he_o may_v also_o true_o be_v say_v of_o cretensis_n and_o all_o those_o of_o that_o fraternity_n who_o word_n be_v sword_n and_o spear_n who_o all_o fight_n rather_o with_o their_o heel_n then_o with_o their_o head_n and_o kick_v rather_o than_o argue_v and_o whip_v rather_o than_o answer_v whether_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n though_o they_o come_v to_o we_o in_o gray_a head_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o their_o deal_n be_v so_o palpable_o unjust_a and_o their_o opinion_n so_o schismatical_a heretical_a and_o erroneous_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o as_o know_v what_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n my_o brother_n burton_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pretend_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o will_v make_v the_o 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church_n proceed_n that_o church_n may_v refuse_v it_o if_o it_o please_v they_o but_o if_o to_o gratify_v their_o desire_n that_o church_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o other_o church_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o proceed_n all_o this_o be_v but_o gratis_o and_o out_o of_o their_o good_a nature_n they_o have_v still_o no_o power_n to_o call_v that_o church_n in_o question_n that_o have_v do_v the_o wrong_n if_o that_o church_n stand_v upon_o its_o point_n and_o privilege_n and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n then_o forsooth_o they_o will_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o that_o church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v the_o high_a censure_n any_o one_o church_n can_v proceed_v to_o against_o another_o church_n be_v not_o this_o i_o pray_v fine_a dependency_n what_o more_o unrighteous_a deal_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o of_o the_o independent_o to_o profess_v themselves_o independent_o and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n and_o when_o that_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n they_o have_v no_o more_o real_a dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o than_o we_o have_v with_o they_o yea_o what_o a_o great_a unrighteousness_n be_v this_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o a_o communion_n among_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n when_o it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v no_o more_o union_n and_o communion_n nor_o true_a friendship_n among_o they_o then_o be_v between_o herod_n and_o pilate_n they_o refuse_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n each_o to_o other_o in_o many_o of_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v deadly_a enemy_n one_o to_o another_o as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v although_o they_o all_o agree_v together_o to_o persecute_v the_o presbyterian_o as_o herod_n and_o pilate_n do_v well_o accord_n to_o persecute_v christ_n for_o i_o myself_o have_v hear_v the_o independent_o protest_v against_o the_o brownist_n anabaptist_n antinomian_o and_o seeker_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o new_a fraternity_n proclaim_v they_o all_o sectary_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o have_v hear_v those_o several_a society_n rail_v against_o all_o the_o independent_o especial_o those_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o more_o charitable_a esteem_n of_o any_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n then_o of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v unanimous_o accuse_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n of_o as_o great_a tyranny_n as_o the_o prelate_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a congregation_n here_o among_o we_o have_v their_o different_a law_n and_o custom_n every_o one_o of_o they_o dissent_v more_o or_o less_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a church_n yea_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o other_o practice_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n know_v not_o that_o the_o woman_n in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n have_v their_o voice_n there_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o also_o have_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o their_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o their_o new_a church_n be_v not_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v page_n the_o five_o when_o as_o they_o all_o of_o they_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o independent_a what_o unrighteousness_n then_o be_v this_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o in_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o affirm_v that_o in_o all_o their_o church_n there_o be_v a_o dependent_a independency_n or_o a_o independent_a dependency_n which_o be_v but_o a_o contradictory_n bull_n at_o best_a at_o the_o bait_v whereof_o a_o man_n if_o he_o regard_v not_o mispending_a his_o time_n may_v make_v far_o better_a sport_n than_o he_o do_v some_o year_n since_o in_o bait_v the_o pope_n bull._n the_o truth_n be_v as_o their_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a babel_n so_o all_o their_o language_n be_v confound_v and_o they_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n principle_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v all_o real_o independent_a and_o therefore_o whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n where_o they_o be_v so_o unrighteous_a in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o when_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v and_o practise_v another_o and_o when_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o do_v i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a reader_n but_o the_o unrighteousness_n of_o their_o way_n will_v yet_o more_o perspicuous_o appear_v if_o we_o but_o look_v into_o some_o other_o of_o their_o practice_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o instance_n the_o very_a
for_o first_o as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o papist_n separate_v from_o all_o our_o assembly_n count_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n and_o all_o our_o congregation_n heretical_a and_o all_o we_o heretic_n even_o so_o do_v the_o sectary_n deal_v with_o we_o they_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n as_o profane_a society_n esteem_v themselves_o the_o only_a saint_n and_o their_o new_a congregation_n the_o only_a church_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o papist_n magnify_v themselves_o and_o their_o master_n for_o the_o only_a seraphical_a doctor_n and_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n boast_v of_o their_o eminent_a learning_n and_o slight_a and_o contemn_v all_o the_o protestant_a writer_n as_o nothing_o so_o do_v the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n high_o magnify_v themselves_o and_o esteem_v of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o earth_n make_v they_o the_o silly_a creature_n of_o the_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o all_o their_o vindication_n and_o forty_o pamphle_n be_v daily_o appear_v yea_o they_o write_v against_o they_o with_o more_o than_o a_o episcopal_a pride_n so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o their_o deal_n they_o be_v lâ—ke_v the_o jesuit_n and_o papist_n again_o as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o priest_n among_o the_o papist_n make_v all_o the_o protestant_a minister_n with_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n odious_a and_o hateful_a to_o the_o people_n even_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n incense_v the_o people_n against_o all_o our_o godly_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n false_o persuade_v they_o that_o child_n kill_v exod._n 1._o ver_fw-la 16._o 22._o that_o he_o may_v weaken_v the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n labour_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o for_o if_o among_o the_o presbyterian_o any_o masculine_a spirit_n come_v forth_o with_o christian_a 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the_o presbyterian_o make_v they_o by_o their_o reproach_n unfit_a for_o any_o employment_n in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a man_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o bring_v in_o their_o own_o party_n and_o so_o think_v to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v themselves_o but_o those_o their_o diabolical_a practice_n with_o all_o their_o agent_n god_n will_v in_o his_o due_a time_n full_o discover_v and_o certain_o destroy_v and_o down_v they_o all_o in_o the_o sea_n of_o his_o indignation_n they_o be_v all_o contrary_a unto_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o royal_a command_n and_o therefore_o although_o they_o come_v to_o we_o in_o their_o gray_a head_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n and_o tru_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o whole_a proceed_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n of_o our_o time_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o practice_n both_o of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o egyptian_n and_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a those_o cruel_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o dear_a servant_n for_o the_o pharisee_n will_v ever_o oppose_v christ_n and_o interrupt_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n and_o their_o weapon_n they_o deal_v with_o be_v all_o carnal_a as_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o that_o weapon_n my_o brother_n burton_n come_v out_o against_o i_o with_o viz_o his_o photions_n hatchet_n which_o i_o can_v but_o speak_v something_o of_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o my_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n in_o the_o seven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n he_o have_v these_o word_n you_o bring_v say_v he_o the_o scripture_n for_o you_o come_v on_o brother_n let_v you_o and_o i_o try_v it_o by_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o sword_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o help_n of_o my_o god_n make_v no_o long_a work_n of_o it_o you_o spend_v about_o eleven_o sheet_n wherein_o you_o have_v weave_v sundry_a long_o threaden_a argument_n to_o measure_v out_o your_o dependent_a presbytery_n as_o hold_v parallel_n with_o the_o line_n of_o scripture_n now_o you_o mâ—nst_v pardon_v i_o say_v he_o if_o i_o shall_v assay_v according_a to_o a_o old_a proverb_n with_o one_o stroke_n of_o photions_n hatchet_n to_o cut_v in_o two_o the_o long_a thread_n of_o your_o alcibiadian_a fluent_a and_o luxuriant_a rhetorication_n thus_o he_o here_o my_o brother_n burton_n seem_v to_o desire_v that_o he_o and_o i_o may_v try_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v by_o the_o dint_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o say_v as_o david_n do_v in_o another_o sense_n 1_o sam._n 21._o 9_o there_o be_v none_o like_o that_o but_o he_o immediate_o forsake_v that_o weapon_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o photions_n hatchet_n and_o that_o be_v his_o pole-ax_n true_o i_o exceed_o pity_v he_o who_o strive_v to_o maintain_v a_o way_n that_o bring_v he_o into_o such_o a_o straight_o that_o he_o can_v cut_v in_o two_o the_o argument_n bring_v against_o he_o without_o a_o hatchet_n whereas_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sharp_a enough_o to_o cut_v in_o two_o with_o one_o stroke_n any_o erroneous_a argument_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o but_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n gal._n 6._o 17._o though_o it_o be_v a_o two-edged_a sword_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o can_v never_o cut_v in_o two_o with_o that_o weapon_n my_o argument_n the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o they_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o i_o have_v ground_v all_o my_o assertion_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a unmoveable_a and_o impregnable_a foundation_n therefore_o lay_v aside_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o vapour_n with_o a_o unknown_a hatchet_n a_o desperate_a carnal_a weapon_n and_o to_o please_v himself_o he_o assay_v to_o chap_v hack_v and_o mangle_v my_o argument_n which_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o cut_v in_o two_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n and_o stroke_n surely_n none_o but_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o a_o unwarrantable_a way_n have_v need_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o weapon_n now_o for_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o their_o way_n be_v warrantable_a be_v ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o church_n constitute_v by_o they_o so_o the_o weapon_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o use_v any_o other_o but_o that_o heavenly_a weapon_n the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o hew_a and_o pull_v down_o of_o all_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o for_o the_o divide_n and_o cut_v in_o two_o all_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o my_o god_n and_o through_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o by_o his_o assist_a grace_n i_o shall_v never_o doubt_v but_o by_o the_o dint_n of_o that_o sword_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o try_v it_o out_o with_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n and_o to_o oppose_v any_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v no_o long_a work_n of_o it_o and_o always_o to_o be_v sufficient_o arm_v to_o maintain_v it_o and_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o i_o have_v former_o suffer_v for_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o hold_v forth_o and_o
therefore_o he_o do_v not_o again_o and_o again_o contradict_v himself_o and_o confirm_v my_o argument_n and_o fight_n against_o his_o own_o opinion_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a i_o shall_v also_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o these_o word_n of_o saint_n john_n wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v say_v he_o i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o saint_n johns_n time_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n otherwise_o shall_v st._n john_n have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n to_o have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n and_o to_o have_v punish_v and_o censure_v he_o but_o say_v mr_n knollys_n if_o diotrephes_n have_v affront_v the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_a saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n and_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v against_o he_o that_o he_o praâ—eâ—_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o thus_o mr_n knollys_n trifling_o cavil_v as_o if_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n have_v be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o as_o if_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o in_o that_o write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o also_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o in_o send_v unto_o they_o do_v not_o also_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n and_o presbyter_n in_o they_o when_o we_o learn_v from_o all_o those_o epistle_n and_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o seven_o church_n as_o of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n through_o the_o world_n lay_v only_o on_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n which_o mr_n knollys_n also_o assent_v unto_o say_v page_n 11._o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o in_o his_o write_v to_o the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n principal_o who_o be_v the_o officer_n in_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n who_o will_v in_o convenient_a time_n have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n though_o saint_n john_n have_v never_o come_v thither_o but_o he_o signify_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n make_v they_o retard_v their_o proceed_n against_o he_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o be_v a_o fellow-presbyter_n with_o they_o as_o peter_n be_v with_o those_o presbyter_n he_o writ_n unto_o 1_o epistle_n pet._n chap._n 5._o may_v have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n all_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v that_o saint_n john_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o whible_a question_n be_v vain_a and_o mere_o to_o delude_v the_o people_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o stupid_a or_o so_o unexperienced_a in_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o but_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o time_n in_o every_o corporation_n or_o committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n that_o know_v not_o if_o any_o alderman_n of_o any_o corporation_n or_o any_o commissioner_n of_o any_o committee_n shall_v affect_v a_o particular_a domination_n to_o himself_o over_o his_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n or_o over_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n whenas_o they_o be_v by_o their_o charter_n and_o commission_n to_o govern_v their_o several_a corporation_n hundred_o rape_n riding_n or_o wapentak_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a counsel_n and_o aggreement_n of_o they_o all_o so_o that_o no_o order_n make_v without_o their_o combine_a authority_n or_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o of_o force_n i_o say_v who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o if_o any_o of_o those_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n contrary_a unto_o their_o charter_n or_o commission_n shall_v not_o only_o assume_v unto_o himself_o a_o particular_a power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v thing_n by_o himself_o and_o of_o give_v law_n unto_o other_o and_o in_o bring_v in_o or_o put_v out_o either_o in_o the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n who_o they_o please_v and_o shall_v also_o use_v disgraceful_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n that_o any_o either_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corporation_n &_o committee_n with_o the_o commissioner_n in_o they_o and_o by_o that_o offend_v against_o their_o government_n and_o deserve_v thereby_o severe_o to_o be_v punish_v and_o who_o do_v not_o likewise_o know_v that_o if_o either_o any_o of_o the_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v understand_v of_o this_o their_o disorderly_a carriage_n and_o shall_v inform_v the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n of_o it_o by_o letter_n and_o say_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n by_o these_o his_o expression_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o there_o be_v both_o in_o the_o corporation_n and_o committee_n a_o stand_a court_n in_o which_o there_o be_v power_n at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o punish_n and_o censure_v of_o any_o such_o offender_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o he_o will_v so_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o withal_o will_v say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o commissioner_n information_n do_v no_o way_n impeach_v or_o hinder_v the_o proceed_n of_o that_o court_n or_o minorise_v its_o power_n but_o that_o it_o may_v go_v on_o to_o censure_v such_o as_o shall_v offend_v against_o their_o authority_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o other_o though_o that_o commissioner_n that_o inform_v against_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v present_a and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o it_o have_v a_o court_n and_o power_n within_o itself_o of_o proceed_v against_o diotrephes_n and_o will_v have_v use_v it_o against_o he_o whether_o s._n john_n have_v come_v or_o no_o although_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v against_o he_o till_o saint_n john_n come_v yea_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o good_a out_o of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o this_o i_o say_v it_o appear_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n in_o that_o church_n though_o mr_n knollys_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a peremptory_o assert_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o such_o court_n to_o appeal_v to_o and_o that_o i_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o appeal_n but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o m._n knollys_n to_o confute_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o contradict_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v both_o here_o and_o in_o all_o other_o of_o his_o answer_n as_o in_o their_o due_a place_n we_o shall_v see_v for_o what_o christian_a ever_o with_o deliberation_n do_v read_v the_o scripture_n that_o can_v believe_v that_o st._n john_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o presbytry_n in_o every_o church_n when_o m._n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o without_o doubt_n saint_n john_n know_v the_o government_n that_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o all_o church_n as_o well_o as_o mr_n knollys_n he_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o government_n god_n have_v appoint_v &_o establish_v in_o every_o church_n which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v which_o be_v a_o court_n to_o wit_n a_o company_n of_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n arm_v with_o power_n &_o authority_n from_o god_n himself_o within_o their_o several_a presbytry_n to_o order_n rule_n and_o govern_v the_o people_n under_o
independent_a government_n be_v such_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o that_o government_n only_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o have_v both_o precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o god_n word_n upon_o which_o they_o depend_v and_o this_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o not_o that_o which_o master_n knollys_n will_v grollish_o put_v upon_o i_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o piece_n of_o nonsense_n of_o he_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o his_o answer_n and_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n in_o any_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o have_v and_o for_o instance_n produce_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n understand_v by_o church_n the_o people_n who_o he_o say_v have_v power_n over_o the_o member_n miserable_o mistake_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a soul_n by_o it_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v to_o those_o that_o can_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v or_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v in_o matter_n of_o government_n either_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a for_o if_o man_n do_v once_o but_o right_o understand_v what_o a_o church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o new-testament_n and_o consider_v withal_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o by_o saint_n paul_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o governor_n and_o ruler_n be_v compare_v unto_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o eye_n ear_n hand_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o other_o member_n in_o the_o body_n and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o head_n and_o other_o more_o noble_a part_n and_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o direction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n some_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o other_o to_o be_v rule_v in_o it_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v for_o none_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v their_o station_n unless_o they_o by_o violence_n be_v cut_v off_o as_o all_o rational_a creature_n do_v very_o well_o know_v for_o the_o head_n be_v ever_o the_o head_n the_o eye_n be_v ever_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n be_v ever_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n be_v ever_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n for_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n &c_n &c_n intimate_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n and_o help_v in_o government_n in_o the_o church_n every_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o station_n to_o wit_n they_o that_o be_v once_o apostle_n teacher_n or_o governor_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n ever_o so_o to_o be_v and_o never_o lose_v their_o place_n but_o always_o to_o the_o day_n of_o their_o death_n remain_v and_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o where_o saint_n paul_n say_v he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o come_v all_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o of_o those_o true_a minister_n be_v at_o any_o time_n degrade_v or_o lose_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o their_o title_n or_o of_o their_o authority_n but_o as_o god_n have_v put_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n so_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o several_a church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n ordain_v as_o act_v the_o 14._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o the_o people_n and_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v command_v to_o obey_v their_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o heb._n 13._o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v we_o find_v likewise_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o precedent_n of_o all_o other_o church_n that_o the_o people_n there_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o assume_v not_o the_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n but_o apply_v themselves_o and_o make_v their_o address_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o they_o order_v every_o thing_n according_a as_o they_o think_v good_a and_o that_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n we_o find_v further_o that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o question_v any_o offender_n for_o the_o censure_a and_o punish_v of_o they_o for_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o excommunication_n it_o be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o office_n and_o not_o by_o the_o multitude_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o cor._n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 6._o a_o place_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o the_o independent_o sufficient_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o censure_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inflict_v by_o all_o the_o people_n but_o by_o such_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n lay_v which_o be_v the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o many_o or_o of_o many_o and_o true_o if_o we_o will_v but_o due_o read_v the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o they_o and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v only_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a church_n through_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n as_o the_o ruler_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o to_o obey_v again_o if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 2._o &_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o epistle_n christ_n write_v unto_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o several_a church_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n lay_v and_o who_o have_v both_o the_o praise_n of_o well_o do_v and_o blame_v of_o any_o evil_a either_o commit_v or_o tolerate_v by_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o steward_n and_o guide_n of_o those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o all_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o malversation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n in_o they_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o not_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n
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add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o acknowledge_v they_o want_v deacon_n and_o presbyter_n and_o they_o confess_v withal_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o then_o they_o have_v not_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n and_o saint_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabitant_n of_o other_o church_n through_o judaea_n for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o other_o church_n there_o and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o church_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v also_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o yea_o he_o confess_v that_o in_o its_o infancy_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o by_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o count_v such_o a_o covenant_n the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n from_o all_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o the_o independent_o church_n be_v erroneous_a or_o if_o it_o be_v orthodox_n than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n formewhen_o they_o say_v it_o be_v for_o first_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o yet_o though_o in_o several_a and_o distinct_a place_n and_o assembly_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n second_o they_o have_v no_o fix_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o nor_o no_o presbytery_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o if_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v stranger_n and_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o other_o city_n as_o they_o say_v than_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v neither_o in_o their_o officer_n nor_o member_n anâ—_n yet_o a_o true_a church_n not_o in_o the_o elder_n nor_o deacon_n for_o they_o then_o have_v none_o at_o all_o nor_o in_o their_o member_n for_o they_o confess_v many_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o do_v not_o inhabit_v and_o dwell_v there_o and_o therefore_o not_o fix_v member_n and_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v notfixt_v but_o as_o noah_n dove_n be_v send_v out_o by_o he_o and_o return_v with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o her_o mouth_n &_o at_o the_o next_o time_n depart_v and_o go_v her_o way_n so_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v the_o universal_a messenger_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v out_o into_o all_o nation_n with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o their_o mouth_n that_o trophy_n of_o peace_n and_o glad_a tiding_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n yet_o all_o man_n know_v that_o be_v not_o their_o abide_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v officer_n there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v out_o into_o all_o country_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o when_o the_o persecution_n come_v according_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v scatter_v and_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v in_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v â—ound_v but_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a those_o member_n be_v not_o fix_v but_o fluid_v when_o they_o run_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n to_o save_v themselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n those_o great_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o their_o language_n all_o alone_a without_o either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n they_o also_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o be_v afterward_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o teach_v and_o baptize_v as_o i_o say_v before_o withal_o the_o independent_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o want_v ed_z that_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n excommunication_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o presbytery_n in_o it_o nor_o no_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o good_a neither_o can_v they_o then_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o better_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o the_o baptismeof_o john_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n which_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o by_o their_o definition_n &_o they_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n ergo_fw-la they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o now_o the_o independent_o require_v for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n no_o more_o than_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o i._o s._n and_o the_o independent_o babble_n about_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v to_o little_a purpose_n yea_o mere_a vainty_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o it_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o think_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o mould_v up_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o mother-church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n according_a to_o the_o independent_o learning_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v then_o she_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o any_o external_a explicit_a particular_a covenant_n nor_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o requisite_n that_o they_o now_o require_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o now_o to_o return_v and_o come_v
assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o major_n no_o well_o ground_v christian_n will_v deny_v it_o especial_o the_o independent_o can_v gain_v say_v it_o for_o if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v and_o teach_v then_o much_o more_o where_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o which_o also_o they_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o by_o lawful_a minister_n and_o officer_n appoint_v and_o send_v by_o god_n himself_o i_o say_v by_o far_o better_a reason_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o visible_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o all_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a man_n will_v easy_o conclude_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o the_o independent_o especial_o when_o as_o i_o note_v before_o it_o be_v their_o own_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o all_o their_o writing_n and_o preach_v by_o every_o one_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o confirm_v by_o their_o own_o daily_a practice_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o book_n write_v of_o late_a by_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n and_o some_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n here_o among_o we_o i_o will_v only_o at_o this_o time_n pitch_n upon_o one_o who_o have_v in_o my_o opinion_n deal_v more_o candid_o than_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n for_o he_o keep_v not_o reserve_v donec_fw-la ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redierit_fw-la res_fw-la but_o set_v down_o plain_o what_o they_o hold_v i_o will_v make_v bold_a therefore_o with_o his_o new_a blaze_a light_n late_o set_v up_o upon_o that_o learned_a beacon_n call_v truth_n glorious_o appear_v from_o under_o the_o sad_a and_o sable_a cloud_n of_o obloquy_n in_o the_o which_o treatise_n pag._n 22._o and_o 23._o the_o author_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o declare_v their_o judgement_n concering_n this_o business_n who_o word_n i_o will_v set_v down_o at_o large_a desire_v to_o deliver_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o own_o expression_n rather_o than_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o accuse_v i_o to_o have_v pick_v and_o choose_v what_o make_v most_o for_o i_o and_o against_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o object_n it_o may_v possible_o here_o be_v object_v how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n answ_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_a by_o this_o ensue_a argument_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o two_o or_o three_o so_o join_v together_o do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v thou_o take_v two_o or_o three_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n loe_o here_o be_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v promise_v by_o they_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o consequent_a can_v be_v deny_v for_o what_o people_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v neither_o be_v this_o destitute_a of_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o it_o humfred_n de_fw-fr religione_fw-la vera_fw-la conservanda_fw-la pag._n 24._o ecclesiam_fw-la cum_fw-la dico_fw-la non_fw-la unum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aut_fw-la ministrum_fw-la sed_fw-la legitimum_fw-la ac_fw-la christianum_fw-la catum_fw-la nomino_fw-la et_fw-la innuo_fw-la beside_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n will_v prove_v the_o consequent_a a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n &_o unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n this_o definition_n though_o it_o proper_o look_v upon_o a_o complete_a church_n it_o be_v appliable_a to_o two_o or_o three_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o object_n but_o be_v it_o like_o that_o two_o or_o three_o there_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n mention_v vers_fw-la 17._o to_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n answ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o so_o take_v for_o because_o the_o church_n do_v frequent_o consist_v of_o many_o but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o take_v as_o the_o very_a coherence_n of_o the_o word_n show_v beside_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v thus_o if_o two_o or_o three_o may_v meet_v together_o clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n than_o two_o or_o three_o may_v be_v the_o church_n mention_v vers_fw-la 17._o but_o two_o or_o three_o may_v meet_v together_o clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n for_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n as_o the_o text_n speak_v 1._o e._n clothe_v with_o his_o power_n for_o name_n signify_v power_n in_o several_a scripture_n prov._n the_o 18._o 10._o philip._n 2._o 10._o and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o therefore_o two_o or_o three_o may_v be_v the_o church_n there_o mention_v 3._o object_n but_o such_o a_o company_n be_v destitute_a of_o officer_n can_v be_v no_o church_n answ_n if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v they_o can_v have_v be_v no_o complete_a church_n i_o will_v have_v consent_v but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o church_n be_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la a_o man_n that_o want_v a_o hand_n or_o foot_n or_o both_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o man_n though_o a_o maim_a man_n officer_n do_v not_o concur_v to_o the_o esse_fw-la or_o being_n of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la or_o well_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o otherwise_o put_v case_n the_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n die_v then_o must_v the_o church_n be_v unchurch_v and_o so_o toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la as_o such_o a_o thing_n happen_v which_o in_o time_n of_o mortality_n may_v be_v often_o again_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n even_o before_o it_o have_v any_o officer_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o church_n without_o they_o it_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n a_o company_n believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o ephes_n 1._o 1._o and_o it_o have_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n viz._n a_o combine_a and_o unite_n of_o themselves_o together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n i_o have_v speak_v some_o thing_n the_o more_o in_o this_o particular_a to_o strengthen_v
that_o church_n be_v whole_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n for_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n likewise_o and_o authority_n of_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o we_o far_o learn_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o although_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n govern_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n conclude_a his_o epistle_n send_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o those_o asian_a church_n rev._n the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v he_o who_o make_v the_o particular_a or_o singular_a church_n he_o write_v to_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o church_n not_o one_o only_a as_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n only_o he_o do_v make_v that_o one_o church_n to_o which_o he_o write_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o particular_a to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a classical_a or_o collegiate_n church_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o epiphonemicall_a conclusion_n to_o every_o church_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o in_o particular_a do_v speak_v of_o the_o same_o as_o of_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n of_o church_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la one_o church_n have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o be_v classical_o or_o collegiate_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la to_o the_o which_o argument_n the_o independent_o answer_v by_o deny_v of_o the_o assumption_n say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequentér_n as_o well_o as_o antecedentér_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o follow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o they_o cite_v junius_n his_o testimony_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o their_o denial_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n they_o produce_v also_o master_n bains_n his_o authority_n to_o as_o little_a end_n christ_n say_v he_o do_v not_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o church_n precede_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o collective_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o the_o member_n of_o each_o singular_a church_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n both_o several_o and_o joint_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o other_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o make_v to_o this_o argument_n page_n 133._o and_o if_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v never_o want_v answer_n and_o reply_v but_o we_o look_v for_o reason_n and_o not_o for_o word_n in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v deny_v our_o argument_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o gainsay_n the_o argument_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n and_o many_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o the_o other_o six_o church_n and_o true_o he_o grant_v the_o argument_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o antecedenter_v so_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o worâ—â—_n may_v be_v take_v antecedenter_n as_o well_o as_o consequenter_fw-la that_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o go_v before_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o follow_v viz_o both_o way_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o require_v and_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o argument_n i_o labour_v to_o prove_v for_o who_o ever_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n bid_v they_o watch_n that_o what_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o man_n so_o who_o ever_o yet_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o church_n there_o christ_n have_v as_o well_o reference_n not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o their_o example_n be_v forewarn_v lest_o they_o likewise_o offend_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o all_o man_n know_v that_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 though_o primary_o principal_o and_o antecedenter_v he_o have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n assembly_n or_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n as_o first_o to_o those_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v yet_o call_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o other_o also_o as_o consist_v of_o many_o several_a company_n and_o several_a congregation_n yet_o be_v all_o combine_a together_o in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o subordinate_a to_o each_o of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v but_o for_o one_o church_n within_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v to_o they_o all_o several_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o number_n of_o multitude_n as_o to_o many_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o write_v to_o they_o all_o as_o particular_a and_o 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congregationall_a way_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o pastor_n and_o â—lock_n be_v relative_n and_o have_v reference_n one_o to_o another_o now_o if_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n than_o there_o must_v likewise_o be_v many_o flock_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o those_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o constitution_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n we_o find_v many_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n a_o whole_a college_n of_o they_o act_v the_o 20_o ver_fw-la 17_o and_o 28._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o that_o church_n so_o in_o the_o other_o six_o for_o in_o express_a word_n paul_n say_v that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n public_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o house_n which_o be_v by_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v to_o signify_v many_o several_a congregation_n in_o that_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o when_o the_o independent_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o shallow_a understanding_n know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o therefore_o several_a church_n even_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o same_o expression_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o that_o one_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o they_o have_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o meet_v place_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o have_v both_o public_o and_o private_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o city_n have_v obtain_v so_o much_o
favour_n from_o they_o that_o they_o allow_v they_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o private_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o paul_n word_n who_o say_v that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o can_v take_v up_o a_o famous_a apostle_n night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o who_o cease_v not_o all_o that_o while_n to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n act_n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o for_o 20._o and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o extraordinary_a teacher_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o of_o they_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o likewise_o continual_o employ_v there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o employ_v the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n night_n and_o day_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o faithful_a and_o laborious_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o as_o well_o antecedenter_n as_o consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o the_o word_n angel_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o both_o now_o than_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o the_o independent_o opinion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v take_v collective_o the_o word_n church_n by_o as_o good_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v many_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o church_n in_o that_o church_n by_o all_o which_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o one_o church_n may_v have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o as_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n have_v and_o consequent_o be_v collegial_o and_o classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la now_o then_o when_o the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v all_o so_o govern_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o moderate_v of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v all_o other_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v classical_o and_o presbyterial_o moderate_v so_o that_o now_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o independent_o own_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v be_v take_v as_o well_o antecedenter_v as_o consequenter_fw-la it_o matter_n nothing_o 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who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
principale_a and_o the_o choice_a one_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n both_o for_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n and_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o upon_o any_o scandal_n so_o that_o there_o be_v none_o admit_v either_o man_n or_o woman_n though_o of_o never_o so_o great_a rank_n and_o quality_n without_o the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n of_o the_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o oppose_v the_o entrance_n of_o any_o though_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o mere_a jealousy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o godly_a they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o those_o congregation_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o this_o their_o practice_n and_o therefore_o plead_v ignorance_n in_o the_o business_n but_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v i_o write_v nothing_o in_o my_o first_o book_n concern_v woman_n vote_v of_o it_o in_o church_n i_o shall_v recite_v some_o two_o or_o three_o story_n omit_v many_o to_o prove_v their_o 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neighbour_n very_o godly_a who_o be_v much_o enamour_a with_o the_o new_a way_n of_o church-fellowship_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n not_o that_o i_o speak_v of_o before_o and_o be_v to_o make_v his_o confession_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o his_o evidence_n and_o have_v to_o satisfy_v the_o church_n do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o enjoin_v he_o to_o do_v two_o of_o the_o woman_n in_o that_o assembly_n oppose_v his_o admission_n so_o that_o without_o their_o good_a like_n he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n and_o he_o apply_v himself_o unto_o their_o pastor_n and_o to_o the_o elder_n give_v many_o sign_n of_o his_o true_a conversion_n so_o that_o they_o relate_v unto_o he_o that_o for_o their_o part_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o he_o in_o way_n of_o opposition_n but_o wish_v he_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o those_o sister_n tell_v he_o that_o without_o their_o consent_n they_o can_v not_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellowship_n whereupon_o he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o they_o and_o sometime_o he_o court_v they_o for_o their_o favour_n sometime_o he_o expostulate_v with_o they_o desire_v to_o know_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o adverse_a to_o he_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v their_o consent_n demand_v of_o they_o if_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o conversation_n and_o they_o reply_v no_o but_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v godly_a and_o sanctify_a and_o fit_a for_o church_n fellowship_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o he_o be_v ever_o admit_v in_o that_o congregation_n i_o know_v not_o but_o at_o that_o time_n he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o the_o sister_n do_v not_o give_v their_o consent_n and_o they_o can_v allege_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o their_o not_o agree_v to_o his_o admission_n but_o that_o they_o conceive_v he_o be_v not_o godly_a the_o three_o story_n be_v of_o one_o that_o be_v repute_v a_o very_a 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woman_n at_o that_o time_n put_v off_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v with_o the_o other_o two_o story_n and_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o produce_v many_o such_o precedent_n more_o now_o i_o refer_v this_o to_o any_o understanding_n man_n judgement_n whether_o the_o key_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n be_v not_o tie_v unto_o the_o woman_n girdle_n and_o whether_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n be_v always_o to_o be_v credit_v either_o in_o their_o denial_n or_o affirmation_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o five_o query_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o six_o and_o last_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o practise_v and_o preach_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o the_o which_o query_n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._o s._n answer_v as_o two_o juggler_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 19_o those_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v for_o matter_n and_o form_n true_a church_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o christ_n word_n do_v set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o for_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n this_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o my_o sixth_o query_n now_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o my_o query_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o from_o this_o his_o answer_n i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o their_o new_a congregation_n do_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n they_o fail_v both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o true_a church_n and_o
plague_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o just_a provoke_v of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o anger_v now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o we_o have_v sad_a experience_n already_o what_o the_o tolerate_n of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o dagon_n of_o gingerbread_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v if_o god_n be_v god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o let_v that_o and_o that_o only_o be_v sâ—t_v up_o among_o christian_n and_o no_o other_o tolerate_v for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v speedy_o bring_v the_o plague_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o as_o we_o may_v well_o perceive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o but_o a_o few_o year_n what_o good_a effect_n they_o will_v produce_v for_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n can_v be_v please_v unto_o god_n no_o more_o in_o our_o time_n than_o it_o be_v among_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o friend_n of_o christ_n nor_o lover_n of_o religion_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v for_o neither_o abraham_n jsaac_n nor_o jacob_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n will_v suffer_v it_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n ever_o endureit_a but_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n they_o give_v especial_a charge_n to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o their_o time_n and_o forewarn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o they_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n ever_o describe_v they_o by_o their_o crafty_a deal_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o in_o all_o seem_a holiness_n and_o feign_a simplicity_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n wish_v and_o desire_v that_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v cut_v off_o so_o far_o be_v the_o holy_a apostle_n from_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n as_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n they_o inveigh_v against_o they_o and_o that_o continual_o as_o false_a apostle_n and_o deceiver_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o receive_v no_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o gal._n 1._o and_o bid_v the_o people_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v no_o fellowship_n with_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o sure_o if_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n â—id_v command_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n they_o never_o give_v leave_v to_o any_o christian_n to_o set_v up_o babylon_n among_o they_o and_o to_o tolerate_v the_o confusion_n and_o mingle_v together_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o against_o the_o scripture_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o against_o all_o solid_a reason_n and_o sound_a judgement_n nay_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_o in_o write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n he_o blame_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o that_o of_o thyatira_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v they_o there_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o bâ—alam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_n block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o they_o also_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v repent_v or_o else_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o jdol_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 3._o chap._n ver_fw-la 14._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witnesseâ—c_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o it_o be_v â—_o thing_n high_o displease_v unto_o god_n that_o his_o people_n shall_v give_v a_o tolerátion_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v and_o those_o that_o labour_n for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a which_o be_v a_o evil_a the_o lord_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v with_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o favour_v more_o of_o licentiousness_n and_o carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n in_o any_o man_n then_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o many_o of_o they_o can_v report_v that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o holland_n where_o there_o be_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o that_o country_n of_o the_o native_a dutch_a people_n that_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o desirous_a that_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n among_o they_o be_v not_o there_o permit_v as_o they_o now_o wish_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v suffer_v here_o among_o we_o for_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o prophanesse_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v there_o the_o like_a occasion_n of_o civil_a combustion_n as_o we_o have_v through_o god_n displeasure_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o ingratitude_n towards_o he_o here_o in_o england_n i_o be_o afraid_a they_o will_v find_v the_o toleration_n of_o all_o those_o religion_n among_o they_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a thing_n to_o they_o if_o not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o whole_a country_n the_o lord_n divert_v his_o judgement_n from_o they_o and_o grant_v that_o they_o may_v never_o taste_v of_o the_o misery_n that_o we_o now_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o for_o tolerate_v of_o popery_n and_o arminianism_n and_o the_o prelatical_a faction_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o the_o suffer_v but_o of_o these_o three_o have_v so_o displease_v god_n the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o will_v give_v he_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o more_o hot_a indignation_n but_o now_o to_o answer_v to_o their_o objection_n in_o order_n the_o heathen_n say_v the_o independent_o suffer_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v to_o exercise_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o for_o answer_v let_v they_o take_v notice_n that_o no_o thank_n be_v due_a to_o the_o heathen_n for_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o genesis_n the_o 12._o chap._n and_o the_o 20._o chap._n and_o chap._n 26._o but_o only_a the_o glory_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n who_o restrain_v they_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a against_o they_o for_o he_o appear_v to_o some_o of_o they_o in_o vision_n and_o command_v they_o not_o
consideration_n of_o the_o which_o the_o better_a to_o stir_v up_o thy_o attention_n make_v i_o bold_o to_o conclude_v of_o they_o all_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v and_o whatsoever_o show_v of_o seem_a holiness_n they_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v unsound_a root_n and_o branch_n and_o neither_o the_o godly_a party_n nor_o the_o pray_a people_n nor_o the_o only_a saint_n but_o the_o most_o pharisaical_a brood_n that_o ever_o yet_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o injurious_a to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o his_o royalty_n and_o to_o all_o his_o holy_a faithful_a minister_n and_o servant_n than_o ever_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o of_o the_o prelatical_a party_n be_v and_o more_o malicious_a and_o treacherous_a to_o the_o saint_n and_o true_o godly_a and_o precious_a one_o and_o more_o opposer_n of_o all_o reformation_n than_o ever_o the_o cavalier_n be_v and_o many_o of_o they_o great_a enemy_n to_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o both_o then_o either_o strafford_n or_o the_o prelate_n of_o canterbury_n and_o as_o for_o the_o independent_a government_n as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n so_o it_o be_v far_o more_o tyrannical_a and_o lordly_a then_o that_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o prelate_n tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o with_o all_o their_o trumpery_n and_o desperate_a practice_n with_o all_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n aught_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o abominate_v whatsoever_o seem_v sanctimony_n they_o make_v show_v of_o by_o all_o such_o as_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o wish_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o state_n and_o kingdom_n in_o which_o they_o live_v now_o they_o that_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o see_v this_o charge_n make_v good_a against_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o with_o the_o whole_a impeachment_n full_o prove_v and_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n but_o in_o the_o interim_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o produce_v some_o few_o instance_n more_o of_o their_o practice_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o independency_n not_o to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n if_o a_o man_n but_o look_n upon_o their_o superlative_a pride_n especial_o the_o conceit_n they_o all_o of_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o holiness_n and_o sanctity_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o very_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n for_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n style_v themselves_o the_o holy_a people_n the_o godly_a party_n the_o pray_a people_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a the_o saint_n yea_o esteem_v the_o very_a retrimentitious_a part_n of_o they_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o dialect_n saint_n call_v their_o most_o blasphemous_a opinion_n and_o practice_n the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n exclude_v the_o most_o godly_a presbyterian_o from_o those_o title_n call_v they_o the_o antichristian_a brood_n the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n the_o son_n of_o beliall_a and_o what_o not_o all_o which_o deal_v with_o their_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n yea_o in_o their_o very_a prayer_n to_o god_n they_o like_v the_o pharisee_n boast_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n slight_v and_o vilify_a all_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n disdain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o yea_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n they_o have_v be_v hear_v contemptuous_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o in_o authority_n assert_v that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o of_o they_o will_v neither_o public_o nor_o private_o join_v with_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o piety_n account_v they_o all_o as_o a_o antichristian_a and_o unsanctified_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o all_o this_o out_o of_o a_o strong_a and_o confident_a persuasion_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n &_o out_o of_o a_o uncharitable_a opinion_n of_o their_o brethren_n impurity_n than_o the_o which_o strain_n of_o pride_n the_o very_a pharisee_n never_o exercise_v a_o great_a all_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n for_o great_a unrighteousness_n there_o can_v be_v then_o this_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v but_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o some_o instance_n not_o long_o since_o at_o a_o great_a entertainment_n and_o festivity_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o one_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n brethren_n a_o great_a man_n among_o they_o begin_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n in_o his_o prayer_n before_o his_o sermon_n speak_v unto_o god_n by_o way_n of_o complaint_n against_o 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at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n but_o that_o the_o independent_o be_v overgrow_v puritan_n which_o i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o independent_o outstrip_v they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o all_o comely_a seemly_a orderly_o and_o temperate_a walk_v in_o a_o unblameable_a conversation_n before_o god_n and_o man_n this_o i_o say_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v his_o meaning_n by_o the_o word_n overgrow_v for_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o put_v a_o worse_a interpretation_n upon_o his_o expression_n and_o understand_v by_o overgrow_v that_o he_o mean_v they_o be_v become_v monstrous_a which_o notwithstanding_o too_o too_o many_o of_o they_o be_v therefore_o if_o his_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o better_a sense_n by_o overgrow_v he_o understand_v that_o the_o independent_o have_v attain_v unto_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n then_o ever_o the_o old_a puritan_n have_v attain_v unto_o and_o that_o they_o now_o walk_v more_o close_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o ever_o they_o do_v i_o will_v first_o therefore_o set_v down_o some_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o old_a puritan_n with_o the_o path_n and_o way_n of_o righteousness_n they_o walk_v in_o omit_v many_o thing_n for_o brevity_n sake_n though_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a memory_n and_o our_o everlasting_a imitation_n for_o the_o old_a puritant_n of_o england_n as_o those_o that_o have_v read_v their_o writing_n and_o know_v their_o practice_n and_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o they_o they_o can_v testify_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o humble_a self-denying_a people_n ever_o groan_v under_o that_o burden_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o sin_n cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 7._o oh_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n they_o never_o dream_v of_o a_o perfect_a holiness_n nor_o never_o think_v themselves_o more_o holy_a than_o other_o or_o presume_v to_o call_v themselves_o saint_n and_o if_o that_o title_n have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o by_o such_o as_o true_o honour_v they_o for_o their_o singular_a grace_n you_o shall_v ever_o hear_v they_o complain_v of_o their_o imperfection_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o count_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n esteem_v all_o their_o righteousness_n but_o dung_n that_o they_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v their_o own_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n now_o they_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n word_n and_o practice_n hear_v they_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o their_o own_o sanctity_n and_o of_o their_o perfection_n say_v god_n can_v see_v no_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o although_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v so_o much_o in_o word_n yet_o in_o deed_n
be_v mention_v and_o therefore_o if_o i_o in_o god_n quarrel_n and_o cause_n be_v a_o little_a more_o earnest_a and_o use_v a_o little_a more_o tartness_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o wave_v in_o my_o own_o it_o may_v with_o any_o good_a nature_n easy_o plead_v excuse_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v my_o epistle_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o all_o to_o consider_v three_o passage_n omit_v many_o i_o shall_v here_o set_v before_o your_o eye_n the_o one_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o answer_n the_o other_o out_o of_o i._o s._n his_o flagellum_fw-la the_o three_o out_o of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n vindiciae_fw-la that_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o these_o man_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v wrong_v your_o cause_n before_o you_o read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n master_n knollys_n thus_o speak_v upon_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o his_o book_n a_o moderate_a answer_n unto_o doctor_n bastwicks_n book_n wherein_o the_o manner_n how_o some_o church_n in_o this_o city_n be_v gather_v and_o upon_o what_o term_v their_o member_n be_v admit_v that_o so_o both_o the_o doctor_n and_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v how_o near_o some_o `_o believer_n who_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v in_o their_o practice_n to_o these_o apostolical_a rule_n which_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o doctor_n as_o god_n method_n in_o gather_v church_n and_o admit_v member_n these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n and_o in_o the_o nineteenth_o and_o twenty_o page_n he_o more_o full_o there_o testify_v his_o good_a like_n of_o that_o method_n for_o gather_v of_o church_n that_o i_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n propound_v and_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o their_o congregation_n be_v gather_v after_o that_o method_n or_o manner_n or_o come_v very_o nigh_o unto_o it_o by_o all_o which_o his_o expression_n and_o by_o that_o their_o practice_n he_o declare_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n i_o 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prove_v it_o by_o argument_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n assent_v unto_o i._o s._n his_o doctrine_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a if_o you_o look_v into_o it_o in_o which_o you_o shall_v find_v also_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o at_o that_o time_n when_o according_a to_o his_o own_o reckon_n there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n his_o word_n be_v these_o say_v that_o though_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n altogether_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o the_o learning_n of_o all_o these_o your_o great_a champion_n you_o will_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n evident_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v your_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n and_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o that_o while_o they_o all_o come_v out_o to_o maintain_v it_o for_o mr_n knollys_n as_o i_o say_v even_o now_o he_o fight_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n and_o oppose_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o in_o his_o judgement_n allow_v of_o and_o for_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n they_o have_v ignorant_o murder_v your_o cause_n for_o all_o the_o contention_n hitherto_o both_o in_o the_o synod_n between_o the_o reverend_a presbyter_n there_o and_o the_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n and_o between_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o presbyterian_o through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v be_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o all_o the_o independent_o in_o england_n hold_v be_v never_o at_o first_o and_o last_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_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 they_o assert_v moreover_o that_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o government_n and_o do_v peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n be_v bind_o presidentiall_a to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o imitation_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n but_o of_o all_o the_o sectary_n that_o i_o know_v yea_o the_o orthodox_n presbyterian_o do_v all_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o i._n s._n say_v that_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o bind_o presidential_a wicked_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n that_o indigested_a mole_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n so_o that_o he_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o imperfect_a pattern_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v leave_v arbitrary_a for_o any_o church_n or_o state_n to_o set_v up_o what_o kind_n of_o church_n government_n they_o please_v now_o whither_o or_o no_o this_o opinion_n of_o his_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o all_o divinity_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v yea_o to_o the_o very_a tenant_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o those_o among_o you_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o thing_n that_o differ_v so_o that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o this_o champion_n also_o of_o you_o have_v absolute_o overthrow_v your_o own_o principle_n when_o he_o come_v out_o to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v your_o cause_n my_o brother_n burton_n also_o have_v give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o that_o cause_n he_o come_v out_o so_o desperate_o to_o maintain_v for_o all_o the_o independent_o through_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v of_o with_o all_o the_o homothumadon_n brethren_n in_o the_o assembly_n by_o all_o their_o argument_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n acknowledge_v that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n that_o then_o they_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n and_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o reason_n for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o those_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v if_o they_o make_v all_o but_o one_o entire_a
