n the_o new_a light_n to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v record_v if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n but_o when_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o bless_a apostle_n have_v prescribe_v any_o of_o all_o these_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o call_v for_o they_o nor_o require_v they_o of_o any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v or_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o ingenuous_a mind_a christian_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o than_o christ_n i_o refer_v it_o also_o to_o any_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a christian_n to_o weigh_n and_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o demand_v of_o any_o moderate_a christian_n therefore_o and_o let_v he_o answer_v i_o candid_o whether_o of_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n most_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o only_a lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o both_o in_o their_o teach_n and_o believe_v follow_v his_o commission_n and_o word_n and_o teach_v nothing_o nor_o believe_v nothing_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v but_o what_o christ_n their_o king_n command_v they_o or_o those_o that_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n add_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o he_o will_v deal_v impartial_o he_o will_v answer_v i_o that_o those_o minister_n and_o that_o people_n most_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n and_o most_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n that_o own_o his_o law_n and_o that_o only_a for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o christ_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o john_n 10._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n they_o will_v not_o listen_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n christ_n voice_n only_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o they_o only_a that_o obey_v it_o advance_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o set_v he_o up_o on_o his_o throne_n which_o when_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o they_o more_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n than_o they_o for_o the_o independent_o to_o christ_n law_n and_o commission_n add_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n and_o enjoin_v all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n beside_o their_o believe_a &_o be_v baptize_v to_o walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n for_o approbation_n and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n never_o command_v and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o these_o their_o tradition_n they_o will_v not_o permit_v or_o suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o church_n as_o join_v member_n which_o they_o call_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o count_v of_o all_o other_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o as_o man_n without_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o the_o pharisee_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o pope_n himself_o &_o the_o prelate_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o idolatry_n before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v just_o abhor_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o thing_n derogatory_n to_o the_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a dignity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o his_o royalty_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o all_o other_o popery_n under_o whatsoever_o name_n or_o title_n it_o be_v intrude_v upon_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v eliminate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o popery_n to_o bring_v in_o new_a way_n and_o new_o bear_v truth_n and_o new_a light_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o their_o own_o assembly_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligible_a christian_n saint_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n blame_v those_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o that_o will_v have_v join_v but_o the_o
by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o newborn_a truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n &_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a boot_n &_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n &_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6._o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o if_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o
church_n and_o among_o believer_n and_o brethren_n and_o that_o upon_o groundless_a pretence_n the_o second_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o day_n week_n month_n perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o second_o quere_z the_o three_o be_v whether_o for_o make_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n or_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v requisite_a the_o four_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o one_o into_o church-fellowship_n &_o communion_n a_o private_a solemn_a covenant_n be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n the_o neglect_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o which_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o their_o membership_n and_o admission_n there_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n about_o a_o public_a covenant_n for_o we_o have_v precedent_n of_o that_o in_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o public_a reformation_n the_o five_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n 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