church_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o vanish_v for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n there_o that_o have_v not_o a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o but_o be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a to_o another_o authority_n above_o they_o then_o of_o necessity_n that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a chimaera_n or_o whimsy_n of_o your_o own_o head_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o your_o tribe_n do_v acknowledge_v now_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v not_o only_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o argument_n prove_v it_o he_o have_v utter_o i_o say_v lose_v the_o field_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o combat_n as_o will_v yet_o more_o perspicuous_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n but_o by_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v you_o may_v see_v how_o unhappy_a you_o be_v in_o all_o these_o your_o champion_n and_o general_n that_o give_v as_o great_a wound_n unto_o your_o cause_n as_o any_o adversary_n you_o have_v in_o the_o world_n now_o live_v ever_o give_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o all_o your_o leader_n and_o guide_n be_v earnest_o to_o entreat_v they_o as_o they_o look_v for_o true_a comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o as_o they_o desire_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_a of_o this_o distract_a state_n and_o kingdom_n they_o will_v now_o no_o long_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v but_o that_o they_o will_v unfeigned_o bewail_v the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o repent_v of_o their_o seduce_a and_o mislead_v of_o the_o poor_a people_n let_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v god_n and_o cause_v the_o enemy_n to_o blaspheme_v our_o christian_a 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conclude_v that_o these_o doubt_n be_v conceive_v nourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o faction_n my_o brother_n burton_n with_o his_o complice_n will_v call_v it_o rail_v therefore_o to_o avoid_v ifit_n be_v possible_a their_o unjust_a censure_n i_o only_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o both_o he_o and_o all_o his_o brethren_n use_v a_o uncharitable_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o be_v the_o best_a construction_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o thus_o they_o may_v traduce_v any_o man_n yea_o any_o government_n or_o any_o way_n of_o god_n at_o pleasure_n with_o a_o detract_n if_o but_o here_o lie_v the_o mystery_n the_o only_a way_n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o associate_n have_v to_o advance_v independency_n be_v to_o cloud_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n under_o dark_a expression_n and_o to_o eclipse_v those_o shine_a light_n the_o faithful_a godly_a minister_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o understanding_n of_o many_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o error_n obscurity_n and_o darkness_n as_o in_o a_o mantle_n and_o the_o ungrounded_a and_o unwarrantable_a notion_n of_o independency_n be_v receive_v by_o they_o as_o new_a light_n they_o be_v very_o please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o man_n natural_o have_v a_o ambitious_a boundless_a spirit_n and_o from_o the_o beginning_n will_v not_o be_v limit_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v without_o bound_n teach_v that_o it_o be_v free_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v practice_n and_o preach_v abroad_o their_o several_a opinion_n call_v it_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v such_o a_o light_n that_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o darkness_n will_v willing_o walk_v in_o but_o shall_v the_o independent_o obtain_v their_o desire_n wherever_o this_o new_a light_n be_v set_v up_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o other_o liberty_n then_o that_o which_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n and_o eve_n gain_v for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o god_n command_n which_o be_v to_o enslave_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v teach_v seek_v and_o join_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o sectary_n and_o libertine_n plead_v and_o stand_v for_o will_v bring_v confusion_n and_o a_o irrevocable_a curse_n on_o those_o kingdom_n and_o country_n as_o shall_v tolerate_v so_o great_a abomination_n and_o cause_v the_o lord_n who_o hate_v laodicean_n lukewarmenesse_n in_o religion_n to_o spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n revel_v 3._o 15._o 16._o but_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o say_v unto_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o whatsoever_o with_o his_o if_n he_o can_v plead_v against_o our_o presbyter_n may_v be_v say_v with_o much_o more_o and_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n against_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n if_o they_o be_v wicked_a or_o heretical_a for_o from_o they_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n by_o any_o among_o they_o never_o so_o much_o wrong_v and_o therefore_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o argue_v against_o our_o presbyter_n be_v as_o altogether_o uncharitable_a so_o but_o trifle_v but_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v upon_o i_o to_o provide_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n a_o honest_a and_o godly_a presbytery_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n account_n all_o the_o orthodox_n faithful_a and_o godly_a presbyter_n in_o the_o land_n at_o this_o day_n who_o differ_v from_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v late_o receive_v be_v neither_o honest_a nor_o godly_a for_o if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o honest_a &_o godly_a presbyter_n provide_v for_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v strange_a he_o shall_v speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v altogether_o want_v for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v intimate_v for_o why_o otherwise_o shall_v he_o make_v such_o a_o request_n to_o i_o of_o provide_v a_o honest_a &_o godly_a presbytery_n if_o he_o or_o they_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o godly_a presbytery_n already_o who_o notwithstanding_o he_o know_v have_v no_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o true_o all_o his_o argumentation_n be_v very_o uncharitable_a &_o no_o way_n beseem_v a_o brother_n for_o charity_n be_v kind_a and_o think_v no_o evil_a 1_o cor._n 13._o 4._o 5._o but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o set_v up_o in_o this_o land_n which_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n do_v he_o and_o the_o independent_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n unfeigned_o desire_v such_o a_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o &_o establish_v why_o
of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o contrary_a that_o of_o the_o independent_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o it_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n &_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o out_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o 1._o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n &_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20._o 17._o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o life_n i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o
epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 13._o 7._o remember_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o vers_fw-la 17._o obey_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o vers_n 24._o salute_v all_o they_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n here_o again_o he_o enjoin_v all_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o presbytery_n show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o their_o minister_n to_o rule_v and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o out_o of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n for_o they_o watch_v say_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n and_o in_o 1_o peter_z 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o say_v saint_n peter_n i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o taking_z the_o over_z sight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o saint_n james_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 14._o be_v any_o among_o you_o sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v in_o every_o church_n and_o every_o church_n be_v to_o submit_v itself_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o act_n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o brethren_n and_o act_v 21._o 17._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n say_v saint_n luke_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o city_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n namely_o of_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o in_o convent_v man_n before_o they_o upon_o occasion_n in_o admonish_v if_o any_o offend_v in_o suspend_v they_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigble_a in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o repentance_n in_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o again_o and_o in_o ordain_v of_o officer_n and_o in_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n where_o and_o within_o these_o limit_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v all_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n terminate_v and_o this_o they_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n joint_o and_o by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o exercise_v and_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v the_o order_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o establish_v and_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o people_n or_o the_o congregation_n be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o commission_n or_o have_v any_o power_n give_v they_o of_o rule_v for_o saint_n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n now_o paul_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o city_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o command_v timothy_n again_o and_o again_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o v._n 12_o 13._o i_o give_v thou_o charge_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n say_v he_o that_o thou_o keep_v this_o command_n without_o spot_n unblameable_a till_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o timothy_n and_o all_o minister_n in_o he_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n bind_v to_o maintain_v that_o government_n unblameable_a that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n by_o joint_a consent_n and_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n without_o their_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o when_o diotrephes_n assume_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytory_n &_o oppose_a john_n the_o presbyter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v his_o proceed_n and_o signify_v to_o the_o church_n epist_n 3._o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o word_n and_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n for_o he_o say_v s._n john_n content_v not_o himself_o only_o to_o prate_v malicious_o against_o we_o but_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o brethren_n nor_o suffer_v other_o but_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o he_o say_v saint_n john_n but_o for_o you_o say_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n follow_v not_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o to_o assume_v unto_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n that_o power_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o exercise_v only_o by_o the_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o which_o say_v saint_n john_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o shall_v call_v diotrephes_n the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o one_o of_o they_o do_v to_o i_o not_o long_o since_o whereas_o if_o the_o place_n be_v duâ—ly_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a govenment_n and_o for_o the_o which_o he_o be_v by_o saint_n john_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o in_o he_o all_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n into_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n but_o of_o this_o business_n when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v here_o make_v reply_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n his_o practice_n which_o be_v occasion_v as_o i_o relate_v before_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o discourse_n between_o i_o and_o a_o independent_a who_o affirm_v that_o diotriphes_n be_v the_o patriarch_n of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o which_o opinion_n of_o his_o mr_n knollys_n do_v seem_v to_o favour_n as_o by_o his_o word_n may_v appear_v but_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v the_o contrary_a
leave_v the_o poor_a sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o say_v when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v when_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o which_o master_n knollys_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v there_o his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o very_o common_a reason_n will_v dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o any_o man_n that_o if_o any_o great_a grazier_n have_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o many_o several_a walk_n and_o place_n of_o pasturage_n to_o feed_v they_o in_o and_o have_v several_a pastor_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o not_o a_o few_o shepherd_n can_v feed_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o give_v they_o all_o a_o charge_n in_o common_a of_o look_v to_o his_o sheep_n and_o feed_v they_o although_o all_o those_o several_a pastor_n be_v to_o have_v a_o general_a care_n of_o all_o those_o sheep_n that_o have_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o several_a walk_n and_o graze_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v his_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o special_a for_o he_o must_v not_o be_v idle_a over_o the_o which_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o particular_a inspection_n and_o care_n for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v the_o flock_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o his_o master_n pleasure_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o other_o fellow_n pastor_n or_o their_o flock_n all_o this_o i_o say_v good_a reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v confirm_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n all_o who_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a all_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o confess_v for_o all_o those_o church_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o govern_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o common_a council_n of_o their_o elder_n this_o presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o ward_n or_o walk_v commit_v unto_o his_o care_n and_o that_o elder_a have_v such_o a_o circuit_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n and_o a_o three_o elder_n have_v such_o a_o precinct_n commit_v to_o his_o cure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n with_o this_o proviso_n always_o that_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o sheep_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v order_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a presbyter_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o well_o regulate_v way_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v if_o every_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n and_o every_o particular_a congregation_n under_o they_o several_o will_v have_v govern_v as_o please_v themselves_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o college_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o diotrephes_n here_o for_o which_o he_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n john_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytry_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o they_o master_n knollys_n himself_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o same_o do_v accord_n who_o cite_v my_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o my_o book_n deduce_v from_o they_o four_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o set_v down_o after_o i_o have_v relate_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o before_o say_v he_o the_o doctor_n come_v to_o prove_v his_o four_o particular_a proposition_n he_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o several_a presbyter_n and_o produce_v divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o two_o sheet_n be_v spend_v whole_o in_o prove_v thereof_o from_o the_o 12_o page_n to_o the_o 29._o these_o word_n mr_n knollys_n quote_v out_o of_o my_o book_n now_o hear_v his_o answer_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v only_o prove_v first_o that_o in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n for_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o that_o thou_o ordain_v elder_n city_n by_o city_n tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o second_o that_o as_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v the_o 20._o ver_fw-la 25._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o philippy_n etc._n etc._n three_o that_o those_o several_a church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o 17._o 24._o who_o be_v their_o guide_v obey_v your_o guide_v four_o that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n god_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o four_o conclusion_n master_n knolleys_n gather_v out_o of_o my_o argument_n but_o with_o all_o add_v say_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n be_v dependent_a upon_o a_o supreme_a judicature_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o church_n this_o say_v mr._n knollys_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v his_o expression_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v prove_v first_o etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n the_o four_o conclusion_n now_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o place_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n in_o so_o speak_v all_o which_o shall_v â—t_a be_v grant_v as_o if_o he_o do_v i_o a_o great_a courtesy_n and_o favour_n to_o yield_v unto_o i_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a woâ—ds_n declare_v o_o be_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o truth_n sufficient_o ev_v need_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v except_o he_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o have_v perspicuous_o and_o in_o foe_n maul_v term_n set_v own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o college_n &_o presbyte_v ie_fw-fr of_o elder_n orda_fw-mi n_v and_o constitute_v in_o very_a church_n or_o city_n who_o be_v to_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a congreâ—ations_n within_o their_o â—râ—cin_n â—s_v w_z ch_n m_n knollys_n himself_o consent_v unto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o 4_o conclusion_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v any_o time_n of_o deny_v or_o not_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a jestament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o be_v so_o many_o several_a eccle_n aâ—â—icall_a corpo_fw-it ation_n and_o that_o all_o those_o scripture_n i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v right_o apply_v and_o allege_v now_o have_v be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o business_n be_v in_o question_n and_o agitation_n for_o mr_n knollys_n to_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o dislike_n and_o gainsaying_n but_o when_o he_o confirm_v what_o i_o prove_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o his_o four_o conclusion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o man_n to_o say_v all_o which_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v when_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n these_o be_v
that_o will_v have_v receive_v they_o yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o ver_fw-la 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o but_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o nâ—_n say_v he_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow_n elder_n or_o fellow_n saint_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o in_o master_n knollys_n his_o opinion_n diotrephes_n be_v a_o saint_n saint_n diotrephes_n therefore_o let_v he_o be_v even_o such_o another_o saint_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v diotrephes_n say_v he_o love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v the_o doctor_n marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v this_o place_n against_o the_o court_n of_o preshyters_n thus_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o answer_v most_o malicious_o and_o wicked_o calumniate_v his_o brethren_n and_o labour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n be_v like_o diotrephes_n in_o affect_v supremacy_n over_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o enrage_v the_o people_n against_o they_o when_o it_o be_v they_o themselves_o that_o will_v bring_v all_o man_n under_o their_o slavery_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a in_o their_o several_a congregation_n within_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o diotrephes_n but_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v synonimae_n in_o his_o dialect_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o evident_a from_o his_o word_n page_n the_o 7._o which_o be_v these_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n writ_n to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o these_o be_v master_n knollys_n formal_a expression_n out_o of_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o and_o that_o diotrophe_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n among_o they_o for_o so_o master_n knollys_n do_v in_o express_a term_n acknowledge_v and_o in_o so_o speak_v contradict_v himself_o and_o vindicate_v i_o from_o the_o error_n he_o accuse_v i_o of_o who_o affirm_v i_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n say_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v and_o yet_o here_o he_o assert_v that_o saint_n john_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n for_o i_o once_o and_o again_o and_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n he_o charge_v i_o with_o page_n 6_o and_o page_n 7._o by_o which_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o contentiousnesse_n and_o restlessness_n of_o the_o creature_n spirit_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n who_o contradict_v himself_o at_o every_o hand_n but_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n all_o the_o which_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o diotrephes_n aspire_v to_o the_o primacy_n among_o they_o and_o seek_v to_o stand_v singular_a by_o himself_o with_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o be_v independent_a and_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o reference_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n become_v a_o offender_n by_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o severe_o reprove_v by_o saint_n john_n for_o his_o so_o do_v in_o oppose_v his_o brethren_n in_o take_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o what_o member_n he_o please_v by_o his_o sole_a and_o absolute_a authority_n all_o which_o mr_n knollys_n accord_v to_o whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o whether_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o affront_v a_o court_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n see_v we_o read_v of_o none_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n before_o he_o and_o whether_o those_o that_o now_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o congregation_n within_o themselves_o independent_a be_v not_o rather_o like_o diotrephes_n than_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o government_n in_o common_a according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o consider_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o palpable_o contradict_v himself_o in_o all_o this_o his_o discourse_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o oppose_v the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v whether_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o mere_o to_o trifle_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o intelligible_a man_n i_o conceive_v that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n when_o they_o shall_v well_o consider_v my_o argument_n and_o mr_n knollys_n his_o reply_n unto_o it_o will_v say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o a_o offender_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v say_v wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o we_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v saint_n john_n himself_o and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n for_o he_o include_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o diotrephes_n prate_v against_o and_o oppose_v now_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o elder_a for_o so_o he_o call_v himself_o and_o mr_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o and_o confess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n and_o against_o all_o those_o do_v diotrephes_n prate_v with_o malicious_a word_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o authority_n which_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o gainsay_v yea_o he_o affirmrth_n it_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow-saint_n he_o will_v be_v primate_n say_v he_o and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o do_v it_o not_o then_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o mr_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o that_o affront_v the_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o speak_n of_o malicious_a word_n against_o they_o &_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o take_n in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n and_o rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n and_o with_o a_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n within_o himself_o in_o his_o congregation_n and_o violate_v that_o order_n of_o government_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n judgement_n to_o assume_v that_o authority_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o open_o to_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o to_o affront_v all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v i_o be_o confident_a all_o intelligible_a christian_n will_v say_v there_o be_v never_o any_o opposition_n of_o any_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n if_o this_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o he_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n in_o formal_a word_n whether_o
of_o colosse_n and_o to_o all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n as_o mr_n knollys_n confess_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v then_o these_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o argumentation_n the_o first_o that_o saint_n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o that_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n diotrephes_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o contradict_v himself_o for_o in_o the_o six_o page_n he_o affirm_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o any_o such_o court_n 2_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n w_n ch_n whole_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a so_o that_o one_o church_n have_v not_o one_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o another_o church_n another_o manner_n of_o government_n peculiar_a unto_o itself_o and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v alike_o by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n and_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v but_o each_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o there_o several_a presbytry_n and_o last_o that_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o saint_n diotrephes_n labour_v to_o violate_v in_o assume_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n both_o he_o and_o all_o these_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o all_o well_o order_v church_n and_o christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v for_o proof_n that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o which_o mr_n knollys_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n these_o appeal_v master_n knollys_n say_v i_o can_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n although_o the_o have_a recourse_n by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_n to_o superior_n and_o from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o be_v so_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v also_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o understand_a man_n yet_o master_n knollys_n peremptory_o assert_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n never_o so_o perspicuous_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n therefore_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o such_o as_o with_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a line_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n add_v something_o more_o full_o and_o distinct_o to_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n page_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o mention_v page_n 10._o and_o sufficient_o evince_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o unerring_a word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v also_o ratify_v the_o use_n of_o appeal_n by_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o willing_o do_v in_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v do_v again_o and_o again_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o only_o because_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v good_a that_o appeal_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o proof_n ofthi_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 15._o wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o appeal_v high_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o appeal_v yet_o high_o tell_v it_o then_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o precinct_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o appeal_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n and_o for_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o new-testament_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o old_a to_o begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n which_o we_o find_v record_v after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o question_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n whereas_o by_o conjoynt_v argrement_n it_o be_v appoint_v and_o order_v among_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v common_a and_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n they_o shall_v bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o also_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o very_a expression_n signify_v and_o denote_v what_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o in_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o as_o all_o the_o carriage_n of_o that_o business_n do_v abundant_o prove_v i_o say_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o it_o be_v find_v out_o that_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n have_v not_o deal_v faithful_o in_o that_o business_n nor_o according_a to_o public_a agreement_n but_o have_v consent_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o brethren_n and_o by_o that_o have_v scandalize_v the_o gospel_n the_o church_n or_o people_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o this_o abuse_n take_v not_o the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n unto_o themselves_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o well_o know_v their_o place_n then_o and_o that_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o they_o appeal_v therefore_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v their_o complaint_n unto_o they_o and_o exhibit_v their_o article_n against_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n whereupon_o they_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o apostle_n as_o delinquent_n peter_n then_o be_v there_o precedent_n and_o chief_a judge_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a sentence_v they_o both_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n with_o death_n by_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o a_o appeal_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o it_o plenary_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o punish_v of_o all_o offender_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n and_o therefore_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o to_o this_o court_n of_o presbyter_n be_v all_o appeal_v ever_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o precinct_n as_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o other_o precedent_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o have_v a_o second_o appeal_n upon_o a_o other_o public_a
scandal_n which_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n where_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o particular_a congregation_n assume_v not_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o hand_n of_o redress_v the_o abuse_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o right_n to_o the_o government_n but_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n who_o order_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o joint_a consent_n to_o which_o all_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o the_o acts._n the_o three_o appeal_n we_o find_v act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n saint_n paul_n forth_o with_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o know_v have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v know_v his_o cause_n unto_o they_o they_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellow-ship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n of_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o and_o therefore_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o appeal_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n whether_o to_o fly_v to_o wit_v the_o to_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n or_o debar_v from_o any_o church-priviledge_n by_o they_o for_o they_o only_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a or_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v three_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mother-church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o abuse_n so_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n this_o truth_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v plenary_a power_n over_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o can_v call_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o a_o account_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o act_n where_o peter_n be_v convent_v &_o questionedbefore_n they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o which_o he_o willing_o yield_v unto_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o question_v any_o yea_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n can_v send_v the_o very_a apostle_n &_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n or_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o see_v they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a act_n the_o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o and_o therefore_o all_o these_o example_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o every_o church_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n if_o there_o arise_v any_o controversy_n and_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o and_o if_o there_o arise_v any_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o church_n or_o between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n about_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n than_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o those_o controversy_n to_o counsel_n and_o synod_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v so_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o due_a deliberation_n serious_o examine_v the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v and_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o learning_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v shall_v ever_o dare_v say_v that_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n whereas_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o this_o of_o appeal_n yea_o this_o method_n of_o deal_v and_o manner_n of_o handle_v of_o business_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o government_n under_o the_o very_a heathen_n and_o paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n to_o caesar_n tribunal_n and_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a where_o we_o know_v they_o have_v appeal_n from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o nay_o if_o christian_n now_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o sure_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o either_o the_o jewish_a or_o ethnic_n kingdom_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o all_o reason_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n matth._n the_o 13._o and_o beside_o the_o precedent_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v appeal_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v and_o ratify_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o brief_o set_v down_o may_v satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n but_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n or_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o must_v say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a cavil_n of_o master_n knollys_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v these_o appeal_n say_v he_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o that_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o the_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o fond_a cavil_n have_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o to_o any_o solid_a man_n and_o true_o have_v not_o i_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o trifle_a creature_n as_o he_o be_v in_o serious_a business_n who_o count_v every_o word_n he_o scrible_v a_o oracle_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v by_o it_o with_o silence_n as_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o all_o his_o other_o wrangle_n be_v except_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o principle_n nor_o no_o good_a learning_n but_o for_o answer_v all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_o know_v that_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o settle_a belief_n that_o all_o church_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o same_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o be_v hear_v that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n gal._n 1._o and_o this_o word_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o my_o opinion_n no_o church_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n be_v independent_a and_o therefore_o all_o such_o church_n and_o counsel_n as_o have_v not_o either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a and_o idle_a fantasy_n and_o affect_v independency_n in_o my_o opinion_n they_o in_o so_o order_v their_o church_n do_v not_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n now_o when_o the_o
this_o truth_n be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o wilful_o blind_v themselves_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v hourly_a experience_n furnish_v man_n with_o precedent_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o delinquent_n be_v find_v out_o they_o be_v not_o hail_v before_o the_o people_n but_o before_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a hew_v and_o cry_v that_o be_v send_v to_o any_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o his_o deputy_n and_o to_o such_o in_o that_o town_n or_o village_n as_o be_v in_o place_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o people_n trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o it_o yea_o they_o will_v ordinary_o say_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o place_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o business_n of_o state_n that_o they_o affirm_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n secular_a and_o in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n those_o in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o people_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o corporation_n a_o stand_a presbytery_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n and_o ruler_n in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n of_o they_o all_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n lay_v the_o which_o government_n they_o be_v ever_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a agreement_n with_o which_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o intermeddle_v for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v that_o order_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o each_o church_n and_o this_o all_o well-instructed_n christian_n know_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n not_o any_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v of_o oppose_a that_o government_n before_o diotrephes_n who_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o his_o temerity_n by_o st._n john_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a leave_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o howsoever_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o sant_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n steward_n and_o angel_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o place_n that_o the_o independent_o so_o much_o abuse_v howsoever_o paul_n epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o officer_n only_o and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n both_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o and_o the_o take_n of_o he_o in_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 2_o epistle_n and_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o punishment_n inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v not_o censure_v he_o or_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o but_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n and_o this_o agreeable_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n be_v mighty_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n in_o say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o 17._o so_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v he_o these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o double_a yea_o a_o treble_a fallacy_n for_o first_o he_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o which_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o for_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n and_o he_o only_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o by_o this_o he_o deceive_v the_o reader_n 2_o by_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o people_n the_o presbyter_n exclude_v and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n whereas_o indeed_o though_o in_o all_o those_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n yet_o it_o lay_v soe_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o they_o only_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o stand_v to_o their_o order_n so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o this_o business_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequiturâ—unc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o error_n that_o ensue_v from_o groundless_a principle_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a consequence_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o 1._o and_o 5._o say_v vers_n 5._o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o i_o assert_v do_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o good_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o ambassador_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n now_o or_o if_o any_o message_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o any_o corporation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n command_v such_o service_n from_o it_o to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o people_n in_o those_o corporation_n shall_v intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n but_o all_o sound_a understanding_n man_n will_v say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o grave_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o manage_v public_a affair_n and_o to_o the_o major_a and_o aldermèn_fw-fr and_o the_o common-council_n of_o each_o corporation_n to_o transact_v and_o order_v the_o public_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n in_o those_o several_a place_n that_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o they_o to_o order_v all_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n who_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v call_v and_o appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o as_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o take_v in_o according_a to_o divine_a authority_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o people_n in_o any_o church_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n now_o when_o master_n knollys_n by_o church_n understand_v a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o abuse_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o all_o those_o poor_a delude_a people_n that_o follow_v he_o yea_o he_o destroy_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o i_o s._n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n in_o every_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v often_o cite_v before_o and_o i_o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o
that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v by_o lest_o he_o shall_v glory_v i_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o will_v therefore_o say_v something_o to_o that_o and_o conclude_v this_o point_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o all_o his_o other_o fond_a answer_n to_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o encounter_v with_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o babble_n if_o say_v he_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n &_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n rather_o chatter_v than_o dispute_v in_o make_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o therefore_o for_o answer_n let_v mr_n knollys_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o transgression_n in_o saint_n john_n against_o the_o presbyter_n in_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o himself_o for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o universal_a pastor_n tie_v to_o no_o one_o place_n or_o flock_n but_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o which_o lie_v primary_o and_o principal_o upon_o they_o who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o speak_v in_o and_o by_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o man_n thought_n word_n action_n and_o government_n and_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n have_v no_o less_o authority_n and_o power_n over_o this_o church_n wherein_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o in_o and_o over_o all_o other_o church_n than_o s._n paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v in_o all_o church_n now_o if_o s._n paul_n can_v give_v a_o law_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o for_o the_o carry_v of_o themselves_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o their_o assembly_n and_o sharp_o reproove_v offender_n in_o that_o church_n and_o if_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a and_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o they_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o transgression_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n but_o with_o the_o very_a good_a like_n and_o allowance_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o write_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o the_o church_n than_o i_o say_v saint_n john_n transgress_v not_o at_o all_o in_o use_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n over_o diotrephes_n in_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o for_o this_o he_o may_v well_o do_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n without_o any_o offence_n as_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n for_o what_o he_o do_v he_o do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o christ_n himself_o who_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a if_o not_o a_o impious_a thing_n in_o master_n knollys_n to_o draw_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o a_o fantasy_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n in_o that_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o saint_n john_n and_o another_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o will_v make_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v none_o and_o infer_v that_o saint_n john_n take_v more_o upon_o he_o than_o he_o ought_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v no_o transgression_n in_o any_o other_o presbyter_n if_o he_o have_v write_v so_o to_o any_o presbytery_n under_o which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o fellow_n presbyter_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o any_o miscarriage_n in_o either_o pastor_n or_o member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o elder_a and_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o will_v assume_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o himself_o than_o become_v a_o presbyter_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o both_o to_o witness_v to_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o know_v of_o such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o fellow_n judge_n and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o common_a council_n of_o elder_n which_o saint_n john_n do_v who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o censure_v such_o a_o offender_n and_o in_o his_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o rather_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v gather_v for_o by_o such_o word_n he_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n or_o council_n there_o where_o offender_n be_v both_o to_o be_v question_v and_o censure_v for_o such_o a_o expression_n if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o manife_v that_o he_o be_v a_o judge_n there_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o with_o other_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o all_o cause_n there_o and_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v by_o the_o mutual_a and_o joint_a accord_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v manage_v by_o any_o one_o single_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v never_o give_v the_o key_n unto_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o follow_v and_o not_o that_o which_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o intimate_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o any_o judicious_a christian_a upon_o due_a deliberation_n will_v say_v the_o same_o and_o will_v conclude_v that_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o so_o write_v be_v no_o offender_n though_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v transact_v by_o the_o joint_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v judicious_a may_v plain_o behold_v the_o futility_n in_o both_o the_o answer_n and_o cavil_v of_o this_o man_n and_o well_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v never_o cut_v out_o for_o a_o disputant_n or_o ever_o fit_v for_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n who_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o own_o mind_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n in_o both_o and_o violate_v all_o order_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o make_v the_o head_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o foot_n the_o head_n and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n or_o rather_o seventy_o for_o every_o ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o prove_v a_o church_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o so_o much_o disorder_n and_o discrepancy_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o pretend_v divine_a authority_n for_o its_o particular_a government_n as_o he_o will_v advise_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n for_o never_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v there_o such_o practiceâ—_n in_o any_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n 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it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o sâ—ake_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbyter_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27._o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o you_o have_v none_o in_o your_o congregation_n so_o miraculous_o inspire_v with_o sundry_a language_n and_o divers_a tongue_n nor_o you_o do_v not_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n nor_o you_o can_v cure_v disease_n nor_o do_v miracle_n ergò_fw-la your_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n show_v we_o these_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o they_o may_v argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n preach_v free_o and_o labour_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_o be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o and_o speak_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o your_o minister_n in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20._o 29._o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o whatsoever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o dayall_a committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o rape_n wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a council_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o council_n and_o just_a 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 assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20._o 21._o and_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o judicature_n in_o those_o time_n in_o censure_a man_n manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v and_o administer_v by_o a_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o learned_a experience_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n consistory_n or_o college_n of_o able_a man_n for_o government_n choose_v and_o select_v out_o of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n by_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o their_o ability_n the_o which_o assembly_n and_o company_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o do_v represent_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n christ_n do_v establish_v the_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o apostle_n this_o representative_a body_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o privilege_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v now_o all_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n nor_o by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v but_o by_o a_o assembly_n senate_n council_n or_o presbytery_n of_o understand_a man_n assign_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n &_o this_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o several_a presbytery_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n in_o judas_n his_o place_n and_o in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n 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council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o abitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o
the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o name_n be_v jairus_n here_o be_v a_o special_a ecce_fw-la add_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o a_o great_a man_n and_o one_o in_o authority_n come_v unto_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o a_o public_a way_n and_o one_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n so_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o people_n in_o every_o synagogue_n be_v govern_v and_o command_v by_o their_o ruler_n and_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o commission_n but_o stand_v to_o their_o determination_n as_o all_o man_n use_v to_o do_v in_o court_n of_o judicature_n that_o appeal_v unto_o they_o for_o justice_n and_o this_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ruler_n among_o they_o be_v among_o christian_n sometime_o call_v presbyter_n sometime_o guide_n sometime_o ruler_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o 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wilderness_n of_o judaea_n and_o say_v repent_v you_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n then_o go_v out_o to_o he_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o â—udaea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n the_o baptism_n of_o john_n as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o preach_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o baptise_a all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o into_o jesus_n christ_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19_o ver_fw-la 4._o he_o have_v his_o commission_n also_o from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o baptise_a christ_n himself_o he_o preach_v also_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v many_o honourable_a testimony_n from_o christ_n himself_o as_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o bright_a shine_a light_n and_o that_o he_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o many_o other_o encomium_n and_o praise_n do_v christ_n give_v of_o he_o to_o ratify_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o elias_n that_o be_v to_o come_v before_o the_o messiah_n and_o all_o the_o people_n own_v and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o man_n send_v of_o god_n and_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o he_o and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o and_o be_v baptise_a of_o he_o in_o these_o word_n we_o find_v that_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o turn_v christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v believer_n for_o which_o way_n soever_o the_o word_n jerusalem_n be_v take_v it_o signify_v a_o numberless_a multitude_n of_o man_n or_o a_o innumerable_a company_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n she_o be_v a_o most_o populous_a city_n the_o historian_n that_o write_v of_o that_o age_n relate_v that_o she_o have_v sometime_o in_o she_o no_o less_o than_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o hundred_o thousand_o but_o let_v it_o be_v take_v that_o these_o be_v but_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v a_o vast_a multitude_n and_o yet_o seldom_o be_v there_o less_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o belief_n may_v be_v have_v to_o historian_n for_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o metropolis_n city_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v then_o great_a expectation_n as_o we_o may_v read_v luke_n 19_o 11._o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v immediate_o appear_v and_o all_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n where_o they_o be_v scatter_v now_o repair_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o return_v into_o their_o own_o country_n expect_v the_o messiah_n so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o there_o be_v infinite_n of_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n by_o jerusalem_n here_o metonimycal_o the_o place_n be_v take_v for_o the_o people_n now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o city_n go_v out_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n old_a and_o young_a with_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v in_o great_a earthquake_n or_o some_o pestilence_n or_o inundation_n that_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v a_o city_n and_o to_o seek_v some_o other_o habitation_n or_o of_o some_o great_a part_n but_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o john_n baptist_n in_o that_o large_a sense_n and_o expression_n so_o that_o in_o this_o place_n it_o must_v be_v take_v synecdochycal_o and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o great_a part_n or_o a_o chief_a part_n for_o the_o whole_a as_o when_o a_o city_n be_v say_v to_o entertain_v a_o king_n or_o to_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v a_o king_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v principal_o of_o the_o chief_a officer_n as_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o the_o common-council_n and_o all_o their_o several_a company_n and_o chief_a captain_n and_o commander_n with_o all_o their_o magnificence_n so_o that_o in_o this_o notion_n the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o ordinary_a citizen_n be_v not_o think_v on_o or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o number_v as_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlem_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o inquire_v where_o they_o shall_v find_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o for_o they_o have_v see_v his_o star_n it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o herod_n hear_v these_o thing_n he_o and_o all_o jerusalem_n be_v trouble_v with_o he_o here_o by_o all_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v all_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o courtier_n for_o the_o common_a people_n be_v glad_a of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o day_n they_o have_v long_o look_v for_o and_o rejoice_v at_o but_o herod_n be_v a_o usurper_n and_o a_o tyrant_n and_o all_o his_o noble_n peer_n and_o great_a man_n be_v confederate_a with_o he_o and_o adjutor_n in_o his_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n and_o conceive_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o earthly_a monarch_n and_o that_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o will_v not_o only_o pull_v down_o the_o usurper_n but_o likewise_o call_v all_o they_o in_o question_n as_o guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n and_o cut_v they_o of_o as_o complice_n and_o abettor_n this_o make_v they_o tremble_v and_o fear_v and_o because_o it_o
own_a disciple_n who_o have_v the_o best_a and_o frequent_a instruction_n not_o only_o hesitate_v that_o be_v doubt_v but_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o messiah_n the_o second_o be_v because_o other_o do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o the_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n these_o his_o reason_n i_o affirm_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mere_a calumny_n and_o a_o false_a accusation_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v but_o his_o own_o wicked_a and_o groundless_a surmise_n and_o if_o every_o man_n from_o his_o own_o fictious_a and_o fond_a conceit_n and_o suppose_a premise_n may_v take_v the_o liberty_n thus_o to_o vent_v himself_o i_o know_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n yea_o overthrown_a and_o i_o know_v no_o christian_n nor_o saint_n but_o may_v at_o any_o time_n be_v unsainted_a and_o unchristian_v our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o 7._o of_o luke_n vers_fw-la 32_o 33_o 34._o compare_v those_o of_o his_o time_n unto_o little_a child_n sit_v in_o the_o market_n place_n and_o call_v one_o to_o another_o and_o say_v we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v for_o john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_a bread_n nor_o drink_v wine_n and_o you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v behold_v a_o gluttonous_a man_n and_o a_o wine_n bibber_n afriend_v of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n by_o which_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o see_v nothing_o can_v please_v the_o gentleman_n of_o his_o time_n now_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o age_n in_o the_o world_n or_o company_n of_o man_n in_o it_o that_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o these_o little_a child_n than_o this_o of_o we_o and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o especial_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v who_o be_v please_v with_o nothing_o and_o can_v least_o of_o all_o endure_v any_o uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n against_o which_o they_o profess_o both_o write_v and_o preach_v and_o as_o those_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n do_v speak_v against_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o against_o christ_n himself_o so_o at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o we_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n profess_v they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o or_o christ_n disciple_n and_o i._o s._n peremptory_o affirm_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o that_o his_o ministry_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v all_o man_n will_v judge_v that_o the_o independent_o may_v well_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o of_o christ_n time_n who_o unchurch_n all_o but_o themselves_o but_o say_v i._n s._n they_o be_v johns_n own_o disciple_n that_o both_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_v and_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o his_o say_n he_o produce_v the_o 3._o of_o john_n vers_fw-la 26._o i_o will_v therefore_o set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n with_o the_o forego_v verse_n which_o will_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n verse_n 25._o then_o there_o arise_v say_v the_o evangelist_n a_o question_n between_o some_o of_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n about_o purify_n and_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n he_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o beyond_o jordan_n to_o who_o thou_o bear_v witness_v behold_v the_o same_o baptize_v and_o all_o man_n come_v to_o he_o these_o be_v the_o word_n out_o of_o which_o i._o s._n ground_n all_o his_o accusation_n against_o johns_n disciple_n by_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v they_o no_o christian_n but_o if_o man_n will_v but_o due_o weigh_v and_o examine_v the_o text_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o very_a similitude_n of_o the_o illation_n and_o consequence_n i._o s._n infer_v from_o thence_o for_o first_o the_o question_n there_o start_v be_v not_o between_o johns_n disciple_n and_o christ_n but_o between_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v between_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o john_n disciple_n who_o be_v enemy_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o question_v all_o they_o do_v ever_o and_o anon_o ask_v john_n and_o christ_n by_o what_o authority_n they_o preach_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o so_o here_o the_o jew_n they_o question_v with_o johns_n disciple_n concern_v his_o ministry_n as_o by_o all_o conjecture_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v &_o about_o legal_a purification_n of_o which_o they_o be_v very_o studious_a and_o great_a observer_n to_o which_o the_o pharisee_n have_v add_v many_o of_o their_o own_o as_o we_o may_v see_v matth_n the_o 15._o and_o mark_v the_o 7._o and_o therefore_o they_o contend_v with_o johns_n disciple_n about_o purify_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o wash_n see_v they_o have_v so_o much_o rinse_n and_o purify_n already_o among_o they_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o contention_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o johns_n disciple_n arise_v upon_o this_o that_o johns_n disciple_n much_o magnify_v the_o baptism_n of_o their_o master_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o pharisee_n they_o extol_v as_o much_o their_o purification_n think_v they_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o error_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o have_v often_o by_o the_o prophet_n be_v confute_v as_o in_o isa_n 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n now_o john_n that_o he_o may_v revoke_v all_o man_n from_o this_o error_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rest_v in_o corporal_a washing_n and_o in_o outward_a performance_n exhort_v they_o to_o look_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o all_o those_o ceremony_n be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o be_v all_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o faith_n whole_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o chapter_n do_v sufficient_o show_v now_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o this_o dispute_n the_o evangelist_n relate_v in_o the_o 26._o verse_n that_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n he_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o beyond_o jordan_n to_o who_o thou_o bear_v witness_v behold_v the_o same_o baptize_v and_o all_o man_n come_v to_o he_o out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i._o s._n shall_v gather_v that_o johns_n disciple_n not_o only_o hesitate_v but_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o see_v very_o good_a ground_n why_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v conclude_v if_o they_o be_v johns_n disciple_n and_o that_o they_o dear_o esteem_v christ_n and_o much_o honour_v he_o rather_o than_o that_o they_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o but_o first_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o johns_n disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o only_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o some_o come_v unto_o john_n they_o come_v unto_o he_o say_v the_o scripture_n which_o they_o it_o be_v not_o specify_v for_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n contend_v and_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o the_o last_o place_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o they_o be_v the_o jew_n rather_o than_o johns_n disciple_n that_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o be_v last_o speak_v of_o &_o mention_v and_o if_o they_o be_v the_o jew_n than_o they_o be_v the_o know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n both_o of_o john_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v none_o of_o johns_n disoiple_n as_o i._o s._n fond_o persuade_v himself_o for_o they_o be_v continual_a enemy_n and_o adversary_n to_o they_o both_o so_o that_o if_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n they_o come_v unto_o he_o by_o way_n of_o complaint_n and_o as_o be_v scandalize_v &_o then_o they_o be_v not_o johns_n follower_n and_o scholar_n for_o they_o be_v better_o teach_v then_o to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o christ_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o i._o s._n for_o disputation_n sake_n that_o they_o be_v johns_n own_o disciple_n which_o yet_o can_v clear_o be_v prove_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o those_o word_n that_o they_o either_o doubt_v or_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n as_o i._o s._n vain_o and_o impious_o conclude_v for_o if_o any_o shall_v hear_v some_o one_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n great_o magnify_v one_o of_o his_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n minister_n as_o to_o be_v a_o man_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o shall_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o rare_a preacher_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o
i_o do_v be_v not_o this_o the_o christ_n then_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v out_o and_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n which_o testify_v he_o tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n now_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o of_o thy_o say_n but_o because_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n say_v they_o believe_v before_o upon_o the_o woman_n relation_n but_o we_o now_o coroborate_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o johns_n disciple_n and_o follower_n but_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o therefore_o from_o that_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o think_v that_o any_o of_o johns_n disciple_n that_o have_v the_o best_a and_o frequent_a instruction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n can_v either_o doubt_n or_o be_v scandalize_v at_o he_o because_o the_o people_n follow_v christ_n and_o john_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o he_o no_o sure_o none_o will_v so_o conclude_v but_o i._o s._n and_o his_o fraternity_n much_o less_o will_v they_o say_v that_o other_o do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v i._o s._n his_o second_o reason_n or_o rather_o folly_n and_o madness_n and_o upon_o this_o their_o wicked_a conceit_n and_o groundless_a opinion_n infer_v that_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n as_o i._o s._n do_v for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o do_v relate_v that_o any_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o that_o baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o a_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a fellow_n than_o be_v this_o i._o s._n that_o dare_v thus_o at_o pleasure_n traduce_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o false_o accuse_v all_o john_n own_o disciple_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o upon_o this_o bare_a opinion_n of_o he_o to_o unchristian_a they_o all_o it_o may_v now_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o any_o good_a christian_n that_o the_o whole_a rout_n of_o the_o independent_o unchurch_n we_o and_o make_v no_o christian_n of_o we_o and_o asperse_v and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a of_o we_o at_o pleasure_n call_v we_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o kingdom_n see_v upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o do_v the_o same_o to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n all_o which_o i._o s._n proclaim_v to_o be_v no_o christian_n as_o his_o word_n do_v sufficient_o speak_v but_o from_o the_o testimony_n that_o he_o produce_v to_o prove_v that_o johns_n disciple_n be_v scandalize_v at_o christ_n i_o gather_v the_o contrary_a for_o the_o reason_n above_o specify_v and_o conclude_v with_o all_o that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n daily_o convert_v by_o christ_n and_o johns_n ministry_n &_o be_v all_o make_v good_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o chapter_n quote_v by_o he_o that_o all_o man_n come_v to_o he_o &_o john_n and_o they_o be_v all_o baptize_v so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o congregation_n can_v contain_v all_o they_o that_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n come_v out_o to_o john_n and_o our_o saviour_n send_v this_o message_n unto_o john_n in_o the_o 7._o of_o luke_n as_o one_o of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v that_o the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v not_o only_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n but_o the_o multitude_n of_o people_n that_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a in_o respect_n of_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o want_v those_o riches_n that_o other_o abound_v with_o and_o he_o affirm_v of_o these_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v the_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n only_o that_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o but_o for_o all_o the_o poor_a say_v he_o and_o all_o other_o that_o hear_v john_n they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v gospel_n christian_n and_o such_o as_o believe_v aright_o and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v credit_v they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o that_o in_o mighty_a multitude_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o a_o few_o congregation_n together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n but_o because_o i_o s._n so_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o people_n receive_v johns_n baptism_n yet_o it_o will_v stand_v i_o in_o little_a stead_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n viz_o that_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n these_o be_v his_o word_n add_v with_o all_o much_o less_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o lest_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v one_o of_o their_o chief_a argument_n by_o which_o 1_n s._n &_o they_o of_o his_o fraternity_n uphold_v their_o opinion_n of_o independency_n and_o by_o which_o they_o unchurch_n all_o other_o church_n but_o their_o own_o at_o this_o day_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v i_o will_v spend_v the_o more_o time_n about_o this_o argument_n the_o which_o howsoever_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o i._n s._n but_o as_o as_o a_o corollary_n yet_o it_o may_v stand_v for_o his_o six_o argument_n and_o the_o best_a in_o the_o bunch_n to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v there_o with_o their_o way_n of_o independency_n therefore_o i_o will_v first_o put_v his_o word_n into_o a_o syllogistical_a frame_n then_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o they_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o lest_o of_o all_o be_v member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n but_o all_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o go_v out_o to_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n least_o of_o all_o be_v they_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n this_o be_v i._n s._n his_o argument_n which_o he_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n the_o minor_a of_o which_o i_o deny_v affirm_v they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n as_o the_o sequel_n wlil_v show_v but_o because_o by_o this_o argument_n the_o independent_o do_v not_o only_a unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n but_o indeed_o unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o the_o protestant_a church_n through_o the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o church_n but_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v be_v something_o the_o large_a in_o examine_v it_o with_o the_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o show_v and_o discover_v the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o it_o by_o which_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v for_o by_o that_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v but_o a_o old_a piece_n of_o popery_n in_o new_a clothes_n though_o varnish_v over_o with_o fine_a colour_n that_o it_o may_v come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n more_o lovely_a and_o less_o suspect_v and_o it_o be_v as_o little_a prevalent_a to_o maintain_v their_o cause_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v to_o uphold_v their_o babel_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o independent_o here_o agree_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o they_o both_o deny_v that_o those_o believer_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n into_o christ_n to_o come_v be_v form_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n or_o church_n for_o we_o have_v i._o s._n his_o formal_a word_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o confident_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o express_a term_n page_n 9_o of_o his_o book_n accord_v unto_o he_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o pag._n 16._o of_o his_o book_n he_o produce_v the_o papist_n
doctrine_n to_o prove_v this_o their_o opinion_n to_o be_v legitimate_a so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n of_o their_o belief_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o independent_o agree_v against_o all_o the_o current_n and_o the_o whole_a school_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n divine_v who_o hold_v they_o be_v christian_n second_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o also_o that_o both_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n must_v ever_o be_v visible_a and_o apparent_a so_o that_o be_v their_o never_o so_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n and_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o such_o and_o such_o a_o mould_n and_o form_n than_o theyare_n not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o their_o dialect_n they_o be_v either_o heretic_n or_o no_o christian_n but_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o limit_n compass_n and_o bound_n that_o they_o have_v circumscribe_v their_o church_n with_o and_o be_v not_o under_o that_o visible_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v appoint_v they_o account_v they_o all_o heretic_n and_o no_o church_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v the_o independent_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o that_o be_v to_o say_v speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n all_o such_o congregation_n and_o assemble_v as_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o by_o a_o explcite_v particular_a covenant_n &_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n &_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o independent_a they_o be_v no_o church_n and_o all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o their_o new_a mould_n or_o model_n they_o proclaim_v they_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o account_v of_o they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o independent_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o bind_v and_o limit_v all_o church_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o external_a form_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o that_o be_v want_v according_a to_o their_o dialect_n though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o both_o of_o they_o far_o accord_v and_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o form_n of_o their_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o the_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n respective_o they_o must_v not_o be_v fluid_a as_o they_o speak_v but_o they_o must_v be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o independent_a but_o in_o this_o the_o papist_n deal_v far_o more_o honest_o than_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o have_v in_o many_o large_a volume_n full_o set_v down_o the_o model_n of_o their_o government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o for_o their_o chief_a officer_n they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o presbytery_n at_o rome_n the_o cardinal_n patriarch_n primate_fw-la metropolitan_n archbishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o what_o their_o model_n and_o government_n be_v to_o a_o hare_n but_o what_o the_o independent_o model_n be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o man_n can_v yet_o ever_o learn_v but_o by_o conjecture_n which_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o they_o shall_v thus_o at_o pleasure_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o church_n and_o christian_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o never_o declare_v what_o that_o form_n and_o mould_n be_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v their_o daily_a wicked_a practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v if_o they_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n the_o independent_o be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o mongrel_n papist_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n belieeve_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o their_o church_n believe_v and_o take_v all_o they_o speak_v as_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a but_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n better_a than_o so_o who_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v he_o matth._n 17._o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o and_o not_o to_o give_v ear_n unto_o stranger_n and_o from_o his_o bless_a word_n we_o have_v learn_v these_o two_o lesson_n the_o first_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v faithful_o and_o true_o preach_v by_o minister_n send_v by_o he_o and_o where_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o by_o the_o people_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n although_o they_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v not_o that_o external_a form_n either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o speak_v of_o and_o for_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n holy_a word_n second_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o churhe_n in_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n where_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o public_a manner_n nor_o where_o their_o very_a meeting_n together_o be_v not_o allow_v unto_o they_o by_o authority_n for_o all_o such_o as_o confine_v a_o church_n or_o church_n to_o these_o external_a form_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o confound_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o adjunct_n and_o accideut_n of_o it_o whereas_o church_n may_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o external_a form_n of_o government_n as_o may_v by_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v prove_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o israel_n where_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o establish_v a_o form_n of_o government_n and_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v punctual_o be_v observe_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la the_o 3._o these_o word_n now_o for_o a_o long_a season_n israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n and_o without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o law_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o their_o do_v not_o then_o appear_v any_o external_a form_n of_o a_o church_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n when_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o public_o know_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v there_o his_o true_a church_n among_o they_o yea_o in_o the_o great_a height_n of_o idolatry_n when_o all_o the_o prophet_n be_v persecute_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o cave_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n also_o god_n have_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v knee_n to_o baal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a form_n that_o be_v absolute_o require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n without_o that_o external_a appearance_n they_o speak_v of_o for_o a_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n be_v another_o and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o willing_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o appearance_n and_o naked_a shadow_n for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o will_v but_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n after_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v it_o up_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o peregrination_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o that_o after_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o direction_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o his_o worship_n wheresoever_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n shall_v come_v and_o
shall_v also_o behold_v the_o diverse_a alteration_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v with_o all_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v where_o there_o have_v be_v such_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o no_o where_o else_o then_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n any_o where_o visible_o to_o appear_v and_o be_v find_v many_o time_n in_o the_o world_n in_o those_o day_n and_o yet_o the_o true_a church_n always_o remain_v in_o abraham_n family_n and_o god_n have_v his_o people_n and_o a_o true_a church_n among_o his_o seed_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o example_n i_o will_v brief_o name_v some_o we_o know_v that_o the_o israelite_n and_o hebrew_n the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o first_o bear_v continue_v many_o generation_n as_o stranger_n in_o egypt_n all_o the_o which_o time_n they_o never_o offer_v up_o any_o outward_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n for_o that_o have_v be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o egyptian_n and_o they_o will_v not_o tolerate_v and_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o land_n which_o move_v moses_n to_o solicit_v pharaoh_n to_o give_v the_o people_n of_o god_n leave_v that_o they_o may_v go_v a_o day_n journey_n to_o sacrifice_v in_o the_o wilderness_n give_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o postulation_n say_v that_o they_o can_v not_o sacrifice_v in_o egypt_n for_o that_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o egyptian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o all_o the_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o egypt_n they_o have_v not_o that_o public_a ordinance_n &_o that_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o yet_o all_o that_o while_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o be_v visible_o know_v by_o their_o religion_n to_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o egyptian_n as_o who_o profess_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o name_n they_o call_v upon_o through_o all_o their_o tribe_n and_o who_o they_o serve_v night_n and_o day_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v they_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o public_a sacrifice_n only_o they_o have_v circumcision_n among_o they_o that_o discriminate_a ordinance_n from_o other_o nation_n but_o if_o that_o have_v be_v the_o form_n of_o this_o true_a church_n than_o all_o the_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v forty_o year_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a form_n of_o a_o church_n for_o they_o circumcise_v not_o their_o child_n there_o and_o that_o reproach_n be_v not_o take_v away_o till_o they_o come_v to_o gilgall_n or_o at_o lest_o have_v pass_v the_o red_a sea_n so_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v be_v tie_v to_o external_a form_n we_o shall_v for_o many_o year_n together_o find_v no_o true_a form_v church_n in_o those_o time_n nay_o when_o they_o be_v come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n how_o often_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n so_o deform_v as_o no_o man_n almost_o can_v see_v any_o form_n or_o comeliness_n in_o it_o all_o the_o external_a beauty_n which_o be_v the_o worship_n be_v either_o whole_o forget_v or_o so_o adulterate_v and_o pollute_v with_o idolatry_n as_o there_o be_v not_o leave_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o choose_a people_n and_o a_o true_a church_n but_o if_o they_o have_v seek_v to_o know_v it_o by_o any_o external_a form_n it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v find_v so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o it_o want_v a_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n yea_o after_o that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o have_v command_v that_o that_o form_n of_o government_n shall_v be_v continue_v and_o perpetuate_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n how_o many_o alteration_n notwithstanding_o be_v there_o find_v both_o in_o juda_n and_o israel_n and_o how_o do_v idolatry_n spread_v itself_o abroad_o through_o both_o those_o kingdom_n so_o that_o idolatry_n be_v not_o only_o commit_v under_o every_o green_a tree_n and_o in_o all_o grove_n and_o upon_o every_o mountain_n and_o high_a place_n but_o even_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o holy_a city_n yea_o in_o the_o very_a temple_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o external_a form_n of_o a_o church_n leave_v and_o yet_o then_o also_o have_v god_n his_o church_n there_o and_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o dear_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o again_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n into_o babylon_n we_o know_v that_o all_o the_o time_n they_o continue_v there_o they_o have_v neither_o sacrifice_n nor_o many_o other_o ordinance_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v among_o they_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sing_v a_o song_n of_o zion_n in_o that_o strange_a land_n and_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o exercise_n among_o they_o but_o of_o the_o moral_a worship_n of_o prayer_n and_o read_v the_o prophet_n and_o of_o prophesy_v and_o comfort_v of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o bow_v in_o the_o least_o to_o worship_v any_o idol_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o so_o much_o as_o stoop_v to_o reverence_v any_o profess_a enemy_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o mordecay_n will_v not_o to_o haman_n nor_o the_o three_o child_n to_o the_o idol_n of_o nebuchadnezer_n nor_o daniel_n leave_v his_o pray_n but_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o service_n be_v not_o account_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n among_o the_o learned_a and_o yet_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o form_n of_o worship_n the_o jew_n have_v neither_o through_o all_o the_o province_n of_o ahasuerus_n and_o through_o all_o babylon_n and_o assyria_n and_o egypt_n where_o they_o be_v scatter_v we_o read_v indeed_o that_o they_o fast_v and_o pray_v upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o that_o they_o speak_v one_o to_o another_o and_o they_o exercise_v among_o themselves_o the_o moral_a worship_n in_o all_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n then_o through_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o that_o visible_a form_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o any_o of_o those_o country_n whither_o they_o be_v drive_v and_o carry_v captive_n they_o only_o make_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n the_o holy_a place_n so_o that_o if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n tie_v to_o external_a form_n they_o can_v not_o then_o have_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o not_o have_v any_o external_a form_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o before_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o law_n and_o since_o the_o law_n true_a church_n notwithstanding_o they_o want_v the_o external_a form_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o beginning_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o deface_v for_o many_o generation_n together_o that_o none_o by_o its_o external_a form_n or_o discipline_n can_v find_v a_o true_a church_n in_o it_o yet_o god_n have_v in_o this_o spiritual_a babylon_n a_o true_a church_n ever_o and_o therefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o external_a form_n and_o discipline_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o that_o if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v bound_v within_o these_o limit_n either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o encompass_v in_o their_o church_n with_o than_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o both_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o independent_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n act_v the_o second_o for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v neither_o pope_n nor_o cardinal_n nor_o patriarch_n nor_o primate_fw-la nor_o paultripolitans_n nor_o archbishop_n nor_o any_o conclave_n nor_o any_o mass_n nor_o any_o of_o that_o service_n they_o have_v set_v up_o in_o their_o romish_a church_n nor_o that_o form_n of_o church_n government_n they_o have_v establish_v neither_o have_v they_o any_o of_o these_o fix_a officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v lose_v that_o form_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v and_o be_v adulterate_v both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o manner_n that_o can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v to_o any_o external_a form_n that_o if_o they_o be_v fail_v they_o can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o then_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o
more_o close_o to_o examine_v i._o s._n his_o word_n that_o we_o may_v discover_v yet_o more_o full_o the_o fallacious_a juggle_n of_o both_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o mould_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n all_o which_o term_n and_o expression_n be_v well_o explain_v than_o the_o grollery_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v therefore_o that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o term_n these_o juggler_n use_n first_o say_v something_o brief_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n and_o under_o the_o king_n both_o of_o juda_n and_o israel_n through_o all_o their_o city_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v requisite_a and_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o cast_n off_o any_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n which_o be_v declare_v the_o trifle_n of_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n will_v be_v more_o obvious_a to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o under_o a_o double_a nation_n as_o it_o have_v a_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o a_o moral_a worship_n and_o both_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o former_a but_o temporary_a the_o other_o for_o duration_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n it_o be_v divers_a for_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v order_v after_o a_o monarchical_a way_n there_o be_v a_o high_a priest_n that_o typify_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o atonement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o mediate_v with_o god_n for_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o have_v many_o priest_n under_o he_o for_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o daily_a sacrifice_n either_o of_o praise_n or_o of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o material_a temple_n they_o be_v tie_v but_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o go_v once_o a_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o atonement_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n and_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a high_a priest_n typify_v and_o who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n have_v offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n to_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 10._o verse_n 14._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o way_n of_o administration_n but_o there_o be_v a_o other_o way_n of_o administration_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a worship_n which_o be_v ever_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v in_o their_o several_a city_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o village_n and_o all_o those_o synagogue_n that_o be_v through_o all_o judaea_n and_o israel_n and_o through_o the_o world_n who_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v call_v ruler_n so_o that_o all_o those_o synagogue_n that_o be_v in_o the_o several_a village_n or_o hamlet_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o limit_n of_o every_o city_n be_v all_o of_o they_o govern_v after_o a_o classical_a and_o collegiate_n way_n and_o those_o synagogue_n be_v as_o our_o parish_n church_n now_o at_o this_o day_n be_v among_o we_o now_o these_o elder_n and_o ruler_n in_o moses_n time_n be_v first_o appoint_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n in_o common_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o after_o they_o be_v come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n than_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o ruler_n in_o every_o city_n appoint_v over_o they_o who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o care_n it_o be_v that_o the_o moral_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v every_o sabbath_n day_n continual_o preserve_v in_o all_o their_o synagogue_n by_o their_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o scribe_n and_o lawyer_n and_o they_o have_v also_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o convent_v any_o before_o they_o upon_o delinquency_n and_o of_o censure_v and_o punish_v of_o they_o upon_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o and_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v matthew_n the_o 18._o and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o truth_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v more_o evident_o clear_a than_o this_o that_o all_o the_o synagogue_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o court_n or_o classis_fw-la or_o college_n of_o ruler_n for_o they_o have_v inferior_a judge_n and_o superior_a in_o they_o yea_o many_o chief_a ruler_n in_o all_o city_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o antioch_n and_o pisidia_n act_v the_o 13._o 14._o 15._o where_o paul_n and_o his_o company_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a send_v unto_o they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o out_o of_o which_o word_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o governor_n and_o chief_a ruler_n as_o well_o as_o inferior_a ruler_n that_o govern_v their_o synagogue_n in_o every_o city_n in_o common_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o court_n in_o they_o to_o order_v all_o the_o synagogue_n and_o people_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o aristocratical_o govern_v and_o by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o they_o all_o not_o by_o any_o particular_a judge_n or_o ruler_n the_o second_o observable_a be_v that_o their_o whole_a employment_n be_v to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v read_v and_o interpret_v that_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n may_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o their_o people_n yield_v subjection_n unto_o those_o ruler_n and_o do_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o their_o government_n nor_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o command_v any_o minister_n to_o preach_v or_o appoint_v any_o one_o to_o exhort_v but_o it_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o ruler_n to_o do_v this_o and_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o government_n without_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o as_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v that_o that_o be_v establish_v in_o all_o city_n through_o the_o world_n where_o the_o jew_n be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v their_o religion_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v perpetutate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v through_o all_o city_n presbyter_n ordain_v as_o the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 14._o and_o tit._n 1._o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o their_o common_a council_n and_o this_o be_v accord_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o generation_n after_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a worship_n be_v govern_v both_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o after_o his_o death_n and_o ascension_n by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v testify_v it_o and_o this_o way_n of_o government_n i_o say_v be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v that_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o church_n government_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n into_o the_o which_o mould_n of_o government_n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v cast_v which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n
for_o the_o scripture_n never_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o moral_a worship_n under_o the_o law_n and_o what_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o admit_v member_n then_o into_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o be_v repute_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n and_o proselyte_n there_o after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v require_v now_o for_o make_v of_o any_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a declare_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n unto_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o be_v all_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o that_o and_o in_o token_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o to_o that_o discipline_n he_o have_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v which_o when_o they_o yield_v unto_o and_o take_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n they_o be_v forthwith_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n under_o that_o government_n as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v sometime_o to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n and_o sometime_o to_o a_o city_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o free_a denizen_n and_o citizen_n where_o so_o ever_o the_o gospel_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o city_n be_v faithful_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n by_o the_o ambassador_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o same_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v in_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o it_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v that_o be_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v and_o willing_o submit_v unto_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o in_o sign_n of_o this_o their_o obedience_n and_o faith_n receive_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v forthwith_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o any_o reluctation_n and_o have_v once_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n they_o be_v forthwith_o make_v free_a denizen_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o freeman_n of_o this_o city_n and_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o same_o as_o any_o other_o and_o may_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o city_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o now_o in_o all_o corporation_n through_o the_o world_n they_o that_o be_v citizen_n of_o rome_n or_o they_o that_o be_v freeman_n in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v then_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o may_v abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o any_o place_n and_o traffic_n buy_v and_o purchase_v in_o what_o part_n of_o it_o they_o please_v enjoy_v all_o those_o inmmnity_n that_o any_o than_o do_v and_o so_o likewise_o now_o as_o those_o that_o be_v freeman_n of_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n do_v in_o their_o several_a precinct_n enjoy_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o may_v set_v up_o in_o any_o parish_n or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o city_n or_o within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o same_o and_o exercise_v all_o their_o several_a trade_n and_o have_v as_o much_o privilege_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o citizen_n so_o i_o say_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o city_n which_o be_v his_o church_n every_o one_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o believe_v repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o any_o christian_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n or_o any_o independent_o now_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o city_n the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o require_v no_o more_o of_o all_o man_n and_o people_n in_o their_o time_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o of_o matth._n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o those_o of_o samaria_n in_o the_o 8._o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o eunuch_n paul_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o those_o of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n of_o all_o the_o which_o no_o more_o be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o christian_n but_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v baptise_a by_o which_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n through_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n where_o so_o ever_o they_o come_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n and_o those_o that_o accompany_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o church_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n so_o that_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v baptize_v be_v all_o that_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n or_o of_o any_o people_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o make_v they_o not_o only_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o of_o any_o church_n in_o particular_a if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o give_v credit_n unto_o now_o when_o all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n unto_o john_n do_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o be_v all_o make_v as_o good_a member_n of_o that_o church_n as_o any_o that_o be_v baptize_v after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n by_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o may_v whensoever_o they_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o any_o other_o place_n where_o christian_n dwell_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o those_o do_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n be_v scatter_v who_o we_o read_v of_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o church_n and_o they_o preach_v and_o convert_v the_o people_n and_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o they_o without_o any_o gainsaying_n and_o so_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o be_v baptize_v wheresoever_o they_o travel_v or_o dwell_v whether_o in_o france_n or_o germany_n italy_n or_o the_o low_a country_n or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n among_o the_o true_a protestant_n they_o have_v as_o great_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o those_o church_n as_o any_o of_o the_o native_n for_o they_o be_v all_o free_a denizen_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o free_a man_n of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n that_o any_o member_n may_v do_v i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o break_v of_o bread_n hear_v of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a privilege_n for_o to_o all_o those_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o by_o their_o very_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o their_o baptism_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o live_v a_o godly_a holy_a and_o pious_a life_n unless_o they_o will_v observe_v their_o own_o tradition_n they_o be_v delinquent_n &_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v no_o way_n set_v
he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n but_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o dis-throne_n he_o and_o therefore_o j._n s._n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n that_o not_o only_o unchristian_a and_o unchurch_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n apostle_n before_o christ_n death_n but_o at_o this_o day_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o christian_n and_o church_n but_o their_o own_o be_v guilty_a of_o high_a contumacy_n against_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o all_o their_o christian_n brethren_n and_o true_o there_o can_v be_v find_v scarce_o in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o example_n of_o temerity_n and_o unadvised_a rashness_n and_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o common_a wisdom_n as_o be_v every_o day_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v ever_o talk_v of_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o exclude_v all_o from_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v not_o so_o mould_v and_o yet_o never_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v for_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v never_o read_v of_o any_o other_o church_n mould_n or_o of_o any_o new_a testament_n form_n but_o of_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o it_o and_o of_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v which_o both_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o commission_n to_o do_v and_o a_o command_n withal_o and_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o it_o that_o whosoever_o do_v repent_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o only_o be_v admit_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n mark_v 16._o ver_fw-la 15_o 16._o be_v these_o go_v say_v he_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n and_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o evident_o gather_v that_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n in_o their_o several_a ministrye_n go_v according_a to_o their_o commission_n preach_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o baptise_v such_o as_o believe_v they_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o make_v they_o all_o member_n not_o only_o of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o of_o all_o those_o several_a particular_a church_n and_o synagogue_n through_o all_o the_o city_n of_o judaea_n and_o through_o the_o world_n where_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o 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this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o impiety_n of_o i._o s._n and_o how_o groundless_a all_o his_o argument_n be_v and_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n before_o his_o death_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o may_v also_o from_o the_o forego_n argument_n gather_v that_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o his_o baptism_n be_v in_o such_o multitude_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o &_o therefore_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v read_v both_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v fond_o and_o impious_o reply_v to_o my_o argument_n and_o what_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o will_v adjudge_v that_o such_o unworthy_a wrangler_n and_o caviller_n as_o these_o be_v aught_o by_o their_o several_a church_n to_o be_v severe_o censure_v for_o this_o their_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v reply_v to_o these_o their_o exception_n against_o my_o first_o argument_n concern_v the_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o shall_v answer_v to_o all_o their_o other_o several_a cavil_v in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o therefore_o go_v on_o to_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n frame_v my_o argument_n as_o out_o of_o the_o former_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o conclusion_n john_n the_o 4._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o now_o when_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o baptize_v not_o but_o his_o disciple_n here_o observe_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o relation_n there_o the_o evangelist_n forthwith_o show_v it_o to_o rectify_v man_n understanding_n as_o where_o it_o be_v report_v that_o christ_n baptize_v he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o his_o disciple_n only_o baptize_v but_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n that_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o it_o be_v true_a for_o john_n himself_o in_o the_o 3._o chapter_n ver_fw-la 30._o have_v say_v he_o must_v increase_v but_o i_o must_v decrease_v christ_n therefore_o make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o john_n the_o 6._o 37._o and_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o his_o name_n john_n 1._o 12._o and_o these_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o in_o john_n the_o 7._o 31._o it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o verse_n the_o 40._o they_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o the_o high_a priest_n send_v the_o officer_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o return_v without_o he_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o bring_v he_o
impossible_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n here_o to_o consider_v what_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o all_o these_o argument_n i_o will_v first_o set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o reply_n with_o his_o reason_n and_o give_v my_o answer_n to_o he_o and_o then_o in_o order_n come_v to_o what_o i._o s._n that_o learned_a gentleman_n have_v to_o gainsay_v master_n knollys_n deny_v all_o the_o minor_n of_o these_o argument_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v and_o give_v some_o slender_a reason_n and_o make_v some_o sleight_n evasion_n and_o think_v that_o enough_o his_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 8._o as_o for_o the_o world_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o these_o argument_n draw_v from_o john_n 12._o 19_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o that_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o much_o less_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v master_n knollys_n formal_a word_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o denial_n of_o the_o minor_a of_o all_o my_o argument_n yea_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o see_v how_o the_o people_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o delusion_n but_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o dispute_v if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o refutation_n to_o deny_v any_o argument_n ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confirm_v and_o corroborate_v by_o sound_a reason_n then_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v man_n may_v not_o only_o confute_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o thence_o but_o indeed_o deny_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o man_n ignorance_n and_o blasphemy_n for_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n while_o he_o labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o erroneous_a opinion_n &_o that_o my_o answer_n may_v be_v the_o more_o satisfactory_a i_o will_v make_v these_o two_o proposition_n evident_o appear_v first_o that_o the_o world_n here_o mention_v that_o go_v after_o christ_n be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o second_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o both_o which_o if_o i_o make_v good_a than_o my_o argument_n will_v stand_v for_o ever_o immovable_a and_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o christ_n death_n convert_v by_o himself_o and_o by_o his_o disciple_n than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o johns_n ministry_n and_o that_o this_o denial_n of_o mr._n knollys_n be_v groundless_a vain_a and_o impious_a for_o proof_n therefore_o of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o world_n here_o mention_v be_v believer_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o ensue_a reason_n first_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n dialect_n and_o that_o in_o many_o place_n which_o intimate_a and_o prove_v that_o to_o follow_v christ_n with_o love_n affection_n and_o approbation_n be_v to_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o matth._n the_o 16._o vers_fw-la 24._o mark_v the_o 8._o v._o 34._o luke_n the_o 9_o verse_n 29._o if_o any_o man_n say_v christ_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o so_o that_o by_o these_o testimony_n in_o scripture_n language_n to_o go_v aâ—ter_n christ_n and_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o sincerity_n be_v to_o be_v christ_n scholar_n and_o disciple_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o châ—ist_v himself_o have_v so_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o john_n verse_n 26._o who_o word_n be_v these_o if_o any_o man_n will_v serve_v i_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o shall_v also_o my_o servant_n be_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n so_o that_o to_o serve_v christ_n and_o to_o follow_v christ_n in_o god_n dialect_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n second_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n that_o the_o very_a blind_a pharisee_n those_o leader_n of_o the_o blind_a do_v well_o perceive_v it_o and_o take_v the_o multitude_n follow_v of_o he_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o their_o very_a expression_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v for_o say_v they_o verse_n 29._o perceive_v you_o not_o how_o you_o prevail_v nothing_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o out_o of_o which_o word_n of_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o like_o a_o company_n of_o giddy_a head_a people_n they_o be_v go_v after_o he_o to_o gaze_v and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o upon_o some_o novelty_n but_o that_o the_o multitude_n aâ—d_a world_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v such_o indeed_o as_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n worthy_a of_o admiration_n and_o a_o ecce_fw-la and_o a_o behold_v for_o no_o man_n wonder_n at_o a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o see_v a_o company_n of_o people_n run_v after_o a_o eminent_a man_n to_o view_v he_o and_o look_v upon_o he_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a nor_o of_o less_o admiration_n neither_o will_v such_o a_o spectacle_n have_v put_v they_o all_o in_o fear_n and_o upon_o a_o consultation_n how_o they_o may_v destroy_v he_o and_o take_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v only_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n go_v after_o he_o only_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o and_o so_o to_o have_v go_v home_o again_o certain_o such_o a_o opinion_n in_o the_o priest_n &_o pharisee_n as_o this_o will_v never_o have_v so_o enrage_v they_o against_o chrisâ—_n and_o have_v make_v they_o all_o lay_v their_o head_n together_o which_o way_n to_o murder_v he_o neither_o will_v it_o ever_o have_v extort_a such_o word_n out_o of_o their_o head_n as_o to_o say_v among_o themselves_o in_o private_a and_o that_o in_o a_o rage_n and_o out_o of_o indignation_n and_o in_o a_o serious_a way_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o deliberate_a consultation_n behold_v or_o perceive_v you_o not_o how_o the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o but_o when_o these_o word_n proceed_v from_o they_o in_o private_a and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o deep_a debate_n and_o counsel_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o speak_v so_o out_o of_o malice_n &_o envy_v and_o from_o very_a madness_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o well_o perceive_v that_o they_o that_o follow_v christ_n believe_v in_o he_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o confirm_v by_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v but_o among_o other_o those_o testimony_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o john_n where_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v and_o in_o the_o 40._o verse_n many_o of_o the_o people_n say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o all_o this_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o vers_fw-la 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n say_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n it_o be_v now_o abundant_o evident_a that_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o chap._n be_v believer_n for_o here_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n make_v a_o distribution_n of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o divide_v they_o into_o two_o party_n and_o then_o they_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o the_o other_o that_o profess_v they_o be_v abraham_n child_n and_o moses_n his_o disciple_n yet_o they_o be_v christ_n profess_a enemy_n and_o such_o as_o declare_v themselves_o not_o to_o beleeeve_v in_o he_o now_o here_o what_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n judgement_n be_v concern_v this_o business_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o party_n who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o the_o people_n of_o who_o they_o speak_v and_o of_o themselves_o they_o speak_v thus_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v so_o that_o be_v thus_o compare_v together_o the_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n and_o their_o
their_o new_a light_n and_o their_o congregationall_a way_n but_o this_o by_o the_o by_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n both_o of_o hearer_n and_o teacher_n there_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n many_o place_n for_o they_o seveal_o to_o hear_v in_o and_o it_o stand_v withal_o reason_n that_o the_o several_a strange_a nation_n have_v synagogue_n by_o themselves_o and_o such_o man_n to_o teach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v edify_v and_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o i_o now_o say_v for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o the_o libertine_n as_o there_o be_v that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v slive_v and_o bondman_n but_o be_v make_v free_a then_o can_v any_o man_n believe_v that_o all_o those_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o freeman_n that_o abound_v also_o with_o wealth_n and_o honour_n or_o else_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v great_a riches_n they_o can_v never_o have_v journy_v so_o about_o from_o country_n to_o country_n and_o transport_v their_o family_n thither_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v it_o stand_v withal_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v their_o particular_a synagogue_n also_o and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v in_o mighty_a multitude_n so_o that_o a_o few_o place_n can_v not_o contain_v they_o all_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n in_o christ_n his_o time_n they_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n very_a reason_n dictate_v to_o any_o man_n but_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n and_o their_o fraturnity_n who_o all_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v either_o in_o christ_n life_n time_n or_o after_o his_o death_n more_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n notwithstanding_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n there_o and_o that_o all_o jerusalem_n the_o very_a city_n be_v full_a of_o they_o i_o refer_v therefore_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o judicious_a and_o learned_a whether_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o master_n knollys_n who_o say_v and_o write_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposion_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o world_n that_o go_v after_o christ_n be_v believer_n which_o master_n knollys_n most_o fond_o and_o impious_o deny_v the_o second_o proposition_n remain_v to_o be_v prove_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o now_o howsoever_o by_o the_o prove_v of_o my_o former_a proposition_n this_o latter_a also_o be_v include_v in_o it_o and_o prove_v likewise_o as_o all_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v do_v sufficient_o show_v for_o the_o place_n where_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v christ_n dwell_v be_v say_v to_o be_v jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o but_o consult_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n we_o shall_v again_o and_o again_o meet_v with_o many_o testimony_n there_o beside_o those_o i_o have_v above_o quote_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o needless_a work_n in_o particular_a to_o prove_v this_o second_o proposition_n see_v it_o be_v already_o evince_v in_o the_o former_a yet_o because_o mr_n knollys_n have_v make_v they_o two_o proposition_n and_o have_v peremptory_o deliver_v it_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v to_o gratify_v he_o and_o to_o satisfy_v any_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v prove_v this_o proposition_n also_o distinct_o and_o several_o by_o itself_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o 12._o chapter_n of_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o 29._o verse_n declaâ—es_v it_o say_v behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o this_o world_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o well_o know_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o be_v yet_o far_o ratify_v out_o of_o the_o 7._o chapter_n ver_fw-la 48._o where_o the_o people_n that_o be_v call_v accurse_v have_v their_o dwell_n for_o they_o be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v they_o not_o be_v inhabitant_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a from_o the_o 21._o of_o matthew_n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o not_o only_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o the_o very_a child_n cry_v hosanna_n to_o the_o son_n of_o david_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o man_n what_o child_n do_v ordinary_o in_o a_o public_a way_n it_o be_v well_o approve_v of_o by_o their_o parent_n who_o likewise_o cry_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o london_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parliament_n when_o the_o king_n come_v into_o the_o city_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o 5_o member_n there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n or_o a_o child_n that_o have_v a_o head_n as_o big_a as_o a_o crab_n but_o cry_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n &_o common_o as_o the_o cock_n crow_n so_o crow_v the_o hen_n &_o the_o chicken_n and_o by_o all_o probability_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v then_o here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o generality_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o as_o the_o people_n general_o in_o the_o city_n do_v the_o parliament_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a indignation_n and_o wrath_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n who_o be_v displease_v to_o see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n he_o do_v and_o especial_o that_o they_o hear_v the_o child_n cry_v in_o the_o temple_n say_v hosanna_n to_o the_o son_n of_o david_n by_o which_o they_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o child_n speak_v not_o otherwise_o then_o their_o father_n will_v have_v they_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o inhabitant_n be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n add_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o strength_n to_o this_o argument_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n beside_o the_o inhabitant_n that_o be_v native_n but_o the_o eleven_o of_o mar_n put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n for_o that_o chapter_n speak_v plain_o of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o stranger_n that_o come_v to_o the_o feast_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v two_o mighty_a party_n either_o of_o which_o so_o awe_v the_o scribe_n chief_a priest_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o meddle_v with_o he_o and_o the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n and_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o although_o christ_n enemy_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o yet_o they_o fear_v he_o because_o say_v the_o scripture_n ver_fw-la 17._o all_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v all_o the_o people_n approve_v of_o it_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o he_o teach_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n matth._n 7._o the_o other_o party_n be_v john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n all_o believer_n too_o for_o it_o be_v there_o assert_v that_o all_o man_n count_v john_n that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n indeed_o ver_fw-la 32._o and_o this_o party_n also_o keep_v the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n christ_n capital_a enemy_n in_o such_o awe_n as_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v any_o thing_n against_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 28_o verse_n that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v say_v for_o 32._o that_o all_o man_n count_v john_n a_o prophet_n indeed_o now_o than_o if_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o two_o mighty_a party_n and_o both_o believer_n be_v put_v together_o and_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o as_o â—he_v scripture_n relate_v beside_o the_o stranger_n that_o come_v up_o to_o the_o feast_n than_o there_o be_v a_o world_n
of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o for_o the_o place_n where_o these_o scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n be_v and_o where_o christ_n then_o be_v and_o where_o all_o those_o people_n be_v be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o people_n well_o know_v to_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n to_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o so_o that_o all_o man_n now_o may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o may_v also_o behold_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n which_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n time_n unless_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n and_o those_o inhabitant_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n which_o be_v a_o grollery_n yea_o madness_n to_o suppose_v or_o think_v and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n out_o of_o his_o impious_a ignorance_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o enervate_n of_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o i._o s._n his_o answer_n to_o all_o my_o forego_v argument_n by_o which_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o else_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o against_o my_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n time_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n the_o reader_n may_v remember_v that_o in_o his_o former_a reply_n he_o seem_v not_o to_o doubt_v concern_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v only_o he_o deny_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n much_o less_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n and_o by_o this_o he_o think_v to_o overthrow_v that_o argument_n now_o here_o he_o use_v another_o method_n tacit_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o all_o my_o syllogism_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v because_o as_o he_o speak_v i_o make_v false_a muster_n he_o think_v i_o it_o seem_v like_o the_o independent_o who_o will_v persuade_v the_o simple_a that_o all_o be_v independent_a and_o among_o other_o thing_n he_o say_v that_o i_o give_v the_o independent_o occasion_n shrewd_o to_o suspect_v my_o ignorance_n but_o i_o will_v set_v down_o his_o whole_a babble_n at_o large_a and_o in_o his_o own_o term_n and_o word_n and_o his_o full_a answer_n to_o all_o my_o last_o argument_n as_o it_o be_v page_n 9_o 10._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o note_n say_v he_o a_o absurdity_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o discourse_n where_o the_o doctor_n have_v get_v a_o multiply_a glass_n in_o his_o hand_n go_v on_o to_o make_v strange_a discovery_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n pag._n 36._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o when_o as_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o you_o affirm_v before_o page_n 32._o and_o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o what_o ever_o you_o determine_v of_o it_o here_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n act_n 2._o last_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o sequel_n you_o reckon_v this_o to_o the_o apostle_n also_o express_o page_v 56._o judge_n if_o here_o be_v not_o false_a muster_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o give_v we_o occasion_n shrewd_o to_o suspect_v your_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o to_o talk_n of_o a_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o our_o saviour_n thus_o he_o if_o i_o shall_v discover_v all_o the_o error_n that_o be_v in_o this_o reply_n i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a volume_n but_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n childishness_n and_o horrid_a impiety_n of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o very_a read_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o large_a in_o my_o answer_n as_o otherwise_o i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o before_o i_o come_v to_o it_o i_o can_v but_o complain_v of_o the_o dishonesty_n of_o the_o man_n that_o thus_o curtail_v my_o argument_n every_o where_o not_o plain_o set_v they_o down_o that_o the_o people_n may_v see_v my_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o dispute_v who_o conceal_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a that_o he_o may_v the_o better_a poison_n they_o with_o his_o error_n and_o noveltye_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n deal_v my_o brother_n burton_n with_o i_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n who_o pass_v by_o all_o my_o argument_n not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v any_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o rombobombo_n syllogism_n of_o his_o own_o which_o as_o i_o suppose_v he_o fetch_v out_o of_o the_o howl_a wilderness_n of_o america_n and_o then_o with_o photions_n hatchet_n that_o carnal_a weapon_n he_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n and_o vapour_n like_o a_o conqueror_n as_o i._n s._n do_v here_o but_o now_o for_o answer_v brief_o i_o affirm_v that_o i._o s._n in_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o his_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v against_o i_o as_o he_o do_v against_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o very_a scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n i_o make_v by_o my_o multiply_a glass_n as_o he_o ridiculous_o speak_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n be_v no_o false_a muster_n as_o he_o childish_o scible_v for_o i_o discover_v only_o and_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o increase_v of_o christian_a believer_n 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that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n these_o in_o i._n s._n his_o opinion_n be_v paradox_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o ludibry_a in_o his_o dialect_n yet_o both_o these_o truth_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v clear_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o wound_v i_o he_o vulnerate_v saint_n john_n and_o blaspheme_v for_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o deny_v the_o scripture_n that_o assert_n that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v more_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o of_o unbeliever_n and_o of_o enemy_n they_o be_v make_v disciple_n christian_n and_o friend_n and_o therefore_o take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o
bring_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o church_n and_o by_o that_o work_n of_o conversion_n they_o be_v add_v to_o it_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v this_o day_n take_v any_o of_o our_o minister_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n sheep_n out_o of_o their_o fold_n and_o steal_v they_o away_o as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n daily_o do_v and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o new_a congregation_n may_v not_o that_o independent_a minister_n without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o without_o any_o error_n true_o be_v say_v to_o have_v add_v so_o many_o more_o to_o his_o new_a church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o his_o member_n be_v thus_o increase_v and_o if_o another_o minister_n be_v join_v with_o he_o as_o a_o teacher_n in_o that_o congregation_n or_o succeed_v he_o if_o he_o also_o shall_v run_v plunder_v about_o both_o city_n and_o country_n as_o a_o gift_a brother_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a many_o more_o poor_a silly_a sheep_n into_o his_o fold_n then_o the_o other_o do_v as_o they_o be_v notable_a cunning_a thief_n may_v not_o it_o true_o be_v say_v of_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_v that_o he_o also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o still_o the_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o increase_v i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a i_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o any_o blame_n or_o error_n in_o that_o i_o say_v those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o make_v disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v former_o convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n but_o say_v j._n s._n how_o can_v christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o say_v he_o when_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o the_o doctor_n affirm_v pag._n 32._o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o thus_o he_o show_v his_o acumen_n or_o rather_o his_o vanity_n in_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n and_o abuse_v i_o for_o he_o that_o have_v ever_o read_v my_o book_n and_o look_v but_o in_o the_o 31_o page_n towards_o the_o low_a part_n shall_v find_v these_o word_n that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n and_o be_v baptize_v it_o must_v therefore_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o all_o the_o common_a people_n promiscuous_o or_o for_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n and_o of_o all_o profession_n as_o publican_n soldier_n and_o the_o ordinary_a inhabitant_n these_o be_v my_o very_a word_n there_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n say_v that_o i_o take_v not_o the_o word_n synecdochical_o bely_v i_o befool_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o reader_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o fancy_n but_o for_o answer_v to_o his_o whible_n cavil_v i_o say_v christ_n convert_v those_o he_o make_v his_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n out_o of_o the_o remmant_n or_o remainder_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o unconvert_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o that_o work_n he_o add_v more_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o though_o the_o mother_n church_n as_o the_o other_o be_v daughter_n church_n through_o all_o juda_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n for_o the_o be_v a_o nationall_n church_n do_v not_o exclude_v as_o this_o man_n fond_o conceit_n particular_a church_n from_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n do_v deny_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n do_v partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n divine_n do_v hold_v and_o therefore_o take_v jerusalem_n synecdochical_o as_o i_o then_o do_v it_o be_v also_o here_o to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o then_o christ_n do_v make_v mo_z disciple_n out_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o remain_v yet_o unconvert_v than_o john_n have_v do_v before_o he_o and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o particular_a mother_n church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n which_o as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o moral_a worship_n govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n as_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o relate_v which_o be_v call_v a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n all_o those_o synagogue_n and_o several_a church_n be_v all_o combine_v together_o under_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n after_o which_o manner_n all_o the_o other_o city_n church_n bring_v judea_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o this_o mother_n church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v govern_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n that_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n both_o in_o judea_n and_o israel_n as_o that_o of_o samaria_n and_o into_o this_o mould_n do_v the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n cast_v all_o they_o convert_v therefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o john_n and_o that_o he_o add_v they_o unto_o that_o church_n i_o speak_v nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v warrant_n for_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o be_v sufficient_o back_v and_o corroborate_v also_o by_o all_o sound_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n to_o say_v that_o in_o so_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o paradox_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o ludibre_fw-fr in_o i_o and_o a_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n then_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n and_o matter_n of_o laughter_n in_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n for_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n say_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n i_o refer_v myself_o therefore_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o honest_a godly_a mind_a man_n whether_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o as_o well_o censure_v and_o traduce_v by_o this_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fellow_n as_o myself_o and_o whether_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o do_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o second_o paradox_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o childish_a and_o impious_a as_o this_o where_o he_o say_v be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o answer_v let_v i._n s._n take_v notice_n that_o in_o say_v christ_n make_v â—mo_fw-la disciple_n than_o the_o baptist_n and_o in_o make_v they_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o marvellous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n as_o i._o s._n unlearned_o infer_v for_o in_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o due_a honour_n and_o affirm_v he_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v both_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o so_o speak_v i_o detract_v nothing_o from_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o any_o man_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o christ_n ministry_n viz._n the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o work_n proper_o and_o primary_o belong_v unto_o he_o though_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n it_o may_v also_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o mistake_n be_v in_o i._n s._n and_o not_o in_o i_o for_o he_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o instrumental_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v a_o prevaricator_n in_o many_o respect_n sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o man_n for_o here_o he_o give_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o christ_n unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o then_o he_o false_o accuse_v i_o of_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v when_o there_o be_v none_o and_o then_o will_v make_v i_o guilty_a of_o his_o own_o sin_n which_o i_o be_o free_a from_o as_o all_o they_o that_o read_v my_o book_n in_o the_o page_n quote_v by_o he_o may_v see_v and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o in_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 equalise_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 jude_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 the_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 and_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 beleiver_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._o 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 council_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_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n 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 that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n
that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o 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congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
and_o that_o their_o were_z more_o precious_a church_n in_o that_o street_n then_o in_o all_o england_n beside_o and_o he_o do_v confident_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_v no_o soon_o pass_v from_o he_o but_o turn_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n i_o see_v many_o of_o the_o independent_o go_v into_o the_o nagshead_n a_o tavern_n a_o little_a above_o coleman-streete_n there_o they_o call_v their_o parliament_n and_o make_v committee_n and_o chayre-man_n for_o prepare_v of_o business_n for_o the_o great_a council_n and_o for_o the_o advise_v of_o they_o what_o to_o do_v and_o there_o they_o order_n how_o they_o will_v deal_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o meeting_n house_n also_o whither_o the_o saint_n resort_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o consult_v together_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n &_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a drink_a school_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o they_o say_v they_o be_v all_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o they_o must_v have_v a_o pure_a drink_a school_n but_o pass_v from_o toleration-streete_n and_o leave_v their_o drink_a school_n and_o they_o together_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o practice_n and_o what_o master_n knollys_n say_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o approve_a gift_n come_v to_o sojourn_v in_o this_o city_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o daily_o 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 i_o demand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o independent_o now_o whether_o or_o no_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o those_o gift_a man_n preach_v they_o have_v not_o a_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o gather_a church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o he_o have_v not_o there_o â—n_v his_o meeting_n house_n a_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o they_o have_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n among_o they_o they_o have_v not_o a_o church_n or_o congregation_n there_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v none_o of_o they_o deny_v it_o yea_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o as_o many_o place_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v that_o in_o all_o those_o they_o have_v a_o several_a church_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n &_o this_o very_a reason_n will_v dictate_v unto_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o this_o city_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o they_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o every_o house_n not_o only_o because_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o but_o because_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v convince_v he_o of_o it_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n every_o man_n will_v conclude_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o that_o the_o saint_n break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o because_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o yea_o and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o master_n knollys_n from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o mr_n knollys_n notwithstanding_o do_v wicked_o deny_v affirm_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o so_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o and_o fight_n against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v severe_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o wicked_a impostor_n and_o deceiver_n and_o aught_o indeed_o to_o be_v throw_v out_o of_o all_o their_o congregation_n as_o a_o juggler_n and_o a_o false_a prophet_n have_v thus_o evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v by_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v also_o many_o assembly_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o undertake_v because_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v say_v that_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o before_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o several_a assembly_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o waste_v and_o scatter_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o after_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o can_v never_o be_v evince_v and_o make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o we_o must_v ever_o look_v upon_o the_o first_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o it_o be_v original_o and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o not_o what_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o through_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n and_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n for_o government_n of_o church_n be_v often_o change_v from_o their_o primordiall_a state_n through_o many_o casualty_n as_o it_o happen_v often_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reformation_n thing_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o original_a pattern_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o by_o occasion_n they_o vary_v and_o change_v through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o she_o be_v in_o her_o youth_n and_o in_o she_o most_o flourish_a age_n we_o shall_v find_v she_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o many_o assembly_n and_o all_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o a_o presbytery_n which_o must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n government_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o will_v in_o our_o reformation_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o first_o constitution_n but_o because_o i_o say_v they_o think_v it_o so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v now_o god_n willing_a make_v it_o evident_a and_o not_o only_o after_o the_o persecution_n but_o even_o in_o and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o first_o out_o of_o that_o very_a place_n our_o brethren_n bring_v against_o we_o and_o by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a the_o place_n be_v in_o the_o 8._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4._o in_o these_o word_n and_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n and_o samaria_n except_o the_o apostle_n verse_n 3_o as_o for_o saul_n he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n from_o whence_o the_o brethren_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n leave_v than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o must_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o evince_n and_o make_v good_a that_o this_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o there_o may_v not_o yet_o remain_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o more_o people_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o two_o for_o persecution_n be_v the_o bellows_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o blow_v every_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n so_o that_o this_o their_o division_n prove_v their_o multiplication_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v few_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o
to_o this_o last_o argument_n page_n 9_o be_v these_o as_o for_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o mention_v act_n 21._o verse_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infinitus_fw-la and_o though_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v numerum_fw-la decem_fw-la millium_fw-la yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v as_o luke_n 12._o 1._o and_o beza_n both_o according_a to_o the_o old_a and_o new_a version_n of_o the_o greek_a into_o latin_a read_v it_o millia_fw-la thousand_o not_o deâ—em_fw-la millia_fw-la and_o so_o we_o have_v it_o in_o our_o english_a bibles_n translate_v thousand_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n 22._o will_v make_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o thousand_o for_o there_o we_o thus_o read_v the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o so_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o thousand_o but_o they_o can_v yea_o must_v assemble_v together_o neither_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a from_o those_o scripture_n he_o produce_v page_n 26._o to_o wit_n act_v the_o 1._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 2_o 4._o and_o chap._n 8_o ver_fw-la 1._o that_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 in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o twelve_o be_v name_v indeed_o in_o act_n 6._o 2._o 4._o but_o not_o a_o hundred_o beside_o no_o not_o any_o one_o preacher_n but_o they_o twelve_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o two_o place_n act_v the_o 1._o 21_o 22._o and_o act_v the_o 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o there_o be_v not_o any_o word_n concern_v preacher_n or_o minister_n only_o some_o direction_n touch_v the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o mention_a act_n 6._o v._o 2._o and_o although_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v preach_v the_o word_n act_v 8._o ver_fw-la 4._o yet_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v preacher_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n this_o mr._n knollys_n have_v to_o reply_v who_o word_n i_o have_v set_v down_o at_o large_a that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n and_o with_o how_o little_a reason_n these_o man_n â—ight_a against_o the_o truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o idle_a opinion_n of_o independency_n and_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o â—ould_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o word_n and_o denial_n and_o sottish_a evasion_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v any_o apparent_a truth_n than_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n will_v not_o want_v they_o in_o oppose_v the_o most_o ground_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o uphold_v and_o maintenance_n of_o their_o fond_a and_o grollish_a error_n but_o now_o to_o examine_v his_o word_n that_o the_o truth_n may_v more_o evident_o appear_v and_o that_o my_o argument_n stand_v firm_a and_o good_a notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o contarry_a first_o he_o babble_n about_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o it_o come_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infinitus_fw-la but_o what_o be_v this_o i_o say_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n thus_o to_o trifle_v about_o word_n if_o not_o to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a people_n only_o to_o cloud_v the_o truth_n which_o nevertheless_o break_v forth_o more_o illustrious_o for_o the_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v of_o my_o argument_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o will_v by_o the_o seqnell_n appear_v for_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v derive_v and_o come_v from_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v infinite_a in_o the_o concrete_a as_o he_o affirm_v then_o as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v the_o abstract_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n for_o darkness_n be_v more_o than_o dark_a and_o signifi_v the_o extremity_n and_o profundity_n of_o dark_a and_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o abstract_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v according_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n than_o it_o denote_v and_o signify_v a_o great_a number_n than_o ten_o thousand_o rather_o than_o a_o less_o by_o how_o much_o myriad_o a_o infinite_a and_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o people_n signify_v more_o than_o a_o finite_a then_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o 12._o of_o luke_n be_v translate_v when_o there_o be_v gather_v together_o say_v the_o translation_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n insomuch_o that_o they_o tread_v one_o upon_o another_o etc._n etc._n a_o innumerable_a company_n therefore_o signify_v rather_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o than_o a_o less_o number_n in_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o the_o best_a interpretes_n say_v positus_fw-la est_fw-la definitus_fw-la vumerus_fw-la pro_fw-la infinito_fw-la a_o definite_a and_o a_o certain_a number_n for_o a_o infinite_a other_o interpret_v the_o word_n thus_o innumer_n ae_z turbae_fw-la multitudo_fw-la amultitude_n of_o immumerable_a people_n so_o that_o by_o this_o his_o vain_a jangle_n about_o the_o word_n he_o gain_v nothing_o yea_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o he_o himself_o confess_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o say_v he_o quot_v the_o 12._o of_o luke_n the_o place_n above_o mention_v and_o bring_v bezas_n his_o version_n and_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o and_o after_o that_o he_o abuse_v his_o own_o reason_n to_o confute_v saint_n luke_n who_o record_v the_o word_n of_o st._n james_n to_o paul_n say_v thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o believe_a jew_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o word_n of_o luke_n master_n knollys_n learned_o reply_v that_o the_o following_z vers_n 22._o will_v make_v it_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o there_o say_v he_o we_o thus_o read_v the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o so_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o ten_o thousand_o but_o they_o can_v yea_o must_v assemble_v together_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o argue_v not_o only_o against_o i_o but_o confute_v saint_n luke_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o master_n knollys_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n gainsaith_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o and_o his_o fraternity_n make_v nothing_o of_o of_o my_o argument_n when_o they_o undertake_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o in_o express_a word_n the_o spirit_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o associate_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a say_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o believere_a in_o jerusalem_n and_o he_o produce_v bezas_n his_o version_n and_o our_o english_a translation_n to_o confirm_v his_o error_n which_o kind_n of_o silly_a argue_v of_o his_o if_o it_o be_v good_a than_o not_o only_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o be_v overthrow_v but_o all_o heresy_n be_v establish_v but_o i_o pray_v see_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n beza_n say_v he_o and_o the_o english_a interpreter_n have_v not_o translate_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ten_o thousand_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o original_a if_o such_o kind_n of_o dispute_v be_v allow_v of_o in_o the_o congregationall_a way_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o wonder_v hereafter_o that_o they_o tumble_v daily_o into_o so_o many_o hideous_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n but_o of_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o argument_n more_o by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n take_v notice_n of_o master_n knollys_n his_o word_n howsoever_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v take_v for_o soâ—â—_n great_a number_n that_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v now_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o any_o intelligible_a and_o judicious_a man_n whether_o in_o this_o master_n knollys_n do_v not_o plain_o oppose_v
by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o part_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 12._o again_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n if_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o other_o church_n then_o in_o this_o that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o act_n 15._o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o those_o thing_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v inspire_v in_o which_o respect_n their_o resolution_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o that_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o say_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n then_o at_o jerusalem_n remain_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n imitable_a and_o perfect_a last_o for_o appeal_v so_o much_o agitate_a and_o press_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o before_o and_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o my_o vindication_n to_o vindicate_v the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o in_o point_n of_o church_n matter_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v brief_o from_o your_o first_o question_n to_o your_o second_o which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o officer_n i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n expression_n at_o large_a that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v how_o fair_o i_o deal_v with_o hâ—m_n â—s_n for_o his_o censure_n upon_o all_o my_o argument_n that_o go_v before_o by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o first_o proposition_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o word_n and_o tautoligy_n than_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o toil_v myself_o and_o my_o reader_n i_o pass_v it_o by_o as_o neither_o regard_v his_o pr_v yse_n nor_o sleighting_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o constant_a to_o the_o principle_n either_o of_o humanity_n or_o religion_n but_o like_o the_o chameleon_n he_o speak_v of_o page_n 3._o receive_v impression_n of_o sundry_a form_n changeable_a according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o that_o he_o never_o spare_v any_o man_n in_o his_o rage_n so_o it_o may_v true_o be_v aver_v of_o he_o that_o he_o never_o spare_v any_o in_o his_o fury_n &_o passion_n neither_o live_v nor_o dead_a upon_o the_o least_o conceive_a displeasure_n against_o they_o no_o not_o those_o he_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o as_o all_o that_o have_v be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o frothy_a pamphlet_n and_o language_n can_v testify_v for_o he_o spare_v not_o the_o king_n himself_o nor_o parliament_n upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o the_o one_o of_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v not_o only_o oblige_v in_o all_o loyalty_n as_o a_o subject_n but_o as_o a_o special_a servant_n and_o to_o the_o other_o if_o ever_o any_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o veneration_n he_o be_v who_o be_v bind_v unto_o that_o great_a council_n for_o his_o liberty_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o life_n and_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o good_a name_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v spare_v neither_o but_o have_v most_o unchristian_o and_o undutiful_o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o asperse_v they_o upon_o all_o occurrence_n and_o therefore_o if_o at_o pleasure_n he_o can_v vilipend_v sleight_n traduce_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o dignity_n i_o may_v not_o think_v myself_o aggrieve_v if_o he_o most_o unbrother_o in_o his_o scribble_n abuse_v i_o yea_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o for_o this_o his_o so_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o i_o think_v myself_o honour_v by_o it_o and_o account_v it_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v have_v learn_v that_o lesson_n of_o my_o heavenly_a master_n that_o when_o man_n revile_v i_o reproach_n i_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a of_o i_o false_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n that_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o so_o they_o have_v do_v by_o all_o the_o prophet_n matth._n 5._o luke_n the_o 6._o and_o paul_n take_v such_o deal_n from_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o his_o time_n for_o matter_n of_o triumph_n 2_o cor._n 12._o verse_n 10._o say_v i_o take_v pleasure_n in_o infirmity_n in_o reproach_n in_o necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a this_o i_o apply_v unto_o myself_o who_o have_v suffer_v as_o much_o from_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n in_o reproach_n in_o persecution_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o revile_v and_o blast_a language_n as_o their_o daily_a pamphlet_n and_o word_n can_v witness_v as_o any_o man_n now_o live_v and_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o that_o i_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o error_n and_o oppose_v the_o novelty_n and_o groundless_a opinion_n of_o the_o time_n all_o the_o which_o will_v the_o more_o aggravate_v their_o judgement_n because_o they_o do_v as_o immoderate_o praise_v i_o as_o can_v be_v prove_v before_o they_o know_v my_o differ_a opinion_n from_o they_o as_o they_o do_v now_o malicious_o and_o causeless_o vituperate_v i_o and_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o i_o be_o not_o change_v in_o my_o opinion_n in_o any_o know_a truth_n from_o what_o i_o both_o believe_v and_o to_o my_o power_n practise_v above_o these_o thirty_o year_n neither_o have_v i_o any_o reason_n to_o vary_v from_o my_o principle_n they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unerring_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o his_o party_n slight_v of_o i_o and_o my_o endeavour_n i_o wave_v they_o as_o mere_a grollery_n know_v that_o my_o book_n have_v be_v read_v by_o more_o judicious_a man_n then_o either_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n and_o have_v have_v the_o approbation_n of_o learned_a man_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o argument_n for_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o candour_n and_o fair_a deal_n in_o he_o as_o to_o lay_v down_o my_o reason_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n but_o conceal_v they_o all_o and_o make_v a_o syllogism_n of_o his_o own_o or_o else_o have_v borrow_v it_o from_o some_o of_o his_o american_n friend_n and_o fetch_v it_o out_o of_o the_o new_a world_n for_o i_o never_o read_v the_o like_a in_o either_o europian_n or_o asian_a writer_n no_o nor_o in_o any_o african_a author_n &_o yet_o that_o country_n be_v famous_a for_o monster_n and_o usual_o esteem_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nursery_n of_o prodigious_a birth_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o syllogism_n i_o never_o see_v bring_v forth_o by_o any_o of_o that_o nation_n as_o this_o of_o his_o frame_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o every_o suck_a sophister_n will_v be_v ready_a true_o to_o say_v of_o it_o as_o he_o false_o speak_v of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n &_o christ_n disciple_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n the_o same_o i_o say_v will_v any_o but_o a_o novice_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n conclude_v of_o his_o syllogism_n that_o it_o have_v neither_o form_n mood_n or_o figure_n and_o that_o i_o can_v easy_o make_v evident_a be_v it_o not_o for_o mispend_v of_o precious_a time_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o displease_v the_o good_a old_a father_n in_o discover_v his_o nakedness_n and_o infirmity_n who_o if_o he_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v with_o i_o because_o he_o conceive_v i_o mean_v he_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o baskethilted_n beard_n how_o much_o will_v he_o be_v enrage_v if_o i_o shall_v discover_v his_o ignorance_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n in_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n which_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n in_o but_o leave_v that_o i_o will_v come_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o must_v needs_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o unjust_a deal_n who_o at_o one_o time_n rob_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o they_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o the_o only_a visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n and_o proclaim_v by_o christ_n himself_o john_n 4._o to_o be_v the_o
they_o all_o as_o no_o christian_n but_o a_o deform_a church_n and_o not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n peremptory_o affirm_v and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pag._n 11._o that_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o they_o all_o profess_v they_o read_v of_o no_o form_a church_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o expr_fw-la sly_a set_v down_o for_o the_o time_n of_o it_o act_v the_o 2._o so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n be_v deform_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v plain_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o all_o christian_n make_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mould_v up_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n among_o they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_a congregation_n a_o pastor_n &_o a_o teacher_n and_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n and_o five_o or_o six_o brethren_n more_o and_o three_o or_o four_o sister_n can_v make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n now_o be_v there_o any_o man_n so_o stupid_a and_o brutish_a as_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o where_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v james_n and_o john_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n two_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n those_o bonaerge_n those_o son_n of_o thunder_n and_o eight_o or_o nine_o elder_n with_o seventy_o disciple_n all_o saint_n all_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n with_o multitude_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o woman_n that_o follow_v christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o have_v also_o a_o decon_n among_o they_o judas_n by_o name_n that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n when_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o their_o whible_a congregation_n so_o qualify_v as_o former_o can_v make_v a_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n scholar_n and_o follower_n can_v as_o well_o make_v a_o form_v church_n as_o a_o few_o in_o our_o new_a found_v or_o rather_o confound_v congregation_n be_v void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o they_o that_o shall_v peremptory_o and_o rash_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n i_o proclaim_v they_o guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v most_o condign_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o heinous_a and_o facinorous_a crime_n they_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o against_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o king_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v abominate_v as_o a_o company_n of_o false_a teacher_n calumniator_n and_o horrid_a seducer_n how_o godly_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o the_o wrold_a to_o be_v and_o as_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n be_v aught_o by_o christ_n saint_n and_o servant_n to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o company_n of_o grand_a impostor_n and_o juggler_n so_o the_o poor_a and_o despise_a presbyterian_o who_o they_o term_v sinner_n and_o carnal_a people_n and_o man_n of_o earth_n and_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v like_o their_o master_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o baptize_v by_o they_o for_o they_o pronounce_v of_o we_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o saint_n but_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o best_a but_o convert_n in_o part_n as_o if_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n wrought_v his_o work_n to_o the_o half_n this_o i_o say_v may_v comfort_v all_o we_o the_o poor_a despise_a presbyterian_o for_o the_o same_o they_o say_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n and_o their_o ministry_n and_o such_o as_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o in_o their_o babble_n there_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n till_o that_o we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n nor_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 1._o in_o their_o learning_n be_v a_o form_v church_n nor_o all_o the_o other_o worshipper_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o act._n 2._o nor_o think_v worthy_a by_o they_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o by_o this_o bold_a assertion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n they_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v the_o truth_n but_o indeed_o many_o of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o tribe_n howsoever_o they_o pretend_v they_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o who_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v give_v they_o little_a thanks_o for_o this_o their_o pain_n for_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o learn_a of_o they_o be_v against_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o disavow_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o first_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o all_o their_o writing_n and_o dispute_n declare_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n affirm_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o they_o oppose_v many_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o for_o this_o their_o temerity_n i_o be_o most_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v high_o blame_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a of_o that_o party_n and_o true_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n there_o be_v then_o none_o upon_o earth_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v a_o form_a church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n they_o can_v not_o have_v give_v a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n for_o all_o learned_a christian_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n that_o must_v make_v other_o true_a form_v church_n for_o they_o can_v give_v and_o communicate_v that_o to_o other_o that_o they_o have_v not_o themselves_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o now_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n than_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o form_v after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n so_o that_o what_o make_v the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n a_o true_a form_v church_n make_v all_o the_o other_o a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n if_o the_o same_o cause_n can_v produce_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a and_o indeed_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n or_o form_v of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n or_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n they_o will_v soon_o and_o without_o any_o difficulty_n perceive_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v as_o well_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o the_o hundred_o &_o twenty_o name_n and_o those_o three_o thousand_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o â—alls_v the_o first_o form_v church_n for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n
and_o christ_n disciple_n believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o the_o other_o three_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n require_v for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o make_v of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 38_o where_o peter_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o likewise_o it_o be_v record_v that_o as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n neither_o be_v there_o require_v any_o more_o of_o those_o convert_v by_o philippe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n act_v the_o 8._o or_o of_o the_o eunuch_n or_o of_o the_o gaoler_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n in_o the_o apostle_n â—imes_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v as_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o acts._n now_o then_o when_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n do_v all_o repent_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o do_v of_o which_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o part_n as_o well_o as_o those_o three_o thousand_o than_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n form_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n confess_v follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o if_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n and_o form_n they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n then_o believe_v and_o repent_v now_o and_o be_v baptize_v and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n and_o form_v of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n than_o think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o evangelist_n for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a prime_a and_o pure_a church_n neither_o have_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o our_o day_n any_o other_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o inform_v or_o gather_v of_o church_n or_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o any_o church_n then_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v then_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a minister_n in_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v high_a presumption_n and_o rashness_n in_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v or_o frame_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o other_o rule_v to_o go_v by_o in_o form_v of_o church_n than_o those_o set_v down_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v those_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o observe_v not_o their_o new_a rule_n and_o yet_o observe_v and_o follow_v christ_n injunction_n and_o command_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v well_o and_o safe_o conclude_v that_o when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o unto_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o into_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v man_n in_o office_n and_o send_v of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v joh._n 1._o v._n 33._o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 28._o i_o say_v when_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o john_n &_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o when_o john_n perform_v it_o according_o baptise_v all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o matth._n 3._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o than_o john_n john_n 4._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o they_o baptize_v be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o those_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o be_v all_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o withstand_v whatsoever_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n speak_v and_o dispute_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o good_a brother_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n and_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v what_o the_o independent_o teach_v and_o hold_v concern_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o this_o very_a church_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o have_v distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v or_o think_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tractate_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v abundant_o make_v appear_v and_o that_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n ought_v as_o little_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n for_o the_o first_o form_v church_n as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n for_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o a_o church_n body_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o learning_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o hold_v nor_o other_o of_o their_o requisit_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v notachurch_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o for_o the_o which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v receive_v if_o not_o a_o severe_a censure_n at_o least_o a_o moderate_a check_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o causeless_o have_v not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o plumporidge_n presbyterian_a brother_n one_o of_o their_o fellow_n commoner_n and_o a_o trencher_n friend_n to_o that_o party_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v in_o express_a word_n grant_v that_o which_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n absolute_o deny_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jesalem_n this_o i_o say_v he_o grant_v which_o all_o they_o deny_v attest_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o their_o dissent_v argument_n show_v who_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o formal_a word_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o do_v and_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o day_n on_o their_o side_n be_v lose_v and_o this_o cause_v master_n knollys_n by_o name_n and_o i._o s._n to_o come_v out_o against_o i_o for_o hold_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o if_o
i_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o say_v that_o i_o ever_o yet_o talk_v with_o now_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o old_a disciple_n and_o father_n among_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v that_o i_o labour_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n now_o all_o man_n know_v where_o there_o be_v seven_o treasurer_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o two_o or_o three_o treasurer_n will_v have_v serve_v any_o one_o congregation_n though_o it_o have_v consist_v of_o many_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o now_o that_o there_o be_v seâ—en_v at_o the_o first_o appoint_v it_o show_v a_o mighty_a vast_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o in_o its_o infancy_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ordain_v how_o many_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v afterward_o in_o future_a time_n make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o deny_v now_o if_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o true_o conclude_v of_o he_o and_o say_v as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o write_v his_o protestation_n protest_v of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v that_o dispute_n to_o those_o that_o have_v many_o year_n study_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n many_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o they_o for_o judgement_n have_v already_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o he_o and_o that_o for_o his_o very_a vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la or_o rather_o falsitatis_fw-la and_o for_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o this_o employment_n as_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o passion_n and_o choler_n then_o ground_v reason_n and_o argumentation_n and_o therefore_o will_v spoil_v their_o cause_n but_o now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n which_o concession_n of_o his_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o yet_o say_v he_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o say_v he_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o as_o not_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v between_o church_n and_o congregation_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o make_v they_o synonima_n as_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n usual_o do_v and_o think_v by_o this_o his_o grollery_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o convince_v they_o the_o question_n therefore_o between_o i_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n communicate_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v say_v that_o although_o i_o call_v they_o so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o gratify_v my_o kind_a brother_n &_o to_o show_v how_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n i_o do_v undertake_v that_o work_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v &_o evince_n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o my_o elevenor_n twelve_o sheet_n spend_v about_o this_o argument_n prove_v no_o waste_n paper_n and_o then_o also_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o he_o must_v turn_v presbyterian_a dependent_a if_o he_o have_v any_o honesty_n in_o he_o this_o then_o be_v my_o task_n to_o maintain_v and_o prove_v that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n or_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v good_a although_o he_o have_v sufficient_o himself_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n by_o the_o very_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o the_o way_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o premise_v thus_o much_o if_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v orthodox_n divinity_n viz._n that_o the_o sever_n of_o themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o into_o many_o several_a congregation_n in_o several_a private_a house_n for_o the_o partake_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o edify_v make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n the_o communicate_v and_o participate_v notwithstanding_o in_o all_o the_o which_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o formal_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o i_o affirm_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n as_o be_v found_v and_o build_v upon_o that_o one_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n that_o only_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o his_o principle_n viz._n if_o the_o sever_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n make_v they_o not_o several_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n teach_v because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n then_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n through_o the_o world_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o so_o by_o his_o learning_n there_o shall_v now_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o let_v all_o man_n turn_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o the_o world_n
as_o yet_o any_o particular_a visible_a form_v church_n for_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o branch_n and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n dialect_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o church_n body_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o say_v will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o my_o brother_n burtons_n unsound_a principle_n and_o this_o his_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o confident_a upon_o his_o more_o serious_a thought_n and_o when_o he_o make_v not_o such_o haste_n as_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v when_o he_o write_v this_o his_o book_n against_o i_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o erroneous_a but_o if_o he_o shall_v against_o all_o reason_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n he_o do_v about_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o be_o assure_v he_o will_v be_v high_o condemn_v by_o the_o learnede_a of_o his_o party_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o judicious_a divine_n in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o know_v be_v of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n he_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o several_a congregation_n or_o church_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n howsoever_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o title_n unto_o our_o assembly_n i_o say_v if_o he_o shall_v but_o accord_v that_o both_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o new_a congregation_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o church_n body_n though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n then_o likewise_o of_o necessity_n it_o will_v follow_v and_o he_o must_v yield_v unto_o it_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n because_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v all_o particular_a congregation_n and_o church_n that_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o they_o do_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n i_o say_v all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v part_n of_o that_o nationall_n city_n or_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n as_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v one_o of_o those_o conclusion_n i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n principle_n and_o for_o the_o better_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o it_o to_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o same_o have_v all_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n may_v challenge_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o the_o independent_o acknowledge_v then_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o if_o the_o whole_a 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to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o either_o of_o those_o congregation_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o enjoy_v or_o can_v challenge_v for_o the_o make_v it_o a_o complete_a church_n than_o it_o follow_v and_o that_o necessary_o that_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o the_o independent_o confess_v that_o all_o those_o congregation_n &_o assembly_n several_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o premise_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o undertake_v which_o be_v to_o prove_v those_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o i_o do_v by_o this_o argument_n all_o such_o assembly_n &_o congregation_n as_o daily_o 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assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a
such_o as_o have_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n that_o upon_o the_o read_n of_o any_o book_n or_o hearig_n of_o any_o argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a side_n their_o heart_n may_v not_o like_o the_o heart_n of_o ahaz_n isai_n the_o 7._o 1._o when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o confederacy_n of_o syria_n and_o ephraim_n be_v move_v as_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n be_v move_v with_o the_o wind_n this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o that_o author_n who_o word_n i_o have_v relate_v in_o their_o full_a length_n and_o extent_n not_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o show_v all_o the_o error_n of_o they_o which_o will_v require_v a_o just_a volume_n though_o occasonal_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o some_o of_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o according_a to_o his_o description_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o have_v take_v out_o of_o master_n cotteos_n book_n of_o new_a england_n none_o of_o the_o congregationall_a church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o if_o that_o also_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v be_v true_a than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o i_o say_v before_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v all_o this_o occasional_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n land_n afford_v i_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o my_o major_a proposition_n which_o be_v that_o all_z those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o those_o several_a house_n at_o jerusalem_n every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o because_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v better_o sound_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n ear_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n to_o hear_v one_o of_o their_o own_o great_a rabbye_n who_o they_o usual_o call_v giant_n and_o tall_a fellow_n then_o to_o hear_v i_o who_o at_o pleasure_n they_o style_v a_o pigmy_n and_o dwarf_n from_o his_o word_n therefore_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o he_o assert_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o then_o much_o more_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n have_v among_o they_o also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v likewise_o all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n within_o themselves_o which_o the_o independent_o confess_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o i_o say_v and_o that_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o company_n do_v constitute_v a_o complete_a visible_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o or_o two_o or_o three_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o at_o least_o twelve_o if_o not_o half_o twelve_o score_n yea_o innumerable_a in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o respective_o and_o several_o they_o have_v also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v arr_o sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v ergo_fw-la all_n and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o argument_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o upon_o their_o very_a word_n and_o corroborate_v with_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o what_o people_n say_v they_o in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v thus_o the_o independent_o speak_v and_o therefore_o without_o they_o will_v renounce_v their_o own_o principle_n and_o abjure_v all_o reason_n and_o the_o very_a light_n of_o understand_v give_v they_o of_o god_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o have_v in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v requisite_a and_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o form_a church_n for_o there_o be_v in_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o such_o minister_n and_o officer_n as_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o that_o to_o the_o enâ—_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o vers_fw-la the_o last_o they_o have_v also_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n all_o those_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o ordinance_n the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o think_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o one_o of_o their_o new_a congregation_n a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n they_o have_v all_o the_o bless_a apostle_n among_o they_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o many_o other_o preacher_n abundant_o furnish_v with_o all_o gift_n as_o who_o have_v go_v in_o and_o out_o with_o christ_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o he_o and_o johns_n ministry_n the_o mean_a of_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o first_o of_o the_o act_n and_o they_o have_v among_o they_o also_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n many_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o all_o of_o they_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n therefore_o they_o be_v visible_a church_n i_o do_v not_o with_o the_o author_n say_v mystical_a body_n the_o member_n of_o the_o which_o be_v visible_a saint_n such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v together_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o that_o with_o the_o holy_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o many_o complete_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n that_o which_o the_o independent_o hold_v ever_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o congregation_n they_o be_v visible_a and_o miraculous_a saint_n not_o ordinary_a one_o as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v among_o they_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o incomparable_a sanctify_a &_o transcendent_a endowment_n viz_o the_o holy_a apostle_n all_o the_o which_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o infallible_o who_o have_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o which_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v all_o other_o church_n and_o gather_v and_o form_v church_n both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o city_n and_o country_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v and_o as_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o have_v the_o material_n both_o for_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o true_a complete_a form_v church_n so_o tâ—â—y_o have_v likewise_o that_o which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n for_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a and_o combine_v together_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n as_o that_o of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n those_o seal_a ordinance_n and_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n among_o
they_o in_o all_o which_o ordinance_n every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n do_v daily_o partake_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o assembly_n a_o true_a and_o complete_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n they_o enjoy_v all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a meet_v house_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o three_o or_o four_o good_a woman_n and_o as_o many_o man_n every_o one_o of_o these_o several_a congregation_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o the_o name_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o do_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v and_o no_o where_o else_o that_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o independent_o consider_v by_o themselves_o respective_o &_o apart_o may_v proper_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v call_v church_n and_o that_o for_o the_o enjoy_v but_o some_o of_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n and_o privilege_n that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v complete_o partake_v in_o than_o all_o good_a reason_n will_v conclude_v that_o all_o these_o several_a assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o that_o as_o i_o say_v before_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o better_a reason_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o all_o other_o requisit_n whatsoever_o in_o these_o our_o day_n can_v make_v a_o complete_a church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n of_o my_o argument_n may_v suffice_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v any_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o for_o my_o minor_a proposition_n they_o that_o shall_v read_v but_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 18._o of_o matt._n and_o the_o 28._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o twenty_o of_o saint_n johns_n gospel_n shall_v find_v it_o sufficient_o confirm_v yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o now_o i_o hope_v every_o judicious_a and_o intelligible_a reader_n from_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v evince_v and_o that_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o under_o one_o presbytery_n govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o my_o brother_n burton_n &_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n a_o subordination_n or_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
nothing_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o himself_o or_o say_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v it_o he_o grollish_o deni_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o he_o do_v not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o but_o oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n insuccee_v time_n as_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o which_o government_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o mould_v up_o all_o their_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n within_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n as_o be_v complete_a within_o itself_o so_o ought_v every_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n after_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o authority_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o have_v dependency_n on_o any_o other_o for_o in_o all_o particular_n they_o avow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a form_v church_n and_o the_o same_o they_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o idependents_n beside_o himself_o that_o i_o ever_o have_v read_v or_o talk_v with_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o his_o own_o argument_n say_v that_o the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o acts._n then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o confess_v &_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a church_n for_o that_o that_o be_v deficient_a and_o deform_a that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o a_o form_a church_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o above_o say_v than_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o entire_a church_n as_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o gather_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o here_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n beside_o it_o must_v come_v in_o by_o which_o word_n of_o he_o i_o maintain_v he_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o all_o hold_v the_o contrary_a but_o contradict_v himself_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v of_o necessity_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o till_o there_o be_v necessity_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n so_o that_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o a_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o etc._n etc._n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n confute_v all_o his_o brethren_n who_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n hold_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostolic_a church_n be_v perfect_a form_v church_n and_o absolute_a within_o themselves_o and_o independent_a where_o as_o he_o blame_v they_o all_o of_o imperfection_n and_o say_v they_o must_v all_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a platform_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oppose_a of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o contradict_v of_o himself_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a for_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o he_o here_o accuse_v it_o of_o imperfection_n and_o fayling_n and_o therefore_o not_o form_v for_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o it_o want_v deacon_n and_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n at_o any_o time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n here_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o his_o learning_n must_v have_v not_o only_o a_o good_a discipline_n but_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n page_n 11._o now_o a_o church_n according_a to_o their_o description_n true_o form_v and_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n and_o two_o to_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o send_v i_o word_n which_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o peculiar-pastor_n of_o this_o form_a church_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n or_o who_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o who_o be_v their_o deacon_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o be_v that_o that_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v make_v all_o that_o i_o require_v of_o he_o clear_o appear_v than_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o church_n have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o or_o but_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o any_o particular_a covenant_n but_o we_o read_v that_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v mighty_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n set_v over_o they_o and_o church_n officer_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a and_o nothing_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o with_o any_o such_o covenant_n which_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v make_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o without_o which_o in_o their_o language_n it_o can_v be_v adistinct_a and_o formal_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v from_o which_o i_o do_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v and_o that_o from_o the_o new_a light_n i_o have_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o well_o form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n which_o be_v impious_a either_o to_o think_v or_o say_v or_o if_o they_o be_v that_o then_o there_o may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o but_o serve_v their_o flock_n and_o congregation_n in_o common_a so_o that_o all_o the_o babble_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o delude_v poor_a people_n when_o they_o demand_n such_o thing_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o god_n never_o require_v at_o his_o
people_n hand_n and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n they_o call_v for_o in_o all_o church_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o rigid_o exact_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n and_o form_v of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o a_o perfect_a church_n at_o that_o time_n but_o because_o he_o requre_v of_o i_o to_o show_v he_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o in_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o which_o he_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o desire_v of_o he_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o that_o whole_a church_n that_o he_o demand_v of_o i_o in_o its_o part_n without_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o which_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v be_v nothing_o and_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o that_o distinction_n i_o say_v of_o officer_n and_o member_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o he_o confess_v at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o have_v see_v or_o talk_v with_o say_v they_o read_v of_o no_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o first_o form_v of_o this_o church_n and_o we_o read_v not_o at_o any_o time_n of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o of_o any_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n join_v with_o that_o pastor_n as_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n all_o the_o people_n apply_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o all_o lay_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o deacon_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o we_o hear_v nothing_o i_o say_v of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o of_o any_o elder_n all_o this_o while_n and_o yet_o by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n then_o and_o we_o neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v also_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o rigid_o require_v of_o all_o such_o â—s_n desire_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o cordial_o desire_v of_o my_o brother_n burton_n see_v the_o underwriter_n his_o tributary_n have_v give_v he_o leave_v as_o he_o say_v in_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o shall_v balk_v no_o truth_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o plough_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o shall_v preach_v every_o truth_n i_o say_v he_o have_v obtain_v this_o christian_a liberty_n of_o his_o benefactor_n and_o truth_n be_v now_o no_o more_o in_o prison_n that_o he_o will_v candid_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o reserve_n doâ—eâ—_n ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redieritre_n tell_v i_o the_o next_o time_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o particular_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v their_o particular_a doctor_n or_o teacher_n who_o be_v their_o elder_n who_o be_v their_o deacon_n see_v my_o brother_n burton_n deni_v any_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o have_v not_o its_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n therefore_o i_o put_v he_o upon_o this_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o write_v both_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o his_o vindication_n will_v all_o prove_v but_o waste_a paper_n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o james_n or_o peter_n be_v their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v into_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v either_o the_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o church_n for_o as_o the_o independent_o teach_v they_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o shall_v not_o leave_v their_o charge_n and_o flock_n neither_o can_v my_o brother_n burton_n tell_v which_o be_v their_o elder_n for_o the_o independent_o say_v they_o read_v of_o none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o twelve_o of_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n they_o then_o have_v none_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n opinion_n â—or_a he_o â—aith_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n which_o if_o they_o have_v have_v elder_n they_o can_v not_o have_v want_v and_o for_o deacon_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v none_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n either_o for_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o require_v i_o shall_v show_v he_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n &_o congregation_n without_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o his_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_fw-la itself_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v therefore_o when_o he_o be_v at_o plough_n again_o as_o now_o i_o understand_v he_o be_v i_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v furrow_v up_o this_o truth_n unto_o i_o and_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n withal_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v how_o he_o come_v to_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n make_v a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v the_o material_n only_a of_o a_o church_n all_o these_o truth_n i_o desire_v and_o that_o earnest_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o his_o next_o go_v to_o plough_v he_o will_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v unto_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o singular_a tiller_n and_o a_o very_a good_a husbandman_n in_o christ_n field_n his_o church_n or_o otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a either_o to_o make_v a_o complete_a independent_a country_n courtier_n or_o a_o absolute_a independent_a gentleman_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o haberdasher_n in_o the_o small_a ware_n of_o independency_n and_o with_o those_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v be_v best_o able_a to_o trade_n with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o i_o hear_v from_o he_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v deacon_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o many_o other_o good_a thing_n they_o require_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o that_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o saint_n of_o those_o time_n make_v any_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n though_o they_o want_v officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n require_v now_o by_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o those_o primitive_a and_o holy_a christian_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o want_n of_o some_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o for_o want_n of_o some_o officer_n
likewise_o want_v nothing_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n but_o have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o complete_a a_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o all_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n now_o i_o shall_v never_o beleevethat_o those_o glorious_a church_n found_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o every_o city_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n appoint_v they_o the_o which_o church_n also_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o complete_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o well_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o any_o of_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o impiety_n to_o think_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o gather_v church_n and_o how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o they_o and_o how_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o well_o as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o notwithstanding_o do_v all_o proclaim_v they_o but_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n both_o in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v all_o complete_v at_o their_o first_o sound_v and_o constitution_n and_o be_v all_o complete_a within_o themselves_o as_o have_v plenary_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o much_o more_o have_v all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o s._n paul_n who_o blame_v they_o for_o not_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o some_o of_o the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o christ_n himself_o for_o otherwise_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n may_v have_v reply_v and_o answer_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o complete_o mould_v up_o at_o their_o first_o sound_n and_o that_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o none_o of_o these_o church_n pretend_v any_o such_o thing_n neither_o can_v they_o for_o saint_n paul_n have_v give_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n a_o caveat_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o wolf_n that_o will_v rise_v up_o among_o they_o after_o his_o departure_n and_o have_v arm_v they_o likewise_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o twenty_o of_o the_o act_n and_o that_o church_n execute_v its_o power_n in_o find_v out_o of_o false_a teacher_n and_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o though_o the_o other_o be_v blame_v so_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o their_o duty_n and_o not_o execute_v of_o their_o discipline_n be_v that_o that_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v give_v they_o in_o cast_v out_o of_o those_o corrupt_a member_n from_o among_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v their_o fail_n and_o for_o this_o be_v they_o blame_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o discipline_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n but_o their_o negligence_n and_o their_o not_o do_v their_o duty_n be_v their_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n inferior_a to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o power_n or_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n bold_o and_o without_o all_o reason_n affirm_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o story_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n the_o which_o if_o it_o can_v take_v away_o the_o very_a life_n of_o offender_n as_o it_o do_v they_o for_o lie_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o it_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o any_o corrupt_a member_n and_o scandalous_a person_n if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o among_o they_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_a but_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o want_n of_o discipline_n or_o power_n in_o that_o church_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o open_a delinquent_n and_o scandalous_a person_n for_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o will_v suffer_v none_o in_o the_o least_o to_o transgress_v it_o without_o question_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o conceive_v but_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o they_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n the_o â—1_n where_o they_o question_v peter_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o learned_a and_o judicious_a christian_n that_o the_o punishment_n also_o that_o be_v inflict_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n strike_v so_o great_a a_o terror_n of_o offend_v into_o all_o the_o ghurch_n as_o it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o in_o public_a be_v vicious_a and_o therefore_o that_o make_v they_o all_o afraid_a of_o public_a open_a and_o scandal_n withal_o it_o be_v record_v that_o they_o be_v all_o true_a believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o 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 be_v all_o true_a convert_n and_o saint_n indeed_o now_o no_o church_n use_v to_o cast_v out_o saint_n and_o man_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o goodness_n and_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a which_o when_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o excommunication_n or_o at_o least_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n at_o that_o time_n for_o discipline_n in_o any_o church_n be_v as_o magistracy_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o good_a but_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v rom._n the_o 13._o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o well_o doer_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n use_v the_o sword_n only_o against_o offender_n and_o delinquent_n so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n only_o in_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n which_o be_v sole_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a and_o scandalous_a person_n there_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n beside_o all_o man_n know_v that_o discipline_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o other_o and_o be_v but_o the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o discipline_n as_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v another_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o court_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o that_o court_n be_v a_o other_o and_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o authority_n make_v it_o not_o a_o court_n nor_o give_v not_o the_o power_n to_o it_o but_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o court_n invest_v with_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o parliament_n the_o great_a and_o supreme_a court_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o cut_n off_o of_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n head_n give_v not_o power_n to_o the_o parliament_n but_o declare_v the_o power_n they_o have_v by_o their_o first_o constitution_n for_o they_o be_v a_o court_n before_o and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o execution_n before_o but_o upon_o this_o occasion_n they_o exercise_v it_o but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v if_o they_o have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n exercise_v their_o authority_n as_o they_o have_v not_o do_v for_o these_o many_o year_n before_o that_o the_o great_a court_n have_v want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n all_o man_n that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o say_v that_o great_a council_n
want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n i_o beeleeve_v they_o will_v exercise_v some_o more_o of_o their_o authority_n to_o teach_v such_o a_o one_o better_a manner_n or_o more_o wit_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v discipline_n in_o that_o church_n though_o we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o put_n of_o it_o in_o execution_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n neither_o will_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n because_o i_o say_v we_o read_v only_o of_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o and_o some_o of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o cast_v out_o their_o corrupt_a member_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o at_o that_o time_n exercise_v their_o authority_n neither_o read_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n colosse_n nor_o among_o the_o thessalonian_o nor_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o antioch_n nor_o in_o samaria_n will_v any_o man_n therefore_o say_v that_o all_o these_o church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n because_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o fanatical_a as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o so_o brainsick_a a_o premise_v much_o less_o will_v any_o intelligible_a christian_n argue_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v say_v we_o read_v not_o of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n ergo_fw-la it_o have_v it_o not_o this_o will_v indeed_o prove_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la and_o such_o a_o consequenct_n or_o conclusion_n can_v least_o of_o all_o have_v be_v make_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o such_o a_o antecedent_n then_o from_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n because_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n within_o itself_o but_o a_o legislative_a power_n also_o who_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o church_n both_o for_o the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o discipline_n in_o every_o particular_a and_o that_o by_o god_n appointment_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 23._o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n give_v power_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n and_o that_o both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o power_n be_v radical_o in_o it_o and_o in_o that_o church_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o authority_n the_o stream_n of_o the_o which_o flow_v to_o all_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o 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they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v loe_o here_o be_v plenary_a authority_n give_v unto_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o key_n promise_v they_o in_o the_o sixteenth_o of_o matthew_n here_o they_o now_o receive_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n both_o of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o the_o key_n import_v as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v and_o the_o very_a independent_o do_v not_o deny_v now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o only_o give_v unto_o they_o but_o unto_o all_o faithful_a minister_n their_o successor_n to_o who_o christ_n make_v a_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n matth._n 28._o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v ever_o relinquish_v their_o power_n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v not_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n grollish_o affirm_v who_o begin_v now_o to_o doubt_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o dote_v but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o just_a occasion_n without_o all_o controversy_n they_o will_v have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n but_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o have_v no_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o want_v not_o though_o they_o exercise_v it_o not_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o punish_v offender_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o independent_o will_v blame_v any_o of_o their_o scholar_n and_o member_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v their_o new_a congregat_v church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o in_o some_o of_o they_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n for_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n in_o a_o church_n for_o as_o it_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n have_v not_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o hang_v and_o draw_v though_o perhaps_o after_o it_o be_v erect_v they_o either_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o execute_v that_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v or_o they_o out_o of_o clemency_n will_v for_o a_o time_n show_v mercy_n and_o use_v lenity_n towards_o offender_n not_o take_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n the_o more_o with_o humanity_n and_o kindness_n to_o reclaim_v they_o even_o so_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n the_o not_o execute_v of_o the_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o not_o have_v just_a occasion_n of_o put_v that_o power_n in_o execution_n do_v not_o prove_v a_o want_n of_o that_o power_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o new_a congregation_n shall_v so_o argue_v against_o their_o new_a church_n officer_n i_o believe_v they_o will_v soon_o make_v use_n of_o their_o key_n to_o shut_v such_o a_o member_n out_o of_o their_o church_n door_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n false_o complain_v that_o truth_n be_v late_o shut_v out_o of_o aldermanburic_n church_n door_n and_o true_o if_o one_o of_o their_o whibble_a congregation_n have_v no_o want_n of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n though_o they_o execute_v it_o not_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o temerarious_a and_o unadvised_a as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v evacuate_v or_o enervate_v or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v great_a power_n in_o it_o then_o in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o who_o have_v all_o the_o apostle_n among_o they_o and_o as_o christ_n and_o john_n disciple_n all_o of_o they_o arm_v with_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o when_o the_o magazine_n and_o treasury_n of_o all_o power_n reside_v continual_o in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n when_o all_o other_o church_n derive_v their_o power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n from_o that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o to_o this_o i_o now_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o judicious_a man_n will_v easy_o consent_v and_o agree_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n say_v that_o neither_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n nor_o none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v complete_a within_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o must_v
all_o of_o they_o necessary_o be_v confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a platform_n these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n add_v with_o all_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n and_o the_o body_n of_o many_o member_n and_o one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 11._o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o apostolical_a church_n they_o have_v all_o need_n one_o of_o another_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o thus_o speak_v be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o the_o which_o i_o be_o assure_v thâ—â—_n will_v sharp_o reprove_v he_o but_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la conclude_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o the_o several_a member_n be_v in_o one_o body_n which_o be_v that_o that_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n peremptory_o deny_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o evangelicall_n truth_n as_o i_o shall_v god_n will_v abundant_o prove_v in_o examine_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n phililppi_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o the_o rest_n with_o that_o of_o ephesus_n all_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o make_v up_o of_o his_o complete_a pattern_n and_o all_o the_o which_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o he_o and_o his_o scholar_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o say_v although_o he_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o enumeration_n i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o church_n he_o enumerate_v and_o prove_v they_o all_o classical_a and_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o independent_a church_n such_o as_o they_o describe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nor_o before_o our_o day_n nor_o never_o such_o a_o whimsy_n take_v notice_n of_o before_o this_o dote_a age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v also_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o word_n for_o matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o poor_a presbyterian_o who_o the_o independent_o term_n at_o every_o word_n a_o antichristian_a brood_n who_o may_v not_o think_v it_o much_o nor_o be_v offend_v with_o it_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v when_o they_o accuse_v our_o church_n not_o to_o be_v well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o when_o they_o say_v that_o our_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o here_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o master_n illdependent_a censure_v and_o judge_v not_o only_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o for_o want_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n and_o for_o want_n of_o officer_n and_o blame_v all_o other_o church_n accuse_v they_o likewise_o of_o fayling_n and_o imperfection_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v all_o confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n which_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v they_o be_v all_o defective_a and_o not_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o horrid_a piece_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v condign_a punishment_n from_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n and_o true_o as_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o see_v when_o man_n once_o desert_n and_o forsake_v the_o truth_n what_o error_n out_o of_o pride_n and_o giddiness_n they_o soon_o fâ—ll_v into_o so_o it_o may_v exceed_o rejoice_v and_o comfort_v we_o that_o in_o all_o their_o asperse_v of_o we_o and_o daily_o calumniate_a our_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n and_o imperfection_n as_o they_o conceive_v and_o in_o their_o deny_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a form_v church_n for_o in_o this_o we_o be_v like_o sufferer_n with_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n all_o the_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n accuse_v of_o imperfection_n and_o for_o fayling_n so_o that_o if_o he_o will_v censure_v they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o not_o only_o condemn_v all_o our_o church_n for_o antichristian_a and_o not_o well_o form_v church_n but_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o from_o so_o many_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o they_o term_v our_o assembly_n but_o now_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n enumeration_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o say_v he_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o those_o also_o of_o galitia_fw-la and_o that_o of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n thus_o he_o now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n philippi_n those_o of_o galatia_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n do_v consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o be_v all_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o all_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n iâ—_n their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n i_o say_v be_v classical_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o they_o and_o likewise_o subject_a to_o the_o synodical_a decree_n at_o jerusalem_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o all_o these_o church_n make_v up_o a_o entire_a and_o complete_a pattern_n or_o platform_n of_o govern_v all_o church_n for_o future_a age_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n grant_v i_o shall_v therefore_o desire_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o give_v i_o leave_v as_o i_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v branch_n of_o that_o church_n therefore_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o the_o stock_n so_o now_o brief_o to_o evince_v that_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerat_o consist_v likewise_o of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o then_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n their_o very_a congregationall_a church_n and_o assembly_n be_v not_o true_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o withal_o i_o shall_v make_v good_a by_o god_n assistance_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v dependent_a all_o which_o i_o will_v do_v in_o order_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o rest_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n this_o city_n of_o samaria_n be_v the_o regal_a city_n and_o the_o palace_n or_o chamber_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a city_n then_o in_o the_o world_n and_o next_o to_o jerusalem_n the_o famous_a in_o all_o palestine_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o all_o canaan_n for_o extent_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a one_o that_o can_v entertain_v the_o who_o assyrian_n army_n at_o one_o time_n and_o it_o be_v exceed_o populous_a as_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n witness_v in_o the_o which_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o that_o plant_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 4_o of_o john_n where_o we_o read_v that_o our_o saviour_n convert_v not_o only_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n but_o many_o more_o who_o be_v make_v believer_n by_o his_o ministry_n as_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v and_o to_o this_o church_n be_v many_o thousand_o add_v by_o the_o preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o philip_n for_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o act_v the_o 8._o vers_fw-la 6._o 10._o 12._o 14._o that_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o that_o juggler_n simon_n magus_n which_o be_v in_o no_o small_a number_n every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v undeceive_v by_o the_o preach_n and_o wonder_n of_o philip_n now_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o that_o there_o
while_o with_o their_o scribble_n they_o trouble_v the_o world_n in_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o hear_v yet_o how_o he_o cavil_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o then_o all_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o must_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o in_o regard_n also_o that_o that_o church_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o resolution_n of_o that_o church_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o can_v ever_o say_v in_o these_o respect_n say_v he_o it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n remain_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n imitable_a and_o perfect_a thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n make_v a_o noise_n to_o little_a purpose_n contradict_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n that_o i_o ever_o yet_o read_v or_o talk_v with_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o form_n and_o govern_v all_o their_o church_n and_o labour_n to_o reduce_v all_o to_o that_o pattern_n and_o ground_n all_o their_o proceed_n upon_o the_o platform_n of_o that_o church_n and_o do_v all_o as_o they_o affirm_v in_o imitation_n of_o that_o hold_v synod_n to_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o my_o brother_n burton_n here_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a as_o his_o word_n sufficient_o declare_v for_o which_o his_o grollery_n i_o believe_v all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n will_v give_v he_o little_a thanks_n and_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o so_o great_a haste_n in_o answer_v i_o who_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n say_v i_o haste_v at_o last_o as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o make_v more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n canis_fw-la festinans_fw-la caecos_fw-la parit_fw-la catulos_fw-la and_o will_v have_v cause_n at_o leisure_n to_o repent_v for_o he_o have_v by_o this_o his_o juggle_n and_o conjure_v quite_o raze_v the_o foundation_n and_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o new_a babble_n of_o independency_n which_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v so_o busy_a and_o diligent_a to_o lay_v erect_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v and_o that_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v his_o trifle_a reason_n of_o this_o his_o gainsaying_n and_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o other_o church_n for_o than_o say_v he_o every_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o all_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o one_o church_n and_o to_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o can_v be_v there_o be_v none_o now_o infallible_o guide_v thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n out_o of_o the_o acumen_n of_o his_o wit_n dispute_v at_o randoun_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n do_v the_o prelate_n in_o their_o generation_n dispute_v against_o the_o godly_a people_n they_o term_v puritan_n when_o they_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o that_o they_o all_o receive_v it_o either_o sit_v or_o use_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o christian_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o the_o apostle_n example_n rather_o then_o antichrist_n as_o a_o pattern_n set_v down_o to_o they_o of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o the_o prelate_n and_o those_o of_o that_o faction_n reply_v that_o if_o the_o puritan_n will_v make_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o pattern_n for_o their_o imitation_n then_o they_o must_v always_o celebrate_v it_o in_o a_o evening_n and_o that_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o not_o in_o public_a and_o then_o they_o must_v never_o exceed_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o communicant_n and_o they_o must_v be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o other_o toy_n they_o bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v my_o brother_n burton_n now_o trifle_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o as_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v a_o pattern_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n which_o be_v never_o require_v so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o their_o imitate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v liberty_n give_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o deacon_n when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o such_o officer_n &_o to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a for_o their_o occasion_n and_o in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o likewise_o if_o they_o have_v need_n of_o deacon_n may_v make_v choice_n of_o holy_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o whether_o few_o or_o more_o and_o as_o often_o as_o their_o occasion_n require_v no_o church_n be_v limit_v for_o the_o number_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o church_n ordain_v the_o deacon_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o in_o all_o church_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o as_o upon_o any_o difference_n among_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o it_o happen_v then_o between_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n act_n 6._o about_o their_o widow_n who_o they_o think_v be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a administration_n they_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o redress_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o any_o occasion_n of_o such_o or_o the_o like_a difference_n to_o appeal_v unto_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o as_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n so_o when_o the_o presbyter_n command_v or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o people_n be_v to_o yield_v willing_a subjection_n &_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n their_o pattern_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n and_o all_o these_o be_v combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a in_o imitation_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o they_o and_o as_o upon_o occasion_n then_o certain_a man_n go_v down_o from_o judaea_n to_o antioch_n act_v 15._o 1._o and_o trouble_v the_o people_n there_o and_o in_o other_o church_n with_o word_n subvert_v their_o soul_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n vers_fw-la 24._o pretend_v they_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v a_o command_n from_o they_o of_o their_o so_o do_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n send_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o business_n in_o debate_n &_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o resolution_n without_o make_v any_o rent_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o other_o church_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o dispute_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o argument_n and_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n
succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o in_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a presbytery_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o any_o church_n have_v its_o peculiar_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n allot_v to_o it_o with_o but_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n of_o people_n of_o the_o which_o they_o only_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o rule_v of_o it_o and_o the_o which_o have_v absolute_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o independent_o assert_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n such_o a_o model_n of_o a_o church_n i_o affirm_v can_v never_o be_v show_v or_o prove_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n say_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 28._o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o when_o christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o to_o appropriate_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v be_v to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n for_o if_o these_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o every_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n than_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n but_o many_o pastor_n and_o many_o teacher_n in_o each_o of_o they_o beside_o other_o church_n officer_n and_o then_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v more_o in_o number_n many_o time_n than_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o particular_a church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n indeed_o to_o all_o church_n than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o all_o of_o they_o severally_z they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o all_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n do_v abundant_o appear_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a model_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n to_o use_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o act_v the_o second_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o and_o in_o that_o church_n there_o be_v no_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n feed_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o therefore_o after_o the_o very_a same_o example_n and_o pattern_n may_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v well_o form_v church_n &_o yet_o have_v neither_o a_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n among_o they_o for_o neither_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n have_v that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n among_o they_o and_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o nevertheless_o be_v well_o form_v church_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o church_n all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o add_v to_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o force_v to_o walk_v either_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n that_o they_o may_v either_o know_v the_o saint_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o be_v know_v of_o they_o noâ—_n be_v ever_o force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o to_o enter_v in_o by_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n before_o their_o admittance_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o that_o mother_n church_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a daughter-churche_n in_o admit_v of_o their_o member_n without_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o any_o that_o be_v add_v into_o she_o but_o of_o this_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o teach_v only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o their_o first_o admission_n of_o member_n who_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o not_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o as_o in_o that_o church_n when_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n oppose_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o they_o do_v saint_n paul_n act_v the_o 9_o verse_n 26_o 27._o of_o who_o they_o be_v afraid_a not_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o he_o then_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o business_n they_o admit_v he_o come_v in_o and_o go_v out_o without_o their_o consent_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n place_v only_o to_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o not_o the_o people_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v gainsay_v the_o admission_n of_o any_o upon_o either_o their_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n or_o out_o of_o other_o respect_n that_o then_o they_o may_v have_v their_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v by_o they_o to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o dislike_n and_o dissent_v of_o their_o brethren_n for_o of_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n never_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o schism_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o some_o fayling_n but_o always_o constant_o frequent_v their_o public_a meet_v place_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o teacher_n both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n but_o of_o christ_n also_o in_o so_o do_v who_o when_o he_o be_v question_v concern_v his_o doctrine_n say_v i_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o not_o in_o corner_n and_o by_o place_n and_o he_o enjoin_v the_o people_n also_o to_o do_v the_o same_o matth._n 23_o say_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n his_o seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v but_o do_v not_o you_o after_o their_o work_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o imitate_v this_o church_n as_o their_o pattern_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o those_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v all_o save_a truth_n needful_a to_o salvation_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v christ_n both_o example_n and_o precept_n for_o it_o but_o because_o also_o separation_n be_v blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 10._o and_o therefore_o forbid_v who_o say_v verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o
the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n this_o be_v one_o of_o my_o statute_n law_n will_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n say_v now_o you_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o i_o nor_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o be_v baptize_v in_o my_o name_n by_o john_n and_o my_o disciple_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v your_o own_o expression_n i_o therefore_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o you_o of_o the_o oongregationall_a by-path_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o only_o for_o these_o your_o hard_a speech_n against_o i_o and_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o but_o because_o in_o all_o my_o holy_a word_n i_o never_o appoint_v such_o a_o model_n and_o form_n of_o church_n as_o you_o have_v erect_v among_o you_o i_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o you_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o this_o i_o presume_v 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john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n they_o except_o they_o speedy_o repent_v must_v give_v a_o dreadful_a account_n at_o the_o great_a day_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n especial_o for_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a leader_n and_o captain_n in_o this_o militia_n and_o new_a model_n of_o ill-dependency_n if_o some_o young_a sprig_v that_o have_v be_v turn_v about_o with_o every_o stream_n of_o opinion_n and_o carry_v about_o this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n have_v speak_v such_o word_n only_o and_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o novel_a opinion_n and_o of_o such_o double_a deal_n and_o juggle_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v wonder_v at_o it_o know_v how_o unstable_a youth_n be_v but_o for_o a_o old_a tree_n in_o which_o the_o sap_n of_o youth_n shall_v now_o be_v well_o dry_v up_o and_o which_o shall_v be_v stiff_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v settle_v for_o such_o a_o 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this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o speak_v concern_v my_o brother_n burtons_n reply_n to_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v to_o say_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n concern_v my_o first_o four_o proposition_n and_o the_o whole_a first_o part_n of_o my_o book_n what_o he_o have_v to_o reply_v to_o my_o argument_n about_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v answer_v in_o their_o due_a place_n after_o i_o have_v speak_v alittle_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n concern_v the_o independent_o definition_n of_o their_o church_n which_o occasional_o i_o meet_v with_o when_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n i_o confirm_v my_o argument_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n it_o may_v make_v they_o more_o specious_a in_o the_o independent_o eye_n or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o i_o hereafter_o when_o they_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o speak_v nothing_o but_o what_o i_o ratify_v and_o make_v good_a from_o their_o own_o ground_n their_o 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be_v all_o dependent_a i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o chief_a thing_n observable_a in_o it_o first_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n saint_n etc._n etc._n second_o they_o assert_v that_o this_o church_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n three_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n which_o false_o they_o make_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n or_o they_o say_v they_o be_v unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n now_o it_o can_v be_v holy_a except_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o have_v his_o command_n and_o authority_n for_o it_o which_o be_v that_o that_o engrave_v holiness_n upon_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v either_o diabolical_a or_o at_o least_o but_o 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inconvenience_n and_o indeed_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v redound_v unto_o thousand_o of_o god_n people_n if_o these_o man_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n and_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o definition_n for_o from_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o describe_v and_o desire_v though_o it_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o be_v they_o never_o so_o erroneous_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o never_o so_o corrupt_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o never_o so_o perverse_a malicious_a and_o unplacable_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o let_v their_o unjustice_n do_v against_o any_o poor_a oppress_a member_n by_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a or_o exorbitant_a there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o it_o or_o help_v or_o redress_v to_o be_v expect_v by_o any_o appeal_n to_o any_o other_o court_n church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n which_o be_v a_o yoke_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o horrid_a tyranny_n and_o slavery_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v and_o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n can_v ever_o bear_v a_o great_a than_o the_o which_o never_o any_o man_n voluntary_o put_v themselves_o under_o before_o these_o our_o unhappy_a time_n all_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v god_n assist_v i_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o definition_n make_v evident_a and_o first_o whereas_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n if_o any_o presbyterian_a shall_v have_v so_o speak_v the_o independent_o will_v have_v say_v it_o have_v be_v a_o bull_n for_o visible_a and_o mystical_a can_v be_v predicate_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o if_o it_o be_v mystical_a than_o not_o visible_a and_o if_o visible_a then_o not_o mystical_a and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n belong_v rather_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n then_o to_o any_o visible_a congregation_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v true_o holy_a and_o godly_a which_o none_o know_v but_o god_n himself_o for_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o and_o positive_o say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v a_o saint_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v often_o mistake_v as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v they_o have_v be_v for_o the_o time_n be_v that_o they_o think_v some_o man_n saint_n who_o be_v the_o same_o still_o they_o then_o be_v and_o yet_o now_o they_o not_o only_o think_v but_o say_v though_o false_o they_o be_v devil_n and_o repent_v that_o ever_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o most_o true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n only_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o of_o more_o discern_a spirit_n then_o any_o in_o our_o age_n yet_o can_v not_o discover_v judas_n christ_n only_o know_v he_o be_v a_o devil_n it_o be_v hide_v and_o a_o mystery_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o same_o to_o this_o day_n lie_v hide_v from_o all_o man_n who_o be_v saint_n indeed_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n be_v absurd_a groundless_a and_o vain_a in_o this_o branch_n of_o it_o when_o they_o say_v a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o saint_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o this_o their_o model_n for_o we_o read_v not_o only_o of_o many_o scandalous_a walker_n among_o they_o but_o of_o some_o heretic_n and_o yet_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v true_a church_n what_o ever_o the_o independent_o think_v now_o of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v mix_v though_o in_o none_o or_o in_o very_a few_o of_o they_o they_o can_v discover_v any_o such_o offender_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n galatia_n philippi_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v true_a church_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a in_o the_o sequel_n that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v then_o true_a church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o saint_n but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n or_o part_n viz._n that_o the_o church_n they_o desire_v must_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o this_o branch_n also_o than_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o well_o form_v church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o then_o also_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n be_v a_o true_a church_n much_o less_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n challenge_v that_o title_n and_o be_v true_a church_n it_o be_v impossible_a though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o one_o congregation_n apiece_o for_o they_o several_o to_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o among_o god_n ordinance_n the_o independent_o both_o in_o new-england_n and_o here_o among_o we_o hold_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n though_o as_o they_o be_v representative_a body_n of_o many_o church_n they_o may_v have_v that_o name_n give_v they_o and_o be_v church_n in_o my_o notion_n and_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n but_o i_o say_v not_o proper_o according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o their_o congregation_n consist_v of_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o of_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n apeice_n and_o deacon_n and_o of_o a_o few_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o have_v many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n require_v for_o the_o mould_v of_o they_o up_o into_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n whereas_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n they_o have_v neither_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n over_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o elder_n and_o deacon_n as_o they_o require_v nor_o no_o woman_n so_o that_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o present_a day_n enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n consist_v of_o presbyter_n only_o and_o that_o of_o many_o not_o only_o out_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o great_a but_o out_o of_o many_o send_v and_o delegated_a from_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o yea_o many_o time_n not_o only_o out_o of_o many_o several_a presbytery_n adjacent_a but_o out_o of_o other_o country_n and_o province_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n and_o that_o late_o at_o dort_n and_o this_o our_o
synod_n now_o present_a and_o their_o employment_n likewise_o be_v of_o a_o other_o nature_n then_o that_o of_o ordinary_a pastor_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o a_o synod_n and_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v never_o any_o congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n that_o yet_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o synod_n or_o council_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v a_o synod_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o they_o several_o and_o so_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o definition_n and_o therefore_o remain_v not_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n that_o the_o congregationall_a church_n can_v enjoy_v for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o but_o many_o time_n after_o in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n and_o the_o death_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n or_o when_o there_o remain_v but_o one_o alive_a as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v dependent_a if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n or_o else_o be_v no_o church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v ordinance_n that_o near_o concern_v every_o particular_a congregation_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o that_o alone_a for_o how_o can_v a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o ignorant_a man_n and_o woman_n try_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v elect_v or_o put_v over_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o those_o science_n art_n faculty_n and_o history_n and_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o latin_a greek_a hebrew_n and_o be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o in_o some_o competency_n be_v require_v in_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n over_o they_o when_o i_o say_v not_o any_o one_o in_o those_o congregation_n many_o time_n have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o art_n and_o science_n in_o all_o which_o a_o minister_n ought_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v verse_v in_o if_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o high_a call_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o due_o and_o right_o perform_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o have_v such_o intelligible_a member_n who_o when_o they_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o elder_n to_o perform_v &_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n who_o never_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o hold_v and_o teach_v so_o that_o when_o any_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o other_o church_n officer_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o permit_v not_o the_o common_a people_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o but_o always_o desire_v elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o other_o congregation_n to_o do_v it_o without_o who_o help_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v have_v it_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n but_o i_o will_v first_o speak_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n the_o which_o howsoever_o in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o unlearned_a independent_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v of_o small_a weight_n and_o but_o a_o compliment_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n account_n and_o reckon_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n heb._n 6._o for_o 1_o 2_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n master_n henry_n jacob_n by_o name_n who_o first_o baptize_v their_o new_a gather_a church_n with_o that_o compellation_n of_o independent_a church_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n exceed_o urge_v to_o overthrow_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o as_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o england_n err_v in_o the_o foundation_n not_o have_v the_o due_a and_o right_a imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o of_o his_o other_o opinion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v for_o those_o that_o impose_v hand_n upon_o the_o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n be_v presbyter_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o can_v urge_v this_o place_n for_o their_o advantage_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o also_o may_v not_o much_o more_o make_v use_n of_o it_o against_o they_o it_o be_v god_n own_o institution_n and_o to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o world_n end_n in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o this_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o presbytery_n be_v want_v in_o any_o church_n that_o church_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n within_o itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o obtain_v or_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n of_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o often_o in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o and_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o at_o many_o other_o time_n also_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o mortality_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o when_o but_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v alive_a which_o frequent_o happen_v among_o they_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v crave_v the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v dependent_a for_o not_o any_o one_o elder_a alone_a and_o by_o himself_o can_v ordain_v a_o other_o there_o must_v be_v more_o together_o for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v just_o do_v and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v of_o many_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n import_v and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n and_o view_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o a_o establish_a presbytery_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v many_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o they_o appoint_v over_o they_o to_o govern_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a and_o all_o those_o several_a presbytery_n have_v in_o each_o of_o they_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n within_o themselves_o in_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o corporation_n or_o committee_n have_v their_o precedent_n and_o chaire-man_n with_o all_o other_o officer_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o abundance_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v as_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o presbyter_n or_o officer_n dye_v within_o their_o several_a preeinct_n they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o several_a charter_n present_o go_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o new_a one_o and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n and_o choice_n for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v who_o if_o their_o precedent_n die_v or_o any_o of_o their_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o their_o common_a council_n or_o any_o of_o their_o other_o officer_n they_o forthwith_o make_v election_n of_o other_o out_o of_o some_o of_o their_o freeman_n or_o of_o man_n well_o know_v to_o they_o for_o sufficiency_n wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o all_o other_o ability_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o corporation_n for_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o
which_o the_o lord_n preserve_v his_o people_n from_o and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o all_o cordial_a and_o understand_a man_n to_o oppose_v with_o all_o their_o might_n as_o they_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n end_n all_o the_o which_o the_o whimsicall_a opinion_n of_o independency_n will_v hinder_v which_o indeed_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o anarchy_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o atheism_n or_o a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o our_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o nigh_a ally_n one_o from_o another_o and_o to_o the_o distraction_n of_o all_o man_n as_o our_o small_a and_o little_a experience_n of_o that_o way_n have_v by_o woeful_a trial_n and_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o their_o definition_n in_o discover_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v such_o a_o church_n as_o that_o set_v down_o and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n with_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o it_o to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v subject_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o government_n as_o the_o independent_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o their_o definition_n viz._n their_o particular_a explicit_a holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o not_o only_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n but_o make_v it_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o reason_n above_o specify_v as_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n our_o father_n nor_o no_o example_n in_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o have_v no_o other_o but_o the_o general_a covenant_n which_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o allow_v as_o it_o be_v authorize_v by_o god_n himself_o though_o they_o reject_v that_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o independent_o as_o be_v a_o humane_a ordinance_n which_o all_o christian_n in_o god_n service_n ought_v to_o abhor_v as_o not_o command_v and_o enjoin_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n who_o voice_n only_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v and_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v to_o set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o be_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o mighty_a councillor_n and_o the_o sole_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v accord_v and_o grant_v to_o the_o independent_o that_o this_o their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n be_v indeed_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n as_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o people_n than_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o their_o own_o congregation_n be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n to_o aver_v and_o maintain_v but_o beside_o this_o their_o unwarrantable_a covenant_n which_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n they_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n with_o they_o many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n which_o they_o hold_v not_o only_o requisite_a but_o god_n ordinance_n also_o as_o first_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o week_n month_n and_o perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o for_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o behaviour_n and_o manner_n and_o except_o they_o can_v please_v the_o whole_a church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o admittance_n at_o last_o second_o after_o their_o good_a like_n of_o their_o carriage_n they_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o dislike_v they_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v three_o after_o this_o they_o require_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o all_o which_o if_o the_o congregation_n approve_v not_o of_o as_o sufficient_a they_o can_v be_v yet_o admit_v last_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v must_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o else_o by_o their_o charter_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o church-communion_n with_o they_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v they_o require_v in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n before_o any_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o joint_a member_n among_o they_o never_o a_o one_o of_o the_o which_o condition_n or_o injunction_n not_o withstand_v have_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a flavery_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n beside_o this_o their_o particular_a explicet_fw-la covenant_n which_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v they_o only_o require_v without_o any_o of_o their_o other_o grollery_n be_v a_o bondage_n too_o unsufferable_a for_o in_o that_o their_o covenant_n as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v by_o some_o of_o they_o when_o in_o familiar_a manner_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o friendship_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o method_n of_o admit_v of_o their_o joint_a member_n and_o especial_o what_o the_o covenant_n import_v and_o what_o they_o promise_v in_o it_o and_o what_o by_o it_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o and_o for_o answer_v they_o reply_v that_o three_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o their_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n first_o that_o they_o promise_v and_o by_o this_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o in_o all_o church_n fellowship_n as_o to_o be_v helpefull_a one_o to_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o to_o their_o pastor_n and_o to_o stand_v one_o by_o another_o without_o desertion_n of_o each_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o willing_a subjection_n and_o conformity_n not_o only_o to_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v among_o they_o but_o also_o willing_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o such_o new_a light_n for_o the_o future_a that_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o pastor_n discover_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v by_o the_o independent_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n they_o require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n and_o which_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_n to_o perform_v the_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o if_o they_o be_v single_a person_n either_o bachelor_n or_o maiden_n widow_n or_o widower_n they_o may_v not_o marry_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o their_o holy_a covenant_n be_v that_o they_o may_v not_o remove_v their_o habitation_n and_o dwelling_n though_o never_o so_o advantageous_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o traffic_n and_o trade_n into_o any_o remote_a place_n from_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v comprise_v under_o this_o covenant_n which_o they_o keep_v among_o themselves_o as_o arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la as_o secret_n of_o their_o kingdom_n all_o the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v serious_o look_v into_o contain_v in_o they_o so_o many_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o exceed_o advantageous_a unto_o themselves_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o party_n and_o the_o more_o corroborate_n their_o combination_n as_o those_o that_o be_v judicious_a have_v well_o observe_v but_o be_v there_o no_o other_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n in_o their_o whole_a religion_n but_o this_o of_o their_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o appertinance_n belong_v thereto_o as_o among_o other_o their_o blind_a obedience_n there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o great_a yoke_n of_o servitude_n put_v upon_o poor_a people_n under_o antichrist_n himself_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o papist_n oft_o time_n scour_v over_o old_a holy_a day_n with_o new_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o new_a one_o even_o so_o the_o independent_o furbush_n over_o old_a error_n with_o new_a varnish_n to_o make_v they_o more_o specious_a to_o the_o delude_a people_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o as_o new_a truth_n and_o set_v they_o up_o as_o new_a light_n when_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o ancient_a error_n and_o very_a popery_n itself_o in_o a_o new_a attire_n as_o
be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o wilful_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n reign_v every_o ceremony_n they_o bring_v in_o be_v except_v against_o as_o a_o human_a tradition_n and_o that_o worthy_o and_o every_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n be_v reject_v as_o popery_n and_o will-worship_n be_v abhor_v as_o antichristian_a and_o to_o serve_v god_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o by_o a_o service_n establish_v only_o by_o humane_a authority_n be_v reject_v as_o a_o thing_n displease_v unto_o god_n and_o think_v unsufferable_a and_o to_o have_v prelate_n set_v over_o they_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n be_v think_v the_o high_a point_n of_o tyranny_n and_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o root_n and_o branch_n with_o all_o their_o trumpery_n and_o appertinance_n all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o with_o the_o whole_a city_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n petition_v the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o many_o of_o they_o have_v venture_v their_o life_n in_o the_o just_a defence_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o have_v offer_v their_o estate_n and_o expose_v themselves_o and_o they_o to_z great_a danger_n in_o this_o good_a quarrel_n which_o will_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o they_o all_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o they_o will_v be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o nation_n to_o do_v the_o like_a yet_o behold_v every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n revive_v now_o and_o bring_v in_o among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n and_o contend_v for_o with_o all_o severity_n and_o eagerness_n as_o for_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o ding_o they_o be_v but_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v necessary_o follow_v that_o their_o whole_a service_n and_o discipline_n with_o all_o their_o concomitant_n be_v but_o their_o own_o appointment_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n or_o pattern_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o new_a england_n &_o in_o their_o new_a congregation_n here_o they_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o poor_a people_n in_o as_o high_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v as_o ever_o the_o lordly_a prelate_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o supercilious_a behaviour_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n swallow_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o god_n ordinance_n and_o bind_v themselves_o by_o their_o unholy_a covenant_n to_o observe_v they_o which_o in_o any_o understanding_n man_n judgement_n that_o know_v what_o his_o christian_a liberty_n be_v and_o in_o the_o which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o be_v the_o most_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n which_o the_o world_n yet_o ever_o see_v and_o thus_o have_v brief_o discover_v some_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o definition_n and_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o will_v have_v and_o evince_v also_o that_o according_a to_o that_o there_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o the_o congregationall_a church_n if_o they_o will_v be_v include_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o description_n they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o my_o last_o and_o main_a conclusion_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v true_a church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v from_o their_o own_o argument_n for_o thus_o they_o dispute_v against_o we_o those_o assembly_n say_v they_o or_o church_n in_o which_o the_o member_n be_v not_o visible_a saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_a together_o into_o their_o several_a congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n they_o be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v make_v companion_n with_o such_o kind_n of_o saint_n as_o job_n will_v not_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n be_v tagg_n rag_n with_o who_o godly_a soul_n can_v no_o more_o converse_v then_o with_o heathen_n but_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o unless_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o ildependents_a doctrine_n they_o teach_v their_o disciple_n concern_v our_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n as_o in_o that_o of_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burtons_n especial_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o capital_a argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o maintain_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o upon_o which_o they_o ground_n the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o which_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o vouchsafe_v to_o read_v this_o book_n shall_v find_v in_o many_o place_n discover_v i_o will_v therefore_o in_o this_o place_n make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o against_o themselves_o to_o prove_v that_o their_o church_n and_o new_a gather_v congregation_n be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n as_o the_o several_a ensue_a argument_n will_v declare_v which_o i_o desire_v the_o independent_o themselves_o will_v without_o any_o prejudice_n serious_o consider_v and_o ponder_v that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o discern_v into_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o in_o time_n repent_v of_o all_o their_o unrighteous_a and_o uncharitable_a deal_n towards_o their_o brethren_n i_o thus_o argue_v those_o church_n and_o congregation_n the_o member_n of_o the_o which_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_a together_o into_o their_o several_a assembly_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n but_o be_v join_v together_o in_o a_o wicked_a conspiracy_n and_o combination_n against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o but_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o own_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o ildependents_a false_o pretend_v they_o sever_v themselves_o from_o our_o public_a assembly_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v gainsay_v it_o the_o minor_a therefore_o be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o as_o for_o the_o minor_a i_o thus_o evince_v it_o those_o church_n and_o congregation_n who_o member_n be_v raylor_n réviler_n slanderer_n covenant-breaker_n with_o god_n and_o man_n ordinary_a liar_n notorious_a calumniator_n and_o false_a accuser_n such_o as_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d devil_n heretic_n open_a seducer_n and_o causer_n of_o division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o special_a command_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o and_o to_o shun_v and_o be_v prohibit_v to_o receive_v into_o their_o house_n or_o bid_v god_n speed_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o be_v no_o visible_a saint_n nor_o good_a damon_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n it_o be_v ground_v upon_o godsown_a word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n for_o
word_n which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o at_o large_a omit_v many_o other_o such_o expression_n the_o sum_n of_o they_o brief_o be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v not_o in_o their_o combination_n do_v deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n and_o be_v no_o better_o than_o the_o persecute_v jew_n that_o make_v a_o mock_n scorn_n and_o ludibry_a of_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n under_o their_o ministry_n be_v man_n unconvert_v or_o at_o least_o convert_v but_o in_o part_n want_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o wit_n christ_n kingly_a office_n 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_n communion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v deny_v now_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o learned_a and_o impartial_a christian_n whether_o there_o can_v be_v utter_v with_o the_o tongue_n or_o pen_n of_o man_n any_o more_o injurious_a unjust_a raâ—lings_n and_o revile_n or_o more_o untrue_a and_o false_a accusation_n against_o their_o brethren_n for_o all_o those_o godly_a christian_n through_o the_o thrâ—e_a kâ—ngdomes_n can_v witâ—esse_v the_o contrary_a who_o by_o the_o pâ—eaching_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n have_v be_v convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yea_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n if_o they_o will_v no_o belie_v the_o truth_n must_v acknowledge_v next_o under_o god_n their_o conversion_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o none_o but_o convert_v and_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o the_o independent_a minister_n convert_v any_o and_o therefore_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n accuse_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o believe_a people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o they_o all_o endeavour_n to_o set_v he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n it_o be_v a_o most_o horrid_a wickedness_n in_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n to_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o their_o neighbour_n and_o so_o to_o calumniate_v and_o revile_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o which_o they_o come_v to_o take_v the_o devil_n office_n upon_o themselves_o and_o become_v all_o of_o they_o false_a accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n railer_n and_o persecutor_n and_o seducer_n and_o therefore_o no_o saint_n yea_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v both_o to_o speak_v and_o print_v untruth_n and_o notorious_a falsehood_n but_o pass_v many_o of_o they_o by_o in_o some_o of_o his_o last_o book_n as_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n and_o in_o this_o his_o book_n call_v vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la which_o may_v be_v more_o proper_o style_v vindiciae_fw-la mendacii_fw-la in_o the_o 24._o page_n speak_v there_o most_o malicious_o against_o learned_a master_n edward_n and_o myself_o he_o say_v that_o he_o by_o his_o pen_n and_o preach_v and_o that_o i_o by_o my_o pen_n labour_v to_o take_v a_o order_n that_o the_o independent_o shall_v have_v no_o pulpit_n to_o preach_v in_o at_o all_o witness_v say_v he_o that_o late_a misrule_n at_o your_o town_n of_o colchester_n upon_o your_o book_n and_o t._n e._n his_o preach_n by_o which_o word_n of_o he_o he_o will_v make_v the_o delude_a people_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a persecution_n stir_v up_o at_o colchester_n against_o some_o independent_a minister_n there_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o preach_v in_o their_o pulpit_n which_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a falsehood_n the_o contrary_a of_o which_o be_v true_a for_o the_o independent_o make_v a_o misrule_n in_o the_o very_a church_n against_o master_n edward_n and_o open_o revile_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n use_v many_o rail_a speech_n against_o he_o and_o that_o against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o civility_n and_o have_v almost_o by_o their_o barbarous_a carriage_n against_o he_o raise_v a_o tumult_n in_o the_o town_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o they_o all_o have_v it_o not_o timely_a by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o some_o be_v prevent_v so_o that_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v what_o the_o independent_o will_v do_v against_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n if_o the_o authority_n be_v once_o whole_o in_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o so_o timely_o begin_v where_o their_o faction_n be_v any_o thing_n powerful_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o boldness_n or_o rather_o impudency_n of_o these_o man_n that_o when_o they_o be_v the_o only_a persecutor_n of_o other_o and_o the_o rayser_n up_o of_o tumult_n and_o commotion_n against_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o false_o spread_v it_o abroad_o that_o they_o be_v persecute_v by_o we_o and_o not_o suffer_v to_o come_v in_o our_o pulpit_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v here_o accuse_v the_o good_a people_n of_o colchester_n and_o those_o of_o alderman-bury_a as_o if_o they_o also_o have_v shut_v truth_n out_o of_o door_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o can_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n from_o colchester_n be_v prove_v that_o the_o independent_o make_v the_o misrule_n and_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n shut_v himself_o out_o of_o door_n at_o aldermanburic_n and_o yet_o he_o untrue_o accuse_v they_o of_o that_o crime_n of_o persecution_n and_o this_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o false_o to_o accuse_v and_o calumniate_v their_o brethren_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o john_n lilburne_n be_v master_n in_o this_o art_n and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o can_v be_v no_o saint_n without_o devil_n be_v saint_n for_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v such_o i_o have_v cite_v some_o of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n expression_n i_o shall_v now_o set_v down_o some_o of_o john_n lilburnes_n language_n concern_v both_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o my_o brother_n prynne_n to_o omit_v many_o of_o his_o rail_n and_o violent_a calumny_n there_o against_o the_o minister_n he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o swear_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o their_o anoint_a christ_n and_o in_o his_o one_o of_o his_o pamphlet_n which_o he_o make_v in_o prison_n &_o which_o he_o late_o again_o set_v forth_o upon_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n he_o have_v many_o most_o unchristian_a bitter_a and_o unsavery_n expression_n and_o so_o apparent_o untrue_a that_o every_o child_n can_v say_v he_o be_v a_o notorious_a calumniator_n and_o liar_n some_o of_o they_o i_o will_v here_o set_v down_o among_o other_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o of_o the_o faithful_a he_o thus_o utter_v himself_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a whorish_a mother_n and_o that_o they_o that_o be_v of_o she_o be_v base_a beget_v and_o bastardly_a child_n and_o that_o she_o neither_o be_v nor_o never_o be_v true_o marry_v join_v or_o unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o espousal_n band_n which_o his_o true_a church_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o be_v one_o of_o antichrist_n national_a whorish_a church_n and_o city_n speak_v of_o revel_n 16._o 19_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v false_a and_o antichristian_a and_o as_o she_o be_v a_o false_a and_o antichristian_a church_n she_o can_v never_o make_v true_a officer_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o absolute_o deny_v that_o conversion_n and_o confirmation_n and_o build_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o how_o say_v he_o can_v they_o build_v they_o up_o in_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o enemy_n unto_o for_o as_o janne_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o man_n also_o resist_v the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o further_o assert_v that_o as_o he_o have_v take_v pain_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o demonstrable_a argument_n ground_v thereupon_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n antichristian_a so_o he_o promise_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n for_o ever_o separate_v from_o church_n ministry_n and_o worship_n of_o england_n and_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o antichristian_a and_o false_a and_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o false_a and_o antichristian_a minister_n and_o that_o our_o
and_o tale-bearing_a as_o all_o the_o proverbes_n &_o indeed_o all_o the_o prophetical_a &_o apostolical_a writing_n can_v witness_v so_o that_o all_o such_o as_o either_o raise_v or_o receive_v false_a report_n or_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n in_o god_n esteem_n be_v no_o true_a saint_n but_o wicked_a man_n and_o unrighteous_a wretch_n for_o so_o the_o lord_n proclaim_v all_o such_o and_o a_o great_a unrighteousness_n and_o sin_n towards_o man_n there_o can_v be_v then_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o good_a name_n which_o be_v to_o they_o as_o a_o precious_a ointment_n and_o better_a than_o gold_n or_o silver_n or_o great_a riches_n proverb_n 22._o verse_n 1._o ecclesiast_fw-la the_o 7._o verse_n 1._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n compare_v the_o tongue_n of_o reproachful_a man_n to_o spear_n arrow_n and_o sword_n and_o all_o instrument_n of_o death_n for_o by_o their_o calumny_n they_o wound_v and_o murder_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o innocent_a neighbour_n and_o kill_v they_o while_o they_o be_v alive_a which_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o mortal_a death_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a prophet_n though_o otherwise_o a_o valiant_a man_n and_o undaunted_a yet_o often_o profess_v that_o they_o have_v break_v his_o heart_n with_o their_o reproach_n and_o true_o a_o sore_a affliction_n in_o this_o life_n can_v light_v upon_o any_o man_n then_o to_o be_v wound_v in_o their_o good_a name_n and_o to_o have_v their_o due_a honour_n and_o praise_n take_v from_o they_o &_o to_o be_v make_v vile_a among_o the_o people_n which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o worldly_a evil_n as_o all_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a man_n will_v easy_o judge_v for_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n or_o ward_n against_o calumny_n in_o the_o school_n either_o of_o wit_n or_o art_n and_o all_o such_o as_o either_o raise_v such_o report_n against_o their_o neighbour_n or_o receive_v a_o reproach_n and_o harbour_v any_o evil_a thought_n against_o they_o and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o wound_n of_o their_o good_a name_n and_o fame_n be_v all_o in_o god_n dialect_n repute_v no_o saint_n for_o the_o true_a saint_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n take_v not_o up_o a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n for_o thus_o the_o lord_n have_v declare_v himself_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n concern_v all_o such_o man_n as_o either_o raise_v or_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o their_o brethren_n assert_v that_o they_o be_v no_o saint_n now_o when_o the_o ildependents_a make_v it_o their_o daily_a practice_n not_o only_o to_o receive_v reproach_n against_o their_o ordinary_a neighbour_n and_o brethren_n but_o against_o both_o the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o all_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n both_o scottish_a and_o english_a as_o all_o the_o pamphlet_n of_o john_n lilburne_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o other_o writing_n and_o word_n and_o the_o very_a sermon_n of_o those_o of_o the_o il-dependent_a party_n and_o all_o their_o proceed_n do_v daily_o witness_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v no_o saint_n for_o the_o true_a saint_n and_o all_o such_o as_o be_v saint_n indeed_o receive_v not_o a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n yea_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o hunt_v after_o reproach_n against_o their_o innocent_a neighbour_n and_o will_v not_o only_o entertain_v into_o their_o company_n but_o even_o into_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n such_o infamous_a person_n as_o have_v be_v a_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n to_o all_o their_o kindred_n and_o such_o as_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a practice_n and_o only_o for_o this_o that_o they_o can_v impudent_o and_o wicked_o reproach_v their_o neighbour_n and_o raise_v a_o evil_a report_n against_o they_o all_o this_o i_o say_v can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v nay_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v hear_v say_v when_o they_o have_v rail_v at_o and_o revile_v some_o godly_a presbyterian_a minister_n that_o oppose_v the_o error_n and_o novelty_n of_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v demand_v what_o evil_a they_o know_v by_o they_o and_o what_o they_o can_v blame_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n i_o say_v when_o this_o question_n have_v be_v propound_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v reply_v this_o be_v the_o mischief_n and_o spite_n of_o it_o that_o they_o be_v unblameable_a in_o their_o life_n then_o the_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o wicked_a malicious_a and_o unchristian_a expression_n by_o which_o they_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o it_o trouble_a and_o perplex_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o their_o life_n by_o which_o they_o may_v just_o defame_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o rejoice_v among_o the_o ildependents_a when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o fail_n in_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n contrary_a unto_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a saint_n in_o all_o age_n for_o they_o receive_v not_o a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n innumerable_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v produce_v against_o the_o ildependents_a but_o that_o their_o practice_n be_v so_o obvious_a to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o or_o but_o come_v in_o their_o company_n for_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v half_o a_o hour_n in_o any_o of_o their_o society_n but_o he_o shall_v hear_v they_o either_o reproach_n the_o parliament_n or_o their_o proceed_n or_o inveigh_v against_o some_o of_o the_o general_n of_o our_o army_n or_o speak_v against_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o against_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o their_o brethren_n or_o against_o the_o scot_n and_o all_o that_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o their_o reproach_n or_o infamy_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v reproach_n against_o their_o innocent_a neighbour_n that_o live_v harmless_o by_o they_o but_o they_o raise_v up_o reproach_n against_o they_o and_o print_v they_o yea_o against_o the_o whole_a city_n that_o have_v deserve_v so_o well_o from_o church_n and_o state_n and_o only_o for_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o covenant_n with_o their_o god_n and_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o take_v lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o vow_v to_o perform_v which_o will_v be_v for_o their_o immortal_a praise_n and_o yet_o for_o this_o cause_n only_o and_o no_o wrong_n do_v or_o attempt_v against_o they_o they_o can_v in_o the_o great_a court_n of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o in_o print_n also_o reproach_v they_o all_o and_o accuse_v they_o of_o black_a choler_n yea_o blackcoat_n choler_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o most_o malicious_a rancorous_a and_o envious_a wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o unsufferable_a a_o reproach_n against_o the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o yet_o before_o these_o our_o time_n never_o see_v the_o light_n now_o if_o these_o man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n will_v causlesse_o traduce_v and_o that_o public_o and_o in_o print_n man_n in_o authority_n and_o man_n that_o have_v deserve_v so_o well_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n what_o may_v any_o man_n imagine_v will_v not_o these_o man_n do_v and_o plot_n in_o private_a to_o reproach_v their_o harmless_a neighbour_n when_o they_o thus_o dare_o and_o prodigious_o reproach_v they_o in_o public_a and_o that_o in_o print_n so_o that_o i_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o true_o of_o they_o except_o they_o serious_o and_o cordailly_fw-fr repent_v of_o this_o their_o wicked_a deal_n towards_o their_o brethren_n this_o character_n of_o the_o saint_n also_o will_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o independent_o for_o the_o true_a saint_n neither_o raise_v nor_o receive_v a_o false_a report_n or_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n nor_o assent_v to_o any_o that_o do_v either_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o character_n of_o all_o true_a saint_n indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o 15._o psalm_n there_o be_v yet_o other_o four_o in_o the_o ensue_a verse_n three_o of_o which_o i_o will_v run_v over_o brief_o they_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o practice_n and_o well_o know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o they_o be_v these_o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v and_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o the_o first_o of_o these_o character_n be_v to_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n the_o second_o be_v to_o honour_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o three_o be_v to_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o those_o therefore_o that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o in_o who_o life_n and_o conversation_n these_o three_o
all_o man_n they_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n otherwise_o profess_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o administer_v the_o communion_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o some_o month_n abstain_v from_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o use_v all_o their_o best_a endeavour_n in_o that_o interim_n by_o their_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preach_v and_o exhortation_n to_o fit_v all_o man_n for_o the_o better_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v gratify_v their_o tender_a conscience_n i_o say_v in_o this_o interim_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v prove_v that_o these_o independent_o who_o those_o godly_a minister_n have_v such_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v go_v unto_o these_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n that_o the_o minister_n except_v against_o for_o their_o conversation_n as_o ungodly_a and_o profane_a and_o join_v with_o they_o against_o their_o minister_n say_v unto_o they_o what_o will_v you_o give_v tithe_n and_o maintenance_n to_o such_o minister_n as_o shall_v thus_o deal_v with_o you_o as_o to_o deny_v you_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n sure_o be_v i_o in_o your_o condition_n &_o be_v i_o a_o member_n of_o your_o congregation_n i_o will_v never_o own_v such_o a_o man_n for_o my_o minister_n nor_o never_o give_v any_o allowance_n to_o any_o such_o as_o will_v not_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n unto_o i_o by_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o they_o have_v make_v those_o painful_a minister_n so_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n by_o join_v with_o those_o wicked_a varlet_n as_o they_o have_v not_o only_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o livelyhood_n and_o maintenance_n but_o so_o persecute_v they_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o reproach_n and_o evil_a language_n as_o they_o have_v force_v they_o to_o leave_v their_o place_n and_o to_o wander_v about_o the_o world_n to_o get_v themselves_o a_o poor_a live_n for_o the_o supportation_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o distress_a family_n by_o all_o which_o proceed_n if_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o countenance_v a_o vile_a person_n and_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n i_o know_v not_o what_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v to_o deserve_v those_o character_n by_o all_o which_o they_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o true_a saint_n if_o the_o lord_n himself_o know_v how_o to_o describe_v saint_n indeed_o this_o that_o i_o have_v here_o relate_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v by_o such_o witness_n as_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v bring_v no_o just_a exception_n and_o that_o all_o the_o independent_o be_v notorious_a covenant-breaker_n or_o assenter_n unto_o such_o as_o violate_v their_o oath_n and_o promise_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n all_o the_o kingdom_n can_v witness_v for_o i_o especial_o those_o minister_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n with_o who_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v break_v all_o promise_n and_o solemn_a agreement_n not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o needless_a work_n to_o expatiate_v any_o further_a in_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v no_o saint_n indeed_o when_o they_o manifest_v by_o all_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o neither_o walk_v upright_o nor_o work_v righteousness_n nor_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o when_o they_o backbite_v their_o neighbour_n with_o their_o tongue_n and_o do_v evil_a unto_o they_o and_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n and_o countenance_n vile_a person_n and_o honour_v not_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v not_o their_o promise_n either_o with_o god_n or_o man_n by_o all_o which_o they_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o when_o all_o these_o character_n be_v the_o badge_n only_o of_o wicked_a man_n to_o do_v contrary_a to_o that_o description_n of_o true_a saint_n now_o when_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o these_o be_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v mix_v assembly_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n &_o therefore_o ought_v just_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n for_o they_o pretend_v they_o separate_v from_o our_o assembly_n only_o because_o they_o be_v mix_v of_o tagg_n rag_n and_o such_o saint_n as_o job_n will_v not_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n many_o other_o argument_n also_o may_v i_o here_o bring_v against_o both_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n to_o prove_v they_o no_o visible_a saint_n and_o that_o not_o from_o any_o private_a information_n or_o clandestine_v practice_n but_o for_o open_a delinquency_n and_o scandalous_a walk_n and_o that_o in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o such_o personage_n as_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o business_n let_v i_o say_v that_o which_o a_o learned_a man_n once_o utter_v read_v christ_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n say_v he_o of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o man_n now_o live_v be_v no_o christian_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n that_o either_o this_o description_n of_o the_o true_a saint_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o if_o it_o be_v those_o of_o the_o independent_a assembly_n be_v no_o saint_n for_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n between_o they_o and_o the_o description_n of_o those_o saint_n there_o specify_v as_o all_o their_o practice_n sufficient_o and_o apparent_o declare_v and_o now_o the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n of_o my_o minor_a proposition_n remain_v only_o to_o be_v prove_v viz._n that_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n despise_v their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o they_o which_o be_v so_o apparent_o true_a as_o beside_o their_o word_n and_o pamphlet_n in_o all_o which_o they_o protest_v against_o we_o as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o kingdom_n and_o as_o a_o antichristian_a brood_n their_o daily_a practice_n declare_v it_o who_o have_v mould_v themselves_o into_o innumerable_a suck_a congregation_n which_o they_o term_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o our_o aslembly_n as_o from_o so_o many_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o be_v their_o language_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o needless_a spend_v of_o time_n to_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o evince_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n &_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o avouch_v have_v therefore_o thus_o prove_v all_o the_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o my_o minor_a proposition_n the_o major_a be_v undeniable_a the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v not_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n but_o be_v mix_v congregation_n and_o therefore_o by_o true_o godly_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n so_o that_o now_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v &_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n and_o from_o their_o own_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n that_o neither_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_z 1._o s._n his_o word_n and_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o very_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o not_o come_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o definition_n be_v no_o right_n constitute_v church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n &_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v right_o form_v church_n they_o must_v all_o be_v dependent_a all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o all_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o any_o intelligible_a &_o impartial_a reader_n in_o the_o which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o large_a that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o poor_a delude_a people_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n &_o christ_n disciple_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o first_o form_v
true_a saint_n psal_n 15._o verse_n 4._o say_v of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o now_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o saint_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o promise_n he_o will_v abandon_v his_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o because_o master_n knollys_n so_o peremptory_o assert_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o shall_v desirehim_v and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fellowship_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n who_o esteem_v of_o himself_o as_o none_o of_o the_o weak_a brethren_n but_o account_v himself_o a_o champion_n and_o therefore_o come_v out_o to_o dare_v all_o the_o world_n of_o presbyterian_o and_o yet_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o fraternity_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o his_o book_n be_v allow_v of_o and_o high_o approve_v of_o by_o many_o of_o they_o and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v it_o be_v license_v by_o their_o bachelor_n of_o the_o black-art_a of_o il-dependency_n that_o shotten_a herring_n in_o divinity_n who_o allow_v of_o all_o their_o other_o pamphlet_n and_o set_v his_o imprimatur_fw-la to_o they_o so_o that_o what_o he_o license_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o they_o all_o now_o i_o desire_v mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o society_n to_o listen_v unto_o their_o great_a rabbi_n old_a harry_n my_o courteous_a and_o learned_a brother_n who_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o answer_n the_o first_o form_v church_n say_v he_o we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n which_o though_o consist_v of_o five_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o church_n and_o they_o continue_v daily_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n together_o shall_fw-mi 1._o and_o in_o the_o temple_n ver_fw-la 44._o 46._o grow_v from_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act_n 1._o 15._o to_o three_o thousand_o more_o chap._n 2._o 41._o and_o then_o in_o all_o five_o thousand_o ch_z 4._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o but_o one_o church_n which_o assemble_v together_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o though_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o diverse_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v yet_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o this_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v abundant_o satisfy_v mr_n knollys_n and_o all_o man_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o for_o the_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n add_v the_o testimony_n likewise_o of_o another_o faithful_a brother_n against_o who_o i_o presume_v mr_n knollys_n can_v have_v no_o just_a exception_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o approve_a and_o seraphical_a witness_n the_o brethren_n can_v never_o doubt_v of_o it_o any_o more_o and_o this_o witness_n be_v one_o saint_n hanserdo_v one_o of_o saint_n george_n for_o england_n his_o chaplain_n a_o man_n worthy_a of_o esteem_n who_o usual_o preach_v on_o horseback_n to_o the_o country_n courtier_n all_o the_o the_o truth_n as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v mr_n knollys_n will_v give_v great_a heed_n to_o saint_n hanserdo_n testimony_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o he_o touch_v this_o point_n in_o the_o ten_o page_n of_o his_o learned_a book_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n domatim_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o which_o two_o testimony_n the_o one_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n the_o other_o of_o saint_n hanserdo_n all_o intelligible_a man_n may_v easy_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a credit_n at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n or_o those_o of_o his_o party_n shall_v affirm_v either_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n or_o what_o they_o shall_v relate_v concern_v other_o man_n for_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o assert_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o touch_v themselves_o viz._n that_o the_o brethren_n mean_v all_o the_o illdependents_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o concern_v myself_o of_o who_o he_o say_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n now_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o his_o assertion_n i_o have_v not_o only_o from_o scripture_n prove_v it_o but_o from_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n hanserdos_n their_o own_o concession_n make_v it_o good_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v to_o all_o the_o world_n accuse_v master_n knollys_n of_o calumny_n and_o dishonesty_n and_o for_o the_o first_o of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o he_o of_o a_o apparent_a untruth_n in_o this_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdoe_v testimony_n do_v it_o for_o i_o for_o in_o their_o above_o mention_a word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o that_o in_o book_n approve_v of_o by_o many_o of_o that_o way_n in_o those_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n conceptis_fw-la verbis_fw-la say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v but_o one_o entire_a church_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o where_o to_o break_v bread_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v and_o saint_n hanserdos_n his_o testimony_n be_v as_o full_a as_o my_o brother_n burtons_n for_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n meet_v day_n by_o day_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o brake_n bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o do_v communicate_v from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o saint_n hanserdos_n witness_v to_o prove_v many_o assembly_n be_v most_o evident_a so_o that_o both_o these_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o fraternity_n acknowledge_v there_o be_v may_v congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v moreover_o that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n now_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o regard_n at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o master_n knollys_n or_o any_o of_o his_o faction_n when_o he_o and_o they_o at_o pleasure_n dare_v publish_v such_o notorious_a untruth_n as_o these_o for_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o my_o brother_n burton_n notwithstanding_o and_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v in_o express_a word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o fraternity_n assert_v that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o yea_o but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n for_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o for_o want_n of_o so_o spacious_a a_o room_n as_o can_v contain_v they_o all_o to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o for_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n they_o be_v not_o
to_o be_v regard_v for_o all_o they_o of_o that_o fraternity_n be_v general_o so_o give_v to_o tell_v untruth_n that_o for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o believe_v they_o neither_o when_o they_o say_v true_a nor_o when_o they_o lie_v for_o they_o will_v lie_v by_o the_o day_n &_o by_o the_o night_n but_o out_o of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o brethren_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v what_o they_o both_o grant_v and_o first_o to_o consider_v my_o brother_n burtons_n expression_n for_o he_o in_o they_o accord_v to_o these_o three_o thing_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n second_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a company_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o that_o church_n which_o do_v daily_o communicate_v in_o god_n ordinance_n several_o three_o he_o assert_v that_o all_o those_o company_n in_o those_o several_a private_a house_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n in_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n due_o to_o weigh_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o my_o second_o proposition_n and_o there_o he_o aaknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o grant_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o diverse_a congregation_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v a_o congregation_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o he_o grant_v also_o they_o have_v a_o assembly_n in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o he_o acknowledge_v moreover_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n here_o hanserdo_n assign_v innumerable_a place_n more_o than_o the_o temple_n and_o solomon_n porch_n wherein_o the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n communicate_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o every_o day_n and_o those_o place_n be_v as_o he_o assign_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n for_o so_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o all_o interpreter_n and_o confess_v by_o mr_n knollys_n so_o that_o when_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o beside_o the_o temple_n and_o solomon_n porch_n wherein_o they_o meet_v every_o day_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n they_o break_v bread_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o also_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o every_o house_n than_o he_o in_o this_o do_v accord_n with_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o master_n knollys_n nevertheless_o deny_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v it_o when_o saint_n hanserdo_v nevertheless_o una_fw-la fidelia_fw-la dvos_fw-la parietes_fw-la have_v do_v both_o for_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n there_o second_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o first_o 5_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n so_o that_o master_n knollys_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o hereafter_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n when_o they_o shall_v due_o and_o mature_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v acknowledge_v will_v give_v they_o little_a thanks_o for_o their_o pain_n for_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o independent_o principle_n but_o total_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n through_o the_o world_n preach_v up_o and_o publish_v in_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n that_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o no_o not_o in_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o this_o doctrine_n they_o have_v broach_v to_o all_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v persuade_v they_o that_o this_o be_v god_n way_n and_o the_o gospel_n way_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o they_o call_v it_o the_o congregationall_a way_n affirm_v that_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n and_o precinct_n consist_v but_o of_o as_o many_o as_o do_v all_o meet_a in_o one_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o call_v god_n ordinance_n and_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n both_o assemble_v and_o not_o assemble_v have_v be_v hear_v say_v and_o promise_n that_o if_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v unto_o they_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o diverse_a assembly_n of_o believer_n either_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n that_o then_o they_o will_v relinquish_v their_o opinion_n of_o independency_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v not_o any_o warrant_n and_o foot_n in_o god_n word_n and_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o concern_v the_o combine_v of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o their_o dependency_n upon_o it_o and_o their_o make_n of_o a_o subordination_n of_o many_o assembly_n under_o one_o aristocracy_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o many_o elder_n be_v god_n ordinance_n this_o i_o say_v all_o the_o independent_o that_o i_o have_v ever_o talk_v with_o or_o or_o by_o relation_n hear_v of_o have_v promise_v and_o by_o protestation_n engage_v themselves_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n either_o in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o primtive_a church_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n among_o the_o brethren_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o although_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o that_o one_o presbytery_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o which_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v be_v that_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o whole_a debate_n and_o because_o also_o mr_n knollys_n have_v so_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n of_o believer_n there_o for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o man_n and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o brethren_n may_v be_v the_o more_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o the_o simple_a people_n also_o may_v be_v undeceive_v i_o shall_v desire_v they_o all_o serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v though_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v thus_o much_o of_o they_o both_o that_o they_o withhold_v much_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o i_o say_v i_o desire_v all_o man_n advise_o to_o weigh_n what_o they_o be_v both_o constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v first_o therefore_o i_o will_v again_o set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o will_v repeat_v saint_n hanserdoe_v expression_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o word_n be_v these_o they_o be_v say_v he_o constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o diverse_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o grant_v that_o those_o several_a company_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o master_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o all_z the_o believer_n say_v he_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o day_n by_o day_n these_o be_v saint_n hanserdoe_v own_o word_n now_o i_o
speak_v of_o as_o all_o the_o learned_a will_v easy_o by_o his_o expression_n perceive_v but_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a novice_n in_o all_o divine_a learning_n and_o all_o good_a literature_n &_o a_o fellow_n very_o wretched_a &_o worthless_a and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o deserve_v to_o be_v explode_v out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o to_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o all_o orthodox_n and_o conscientious_a honest_a christian_n and_o indeed_o if_o he_o be_v deal_v with_o according_a to_o his_o merit_n he_o deserve_v to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n of_o who_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o reply_n i_o will_v take_v liberty_n to_o say_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o and_o as_o of_o he_o so_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n that_o as_o they_o be_v fratres_fw-la in_o malo_fw-la so_o they_o be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sacrilege_n &_o unrighteous_a deal_n foras_fw-la i._n s._n so_o they_o also_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o all_o those_o member_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n before_o christ_n death_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o their_o word_n quote_v before_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o scruple_n he_o speak_v of_o page_z 8._o and_o 9_o where_o he_o unchurche_n and_o unchristian_n all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o johns_n and_o christ_n ministry_n he_o also_o with_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o as_o if_o that_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o quote_v out_o of_o the_o ten_o page_n beside_o his_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v my_o first_o proposition_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o mere_a presumptiou_n and_o beg_v the_o question_n to_o use_v his_o grollish_a expression_n he_o to_o all_o his_o iniquity_n add_v transgression_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o wickedness_n accumulate_v error_n upon_o error_n as_o will_v frequent_o appear_v for_o here_o again_o he_o first_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n from_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n who_o he_o deride_o call_v johns_n disciple_n and_o convert_n second_o he_o affirm_v of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o stick_v in_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v but_o temporary_a believer_n and_o cease_v to_o walk_v with_o christ_n three_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v afterward_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o several_a country_n and_o fourthly_a he_o assert_v that_o those_o that_o do_v continue_v at_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grow_v up_o into_o church_n fellowship_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o assertion_n of_o sir_n i._o s._n howso_o ever_o they_o be_v presumptuous_o lay_v down_o by_o he_o as_o so_o many_o certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n yet_o i_o attest_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o warrant_n for_o any_o of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o any_o authority_n to_o cover_v or_o colour_v they_o over_o yea_o they_o be_v all_o as_o egregious_o and_o notorious_o erroneous_a as_o they_o be_v uncharitable_a for_o they_o be_v all_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a yea_o they_o contradict_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o some_o particular_n for_o whereas_o he_o arrogant_o among_o other_o of_o his_o false_a assertion_n say_v that_o those_o that_o do_v remain_v in_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grow_v up_o into_o church_n fellowship_n as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o by_o saint_n johns_n ministry_n be_v make_v perfect_a christian_n i_o say_v this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n the_o 7._o where_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o johns_n baptism_n all_o which_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o innumerable_a company_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v matt._n the_o 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o he_o and_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o reject_v not_o his_o counsel_n against_o themselves_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n do_v but_o they_o embrace_v god_n mercy_n to_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n and_o witness_n the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n only_o except_v all_o the_o other_o be_v good_a and_o perfect_o make_v christian_n and_o in_o such_o a_o church_n fellowship_n as_o with_o which_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a stature_n without_o any_o new_a church-fellowship_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n not_o only_a say_n that_o they_o be_v temporary_a christian_n and_o cease_v to_o follow_v christ_n but_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grow_v up_o in_o church-fellowship_n afterward_o in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o affirm_v he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n who_o have_v record_v the_o contrary_a as_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_a good_a christian_n as_o have_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n but_o embrace_v the_o promise_n to_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o they_o be_v all_o by_o johns_n ministry_n very_o well_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n in_o all_o respect_n therefore_o both_o j._n s._n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o illdependents_a be_v most_o abominable_o wicked_a thus_o with_o their_o scribble_n to_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o prattle_v about_o a_o kind_n of_o church_n fellowship_n of_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n what_o it_o be_v and_o â—et_o they_o be_v ever_o babble_v of_o this_o church-fellowship_n &_o unchurchy_v all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o because_o forsooth_o in_o their_o opinion_n they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n nor_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n whereupon_o they_o rash_o proclaim_v we_o all_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o think_v so_o contemptuous_o of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o that_o they_o judge_v so_o wicked_o of_o we_o all_o for_o i._o s._n say_v in_o the_o word_n above_o cite_v which_o be_v another_o of_o his_o great_a error_n that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church-fellowship_n as_o convert_v these_o be_v his_o expression_n from_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o all_o his_o complice_n be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n very_o censorious_a and_o that_o they_o be_v creature_n full_a of_o jealousy_n and_o causeless_a suspicion_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v by_o all_o good_a man_n to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v as_o both_o dangerous_a and_o treacherous_a for_o here_o we_o see_v they_o suspect_v those_o very_a three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o peter_n as_o not_o well_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n notwithstanding_o in_o the_o very_a same_o chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o they_o be_v all_o well_o teach_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o true_o if_o ever_o any_o people_n be_v well_o instruct_v they_o all_o be_v in_o who_o all_o the_o act_n &_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a for_o wheresoever_o it_o come_v it_o purify_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v it_o act_n 15._o as_o here_o it_o be_v manifest_v it_o do_v it_o in_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o those_o convert_v be_v pursue_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n in_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o this_o their_o sin_n their_o conscience_n also_o accuse_v they_o and_o aggravate_v unto_o they_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o it_o make_v they_o all_o fly_v unto_o christ_n and_o roll_n themselves_o upon_o he_o and_o whole_o rely_v on_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o wrought_v love_n also_o in_o they_o all_o towards_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o charity_n one_o towards_o another_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o full_o record_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n verse_n 42_o 43._o who_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o
possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v and_o that_o they_o 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 do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v those_o three_o thousand_o convert_n unto_o we_o as_o not_o only_o skilful_a in_o the_o theory_n of_o church-fellowship_n but_o also_o exceed_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o it_o whether_o therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a also_o in_o that_o j._n s._n say_v it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v when_o the_o scripture_n report_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o impartial_a reader_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v give_v their_o verdict_n against_o i._n s._n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n fellowship_n that_o be_v omit_v by_o they_o and_o although_o i_o love_v not_o such_o as_o will_v groundless_o be_v suspicious_a as_o i._o s._n be_v here_o and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n yet_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o independnnt_n will_v never_o be_v induce_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o those_o three_o thousand_o and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v i_o continue_v in_o this_o belief_n for_o what_o i_o already_o know_v in_o their_o daily_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n they_o make_v notwithstanding_o so_o great_a a_o noy_n about_o therefore_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o upon_o all_o occasion_n not_o only_o to_o censure_v their_o christian_n brethren_n that_o live_v harmelesse_o by_o they_o but_o to_o suspect_v all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o christ_n death_n yea_o and_o to_o suspect_v even_o those_o three_o thousand_o also_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o adjudge_v both_o pastor_n and_o people_n to_o be_v all_o ignorant_a what_o church_n government_n and_o church_n fellowship_n be_v i_o leave_v it_o likewise_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prudent_a &_o advise_v reader_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a dependent_n thus_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n as_o well_o as_o the_o congregationall_a predicant_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o concern_v church_n fellowship_n when_o not_o withstand_v it_o be_v 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now_o satisfy_v all_o gainsayer_n but_o they_o will_v still_o be_v doubt_v among_o the_o which_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v with_o many_o of_o their_o fraternity_n may_v well_o be_v number_v but_o for_o all_o such_o christian_n as_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o from_o that_o satisfaction_n they_o will_v learn_v to_o abhor_v the_o error_n of_o all_o the_o sectary_n and_o straggler_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o decline_v &_o shun_v their_o company_n and_o fellowship_n and_o for_o all_o such_o as_o they_o be_v that_o will_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n i_o desire_v ever_o to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o not_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v ever_o scepticall_a and_o ever_o learning_n yet_o never_o attain_v or_o come_v to_o knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o other_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o for_o all_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o study_n to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v a_o company_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n from_o who_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v for_o all_o such_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 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 notwithstanding_o i_o say_v i_o have_v very_o little_a hope_n ever_o to_o satisfy_v any_o such_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v think_v to_o go_v about_o a_o impossible_a work_n if_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v it_o yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v sâ—e_v my_o fair_a deal_v with_o i._o s._n because_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n i_o will_v therefore_o add_v a_o few_o reason_n more_o or_o at_o least_o call_v some_o of_o the_o former_a brief_o to_o his_o mind_n which_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n will_v persuade_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o satisfy_v he_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v satisfy_v and_o content_v other_o and_o to_o the_o reason_n i_o shall_v produce_v i_o will_v also_o add_v some_o testimony_n of_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n or_o conviction_n at_o least_o all_o such_o as_o have_v read_v i._o s._n his_o learned_a work_n know_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o cut_v of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n before_o christ_n passion_n and_o ascension_n from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o calendar_n and_o roll_n of_o the_o saint_n absolute_o deny_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_n all_o this_o i_o say_v those_o that_o have_v read_v his_o scruple_n very_o well_o know_v they_o know_v likewise_o that_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o saint_n peter_n though_o he_o uncharitable_o say_v that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v so_o that_o here_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n we_o have_v a_o very_a ample_a congregation_n consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n person_n and_o in_o the_o same_o
and_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v such_o multitude_n of_o simple_a people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n what_o multitude_n of_o people_n may_v all_o man_n think_v those_o learned_a rabbi_n those_o priest_n with_o all_o the_o apostle_n daily_o convert_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o their_o doctrine_n be_v so_o crown_v with_o so_o many_o miracle_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v never_o have_v deliver_v it_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o convert_v innumerable_a company_n yet_o common_a reason_n will_v persuade_v every_o man_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v convert_v many_o thousand_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o they_o all_o but_o when_o the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o matt._n 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o in_o jordan_n and_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n and_o when_o it_o far_o also_o record_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o miracle_n and_o say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o when_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n it_o relate_v the_o conversion_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n say_v that_o more_o multitude_n both_o of_o believer_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o these_o place_n witness_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o can_v not_o now_o be_v tell_v for_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o by_o three_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n and_o five_o thousand_o they_o 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believer_n and_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o no_o not_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o place_n or_o room_n spacious_a enough_o to_o contain_v the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o place_n can_v have_v hold_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o yet_o than_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v then_o have_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o for_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o see_v it_o that_o in_o one_o of_o our_o church_n here_o in_o london_n which_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v hold_v half_o ten_o thousand_o that_o half_a of_o they_o ordinary_o not_o well_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n though_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a pair_n of_o lung_n yea_o i_o hear_v man_n daily_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o minister_n preach_v they_o stand_v so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v not_o three_o thousand_o then_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v in_o less_o assembly_n where_o all_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v to_o edification_n and_o therefore_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v ever_o to_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a multitude_n especial_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n as_o i_o have_v quote_v say_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o relate_v that_o if_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v at_o last_o satisfy_v sir_n i._o s._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o or_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v say_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n but_o if_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o write_v will_v not_o satisfy_v his_o tender_a conscience_n and_o take_v his_o scruple_n out_o of_o his_o mind_n i_o shall_v now_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o a_o corollary_n desire_v he_o to_o hear_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n saint_n hanserdo_n two_o faithful_a brethren_n of_o his_o society_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o business_n it_o may_v be_v i._o s._n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o such_o approve_a witness_n and_o great_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v i_o can_v but_o often_o make_v mention_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n because_o all_o the_o illdependents_a judge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o honest_a man_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o believe_v also_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v a_o very_a venerable_a opinion_n of_o they_o both_o for_o their_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o erudition_n i_o entreat_v i._n s._n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n sapientum_fw-la octavum_fw-la it_o may_v be_v his_o word_n may_v satisfy_v his_o scrupulous_a and_o tender_a conscience_n who_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a book_n say_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o most_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a how_o es_a to_o communicate_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o page_z 10._o &_o 11._o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n thus_o they_o both_o declare_v their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n cencern_v the_o number_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o now_o then_o when_o there_o be_v but_o about_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n soul_n at_o the_o first_o and_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o at_o last_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n they_o be_v then_o force_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o company_n as_o have_v no_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a or_o day_n by_o day_n according_a to_o saint_n hanserdoe_v learning_n that_o be_v in_o innumerable_a place_n i_o say_v when_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o seraphical_a doctor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n and_o childhood_n of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v many_o ass_n bly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n how_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_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 which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n 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 that_o 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_v 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 not_o 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 or_o 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 mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a 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 themselvesto_fw-la 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 their_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 that_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 consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_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_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_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_n 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 all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_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
doctor_n may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act_v 15._o 4._o 12._o 22._o 23_o 25_o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n please_v his_o own_o humour_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o senseless_a and_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o that_o only_a to_o delude_v the_o people_n but_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o his_o babble_n and_o nonsense_n and_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o they_o true_o i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o will_v therefore_o study_v brevity_n and_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o few_o word_n though_o i_o will_v omit_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o vain_a frivolous_a and_o fond_a as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v but_o whereas_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o fond_a trifle_n in_o a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o only_o call_v presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n real_o as_o well_o as_o virtual_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z deny_v not_o and_o that_o they_o act_v also_o as_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v as_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o officer_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o also_o in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n for_o otherwise_o their_o example_n can_v not_o indeed_o have_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyte_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n if_o in_o either_o of_o they_o they_o have_v act_v as_o extraordinary_a man_n by_o a_o transcendent_a and_o superlative_a power_n and_o by_o a_o inimitable_a authority_n and_o as_o man_n immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_a tribe_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n of_o new_a england_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o take_v the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n in_o their_o new_a church_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o accord_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o take_v their_o example_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o gather_v into_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n have_v act_v and_o manage_v they_o only_o as_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o by_o a_o special_a dispensation_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o only_o peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o as_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a governor_n so_o that_o while_o master_n knollys_n fight_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o i_o he_o with_o the_o same_o weapon_n wound_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n who_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o extraordinary_a man_n take_v their_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n and_o of_o call_v synod_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o discover_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o futility_n as_o for_o his_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n because_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n they_o be_v foolish_a and_o vain_a and_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v of_o my_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v as_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v nothing_o ordinary_a or_o for_o the_o imitation_n of_o other_o church_n governor_n i_o say_v this_o can_v never_o follow_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n neither_o will_v any_o judicious_a man_n thus_o argue_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o officer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n whereas_o when_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o of_o do_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o consider_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n to_o have_v act_v as_o ordinary_a governor_n and_z ruler_n and_o for_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n grollish_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o in_o every_o sentence_n i_o may_v say_v word_n there_o be_v a_o error_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o independent_a at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o tie_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v john_n 5._o search_n the_o scripture_n and_o luke_n 14._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o yea_o saint_n peter_n 2_o epist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n make_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o when_o peter_n swarve_v from_o that_o rule_n &_o begin_v among_o the_o galatian_n to_o halt_v &_o temporize_v paul_n resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o accuse_v he_o open_o of_o prevarication_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v independent_o that_o they_o be_v always_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o to_o move_v but_o as_o he_o direct_v act._n 16._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 11._o where_o peter_n be_v question_v and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n for_o satisfaction_n the_o other_o apostle_n also_o be_v subject_n unto_o that_o presbytery_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n among_o the_o gentile_n yea_o paul_n himself_o receive_v order_n from_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 21._o and_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n also_o and_o be_v send_v on_o their_o message_n at_o any_o time_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v
send_v to_o samaria_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n the_o 8._o and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n by_o that_o church_n there_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v send_v again_o to_o antioch_n syria_n &_o galatia_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dependent_a as_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o m._n knollys_n be_v altogether_o in_o error_n in_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a neither_o be_v that_o true_a also_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n any_o far_a than_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o there_o be_v a_o special_a caution_n &_o caveat_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a christ_n but_o also_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o who_o bid_v all_o the_o gentile_n beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o any_o as_o come_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o decree_n yea_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n gal_n 1._o verse_n 7_o 8._o give_v they_o and_o all_o christian_n a_o special_a charge_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v account_v he_o accurse_v and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 10._o and_o 11._o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a apostle_n although_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o enjoin_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o they_o warn_v all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n though_o they_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v not_o according_a to_o sound_a word_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n peter_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n and_o command_v they_o withal_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n nor_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n jude_n in_o his_o and_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o be_v commend_v for_o discover_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n by_o all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o proof_n and_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o christ_n who_o minister_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v and_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n apocalyp_v the_o 2._o verse_n 1._o who_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n as_o well_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v they_o and_o who_o preserve_v and_o protect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a what_o man_n can_v do_v against_o they_o as_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n sufficient_o declare_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o master_n knollys_n fond_o say_v who_o be_v their_o fellow_n servant_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o transaction_n of_o all_o the_o business_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o much_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o council_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o i_o say_v in_o my_o argument_n and_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o by_o god_n assistance_n more_o abundant_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o master_n knollys_n who_o think_v all_o man_n shall_v take_v for_o a_o oracle_n every_o word_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o pen_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o never_o so_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o just_a control_n as_o that_o other_o of_o his_o expression_n be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a error_n for_o peter_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o satan_n neither_o when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o when_o he_o temporize_v among_o the_o galatian_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n church_n as_o he_o erroneous_o and_o ignorant_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n revel_v 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o who_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 2_o cor._n 4._o ver_fw-la 5._o that_o they_o preach_v not_o themselves_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o themselves_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n his_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n if_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o his_o church_n and_o his_o house_n as_o paul_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o timothy_n aver_v ch_n 3._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o where_o he_o say_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o therefore_o i_o say_v church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o special_a prohibition_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o lord_n it_o over_o his_o people_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v over_o they_o that_o be_v their_o subject_n how_o then_o can_v mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n church_n every_o man_n i_o conceive_v that_o have_v any_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o with_o deliberation_n shall_v read_v mr_n knollys_n scribble_n will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o sacred_a thing_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o frontless_a man_n and_o without_o all_o shame_n he_o will_v never_o have_v publish_v so_o many_o error_n and_o so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o will_v he_o ever_o have_v say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v unto_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n in_o my_o first_o book_n that_o they_o act_v in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n but_o because_o mr_n knollys_n be_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v about_o that_o point_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n if_o not_o to_o he_o at_o least_o to_o other_o i_o will_v here_o prove_v that_o point_n a_o little_a more_o full_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v brief_o also_o answer_v mr_n knollys_n his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o fufferage_n and_o vote_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o that_o whole_a business_n do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n but_o as_o presbyter_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o ordinary_a counsel_n and_o synod_n for_o first_o paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o barnabas_n though_o both_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o be_v at_o that_o time_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ver_fw-la 2._o as_o servant_n of_o that_o presbytery_n who_o willing_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o act_v as_o
and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v not_o only_o against_o all_o sound_a divinity_n but_o against_o all_o reason_n while_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v equal_a suffrage_n and_o voice_n or_o vote_n with_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o master_n who_o have_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o have_v he_o ever_o read_v any_o thing_n concern_v counsel_n in_o either_o he_o will_v never_o have_v so_o argue_v for_o counsel_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v of_o peculiar_a and_o select_a man_n who_o for_o their_o gravity_n wisdom_n learning_n and_o their_o inveterate_a experience_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o who_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o intrude_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n who_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o will_v go_v about_o or_o endeavour_v to_o change_v this_o order_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o will_v speedy_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o by_o such_o man_n only_o as_o upon_o who_o shoulder_n god_n have_v lay_v that_o government_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n those_o ensign_n of_o authority_n now_o when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o calling_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n in_o they_o for_o the_o roll_a and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v only_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o their_o ordinance_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o voice_n or_o vote_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n in_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n for_o he_o by_o brethren_n understand_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believert_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v import_v be_v present_a in_o that_o council_n speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o have_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o that_o be_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v come_v together_o in_o one_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v send_v commissioner_n and_o delegated_a out_o of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o those_o counsel_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o well_o manage_v of_o the_o government_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v their_o call_n and_o for_o the_o other_o people_n as_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o call_n and_o statiou_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o all_o under_o authority_n be_v therein_o to_o abide_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o follow_v their_o particular_a negotiation_n and_o affair_n yield_v obedience_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o woman_n especial_o by_o a_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n to_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vote_n it_o in_o synod_n neither_o be_v woman_n ever_o that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o teacher_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n permit_v to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n and_o synod_n which_o when_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n then_o assemble_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v with_o good_a authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o synod_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o synod_n consist_v of_o brethren_n and_o not_o sister_n who_o have_v never_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o or_o any_o voice_n there_o as_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o asserâ—eth_v and_o therefore_o for_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v they_o when_o the_o sister_n be_v exempt_v there_o be_v none_o but_o brethren_n beside_o it_o be_v against_o another_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o say_v for_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o dispute_n for_o they_o be_v not_o well_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o religion_n will_v have_v either_o be_v more_o embitter_v against_o one_o another_o or_o fill_v more_o full_a of_o scruple_n then_o resolve_v as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n who_o see_v what_o a_o confusion_n such_o paltry_a fellow_n as_o master_n knollys_n be_v have_v already_o bring_v inâ—o_o the_o world_n by_o admit_v their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o their_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o vain_a jangle_n uâ—on_v all_o occasion_n neither_o will_v i_o ever_o believe_v for_o my_o part_n that_o the_o apostle_n â—ould_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_n the_o contrary_a now_o when_o saint_n paul_n have_v make_v that_o law_n that_o the_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v admit_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n into_o the_o synoâ—_n to_o those_o dispute_n and_o so_o have_v violate_v this_o law_n and_o statute_n from_o heaven_n especial_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n believe_v this_o when_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o will_v have_v put_v the_o people_n in_o a_o uproar_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o many_o year_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o their_o christian_a liberty_n they_o remain_v still_o so_o zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o out_o of_o a_o distemper_a zeal_n will_v have_v destroy_v paul_n and_o only_o because_o they_o hear_v that_o hâ—_n teach_v the_o gentile_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o will_v all_o those_o weak_a brethren_n have_v be_v enrage_v against_o all_o the_o apostle_n
name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n and_o for_o any_o magistrate_n or_o any_o court_n to_o issue_n out_o any_o writ_n warrant_v mandate_n or_o summons_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n make_v they_o fall_v into_o a_o praemunire_n and_o make_v they_o guilty_a laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o warrant_v run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n and_o whosoever_o fail_v in_o this_o kind_n as_o not_o to_o command_v in_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n name_n do_v make_v himself_o a_o delinquent_n and_o this_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v be_v one_o of_o the_o charge_n against_o the_o prelate_n of_o canterbury_n that_o he_o issue_v out_o writ_n and_o summons_n in_o his_o own_o name_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o court._n now_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a king_n of_o his_o church_n that_o immortal_a and_o mighty_a potentate_n in_o who_o name_n all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a issue_v out_o all_o their_o warrant_n and_o mandate_n speak_v ever_o to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n in_o those_o day_n and_o god_n never_o change_v the_o stile_n of_o issue_v out_o his_o warrant_n neither_o do_v christ_n resign_v his_o regal_a dignity_n or_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v still_o their_o king_n and_o he_o keep_v the_o same_o tenure_n still_o all_o through_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o through_o the_o old_a command_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n say_v matth._n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o all_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amen_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v limit_v what_o to_o preach_v they_o may_v not_o exceed_v their_o bound_n they_o must_v teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n command_v they_o but_o christ_n never_o teach_v his_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o his_o true_a minister_n to_o issue_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o name_n for_o that_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o false_a teacher_n neither_o do_v he_o ever_o teach_v they_o to_o issue_n out_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n name_n or_o say_v unto_o they_o at_o at_o any_o time_n what_o you_o do_v in_o all_o administration_n let_v it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n name_n christ_n i_o say_v teach_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o that_o be_v but_o the_o new_a blasphemous_a stile_n of_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o of_o our_o new_a church_n officer_n who_o j._n s._n say_v must_v exercise_v their_o authority_n &_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o christ_n our_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v so_o in_o mark_n 16._o v._o 17._o in_o my_o name_n say_v he_o they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o s._n peter_n accor_v to_o his_o master_n command_n in_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n preach_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n and_o new_a convert_n say_v nothing_o to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n hâ—e_n be_v a_o faithful_a officer_n and_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n name_n he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o new_a divinity_n and_o in_o the_o 3._o chapter_n when_o he_o cure_v the_o cripple_n verse_n the_o 6._o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n say_v he_o rise_v and_o walk_v and_o so_o saint_n paul_n have_v learn_v his_o lesson_n well_o who_o when_o he_o cast_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n out_o of_o the_o damsel_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 18._o say_v unto_o it_o i_o command_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o and_o he_o come_v out_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o those_o day_n in_o the_o church_n name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o king_n jesus_n christ_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o place_n we_o have_v a_o special_a command_n in_o the_o 3._o of_o the_o coloss_n verse_n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o in_o christ_n their_o king_n name_n yea_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o corinth_n the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n the_o 3._o and_o 4._o teach_v the_o corinthian_n and_o in_o they_o all_o christian_n in_o who_o name_n all_o act_n of_o church_n governemt_a shall_v be_v manage_v and_o exercise_v say_v i_o very_o as_o absent_v in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o that_o he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o doed_a in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n here_o the_o apostle_n teach_v all_o minister_n of_o all_o church_n that_o as_o all_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o king_n so_o when_o any_o for_o their_o disorderly_a walk_a be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o king_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o new_a stile_n that_o our_o independent_o and_o learned_a i._n s._n publish_v to_o the_o world_n who_o in_o terminis_fw-la say_v that_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n say_v the_o officer_n ordain_v and_o they_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n &_o dispute_n &_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o that_o be_v in_o his_o learning_n the_o officer_n must_v yet_o exercise_v their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o church_n servant_n at_o pleasure_n and_o their_o executioner_n this_o be_v our_o american_n divinity_n so_o that_o whereas_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n these_o our_o confide_a brethren_n and_o our_o itinerary_n illdependent_a predicant_o have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a stile_n of_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o not_o in_o christ_n the_o king_n name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a monarchy_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o command_n and_o in_o his_o name_n they_o have_v change_v this_o monarchy_n into_o so_o many_o thousand_o suck_v democrasies_n or_o rather_o so_o many_o anarchy_n in_o all_o the_o which_o they_o transact_v all_o thing_n and_o send_v out_o all_o their_o writ_n &_o warrant_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o several_a new_a church_n and_o so_o have_v dis-throned_n christ_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n but_o whether_o in_o this_o their_o so_o deal_v with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o people_n and_o subject_n they_o be_v not_o more_o independent_o and_o arrogant_o blasphemous_a than_o the_o pope_n himself_o or_o any_o prelate_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o sad_a thought_n &_o deep_a consideration_n of_o all_o such_o as_o true_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o desire_v from_o their_o soul_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o
that_o by_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o not_o only_o rob_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o i_o make_v good_a before_o but_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o presbyter_n his_o minister_n and_o servant_n also_o of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o which_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o shall_v again_o brief_o consider_v and_o but_o take_v notice_n first_o what_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o that_o be_v all_o power_n in_o his_o church_n under_o he_o matth._n 28._o and_o mark_v 16._o i_o say_v if_o we_o shall_v due_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n christ_n special_a minister_n and_o servant_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o invest_v with_o all_o authority_n and_o guide_v in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v as_o his_o minister_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v also_o what_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o which_o minister_n likewise_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n and_o overseer_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o but_o due_o weigh_v all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o invest_v with_o plenary_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o enable_v to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o they_o in_o commission_n but_o receive_v command_n from_o heaven_n to_o obey_v those_o that_o god_n have_v make_v guide_n over_o they_o and_o make_v ruler_n in_o his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o mature_o consider_v all_o these_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n and_o the_o power_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o and_o that_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v but_o consider_v what_o learn_v i._o s._n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o his_o brethren_n declare_v concern_v not_o only_o all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o he_o deliver_v concern_v the_o bless_a apostle_n we_o shall_v clear_o perceive_v that_o herobb_v they_o all_o of_o that_o honour_n dignity_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o be_v a_o double_a injustice_n first_n in_o take_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n that_o which_o be_v their_o due_a and_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o second_o in_o give_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o which_o pertain_v not_o to_o they_o and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n and_o with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o doctrine_n what_o he_o hold_v and_o believe_v concern_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n page_n 12._o in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o brethren_n jmposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a otherwise_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o complete_a according_a to_o his_o learning_n the_o people_n may_v do_v it_o thus_o i._n s._n speak_v there_o and_o in_o the_o 11_o page_n he_o grant_v it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n as_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v he_o come_v in_o with_o a_o but_o say_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o jnterest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o officer_n say_v he_o ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o that_o be_v in_o his_o dialect_n as_o he_o declare_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n go_v before_o the_o officer_n must_v exercise_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v do_v as_o the_o people_n shall_v direct_v they_o for_o their_o power_n be_v only_o the_o executive_a power_n they_o be_v only_o the_o executioner_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v neither_o elect_v any_o officer_n nor_o excommunicate_v any_o without_o they_o have_v the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n from_o the_o people_n for_o the_o radical_a and_o original_a power_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n and_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o to_o make_v they_o nothing_o but_o cypher_n in_o the_o church_n and_o most_o sacrilegious_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o power_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v they_o and_o to_o arrogate_v it_o and_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o injustice_n in_o the_o independent_o that_o can_v be_v commit_v against_o man_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o conscientious_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o whether_o such_o temerarious_a and_o bold_a impudent_a theive_v and_o church-robber_n ought_v not_o with_o great_a severity_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v proceed_v against_o for_o this_o their_o malefice_fw-la and_o unsufferable_a wickedness_n who_o do_v not_o only_o take_v from_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o they_o ought_v ever_o to_o have_v in_o great_a reverence_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n 5._o that_o honour_n power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o labour_v likewise_o now_o with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o take_v from_o they_o also_o that_o that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n his_o servant_n to_o give_v they_o viz._n their_o tithe_n and_o livelihood_n and_o all_o that_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v support_v themselves_o and_o their_o poor_a family_n which_o be_v as_o intolerable_a a_o in_o justice_n and_o ingratitude_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o can_v by_o mortal_a creature_n be_v commit_v which_o wickedness_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v suffer_v to_o go_v unpunished_a i_o most_o confident_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v take_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o righteousservant_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v pour_v down_o his_o plague_n both_o on_o they_o and_o all_o their_o complice_n and_o abettor_n and_o now_o i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a how_o they_o rob_v all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o power_n i_o will_v make_v it_o likewise_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n also_o be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o same_o predicament_n and_o that_o they_o deal_v no_o better_o with_o they_o who_o they_o have_v rob_v also_o and_o spoil_v of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o authority_n and_o count_v of_o they_o all_fw-mi no_o otherwise_o then_o of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a minister_n and_o but_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o executioner_n for_o we_o must_v take_v what_o i._o s._n speak_v in_o this_o business_n to_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o he_o be_v but_o their_o mouth_n and_o his_o book_n come_v forth_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o be_v esteem_v of_o as_o a_o goodly_a piece_n and_o he_o high_o honour_v among_o they_o for_o it_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 12._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n say_v he_o as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n
and_o humane_a learning_n yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o for_o this_o i._o s._n his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o church_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o decree_n valid_a and_o bind_a whereas_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n ratify_v those_o decree_n and_o so_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o presbyter_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n but_o as_o apostles_n stle_v with_o a_o transcendent_a power_n and_o be_v only_o the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o that_o session_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n which_o say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o and_o therefore_o their_o presence_n only_o as_o apostles_n make_v their_o decree_n bind_v which_o opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o howsoever_o it_o be_v very_o erroneous_a as_o i_o have_v often_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v point_v blank_a against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o i._o s._n who_o place_n all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n rob_v both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n his_o brethren_n they_o place_v all_o authority_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o deprive_v the_o presbyter_n of_o it_o and_o count_v they_o but_o ordinary_a man_n and_o not_o infallible_o there_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o which_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o they_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o these_o man_n be_v but_o babel_n builder_n who_o tongue_n and_o language_n be_v divide_v and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n for_o they_o be_v diametrical_o fight_v one_o against_o ano_fw-la there_o so_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o those_o man_n that_o begin_v once_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o truth_n like_o the_o midianitâ—s_v they_o destroy_v one_o a_o other_o but_o this_o have_v general_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v that_o study_n to_o invent_v engine_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o truth_n yet_o all_o the_o vapour_n of_o their_o brain_n can_v so_o much_o as_o cloud_v so_o bright_a â—_o sun_n but_o it_o will_v evermore_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o dazzle_a of_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o see_v the_o people_n general_o so_o harden_v by_o obstinacy_n that_o they_o can_v yet_o discern_v into_o the_o craft_n and_o juggle_n of_o the_o illdefendents_a predicant_o who_o while_o they_o give_v the_o people_n or_o church_n power_n and_o interest_n to_o humour_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o as_o hatred_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o build_v up_o their_o diana_n temple_n of_o independency_n hope_v by_o raise_v it_o to_o ruin_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v and_o in_o fine_a by_o this_o mean_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o mâ—â—re_a anarchy_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o howsoever_o the_o illdefendents_a seek_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o this_o their_o snuff_v at_o it_o they_o make_v it_o burn_v the_o bright_a as_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n have_v do_v by_o their_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o have_v reply_v to_o what_o both_o these_o gentleman_n master_n hanserdo_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o three_o proposition_n i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o four_o which_o i_o will_v first_o set_v down_o with_o their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o then_o make_v my_o reply_n as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o all_o their_o former_a cavil_v and_o i_o will_v go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o order_n first_o answer_v to_o hanserdo_v and_o then_o to_o i._o s._n my_o four_o proposition_n be_v this_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 presbytery_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 consist_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 presbytery_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 now_o to_o this_o my_o four_o proposition_n and_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n thus_o repli_v page_n 14._o 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 but_o the_o doctor_n know_v that_o the_o brethren_n deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o a_o common_a council_n consistory_n college_n or_o court_n of_o 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and_o choose_v snatch_v and_o carp_n yea_o and_o trifle_v about_o word_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a defendant_n be_v so_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o saintlike_a with_o the_o people_n who_o they_o desire_v to_o delude_v and_o therefore_o they_o pass_v over_o the_o most_o material_a argument_n never_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o and_o slight_v all_o as_o not_o worthy_a the_o answer_n to_o and_o by_o such_o art_n as_o these_o be_v they_o most_o prodigious_o abuse_v the_o well_o mind_a people_n and_o by_o these_o their_o unchristian_a unbrother_o and_o wicked_a deal_n they_o every_o day_n broach_v their_o error_n with_o more_o facility_n and_o abuse_v all_o their_o ignorant_a and_o credulous_a follower_n to_o the_o utter_a destroy_n of_o many_o of_o their_o poor_a soul_n some_o of_o the_o which_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v be_v man_n
well_o see_v and_o that_o without_o spectacle_n that_o by_o these_o stone_n he_o hurl_v at_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o cast_v up_o dust_n yea_o dirt_n thus_o in_o their_o face_n to_o usurp_v his_o own_o expression_n pa._n 13._o that_o he_o show_v his_o want_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o we_o compare_v our_o congregation_n and_o church_n at_o every_o turn_n to_o the_o popish_a and_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o gather_v out_o of_o people_n from_o among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o gather_v man_n and_o woman_n from_o out_o of_o their_o idolatricall_a and_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o why_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n do_v he_o bring_v his_o instance_n from_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o jew_n at_o every_o turn_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o so_o deal_v in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o his_o brethren_n and_o must_v serious_o repent_v for_o this_o uncharitable_a deal_n but_o 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23._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o without_o doubt_n they_o do_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o s_n paul_n in_o the_o 10._o to_o the_o hebrew_n blame_v those_o that_o do_v leave_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o from_o christian_a assembly_n and_o mould_v themselves_o into_o separate_a congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a holiness_n and_o pure_a partake_n in_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o all_o straggler_n all_o such_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a christ_n command_v the_o man_n out_o of_o who_o he_o have_v cast_v the_o devil_n and_o that_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o abide_v among_o they_o still_o and_o he_o 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gain_v many_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o many_o town_n and_o village_n where_o after_o they_o have_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o ministry_n convert_v they_o they_o leave_v they_o still_o abide_v in_o their_o several_a parish_n enjoin_v they_o diligent_o and_o careful_o to_o wait_v upon_o their_o minister_n there_o dissuade_v they_o from_o separation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n they_o come_v out_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o hear_v he_o upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o never_o leave_v their_o own_o synagogue_n and_o their_o own_o minister_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o so_o they_o go_v out_o to_o hear_v christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o then_o return_v home_o again_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a dwell_v place_n and_o they_o have_v christ_n command_n to_o do_v this_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o record_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o the_o christian_n relinquish_v the_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o which_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n paul_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o serious_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a and_o pharisaical_a separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n the_o lord_n will_v show_v at_o last_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o i_o affirm_v it_o they_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n for_o all_o these_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burtons_n instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n gather_v of_o christian_a church_n from_o out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v unchristianlyand_n and_o deceitful_o do_v to_o delude_v his_o fellow_n so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o aver_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n for_o any_o christian_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o they_o exercise_v at_o that_o time_n nothing_o but_o the_o moral_a worship_n in_o their_o synagogue_n have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n daily_o read_v and_o interpret_v unto_o they_o act_v 15._o 21._o and_o to_o those_o synagogue_n that_o unerring_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o do_v send_v all_o the_o people_n and_o their_o several_a city_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o moses_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v infer_v to_o make_v good_a their_o wicked_a separation_n from_o we_o and_o their_o gather_n of_o their_o church_n out_o of_o our_o christian_a and_o believe_a assembly_n which_o i_o be_o ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n that_o i_o propound_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o of_o already_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v befool_v himself_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n how_o little_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o divinity_n when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o a_o common_a place_n wherein_o every_o child_n may_v learn_v as_o much_o and_o far_o more_o than_o he_o can_v teach_v he_o and_o this_o answer_n to_o my_o brother_n burton_n concern_v gather_n of_o christian_a church_n out_o of_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o unwarrantable_a separation_n may_v serve_v to_o the_o same_o objection_n wheresoever_o the_o reader_n shall_v meet_v with_o it_o as_o page_z 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o first_o quaerie_n concern_v gather_n church_n out_o of_o church_n but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n conceive_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o christian_a assembly_n who_o he_o say_v do_v not_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n into_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a congregation_n they_o can_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o not_o make_v his_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o reformation_n or_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v necessary_o depend_v for_o the_o form_n and_o law_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wait_v on_o man_n and_o thereupon_o propound_v a_o query_n to_o i_o page_n 19_o think_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o better_a to_o justify_v their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o gratify_v my_o brother_n desire_n and_o answer_v to_o his_o demand_n and_o then_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o reply_v to_o what_o
he_o and_o his_o complice_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o five_o other_o query_n but_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n oowne_a word_n which_o be_v these_o p._n 19_o see_v say_v he_o we_o have_v all_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o every_o one_o to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o this_o reformation_n tell_v i_o now_o brother_n say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n worth_a the_o while_n for_o our_o reverend_n and_o learned_a assembly_n serious_o to_o take_v into_o debate_n whether_o the_o general_a tie_v up_o of_o man_n to_o wait_v necessary_o on_o the_o synod_n for_o its_o final_a resolution_n about_o church_n government_n be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o diminution_n at_o least_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v not_o a_o trench_a upon_o a_o fundamental_a heresy_n as_o also_o a_o inhibition_n restrain_v every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n minister_n master_n etc._n etc._n from_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o so_o necessitate_v a_o violation_n of_o our_o covenant_n or_o a_o dangerous_a retard_v of_o the_o work_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o subtle_a bait_n and_o cunning_a snare_n wherewith_o he_o catch_v and_o draw_v into_o his_o net_n many_o ignorant_a yet_o well_o mean_v tender_a heart_a christian_n whereas_o reformation_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o full_a power_n thereof_o have_v be_v settle_v long_o since_o have_v not_o independent_o study_v way_n to_o molest_v our_o peace_n in_o oppose_v the_o settle_n of_o church_n government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o they_o have_v and_o do_v labour_n to_o withstand_v with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o great_a subtlety_n by_o which_o mean_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n increase_v and_o strengthen_v their_o party_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a way_n and_o give_v a_o inlet_n to_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n without_o interruption_n but_o this_o practice_n of_o independent_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v all_o enter_v into_o for_o when_o we_o covenant_v for_o reformation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v thereby_o engage_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a god_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n earnest_o to_o seek_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n job_n 9.4_o able_a to_o overpower_v the_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n yea_o of_o the_o great_a king_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o by_o his_o wisdom_n can_v advise_v counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o by_o his_o mighty_a and_o omnipotent_a work_n and_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n can_v enforce_v and_o compel_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o royal_a command_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o universal_a reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o church_n in_o its_o full_a power_n according_a to_o his_o sacred_a word_n and_o divine_a will_n and_o whereas_o we_o have_v all_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o all_o under_o our_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o strict_o bind_v every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o special_a to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n by_o forsake_v every_o sinful_a way_n and_o evil_a practice_n that_o we_o or_o they_o have_v former_o walk_v delight_v and_o continue_v in_o whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n unto_o anger_n isaiah_n 1._o 4._o and_o hereby_o magistrate_n minister_n parent_n master_n of_o family_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o under_o their_o charge_n frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v all_o holy_a duty_n with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o doâ—_n not_o suffer_v any_o to_o wander_v and_o straggle_v abroad_o into_o dangerous_a way_n and_o by-path_n and_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o blasphemous_a tenant_n for_o if_o they_o let_v they_o walk_v where_o they_o please_v it_o show_v but_o little_a care_n take_v to_o reform_v and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o happiness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o covenant_n where_o we_o have_v bind_v ourselves_o every_o one_o to_o reform_v one_o and_o all_o under_o our_o charge_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v every_o one_o to_o labour_n to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o this_o reformation_n but_o our_o covenant_n do_v not_o therefore_o bind_v every_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o set_v up_o and_o follow_v what_o government_n seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o rather_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o boundless_a spirit_n our_o covenant_n give_v no_o such_o liberty_n to_o any_o for_o be_v this_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o couâ—nant_n when_o it_o bind_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n this_o be_v to_o covenant_n against_o sin_n formality_n and_o tyranny_n and_o to_o vow_v for_o unlawful_a libertisâ—e_n prophanesse_n and_o a_o anarchy_n which_o will_v bring_v inevitable_a confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n for_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n heresy_n unwarrantable_a corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a new_a opinion_n will_v then_o be_v broach_v maintain_v and_o disperse_v abroad_o without_o either_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o man_n as_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o all_o these_o deadly_a and_o destroy_a heresy_n will_v be_v disseminated_a and_o divulge_v under_o pretext_n that_o their_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o that_o they_o come_v near_o and_o walk_v more_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n than_o other_o do_v although_o their_o foot_n tread_v not_o in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o commandment_n but_o walk_v in_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o therefore_o such_o disorderly_a walking_n as_o these_o be_v a_o deformation_n of_o religion_n not_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n which_o we_o have_v all_o enter_v into_o but_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o i_o relate_v before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o diminution_n at_o least_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o wait_v on_o the_o synod_n for_o its_o final_a resolution_n for_o church_n government_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o magistrate_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o reformation_n and_o to_o settle_v that_o church_n government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n or_o a_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o it_o out_o of_o holy_a writ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o godly_a prince_n be_v there_o record_v for_o their_o example_n and_o encouragement_n to_o go_v on_o undauntedly_n in_o the_o work_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 8._o to_o the_o 16._o v._o 2_o chro._n 17._o the_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 29._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 30._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 31._o 31._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 34._o etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n 23._o to_o the_o 24._o ver_fw-la ezr._n 9_o neh._n 9_o so_o that_o god_n word_n be_v the_o absolute_a rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o this_o their_o undertake_n and_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o our_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o will_v all_o be_v aid_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o further_o they_o in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n now_o wherein_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n that_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v ground_v on_o scripture_n can_v a_o better_a course_n be_v take_v then_o authority_n have_v appoint_v namely_o by_o call_v together_o a_o assembly_n of_o minister_n man_n skilful_a in_o the_o original_a tongue_n learn_v in_o all_o other_o science_n and_o approve_v to_o be_v godly_a pious_a zealous_a orthodox_n man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v selfe-denying_a man_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o have_v humble_v themselves_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n implore_v his_o divine_a assistance_n illumination_n and_o direction_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n for_o the_o reform_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o sacred_a will_n and_o for_o these_o
we_o hold_v it_o say_v he_o yea_o that_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o to_o membership_n or_o office_n bear_v in_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o the_o major_a part_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o officer_n be_v require_v and_o that_o as_o well_o in_o regard_n every_o one_o take_v a_o charge_n upon_o he_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o interest_n i_o expect_v that_o this_o groll_n i._o s._n shall_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n not_o only_o have_v give_v i_o a_o parcel_n of_o word_n but_o as_o he_o account_v i_o a_o catachumenos_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v teach_v and_o instruct_v i_o out_o of_o god_n word_n which_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o out_o of_o his_o statute_n where_o ever_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v ever_o give_v such_o a_o law_n unto_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v admit_v of_o none_o into_o his_o house_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o their_o fellow_n servant_n and_o where_o he_o do_v resign_v his_o authority_n and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o charge_n of_o his_o family_n upon_o they_o as_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o where_o christ_n do_v ever_o by_o any_o law_n or_o statute_n make_v his_o people_n servant_n to_o each_o other_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o charge_n over_o they_o &_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o to_o judge_v they_o at_o pleasure_n all_o this_o i_o look_v for_o at_o i._o s._n his_o hand_n and_o that_o now_o he_o shall_v have_v full_o inform_v i_o in_o it_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n our_o king_n to_o the_o contrary_n i_o desire_v to_o go_v on_o wary_o 1_v cor._n 7._o 23._o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o subject_n by_o his_o apostle_n you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v not_o you_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n now_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o independent_o make_v we_o not_o only_a servant_n but_o slave_n and_o vassal_n to_o they_o for_o what_o great_a bondage_n and_o servitude_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v under_o the_o control_n of_o every_o one_o his_o fellow_n servant_n so_o that_o without_o their_o good_a likinâ—_n they_o can_v neither_o come_v in_o nor_o go_v out_o of_o their_o master_n house_n nor_o be_v admit_v to_o do_v that_o service_n their_o master_n call_v for_o at_o their_o hand_n but_o if_o any_o one_o of_o their_o fellow_n servant_n shall_v except_v against_o he_o he_o must_v be_v keep_v out_o of_o door_n i_o appeal_v here_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o generation_n of_o lordly_a gentleman_n over_o god_n heritage_n see_v since_o mortality_n inhabit_v the_o earth_n or_o that_o do_v ever_o more_o impudent_o domineer_v and_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergye_n then_o in_o this_o our_o age_n where_o every_o man_n make_v himself_o a_o lord_n and_o judge_n over_o his_o brother_n who_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n his_o king_n and_o make_v free_a by_o his_o word_n especial_o be_v not_o this_o a_o horrid_a insolency_n in_o any_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v his_o brother_n when_o there_o be_v a_o statute_n law_n and_o a_o command_v lay_v upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a rom._n 14._o 13._o let_v we_o not_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n in_o the_o which_o law_n &_o statute_n there_o be_v 2_o observable_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v judge_v his_o brother_n any_o more_o and_o this_o statute_n be_v ratify_v by_o many_o other_o and_o from_o most_o warrantable_a and_o divine_a reason_n the_o other_o statute_n that_o confirm_v this_o be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n what_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v for_o 4._o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o for_o to_o this_o end_n say_v he_o ver_fw-la 9_o christ_n both_o dye_v rise_v again_o and_o revive_v that_o he_o may_v be_v lord_n both_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o live_a christ_n say_v he_o be_v our_o lord_n both_o by_o donation_n by_o conquest_n by_o purchase_n by_o covenant_n by_o fellowship_n with_o the_o son_n and_o with_o the_o father_n we_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o he_o conquer_v all_o our_o enemy_n and_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o vanquish_v the_o strong_a and_o arm_a man_n and_o disarm_v he_o and_o rescue_v all_o his_o servant_n out_o of_o his_o slavery_n &_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o by_o no_o less_o price_n than_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n also_o by_o covenant_n and_o by_o communion_n in_o his_o grace_n and_o resurrection_n and_o glory_n enjoy_v with_o he_o all_o felicity_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n with_o a_o eternal_a kingdom_n therefore_o say_v he_o in_o the_o 12._o verse_n why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n and_o why_o do_v thou_o set_v at_o naught_o thy_o brother_n we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n therefore_o judge_v not_o thy_o brother_n and_o st._n james_n say_v my_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o first_o observable_a out_o of_o that_o text_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o the_o second_o observable_a be_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o occasion_n of_o fall_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o man_n what_o great_a stumble_a block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_n can_v be_v put_v in_o any_o man_n way_n then_o when_o man_n on_o their_o own_o head_n impose_v a_o law_n upon_o their_o brethren_n that_o christ_n our_o king_n never_o give_v to_o his_o people_n or_o what_o great_a scandal_n and_o offence_n can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o poor_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o king_n then_o to_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o their_o master_n door_n or_o to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o their_o master_n house_n and_o to_o be_v judge_v at_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o fellow_n servant_n whether_o he_o be_v fit_a to_o come_v into_o his_o maastars_n family_n or_o not_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v his_o brother_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o scandal_n yea_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o intolerable_a tyranny_n there_o be_v never_o any_o either_o judgement_n scandal_n or_o tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o great_a rebellion_n and_o contumacy_n against_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o against_o his_o subject_n servant_n and_o redeem_v once_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o pope_n and_o prelate_n be_v so_o much_o abominate_v and_o abhor_v of_o all_o man_n for_o their_o usurpation_n over_o god_n heritage_n and_o clergy_n how_o much_o aught_o such_o squanderling_n fellow_n as_o this_o i._o s._n and_o his_o complice_n be_v abominate_v who_o thus_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o discern_v into_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o their_o brethren_n heart_n and_o to_o judge_v they_o fit_a or_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o according_a to_o their_o conceit_n and_o opinion_n so_o to_o bring_v in_o their_o verdict_n of_o admission_n or_o non-admission_n when_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o king_n say_v judge_v not_o lest_o you_o be_v judgod_n matth._n 3._o and_o bid_v all_o man_n that_o be_v heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o matth._n 11._o and_o say_v john_n the_o 6._o v._o 37._o he_o that_o comethunto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o way_n cast_v out_o here_o the_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n give_v free_a admittance_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n to_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o house_n but_o here_o be_v my_o lord_n tap_v his_o chaplain_n and_o his_o associate_n and_o they_o all_o take_v upon_o they_o this_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o good_a leave_n &_o like_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o they_o have_v a_o charge_n over_o that_o house_n and_o a_o interest_n also_o these_o be_v i._o s._n his_o own_o expression_n now_o i_o do_v here_o again_o appeal_v to_o any_o that_o have_v but_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o a_o supercilious_a brood_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n before_o these_o illdependents_a be_v hatch_v that_o can_v
thus_o trample_v all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n and_o yet_o pretend_v they_o only_o set_v he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a they_o practise_v the_o contrary_a and_o violate_v all_o his_o most_o holy_a statute_n and_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o his_o commandment_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o judge_v their_o brethren_n and_o not_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o christ_n church_n and_o house_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o christ_n nevertheless_o have_v enact_v so_o many_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o three_o query_n the_o four_o follow_v concern_v the_o covenant_n whether_o necessary_a to_o admission_n to_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n thus_o reply_n page_n 14._o now_o say_v he_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o covenant_n be_v become_v a_o bugbear_n to_o many_o and_o tell_v we_o moreover_o what_o he_o have_v say_v concern_v their_o covenant_n in_o his_o vindication_n that_o learned_a piece_n of_o stuff_n such_o a_o other_o as_o his_o truth_n shut_v of_o door_n and_o his_o protestation_n protest_v and_o then_o he_o make_v a_o brief_a description_n of_o their_o covenant_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o covenant_n that_o be_v so_o terrible_a but_o the_o order_n of_o church-communion_n and_o this_o be_v to_o those_o only_a that_o have_v usod_a to_o walk_v without_o a_o yoke_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v son_n of_o beliall_a love_v not_o to_o come_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n than_o which_o to_o a_o willing_a bearer_n nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o sweet_a i_o expect_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n especial_o who_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o he_o count_v all_o man_n enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o convert_v but_o in_o part_n when_o they_o come_v not_o up_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reformation_n god_n word_n for_o thus_o my_o brother_n speak_v page_n 18._o i_o say_v i_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v ratify_v their_o practice_n in_o admit_v of_o their_o member_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o either_o some_o command_n or_o some_o example_n both_o which_o when_o this_o their_o practice_n want_v it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o be_v sinful_a but_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v some_o particular_n in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n expression_n not_o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n sin_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o they_o all_o for_o that_o will_v require_v a_o tractate_n by_o itself_o but_o first_o i_o pray_v observe_v the_o very_a name_n say_v he_o of_o a_o covenant_n be_v become_v a_o bugbear_n to_o many_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o terror_n again_o a_o few_o line_n after_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o covenant_n that_o be_v so_o terrible_a but_o the_o order_n of_o church-communion_n here_o i_o leave_v my_o brother_n burton_n to_o reconcile_v his_o own_o contradiction_n the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o covenant_n say_v he_o be_v a_o bugbear_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o covenant_n that_o be_v so_o terrible_a second_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o yoke_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n he_o call_v it_o christ_n yoke_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n command_n nor_o be_v it_o appoint_v by_o he_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o own_o brain_n they_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o people_n as_o one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v a_o insufferable_a insolency_n in_o these_o man_n three_o my_o brother_n burton_n account_v of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o submit_v it_o themselves_o to_o their_o government_n and_o go_v in_o their_o church_n way_n to_o receive_v or_o take_v their_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o belial_n and_o not_o under_o christ_n yoke_n these_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 14._o thus_o charitable_o the_o independent_o think_v of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o their_o brethren_n because_o forsooth_o we_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o their_o covenant_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v neither_o give_v we_o either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o ouâ—_n of_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n they_o account_v we_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n now_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o god_n word_n all_o man_n know_v be_v not_o of_o faith_n which_o when_o their_o church_n practise_v without_o it_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sinful_a way_n and_o therefore_o be_v rather_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n than_o we_o but_o learned_a i._n s._n page_n 18._o while_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v the_o covenant_n say_v enough_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v it_o the_o four_o query_n say_v he_o of_o a_o explicit_a covenant_n whether_o necessary_a to_o admission_n answ_n i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o incovenient_a than_o a_o public_a national_a covenant_n but_o necessary_a say_v he_o we_o hold_v it_o not_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o i._o s._n be_v but_o a_o novice_n in_o the_o independent_a principle_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a catechumenos_fw-la for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v any_o thing_n acquaint_v in_o the_o independent_o principle_n hold_v this_o explicit_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v a_o church_n nor_o without_o the_o take_n of_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o admittance_n into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v it_o christ_n yoke_n and_o proclaim_v all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o wear_v it_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o belial_n so_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o the_o one_o party_n of_o they_o hold_v the_o particular_a covenant_n absolute_o necessary_a the_o other_o say_v but_o necessary_a we_o hold_v it_o not_o so_o then_o by_o i._o s._n his_o own_o confession_n who_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o party_n it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n ordinance_n for_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v necessary_a in_o their_o season_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v contemn_v or_o slight_v the_o least_o of_o they_o sin_v great_o but_o whereas_o i._o s._n say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o why_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n shall_v be_v more_o inconvenient_a than_o a_o public_a national_a covenant_n i_o affirm_v this_o be_v fond_o speak_v of_o i._o s._n for_o we_o have_v divers_a precedent_n and_o example_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o precept_n for_o enter_v into_o public_a covenant_n and_o we_o have_v read_v of_o the_o benefit_n that_o have_v from_o they_o redound_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n &_o country_n by_o they_o for_o encouragement_n to_o all_o man_n upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o enter_v into_o some_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o our_o god_n but_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n take_v in_o any_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v inconvenient_a as_o not_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v inconvenient_a yea_o very_o hurtful_a to_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n matter_n without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o he_o and_o will_v bring_v down_o punishment_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o but_o for_o i._o s._n i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o to_o he_o about_o this_o point_n who_o i_o find_v to_o be_v a_o very_a catechumenos_fw-la in_o the_o principle_n of_o independency_n when_o notwithstanding_o he_o promise_v i_o he_o will_v teach_v and_o instruct_v i_o in_o the_o independent_a way_n but_o i_o will_v now_o examine_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v truth_n glorious_o appear_v from_o under_o the_o sad_a and_o sable_a cloud_n of_o obloquy_n give_v for_o this_o their_o covenant_n he_o page_z 126_o labour_n to_o prove_v their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n out_o of_o that_o place_n act_v the_o 9_o verse_n 16._o where_o when_o paul_n be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o the_o disciple_n now_o say_v he_o the_o word_n join_v in_o the_o original_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o join_v by_o covenant_n and_o intimate_v such_o a_o join_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o join_n of_o a_o man_n to_o his_o wife_n for_o in_o matthew_n say_v he_o the_o
be_v not_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o which_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o my_o forego_n discourse_n as_o for_o j._n s._n he_o answer_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n as_o all_o that_o shall_v read_v his_o word_n may_v well_o perceive_v which_o be_v these_o i_o answer_v say_v he_o no_o question_n but_o the_o purge_n and_o purify_n of_o church_n ordinance_n and_o fellowship_n which_o some_o contend_v for_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o a_o high_a throne_n visible_a to_o the_o world_n then_o by_o some_o other_o way_n he_o be_v etc._n etc._n now_o which_o hither_o this_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o query_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o judge_v of_o but_o from_o his_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o church-fellowship_n be_v pollute_v there_o christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n but_o in_o all_o the_o new_a congregation_n christ_n ordinance_n be_v pollute_v and_o church-fellowship_n contaminate_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v ergo_fw-la christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o there_o on_o his_o throne_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o all_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o query_n but_o now_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o god_n method_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o the_o manner_n they_o use_v in_o make_v member_n in_o every_o church_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o method_n our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o use_v in_o gather_v of_o their_o congregation_n that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o may_v all_o be_v undeceive_v in_o this_o business_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n and_o i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o christ_n commission_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o 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into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o in_o the_o 26._o of_o the_o act_n saint_n paul_n after_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversion_n to_o king_n agrippa_n he_o likewise_o make_v know_v unto_o he_o the_o commission_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v verse_n 15_o 16._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o i_o say_v who_o be_v thou_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v i_o be_o jesus_n who_o thou_o persecute_v but_o rise_v and_o stand_v upon_o thy_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n both_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o which_o i_o will_v appear_v unto_o thou_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o people_n and_o from_o the_o gentile_n unto_o who_o 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unto_o that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a title_n or_o claim_n to_o and_o for_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o fight_v in_o that_o they_o amuse_v the_o people_n and_o stir_v up_o faction_n on_o every_o side_n and_o all_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o groundless_a combustion_n in_o church_n &_o state_n tell_v the_o people_n that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n which_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereupon_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o relinquish_v this_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o presbyter_n they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o then_o ever_o the_o prelate_n do_v and_o they_o teach_v they_o far_o that_o this_o right_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o 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argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o for_o the_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n reside_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n hand_n both_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n with_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o who_o only_o exercise_v it_o in_o their_o day_n as_o by_o innumerable_a example_n may_v be_v prove_v as_o by_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o latter_a example_n both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o j._n s._n pass_v by_o with_o great_a silence_n wherein_o they_o deal_v most_o dishonest_o as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o for_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n my_o brother_n burton_n set_v upon_o that_o at_o first_o pretend_v to_o the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o johns_n gather_v in_o of_o people_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n gather_v by_o he_o be_v not_o formedinto_o christian_a church_n these_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 16._o and_o that_o those_o church_n only_o which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n unto_o all_o christian_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o say_v if_o we_o visit_v they_o we_o shâ—ll_v find_v that_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 2._o which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o all_o church_n and_o thereupon_o conclude_v and_o so_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o receive_v in_o and_o admit_v of_o member_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n can_v be_v a_o example_n &_o pattern_n to_o the_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o that_o argument_n by_o such_o turn_n and_o evasion_n as_o these_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o those_o congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v by_o he_o not_o be_v in_o a_o gospel-form_n nor_o mould_v up_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n can_v be_v bind_o presidential_a and_o therefore_o for_o our_o imitation_n he_o affirm_v we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o that_o one_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o which_o
say_v my_o brother_n burton_n the_o people_n have_v authority_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o those_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n only_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o minister_n of_o govern_v by_o and_o not_o that_o of_o the_o baptist_n and_o by_o this_o their_o craft_n and_o juggle_n and_o by_o these_o fallacious_a mean_n and_o unwarrantable_a way_n my_o brother_n burton_n hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n with_o all_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o illdependent_a predicant_o have_v prepossess_v the_o people_n with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n against_o their_o faithful_a minister_n as_o if_o they_o affect_v a_o lordly_a power_n over_o they_o and_o more_o than_o prelatical_a they_o have_v i_o say_v by_o this_o craft_n so_o infatuate_v they_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o leave_v a_o ear_n open_a in_o many_o of_o they_o to_o hear_v the_o just_a defence_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v or_o read_v what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o and_o against_o all_o their_o calumny_n which_o wickedness_n and_o deceitful_a deal_n of_o the_o ildependents_n itinetary_a preacher_n be_v unexcusable_a but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n not_o only_o carp_n at_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n but_o likewise_o at_o those_o i_o bring_v of_o the_o eunuch_n of_o paul_n of_o cornelius_n of_o lydia_n and_o of_o the_o gaoler_n mr._n knollys_n also_o join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o good_a service_n and_o skirmish_n the_o which_o after_o that_o both_o himself_o and_o absurdo_fw-la know-lesse_a for_o so_o he_o may_v true_o be_v call_v have_v spend_v their_o breath_n and_o strength_n to_o evade_v and_o yet_o perceive_v evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o so_o apparent_o perspicuous_a as_o it_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n they_o cry_v out_o that_o those_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n and_o not_o bind_v because_o those_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o admit_v or_o receive_v member_n into_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o those_o example_n be_v not_o for_o our_o imitation_n we_o look_v only_o for_o the_o example_n of_o such_o church_n as_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o gospel-form_n and_o into_o the_o mould_n of_o the_o new_a testament-form_n now_o what_o a_o height_n of_o wickedness_n be_v it_o in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trifle_v for_o the_o delude_n of_o the_o simple_a people_n and_o to_o pretend_v unto_o they_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o christ_n church_n one_o way_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o another_o of_o admit_v member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o by_o the_o example_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a by_o i_o produce_v be_v sufficient_o apparent_a for_o they_o be_v all_o admit_v after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n and_o i_o have_v two_o example_n of_o receive_v in_o member_n into_o church_n constitute_v after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o damaseus_fw-la both_o church_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-form_n and_o there_o be_v there_o three_o thousand_o receive_v member_n at_o one_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o require_v at_o their_o member_n hand_n and_o paul_n also_o be_v receive_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o damascus_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o example_n be_v bind_o presidential_a and_o these_o two_o example_n be_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o be_v pass_v by_o and_o all_o the_o other_o count_v extraordinary_a by_o they_o and_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v delude_v and_o miserable_o abuse_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a imposture_n or_o deceit_n in_o any_o that_o pretend_v unto_o religion_n and_o honesty_n then_o that_o in_o these_o man_n when_o they_o say_v in_o their_o writing_n upon_o all_o occasion_n produce_v we_o some_o example_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n wherein_o any_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o minister_n sole_a authority_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o without_o those_o condition_n we_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o our_o church_n and_o then_o you_o do_v some_o thing_n can_v there_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a deceit_n in_o any_o man_n than_o this_o of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o such_o example_n produce_v when_o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v set_v that_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o damascus_n both_o constitute_v after_o the_o gospel-form_n before_o their_o eye_n in_o both_o of_o which_o their_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o sole_a and_o alone_a authority_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o without_o any_o of_o those_o requisite_n they_o now_o demand_v of_o their_o member_n in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n by_o which_o their_o proceed_n they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n of_o indirect_a deal_n and_o of_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o manifest_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v resolve_v against_o all_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n obstinate_o to_o persist_v in_o their_o erroneous_a way_n which_o be_v the_o great_a height_n of_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o less_o than_o to_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o the_o least_o dram_n of_o candour_n and_o fair_a deal_n in_o they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v utter_v such_o word_n and_o have_v there_o be_v but_o any_o christian_a honesty_n and_o love_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o have_v pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o damascus_n unsaluted_a and_o without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o fall_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o then_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v my_o fair_a deal_n with_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o delude_a people_n i_o will_v in_o this_o place_n to_o gratify_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o absurdo_fw-la know-lesse_a set_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o example_n of_o the_o two_o mother_n church_n in_o their_o gospel-form_n viz._n that_o of_o jerusalem_n &_o samaria_n that_o so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n the_o truth_n 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of_o witness_n for_o the_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o gather_v church_n and_o for_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o look_v into_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o he_o shall_v find_v at_o the_o first_o admission_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n take_v in_o and_o make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o where_o the_o people_n have_v no_o voice_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v sometime_o in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n neither_o be_v it_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n
of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v require_v there_o neither_o have_v the_o people_n any_o hand_n in_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n manage_v the_o whole_a business_n for_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o admit_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n be_v these_o only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o new_a model_n nor_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a congregation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n let_v i_o tell_v the_o illdependents_n that_o the_o apostle_n 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and_o without_o any_o deliberation_n admit_v of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n which_o ought_v according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n ever_o to_o be_v do_v with_o great_a caution_n who_o say_v in_o his_o 14._o page_n multa_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la add_v moreover_o that_o in_o thing_n weighty_a we_o can_v be_v too_o wary_a in_o regard_n they_o look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n and_o in_o regard_n also_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o provident_a care_n for_o prevent_a inconvenience_n and_o scandal_n see_v turpius_fw-la ejiciâ—ur_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la admittitur_fw-la hospes_fw-la it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o guest_n to_o be_v keep_v out_o then_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o all_o which_o his_o expression_n and_o by_o their_o daily_a practice_n they_o do_v no_o less_o then_o proclaim_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o so_o prudent_a in_o 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of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o believe_a repentance_n and_o baptism_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v here_o be_v nothing_o record_v of_o walk_v any_o time_n for_o they_o be_v sudden_o admit_v here_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n nothing_o of_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n nothing_o of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o practice_n and_o prattle_v of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o mother_n church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o produce_v a_o example_n or_o two_o more_o omit_v many_o through_o the_o acts._n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o sudden_a and_o miraculous_a death_n of_o ananias_n &_o 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now_o before_o their_o eye_n a_o precedent_n of_o so_o gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o false_a deal_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o what_o a_o consternation_n come_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o it_o and_o by_o the_o which_o also_o god_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v they_o may_v then_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n if_o at_o any_o time_n have_v urge_v all_o those_o condition_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v well_o have_v add_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o all_o which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n communion_n without_o they_o and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o admit_v member_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o when_o the_o independent_o in_o 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that_o church_n and_o here_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n have_v urge_v the_o impose_v of_o new_a condition_n of_o admit_v member_n if_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n have_v do_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o priest_n for_o they_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o have_v be_v christ_n enemy_n in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o â—ad_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o his_o crucify_a and_o therefore_o if_o the_o disciple_n be_v afraid_a of_o paul_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n because_o he_o have_v persecute_v the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v unwilling_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o joint_a member_n with_o they_o they_o have_v very_o good_a warrant_n here_o of_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v desire_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o church-fellowship_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o testimony_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o that_o they_o may_v also_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o be_v receive_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v they_o may_v have_v urge_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o have_v be_v as_o well_o afraid_a of_o these_o priest_n as_o they_o be_v of_o paul_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v here_o of_o all_o those_o priest_n as_o they_o do_v of_o paul_n act_v 9_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n and_o without_o their_o either_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o fellowship_n some_o time_n or_o without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o without_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o impose_v other_o law_n upon_o the_o people_n in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v trangrâ—ssors_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n against_o both_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o refuse_v none_o and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o congregational_a by-path_n that_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o set_v before_o they_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n still_o persist_v in_o their_o unwarrantable_a practice_n against_o both_o the_o precâ—pâ—_n and_o precedent_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o his_o blessed_a apostle_n they_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o iâ—_n they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o that_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n in_o these_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n speedy_o repent_v and_o relinguish_v thâ—se_a theâ—â—_n rebellious_a course_n they_o will_v high_o provoke_v the_o lord_n &_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o come_v out_o in_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o who_o know_v but_o as_o he_o let_v the_o devil_n loose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o sceva_n those_o exorcist_n for_o abuse_v his_o authority_n and_o use_v his_o nâ—mâ—_n for_o all_o their_o wicked_a deal_n i_o say_v who_o know_v but_o the_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n may_v in_o
of_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o five_o chapter_n to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o untain_v repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbytrie_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 12._o 1._o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o and_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n into_o council_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n
let_v they_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o saint_n paul_n write_v to_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n he_o write_v to_o all_o church_n and_o proclaim_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 37._o so_o that_o god_n have_v command_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n they_o shall_v and_o yet_o in_o these_o our_o day_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n they_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o have_v all_o of_o they_o peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o make_v learned_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o dispute_v question_n and_o debate_n of_o matter_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la as_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v and_o other_o of_o they_o set_v â—orth_o and_o print_v learned_a treatise_n in_o polemicall_a divinity_n with_o great_a applause_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n who_o cite_v their_o authority_n and_o quote_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n as_o classical_a author_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o ludibry_n of_o religion_n and_o howsoever_o there_o be_v not_o any_o that_o shall_v more_o honour_v the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a of_o that_o sex_n than_o myself_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o see_v how_o far_o they_o become_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v not_o only_o forbid_v but_o proclaim_v a_o shame_n i_o can_v but_o exceed_o blame_v they_o and_o those_o minister_n that_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o such_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o special_a care_n in_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a of_o woman_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o foresee_v the_o confusion_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v he_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 11._o 12._o he_o say_v let_v the_o woman_n learn_v in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n for_o i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v than_o eve_n and_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o apostle_n again_o and_o again_o twice_o in_o these_o few_o word_n enjoin_v they_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n i_o suffer_v not_o say_v he_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v or_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silene_n and_o he_o give_v his_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n because_o say_v he_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v not_o by_o the_o woman_n nor_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v usurp_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o masculine_a sex_n especial_o in_o god_n matter_n and_o she_o be_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o man_n and_o not_o the_o man_n her_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o that_o superiority_n that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v establish_v upon_o the_o man_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o do_v now_o re-establish_a upon_o he_o again_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n after_o all_o thing_n through_o sin_n have_v be_v disorder_v and_o confuse_a and_o command_v the_o woman_n to_o be_v both_o subject_n and_o silent_a especial_o in_o the_o church_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n be_v because_o the_o woman_n be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o adam_n fall_n as_o he_o accuse_v she_o and_o her_o dispute_v and_o voice_n of_o it_o then_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o she_o so_o do_v s._n paul_n conclude_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o hold_v her_o peace_n &_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o aught_o to_o learn_v in_o silence_n at_o home_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o they_o come_v to_o voice_n it_o once_o again_o in_o the_o church_n as_o eve_n bring_v confusion_n upon_o mankind_n by_o her_o disputation_n and_o reason_n so_o these_o with_o their_o loquacity_n and_o babble_n and_o confusion_n of_o voice_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a babel_n into_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o have_v pretty_o well_o already_o begin_v to_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n here_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 14._o command_v they_o silence_n and_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v and_o express_o forbid_v they_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o viril_n sex_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o understand_a creature_n whether_o or_o no_o to_o make_v large_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o church_n as_o many_o of_o they_o upon_o occasion_n do_v and_o dispute_v and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o whither_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o either_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o either_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o hinder_v their_o come_n in_o or_o have_v their_o voice_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v exercise_n and_o usurp_v authority_n over_o those_o they_o so_o deal_v with_o and_o therefore_a they_o do_v against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v usurp_v this_o authority_n and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o have_v permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v or_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o great_a contumacy_n against_o god_n and_o ought_v serious_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o their_o temerity_n and_o rebellion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o intermedle_v and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o speedy_a course_n take_v by_o authority_n to_o forbid_v such_o disorder_n we_o may_v promise_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o confusion_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n when_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n intermeddle_v in_o government_n and_o matter_n of_o state_n that_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n be_v very_o craze_a and_o not_o far_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o we_o need_v not_o look_v into_o many_o age_n or_o country_n for_o precedent_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o if_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o kingdom_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o fatal_a unto_o they_o what_o may_v any_o man_n think_v in_o time_n will_v become_v of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o the_o woman_n have_v get_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o a_o power_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n in_o church_n affair_n certain_o nothing_o but_o confusion_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o this_o their_o do_v be_v against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o never_o be_v it_o yet_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o well_o govern_v city_n or_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n that_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v officer_n or_o burgess_n or_o make_v of_o freeman_n or_o disfranchise_v of_o they_o or_o be_v permit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n with_o they_o much_o less_o to_o rule_v and_o give_v law_n to_o other_o out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o that_o sex_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o wel-governed_n church_n and_o state_n and_o as_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o know_v their_o
place_n so_o ought_v all_o man_n that_o be_v under_o obedience_n to_o learn_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o which_o god_n never_o give_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n either_o in_o make_v of_o member_n in_o church_n or_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n or_o of_o impose_v law_n upon_o other_o either_o of_o make_v public_a confession_n before_o the_o congregation_n or_o of_o produce_v evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n or_o of_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o any_o that_o shall_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n neither_o may_v the_o presbyter_n usurp_v authority_n but_o they_o also_o must_v exercise_v it_o only_o according_a to_o the_o commission_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o may_v not_o transgress_v it_o or_o go_v beyond_o it_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o therefore_o when_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n call_v for_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o man_n faith_n to_o be_v make_v in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o be_v produce_v and_o impose_v a_o covenant_n upon_o they_o before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v before_o in_o infidelity_n who_o notwithstanding_o be_v know_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o godly_a christian_n and_o as_o true_a believer_n as_o any_o that_o now_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o think_v they_o only_a christian_n and_o believer_n that_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o and_o count_v of_o other_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o custom_n and_o novelty_n but_o as_o the_o off-scowring_a and_o refuse_v and_o no_o christian_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a usurpation_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o never_o before_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o church_n either_o jewish_a or_o christian_a till_o these_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n in_o his_o commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o minister_n bid_v they_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o quench_v not_o the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n now_o then_o when_o they_o know_v thousand_o in_o this_o kingdom_n that_o do_v believe_v and_o be_v man_n of_o unblamable_a life_n and_o such_o as_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v baptize_v what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o and_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n with_o they_o or_o to_o debar_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o think_v the_o vision_n to_o saint_n peter_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n shall_v teach_v such_o man_n their_o duty_n when_o god_n say_v unto_o peter_n rise_v kill_v and_o eat_v peter_n say_v not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a and_o unclean_a and_o the_o voice_n say_v what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v call_v not_o thou_o common_a and_o this_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v do_v thrice_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v confirm_v to_o peter_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n not_o to_o call_v those_o people_n common_a profane_a and_o unclean_a and_o to_o count_v they_o but_o rubbish_n who_o god_n have_v grace_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o have_v sanctify_v and_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o dare_v not_o show_v their_o face_n but_o run_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o desert_v it_o or_o at_o least_o temporize_v and_o such_o as_o if_o the_o like_a occasion_n be_v offer_v will_v manifest_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o god_n assistance_n that_o their_o life_n and_o all_o they_o have_v shall_v not_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o restimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o these_o must_v be_v debar_v from_o the_o communion_n in_o their_o assembly_n unless_o they_o will_v conform_v to_o their_o newborn_a tradition_n for_o these_o be_v no_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o young_a and_o if_o christ_n in_o his_o time_n sharp_o reprove_v those_o that_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o deep_o reprove_v the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n for_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o prefer_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v those_o minister_n will_v have_v to_o answer_v at_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n think_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o people_n that_o account_n of_o such_o novelty_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o seamlesse_a garment_n of_o the_o church_n through_o these_o tradition_n surely_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o our_o saviour_n say_v woe_n be_v to_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v matthew_n 18_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n through_o their_o tradition_n and_o to_o offend_v those_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v but_o count_v they_o as_o alien_n and_o stranger_n yea_o infidel_n and_o rubbish_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a understanding_n for_o god_n command_n unto_o all_o minister_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v admit_v all_o such_o into_o the_o church_n as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v upon_o their_o desire_v it_o without_o any_o confession_n either_o private_a or_o public_a or_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n now_o this_o command_n of_o god_n they_o transgress_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o keep_v out_o many_o thousand_o of_o believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n as_o unholy_a and_o as_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o ordinance_n because_o forsooth_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v their_o newborn_a law_n and_o tradition_n for_o where_o do_v ever_o god_n command_v that_o no_o believer_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n except_o they_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o and_o then_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o give_v the_o church_n satisfaction_n or_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o practise_v by_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n or_o by_o paul_n preach_n be_v lydia_n when_o god_n open_v her_o heart_n to_o believe_v paul_n preach_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o any_o such_o term_n be_v the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o convert_a family_n force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n to_o the_o church_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a convenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v the_o church_n assent_n require_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o make_v member_n of_o it_o or_o be_v ever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o impose_v upon_o christian_n now_o require_v at_o believer_n hand_n before_o these_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v abominate_v as_o vain_a tradition_n and_o such_o as_o by_o which_o they_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o through_o all_o the_o family_n and_o house_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o neither_o master_n of_o family_n nor_o parent_n have_v any_o rule_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n or_o servant_n
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 cephas_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 not_o withstand_v 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 alienate_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 now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o their_o march_n as_o i_o say_v before_o make_v some_o poor_a weak_a skirmish_n against_o my_o force_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o garrison_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n which_o i_o have_v former_o bring_v into_o the_o field_n pretend_v they_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o not_o bind_v because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v admit_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n form_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o their_o trifle_n without_o some_o answer_n unto_o their_o bravado_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v good_a in_o this_o place_n before_o i_o march_v on_o to_o fight_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o boast_v &_o vapour_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o encounter_v they_o or_o look_v upon_o their_o most_o material_a reserve_v which_o be_v concern_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o which_o they_o especial_o pitch_v upon_o conceive_v they_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o i_o for_o the_o make_n of_o this_o ground_n good_a viz._n that_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o admit_v any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n do_v not_o reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o the_o people_n also_o have_v a_o hand_n as_o well_o in_o their_o admission_n as_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v dislike_v the_o reception_n of_o any_o that_o then_o the_o minister_n can_v by_o their_o own_o and_o sole_a authority_n admit_v they_o though_o never_o so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o their_o encounter_n for_o to_o what_o end_n otherwise_o shall_v it_o be_v make_v yea_o their_o very_a word_n manifest_a as_o much_o which_o be_v these_o first_o master_n knollys_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o thus_o declare_v himself_o that_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n say_v he_o viz._n of_o the_o admittance_n of_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v to_o hinder_v their_o admittance_n to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o liberty_n but_o because_o they_o have_v no_o just_a objection_n to_o declare_v to_o peter_n now_o that_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o declare_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v just_o have_v hinder_v do_v appear_v by_o the_o question_n the_o apostle_n expound_v say_v he_o i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v propound_v verse_n 47._o can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o brethren_n or_o disciple_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o except_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o case_n that_o such_o person_n have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v until_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversation_n and_o there_o produce_v a_o plain_a instance_n to_o prove_v this_o out_o of_o act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n but_o they_o be_v all_o afraid_a of_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n thus_o master_n knollys_n speak_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o like_a case_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n because_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o daughter-churche_n therefore_o say_v he_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o disciple_n or_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o declare_v their_o fear_n and_o their_o ground_n thereof_o against_o paul_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v he_o make_v good_a that_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o brethren_n may_v admit_v member_n and_o cast_v out_o member_n and_o that_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o his_o word_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n to_o which_o i_o will_v by_o and_o by_o give_v my_o answer_n after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o also_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n and_o then_o i_o will_v reply_v to_o they_o both_o in_o order_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 17._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o preach_v and_o instrumental_o to_o convert_v soul_n which_o chief_o pertain_v to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church-government_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o here_o let_v peter_n himself_o who_o word_n you_o allege_v resolve_v we_o who_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o wonderful_o fall_v on_o all_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n which_o word_n imply_v that_o if_o any_o exception_n can_v have_v be_v make_v it_o be_v in_o those_o jew_n present_a to_o give_v forth_o their_o allegation_n why_o those_o believe_a gentile_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o become_v one_o church_n with_o the_o believe_a jew_n so_o as_o your_o observation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o first_o peter_n be_v send_v to_o and_o â—ot_n the_o church_n and_o second_o peter_n command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v again_o this_o example_n be_v extraordinary_a in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o your_o instance_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8._o 8._o of_o lydia_n act._n 16._o as_o many_o other_o be_v mere_a extravagant_o we_o faith_n he_o speak_v of_o church_n constitute_v not_o of_o single_a convert_n here_o and_o there_o one_o not_o yet_o join_v into_o a_o particular_a church-body_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n declare_v himself_o who_o word_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o and_o all_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o all_o those_o example_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v 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a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o bind_v all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o both_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n learned_o infer_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a opinion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o sole_a authority_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o church_n fellowship_n from_o the_o example_n of_o philip_n ananias_n paul_n in_o baptise_v the_o gaoler_n and_o lydia_n and_o peter_n baptise_v of_o cornelius_n and_o admit_v of_o he_o and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o those_o condition_n they_o propound_v and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n than_o they_o cry_v out_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n or_o mere_a extravagant_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n or_o a_o leaden_a 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kingdom_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n that_o any_o of_o christ_n subject_n can_v challenge_v and_o all_o this_o i_o learn_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o so_o long_o as_o he_o hold_v out_o any_o truth_n unto_o i_o i_o will_v listen_v unto_o as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o point_n but_o no_o far_o again_o as_o all_o those_o viz._n the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o minister_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n urge_v by_o the_o brethren_n so_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o upon_o christ_n own_o condition_n viz._n faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n have_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v word_n speak_v thus_o much_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o whereas_o they_o peremptory_o affirm_v from_o the_o interrogation_n of_o peter_n to_o those_o that_o come_v along_o with_o he_o where_o he_o say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v power_n also_o of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o in_o so_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la and_o a_o very_a groundless_a illation_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o interrogation_n plain_o manifest_v the_o contrary_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o other_o precedent_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 33._o 34._o saint_n paul_n say_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v who_o 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say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o that_o with_o a_o irresistible_a reason_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o god_n give_v they_o the_o like_a gift_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o we_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n all_o the_o which_o discourse_n of_o peter_n and_o this_o his_o reason_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o his_o interrogation_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptiâ—ed_v do_v not_o imply_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n will_v have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o those_o that_o be_v with_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o to_o have_v hinder_v their_o baptism_n and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o believe_v for_o if_o peter_n himself_o shall_v have_v refuse_v it_o he_o have_v be_v disobedient_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v doubt_v which_o he_o be_v forbid_v and_o withal_o have_v resist_v in_o as_o much_o as_o have_v be_v in_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o say_v saint_n peter_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n from_o which_o i_o gather_v and_o that_o by_o very_o good_a reason_n that_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v into_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n without_o they_o walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o and_o without_o the_o make_n of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v all_o fighter_n against_o god_n and_o withstander_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o if_o they_o do_v
their_o own_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n be_v odious_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o but_o that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v as_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o their_o brethren_n for_o they_o also_o be_v presbyterian_o but_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v the_o better_o appear_v whether_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o independent_a minister_n be_v most_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o accusation_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o miss_n to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n together_o and_o that_o both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o their_o several_a study_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o to_o judge_v which_o of_o their_o 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their_o conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o after_o you_o have_v have_v some_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o they_o see_v then_o that_o they_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o the_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 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_n without_o any_o gainsay_n or_o question_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o of_o luke_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 sylas_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 straight_o way_n baptize_v act_v 16._o vers_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 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against_o the_o minister_n for_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v that_o religion_n and_o that_o church-government_n that_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n have_v set_v down_o and_o what_o approbrious_a name_n do_v they_o give_v the_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n call_v they_o baal_n priest_n the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n the_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n false_a prophet_n the_o brood_n of_o babylon_n term_v some_o particular_a man_n of_o they_o rabsheke_n other_o bawd_n other_o black_a mouth_n legal_a preacher_n and_o still_v all_o of_o they_o the_o curse_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o think_v of_o they_o as_o man_n not_o worthy_a to_o live_v and_o in_o express_a word_n profess_v it_o and_o yet_o these_o man_n plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n when_o both_o by_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n they_o manifest_v if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o first_o 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suffer_v any_o they_o call_v presbyterian_o to_o preach_v in_o their_o new_a congregat_v assembly_n and_o if_o this_o be_v to_o give_v a_o toleration_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o their_o own_o let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n but_o i_o say_v and_o will_v ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a in_o that_o they_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o heinous_a and_o foul_a sin_n be_v complice_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o be_v actor_n now_o then_o when_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n seek_v and_o endeavour_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n to_o establish_v that_o religion_n which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o that_o government_n that_o be_v ordain_v in_o all_o church_n to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o imitate_v all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o they_o do_v more_o advance_v christ_n kingdom_n than_o the_o independent_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o sure_o if_o ever_o any_o minister_n deserve_v well_o from_o the_o people_n the_o minister_n of_o england_n now_o do_v who_o by_o all_o their_o endeavour_n show_v that_o they_o seek_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o which_o be_v life_n eternal_a for_o what_o can_v man_n do_v more_o than_o that_o which_o they_o have_v do_v who_o have_v petition_v the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o may_v be_v arm_v with_o authority_n from_o they_o in_o their_o several_a charge_n to_o have_v the_o examination_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o holy_a mystery_n and_o that_o â—one_n that_o be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n may_v be_v suffer_v to_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o which_o their_o endeavour_n they_o show_v the_o christian_a care_n they_o have_v of_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n for_o which_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o bind_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o which_o also_o they_o take_v away_o all_o scandal_n and_o occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o other_o which_o former_o pretend_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o separate_n from_o our_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v in_o regard_n they_o can_v not_o communicate_v with_o dog_n and_o swine_n and_o with_o the_o lag_a rag_n and_o bobtaile_n of_o all_o the_o malignant_n
then_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o those_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o edification_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o that_o any_o judicious_a man_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o great_a school-learning_n may_v perceive_v the_o invalidity_n and_o vanity_n of_o such_o argumentation_n and_o true_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v brethren_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o poor_a a_o way_n of_o dispute_v that_o it_o do_v not_o beseem_v man_n of_o gravity_n much_o less_o of_o learning_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o such_o reason_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o nothingnesse_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o people_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v in_o solomon_n porch_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o last_o miracle_n and_o some_o other_o new_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o be_v then_o work_v in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v together_o and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o solomon_n porch_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n but_o do_v this_o with_o any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o every_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n &_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v so_o for_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v then_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o neither_o many_o porch_n nor_o many_o temple_n can_v have_v contain_v their_o body_n much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v but_o i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o brethren_n so_o rigid_o as_o i_o may_v and_o therefore_o wave_v many_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v just_o here_o utter_v but_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o that_o now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v ever_o so_o do_v in_o succeed_a time_n when_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a increase_n of_o christian_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n all_o reason_n will_v contradict_v that_o assertion_n within_o this_o seven_o year_n as_o all_o man_n know_v one_o place_n and_o congregation_n will_v have_v contain_v all_o the_o independent_o but_o will_v one_o place_n now_o or_o ten_o contain_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o conceive_v will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a minister_n have_v another_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n then_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v do_v not_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n yea_o they_o take_v it_o as_o a_o disparagement_n unto_o they_o for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o roman_n v._n 20._o affirm_v now_o our_o brethren_n they_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n and_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o they_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n with_o good_a fleece_n on_o their_o back_n yea_o the_o velvit-sheep_n and_o the_o plush-sheepe_n and_o the_o satin_n and_o taffity-sheep_n out_o of_o other_o shepherd_n fold_n and_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v church_n they_o scatter_v they_o and_o the_o poorsheep_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o argument_n out_o of_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o multiplication_n there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o greek_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o it_o please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n say_v the_o scripture_n from_o thence_o our_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n come_v here_o together_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v then_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n as_o if_o our_o brethren_n shall_v thus_o argue_v as_o the_o wheel-barrow_n go_v rumble_v rumble_v even_o so_o be_v prelatical_a episcopacy_n better_o than_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o to_o be_v serious_a shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o at_o this_o time_n all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o come_v together_o and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n and_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o follow_v when_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a increase_n of_o more_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o this_o very_a chapter_n signify_v that_o then_o also_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n in_o succeed_a age_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v or_o believe_v so_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v every_o individual_a christian_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o come_v together_o and_o that_o for_o warrantable_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o controversy_n and_o murmur_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o among_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o only_o between_o two_o nation_n of_o they_o viz._n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n now_o we_o be_v inform_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o which_o the_o greek_n be_v but_o one_o nation_n and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n of_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o good_a accord_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n tell_v and_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o murmur_v among_o they_o nor_o no_o controversy_n contention_n or_o variance_n and_o they_o all_o continue_v quiet_a in_o their_o several_a house_n and_o live_v in_o love_n and_o be_v none_o of_o that_o multitude_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o the_o multitude_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o greek_n only_o and_o the_o hebrew_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v specify_v and_o this_o every_o rational_a man_n can_v easy_o perceive_v again_o by_o multitude_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o confuse_a company_n go_v in_o a_o tumultuous_a way_n but_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o rational_a man_n of_o each_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n and_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o send_v for_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v common_o see_v in_o those_o that_o go_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o petition_n to_o any_o council_n they_o send_v a_o competent_a multitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o able_a man_n to_o grace_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o not_o every_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n man_n and_o woman_n to_o negotiate_v it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o mighty_a confusion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o both_o those_o party_n that_o come_v to_o negotiate_v this_o business_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o they_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o if_o any_o man_n will_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n and_o every_o individual_a believe_a greek_a that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o hebrew_n church_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o one_o person_n except_v be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n together_o before_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v judge_n that_o this_o man_n thatshould_n thus_o argue_v be_v very_o much_o craze_a in_o his_o brain_n but_o much_o more_o will_v it_o argue_v a_o great_a imbecility_n of_o wit_n
and_o judgement_n in_o any_o one_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o and_o unless_o they_o can_v so_o conclude_v the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n nor_o of_o any_o validity_n to_o evince_n and_o prove_v the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v yield_v unto_o the_o brethren_n these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o believe_a greek_n and_o all_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n none_o except_v be_v all_o before_o the_o apostle_n in_o one_o place_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n of_o every_o several_a nation_n be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o number_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o business_n for_o they_o be_v no_o party_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o a_o mere_a fallacy_n to_o delude_v unstable_a soul_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o bladder_n be_v lantern_n second_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o by_o multitude_n here_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o then_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o many_o year_n after_o when_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v all_o still_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v i_o believe_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o yet_o they_o must_v grant_v it_o if_o they_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o principle_n but_o from_o this_o murmur_a between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n i_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n can_v frame_v a_o argument_n to_o overthrow_v our_o brethren_n tenent_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o every_o several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n with_o comfort_n for_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o london_n between_o the_o dutch_a and_o the_o french_a about_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o about_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o practice_n concern_v religion_n and_o they_o shall_v all_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o learned_a assembly_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o will_v not_o all_o man_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o city_n so_o it_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v against_o our_o brethren_n that_o every_o several_a nation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n have_v their_o 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vanish_v in_o the_o air_n to_o say_v no_o more_o and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a objection_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o ever_o hear_v from_o they_o to_o the_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o give_v my_o several_a answer_n which_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a against_o they_o all_o and_o now_o i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o divers_a miracle_n daily_o wrought_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n no_o nor_o in_o a_o few_o 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revenge_n but_o will_v some_o say_v how_o if_o this_o whole_a college_n of_o elder_n shall_v err_v in_o their_o censure_v and_o do_v injustice_n for_o some_o of_o the_o above_o mention_v reason_n what_o remedy_n or_o relief_n than_o have_v the_o injure_v person_n offend_v by_o their_o censure_n for_o answer_v he_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o appeal_n to_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la &_o if_o wrong_v there_o he_o have_v the_o benefit_n yet_o of_o appeal_n to_o a_o high_a presbytery_n and_o classis_fw-la and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o relief_n there_o yet_o he_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o appeal_n to_o a_o synod_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n also_o so_o that_o he_o have_v still_o hope_n of_o relief_n and_o he_o still_o in_o god_n way_n and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v hope_n and_o he_o take_v a_o right_a course_n he_o need_v not_o despair_n and_o if_o at_o one_o time_n he_o find_v not_o redress_v in_o one_o presbytery_n nor_o in_o one_o synod_n and_o council_n he_o may_v in_o another_o it_o be_v good_a ever_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n for_o in_o so_o do_v we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o blessing_n and_o here_o be_v always_o comfort_n and_o expectation_n of_o relief_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_a god_n method_n but_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o grievance_n and_o abuse_n and_o iâ—_n there_o can_v no_o justice_n be_v have_v by_o this_o his_o endeavour_n in_o no_o court_n this_o still_o do_v uphold_v a_o droop_a spirit_n and_o comfort_v he_o that_o he_o have_v use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n and_o do_v for_o ever_o commit_v himself_o and_o his_o way_n to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o reliever_n of_o the_o oppress_a and_o a_o revenger_n of_o the_o wrong_n and_o injury_n do_v unto_o his_o elect_n who_o have_v say_v luke_n 18._o ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o so_o that_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v there_o be_v ever_o hope_v in_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n and_o in_o all_o their_o just_a appeal_n but_o grant_v there_o be_v no_o justice_n on_o earth_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o court_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o universal_a corruption_n among_o all_o judge_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o temporal_a which_o be_v great_a uncharity_n to_o suppose_v much_o less_o to_o say_v yet_o i_o say_v the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v unjust_o oppress_v shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o solace_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v forum_n poli_fw-fr as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v forum_n soli_fw-la that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v court_n on_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o great_a tribunal_n before_o which_o all_o man_n must_v one_o day_n appear_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n on_o earth_n the_o thought_n of_o which_o will_v support_v the_o most_o droop_a and_o oppress_a spirit_n which_o not_o withstand_v do_v not_o always_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o court_n and_o high_a counsel_n to_o appeal_v to_o here_o in_o this_o world_n which_o all_o those_o that_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v like_a to_o enjoy_v whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o that_o stand_v for_o the_o ii-dependent_a government_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o and_o not_o only_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o unsupportable_a slavery_n but_o will_v subjugate_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o the_o same_o bondage_n and_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n
that_o he_o may_v be_v our_o sole_a monarch_n and_o eternal_a king_n and_o may_v perpetual_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o alone_a name_n and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o appointment_n to_o the_o judgement_n i_o say_v of_o all_o such_o cordial_a subject_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o their_o serious_a thought_n and_o censure_n i_o leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o weighty_a business_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v conclude_v their_o blasphemy_n be_v yet_o never_o parallel_v by_o the_o very_a pope_n himself_o or_o by_o any_o of_o his_o shaveling_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o so_o notorious_o usurp_v and_o injurious_a to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n as_o to_o send_v out_o their_o mandate_n in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o all_o thing_n issue_v out_o in_o in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la hence_o come_v up_o the_o proverb_n when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o pope_n that_o they_o usual_o say_v in_o 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they_o pretend_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n their_o practice_n show_v the_o contrary_a for_o in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o their_o several_a church_n they_o act_v all_o not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o several_a church_n so_o that_o christ_n the_o king_n name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v among_o they_o as_o we_o have_v learn_v not_o only_o from_o their_o daily_a practice_n but_o from_o i._o s._n and_o our_o american_n monstrous_a divinity_n to_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v for_o proof_n that_o all_o the_o independent_o by_o their_o doctrine_n disthrone_v christ_n and_o set_v themselves_o in_o his_o place_n while_o they_o most_o of_o all_o pretend_v they_o set_v he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n i_o may_v for_o a_o corollary_n add_v their_o new_a tradition_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o impose_v upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a church_n as_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a and_o enjoin_v they_o and_o urge_v they_o as_o the_o statute_n ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n yea_o i_o may_v here_o far_o show_v how_o they_o practise_v contrary_a unto_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n command_v for_o whereas_o he_o send_v out_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o bebaptize_v in_o token_n of_o their_o beliese_n and_o repentance_n which_o whosoever_o shall_v accept_v of_o and_o embrace_v they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n fellowship_n the_o illdefendents_n notwithstanding_o regard_n not_o christ_n command_n but_o unto_o it_o add_v their_o own_o vain_a tradition_n for_o the_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o holy_a writ_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o well_o reform_a church_n and_o they_o force_v man_n to_o conform_v unto_o they_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o admission_n howsoever_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o do_v as_o much_o as_o christ_n their_o king_n command_v they_o to_o do_v and_o whereas_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n lay_v the_o government_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o none_o but_o his_o minister_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n the_o ildependents_a not_o only_o dispense_v with_o this_o law_n at_o pleasure_n but_o absolute_o oppose_v it_o for_o contrary_a unto_o this_o law_n be_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n and_o that_o be_v their_o part_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o church_n name_n and_o so_o they_o spoil_v the_o minister_n of_o their_o power_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o and_o give_v law_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yea_o unto_o the_o lawgiver_n christ_n himself_o whether_o all_o these_o deal_n therefore_o of_o the_o illdependents_n with_o many_o more_o paslage_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v if_o not_o worse_o be_v not_o to_o disthrone_v christ_n when_o they_o slight_v his_o law_n and_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o revile_v and_o reproach_v his_o servant_n and_o officer_n offer_v all_o the_o indignity_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v against_o man_n to_o they_o all_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o godly_a again_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o discern_a spirit_n to_o consider_v and_o judge_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o sectary_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o conclave_n in_o this_o point_n whenas_o they_o both_o assume_v all_o authority_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v it_o from_o the_o minister_n and_o make_v they_o but_o their_o executioner_n sure_o they_o will_v find_v they_o both_o equal_o guilty_a and_o both_o antichristian_a in_o rebel_n in_o all_o thing_n against_o christ_n for_o christ_n say_v to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o that_o despise_v his_o minister_n despise_v he_o and_o they_o that_o despise_v and_o slight_a christ_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o disthrone_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o all_o the_o independent_o daily_o practise_v all_o the_o malifice_n above_o mention_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a manner_n and_o strain_n pretend_v they_o what_o they_o will_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n they_o plain_o disthrone_v he_o &_o dishonour_v he_o which_o may_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o of_o their_o other_o passage_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a pillar_n in_o their_o house_n and_o church_n those_o atlas_n that_o some_o of_o they_o confide_v so_o much_o in_o for_o their_o strength_n and_o so_o much_o extol_v for_o the_o preach_v up_o of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o for_o the_o set_n of_o he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n i_o say_v some_o of_o these_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v have_v upon_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o their_o pamphlet_n set_v this_o title_n against_o jesus_n worship_n now_o although_o it_o be_v praise_v worthy_a in_o any_o in_o maintenance_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o write_v against_o all_o idolatricall_a or_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o jesus_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n no_o way_n beseem_v any_o christian_n to_o write_v aghasted_n god_n worship_n and_o jesu-worship_n which_o be_v both_o command_v because_o that_o some_o fail_v and_o err_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o either_o god_n the_o father_n or_o god_n the_o son_n yea_o it_o will_v have_v be_v think_v in_o any_o christian_a nation_n a_o unsufferable_a thing_n to_o have_v tolerate_v the_o very_a read_n or_o publish_v of_o any_o book_n with_o such_o a_o title_n and_o inscription_n though_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o may_v have_v be_v good_a for_o no_o man_n much_o less_o a_o christian_a oâ—ght_n to_o write_v against_o jesu-worship_n no_o more_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o write_v against_o god-worship_n for_o jesus_n also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o have_v command_v all_o his_o disciple_n john_n 5._o to_o worship_v the_o son_n as_o they_o worship_v the_o father_n now_o than_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a thing_n to_o write_v against_o god-worship_n no_o less_o intolerable_a be_v it_o in_o any_o to_o write_v against_o jesu-worship_n and_o all_o such_o as_o write_v such_o book_n and_o all_o such_o as_o allow_v of_o they_o and_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o their_o author_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o
the_o heart_n of_o their_o brethren_n more_o than_o all_o their_o former_a affliction_n and_o give_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o scandalise_v the_o gospel_n and_o expose_v both_o themselves_o and_o we_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o the_o malignant_n who_o ordinary_o jeer_v and_o say_v see_v those_o holy_a brethren_n that_o lose_v their_o ear_n together_o be_v now_o together_o by_o the_o care_n and_o count_v one_o of_o another_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o disclaim_v all_o holy_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o admit_v of_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n or_o suffer_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v that_o that_o make_v all_o man_n wonder_v to_o hear_v they_o proclaim_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o as_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n when_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a both_o by_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n and_o all_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o ever_o advance_v christ_n kingly_a government_n as_o real_o as_o any_o of_o those_o that_o oppose_v they_o who_o in_o preach_v up_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n and_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o they_o in_o this_o work_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o those_o minister_n set_v up_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n that_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o teach_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o when_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v they_o give_v themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o upto_o his_o minister_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o after_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o those_o minister_n that_o teach_v all_o these_o thing_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o those_o people_n that_o embrace_v this_o doctrine_n make_v christ_n their_o king_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2_o cor._n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 5._o tit._n 2._o verse_n 12._o for_o christ_n sit_v as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n when_o he_o be_v believe_v in_o to_o be_v that_o horn_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v raise_v up_o for_o we_o in_o the_o house_n of_o david_n that_o have_v save_v and_o deliver_v all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n both_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a that_o they_o may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n and_o when_o christ_n rule_v in_o all_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o when_o they_o own_v he_o as_o their_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o accord_v unto_o this_o now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n how_o can_v they_o be_v true_o say_v to_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n and_o how_o can_v that_o people_n be_v say_v true_o to_o deny_v christ_n kingly_a government_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n practise_v this_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o word_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o a_o unjust_a and_o unchristian_a calumny_n lay_v both_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_n doubtless_o all_o charitable_a mind_a christian_n if_o they_o consider_v all_o thing_n aright_o will_v not_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o neither_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n not_o of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o ministry_n for_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v free_v from_o that_o heavy_a accusation_n by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n who_o when_o it_o be_v relate_v unto_o he_o by_o saint_n john_n mark_v 9_o ver_fw-la 38._o that_o they_o have_v see_v one_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n which_o follow_v they_o not_o and_o that_o the_o disciple_n have_v forbid_v he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o our_o saviour_n christ_n reply_v forbid_v he_o not_o say_v he_o for_o whosoever_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n now_o these_o minister_n that_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n they_o can_v be_v esteem_v enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v against_o christ_n but_o for_o he_o and_o ought_v high_o to_o be_v honour_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 13._o and_o singular_o to_o be_v belove_v and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v malign_v and_o reproach_v especial_o by_o brethren_n who_o owe_v all_o their_o conversion_n next_o unto_o god_n to_o their_o ministry_n yea_o both_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o all_o the_o new_a congregat_v church_n be_v behold_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o conversion_n for_o they_o admit_v none_o into_o their_o assembly_n but_o believer_n and_o they_o be_v make_v believer_n and_o convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v friend_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o his_o enemy_n and_o they_o ought_v all_o of_o they_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o father_n and_o on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o their_o mother_n and_o on_o the_o believer_n of_o england_n as_o their_o brethren_n and_o ought_v not_o thus_o unchristian_o and_o ungrateful_o to_o cast_v dirt_n in_o all_o their_o face_n saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 1._o have_v these_o word_n some_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n even_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n and_o some_o also_o of_o good_a will_n the_o one_o preach_v christ_n of_o contention_n and_o not_o sincere_o think_v to_o add_v affliction_n to_o my_o bond_n but_o the_o other_o of_o love_n what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o i_o will_v rejoice_v saint_n paul_n speak_v here_o of_o such_o as_o preach_v pure_a doctrine_n though_o not_o with_o a_o pure_a mind_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o count_v they_o not_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v the_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o galatian_n who_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o their_o own_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o he_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o in_o this_o place_n he_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v pure_o preach_v though_o it_o be_v of_o envy_n now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n pure_o but_o of_o sincerity_n and_o of_o love_n and_o mingle_v not_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o follow_v their_o commission_n how_o can_v any_o man_n without_o intolerable_a injustice_n proclaim_v they_o the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n under_o the_o name_n of_o presbyterian_o who_o they_o persuade_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v prove_v more_o cruel_a taskmaster_n than_o the_o prelate_n yea_o and_o they_o have_v general_o possess_v the_o people_n with_o so_o prejudicate_a a_o opinion_n of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o than_o ever_o the_o bishop_n do_v and_o causeless_o have_v move_v the_o people_n to_o hate_v the_o name_n of_o presbytery_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o themselves_o pretend_v they_o contend_v for_o the_o ancient_a presbytery_n and_o by_o this_o make_v themselves_o presbyterian_o as_o well_v as_o the_o other_o what_o justice_n or_o equity_n than_o be_v there_o in_o their_o deal_n to_o make_v their_o brethren_n odious_a to_o the_o world_n for_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n after_o god_n word_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v presbyterian_o and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n of_o
what_o their_o minister_n have_v do_v since_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o well_o perceive_v it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficu_o for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o get_v into_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n as_o to_o get_v into_o suttons-hospitall_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o only_a occasion_n that_o make_v some_o walk_n so_o long_o in_o many_o congregation_n before_o they_o come_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n for_o if_o they_o be_v rich_a they_o be_v speedy_o receive_v nay_o invite_v to_o be_v member_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o many_o godly_a and_o holy_a people_n have_v leave_v their_o native_a country_n and_o transport_v themselves_o over_o into_o new_a england_n where_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n there_o in_o their_o purity_n they_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o go_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v before_o they_o go_v thither_o to_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o come_v there_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a they_o make_v they_o walk_v some_o a_o year_n some_o more_o yea_o some_o six_o or_o seven_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n of_o their_o congregation_n and_o they_o baptize_v none_o of_o those_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v there_o before_o their_o parent_n be_v join_v member_n and_o except_o they_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o condition_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v admit_v and_o some_o time_n the_o man_n only_o be_v admit_v and_o his_o wife_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o some_o time_n the_o wife_n be_v admit_v and_o the_o man_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o both_o these_o notwithstanding_o be_v believer_n and_o baptize_v and_o after_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n a_o very_a small_a offence_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a but_o for_o story_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o multiply_v they_o but_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o this_o kind_n from_o those_o place_n and_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v in_o new-england_n and_o man_n both_o then_o and_o now_o no_o way_n evil_o affect_v either_o to_o the_o place_n or_o people_n serve_v god_n there_o but_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a they_o lord_n it_o there_o over_o god_n poor_a clergy_n in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v see_v it_o here_o in_o england_n in_o their_o congregation_n what_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o rich_a and_o poor_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o sin_n in_o saint_n james_n his_o time_n high_o blame_v in_o christian_n james_n 2._o and_o as_o in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o poor_a they_o be_v very_o lofty_a and_o look_v for_o great_a observance_n and_o attendance_n from_o they_o 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proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v not_o more_o than_o a_o diotrephian_a prelatical_a and_o papal_a authority_n there_o be_v never_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n there_o be_v never_o any_o know_v now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n do_v so_o timely_o begin_v their_o absolute_a lord_v of_o it_o what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o their_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o authority_n their_o ministry_n and_o government_n be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o they_o invite_v all_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o buy_v milk_n yea_o to_o come_v in_o and_o buy_v milk_n without_o money_n isaiah_n 55_o 〈◊〉_d and_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o â—aith_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a but_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n have_v the_o lord_n make_v choice_n of_o intimate_v unto_o the_o poor_a that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o heaven_n as_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o the_o poor_a be_v with_o he_o as_o acceptable_a as_o the_o rich_a if_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v all_o the_o condition_n that_o christ_n require_v in_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o his_o church_n now_o when_o these_o presbyter_n already_o make_v so_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o between_o believer_n and_o believer_n as_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o but_o at_o their_o own_o time_n and_o upon_o their_o own_o condition_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n and_o inheritance_n which_o when_o they_o daily_o do_v it_o and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o their_o rule_n and_o domination_n be_v more_o prelatical_a and_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o from_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n they_o can_v never_o expect_v any_o appeal_n for_o relief_n and_o redress_n whatsoever_o wrong_a or_o injury_n they_o have_v sustain_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o shall_v so_o traduce_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o think_v they_o will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n from_o who_o they_o may_v ever_o expect_v far_o better_a measure_n than_o ever_o they_o can_v from_o the_o independent_a presbytery_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v once_o be_v establish_v will_v tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o enslave_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n upon_o both_o church_n and_o state_n but_o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o before_o the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o have_v compare_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o presbyter_n independent_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o now_o likewise_o here_o to_o paragonate_v they_o together_o in_o their_o proceed_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v in_o that_o regard_n also_o which_o of_o their_o endeavour_n tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o and_o which_o of_o they_o do_v more_o real_o and_o true_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o god_n glory_n but_o to_o the_o peace_n also_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n over_o over_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o one_o true_a christian_a religion_n eph._n 4._o so_o that_o this_o only_a may_v be_v establish_v through_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o erroneous_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o perdition_n and_o make_v disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n may_v not_o public_o be_v tolerate_v the_o independent_o on_o the_o contrary_a both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o in_o all_o their_o bitter_a rail_n and_o intolerable_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n the_o storm_a of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o
of_o the_o arraignment_n of_o mr_n persecution_n &_o in_o many_o more_o of_o their_o scurrilous_a writing_n plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v as_o judaisme_n turkism_n popery_n paganism_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sect_n and_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o their_o diabolical_a tenant_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n who_o suffer_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o and_o the_o example_n of_o poland_n transsylvania_n and_o holland_n those_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n add_v tell_v we_o of_o the_o parable_n where_o christ_n command_v that_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o use_v or_o abuse_v rather_o some_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o they_o conceive_v make_v all_o for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o all_o which_o their_o pretence_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o answer_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o some_o ground_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o produce_v some_o example_n of_o god_n dear_a child_n friend_n and_o servant_n out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o must_v be_v the_o warrant_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v before_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 1_o cor._n 10._o rom._n 15._o and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n servant_n we_o be_v ever_o teach_v that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o his_o seed_n who_o example_n all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o their_o child_n aught_o to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n for_o imitation_n the_o lord_n call_v abraham_n as_o it_o be_v in_o joshua_n 24._o out_o of_o his_o father_n terah_n house_n and_o from_o his_o kindred_n when_o they_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o genesis_n and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o special_a in_o the_o 17._o of_o genesis_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o lord_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n and_o set_v down_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v that_o abraham_n shall_v walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a and_o that_o then_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n all_o sufficient_a to_o provide_v for_o he_o and_o protect_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v which_o covenant_n the_o lord_n ever_o keep_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n walk_v upright_o before_o he_o as_o he_o will_v do_v to_o all_o his_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n walk_v in_o father_n abraham_n step_n and_o of_o abraham_n the_o lord_n say_v this_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o shall_v i_o hide_v from_o abraham_n that_o which_o i_o do_v see_v that_o abraham_n shall_v become_v a_o great_a and_o a_o mighty_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v god_n testimony_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o which_o he_o give_v this_o witness_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o abraham_n tolerate_v neither_o in_o his_o child_n nor_o in_o his_o household_n any_o religion_n contrary_a unto_o that_o that_o god_n have_v teach_v he_o nor_o suffer_v no_o idolatry_n nor_o sect_n in_o his_o family_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v to_o walk_v upright_o before_o god_n for_o it_o have_v be_v unjust_a deal_n with_o god_n so_o to_o have_v do_v for_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v to_o walk_v perfect_o and_o sincere_o before_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_v of_o a_o false_a god_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n which_o also_o be_v idolatry_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n but_o abraham_n set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o he_o come_v as_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o his_o life_n do_v abundant_o declare_v and_o so_o do_v isaac_n after_o he_o and_o jacob_n after_o he_o as_o in_o the_o 33._o of_o genesis_n do_v appear_v where_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o and_o be_v clean_a and_o change_v your_o garment_n and_o let_v we_o arise_v and_o go_v up_o to_o bethel_n and_o i_o will_v make_v there_o a_o altar_n unto_o god_n who_o answer_v i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o distress_n and_o be_v with_o i_o in_o the_o way_n which_o i_o go_v and_o they_o give_v unto_o jacob_n all_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o jacob_n hide_v they_o under_o the_o oak_n that_o be_v at_o sechem_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o city_n which_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o they_o do_v not_o pursue_v after_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v a_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n with_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n that_o do_v redound_v to_o all_o those_o people_n and_o nation_n that_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o root_v out_o all_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n out_o of_o their_o family_n and_o country_n for_o jacob_n give_v no_o toleration_n in_o his_o house_n nor_o among_o his_o people_n for_o all_o religion_n or_o for_o any_o other_o but_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v he_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o only_a within_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o bury_v all_o the_o idol_n of_o what_o price_n and_o how_o rich_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o he_o find_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o his_o so_o do_v for_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o his_o faithful_a service_n bless_v he_o and_o protect_v he_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o all_o his_o provoke_v enemy_n for_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o so_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o pursue_v he_o and_o if_o we_o take_v notice_n in_o our_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v and_o that_o through_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n ever_o follow_v that_o people_n and_o those_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o their_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o country_n with_o special_a blessing_n and_o singular_a favour_n that_o purge_v their_o country_n from_o idolatry_n and_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o all_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o ever_o purge_v their_o country_n from_o idolatry_n and_o root_v out_o idolater_n but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v present_o appease_v by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v always_o record_v to_o the_o eternal_a praise_n and_o honour_n of_o those_o king_n ruler_n and_o judge_n that_o be_v most_o forward_o in_o reformation_n and_o that_o set_v more_o thorough_o upon_o that_o good_a work_n of_o reformation_n and_o those_o that_o do_v thing_n but_o to_o the_o half_n in_o reformation_n have_v not_o so_o honourable_a a_o testimony_n in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o god_n have_v ever_o be_v please_v when_o idolatry_n have_v be_v root_v out_o and_o idolater_n put_v to_o death_n there_o be_v many_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n among_o other_o that_o in_o the_o 32._o of_o exodus_fw-la how_o high_o be_v god_n displease_v there_o with_o the_o make_n of_o that_o calf_n and_o how_o well_o be_v he_o please_v when_o execution_n be_v do_v upon_o the_o contriver_n and_o author_n of_o that_o idolatry_n that_o place_n sufficient_o declare_v yea_o in_o the_o 13._o of_o deuteronomie_n the_o lord_n declare_v how_o much_o he_o detest_v idolatry_n and_o all_o false_a worship_n give_v a_o dispensation_n to_o child_n for_o disobedience_n to_o their_o parent_n who_o by_o his_o law_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o god_n matter_n so_o