argument_n i_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o through_o the_o world_n at_o least_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v national_a church_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v especial_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o requisite_n that_o make_v a_o national_a church_n for_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o national_a church_n first_o a_o national_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n second_o a_o national_a union_n in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n in_o the_o same_o community_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n have_v all_o by_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o a_o national_a union_n and_o agreement_n they_o have_v accord_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o this_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o a_o way_n appoint_v by_o he_o of_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v god_n ordinance_n the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v but_o they_o hold_v only_o a_o congregationall_a presbytery_n and_o we_o hold_v and_o that_o from_o all_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o many_o precedent_n both_o city_n classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a presbytery_n and_o ecumenical_a also_o upon_o occasion_n for_o of_o these_o kind_n of_o presbytery_n both_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o ecclesiastical_a history_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o some_o precedent_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o one_o we_o have_v divine_a institution_n for_o it_o and_o many_o example_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n of_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n institution_n nor_o none_o of_o his_o device_n nor_o composure_n that_o i_o may_v use_v some_o of_o i._n s._n his_o rhetoric_n but_o a_o mere_a figment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n but_o now_o i_o be_o to_o answer_v to_o something_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v concern_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pag._n 6._o 7._o of_o his_o book_n if_o you_o say_v he_o have_v not_o a_o good_a presbytery_n where_o shall_v he_o viz._n that_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v go_v to_o complain_v he_o may_v go_v and_o appeal_v high_o you_o will_v say_v and_o what_o if_o the_o high_a the_o worse_o good_a brother_n say_v he_o either_o provide_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n a_o honest_a godly_a presbytery_n that_o may_v be_v as_o so_o many_o angel_n to_o gather_v out_o of_o christ_n kingdom_n every_o thing_n that_o offend_v or_o else_o let_v there_o be_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o tender_a conscience_n and_o some_o provision_n make_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v by_o be_v force_v to_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o the_o scandalous_a thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n here_o be_v a_o double_a if_o propound_v mere_o to_o amuse_v the_o people_n for_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o man_n that_o the_o parliament_n the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n endeavour_v to_o cast_v out_o all_o scandalous_a minister_n so_o far_o as_o their_o power_n extend_v through_o the_o kingdom_n if_o by_o information_n and_o sufficient_a witness_n they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v such_o so_o that_o every_o conscientious_a and_o intelligible_a man_n may_v see_v there_o be_v very_o small_a ground_n for_o the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n either_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o any_o of_o that_o fraternity_n that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o good_a presbytery_n set_v up_o and_o as_o little_a when_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o godly_a if_o offend_v may_v go_v and_o appeal_v high_a for_o either_o he_o himself_o or_o they_o to_o make_v such_o a_o supposition_n what_o if_o the_o high_a the_o worse_o if_o i_o shall_v 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
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
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 any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n for_o will_v they_o but_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o relate_v it_o the_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o the_o word_n church_n in_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o either_o for_o all_o the_o catholic_a invisible_a or_o visible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n all_o combine_a together_o under_o one_o government_n either_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o godly_a discipline_n not_o only_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o those_o several_a city_n but_o through_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n that_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v then_o of_o necessity_n when_o that_o church_n be_v multiply_v into_o many_o ten_o thousand_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o many_o congregation_n and_o church_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a every_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n mere_o trifle_n and_o delude_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n
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
true_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v nay_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 2._o which_o they_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a form_v 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 than_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v for_o they_o describe_v a_o church_n unto_o we_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n or_o believer_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o in_o number_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n so_o as_o that_o assembly_n or_o church_n must_v not_o be_v fluid_a but_o fix_v in_o its_o member_n and_o officer_n have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o its_o own_o with_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o enjoy_v all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o far_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n we_o can_v gather_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o church_n want_v this_o form_n according_a to_o their_o language_n be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_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 by_o this_o their_o model_n the_o church_n itself_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a mould_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o i_o shall_v here_o brief_o in_o some_o particular_n show_v and_o more_o large_o demonstrate_v when_o i_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burton_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o independent_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n 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
and_o accoutrement_n and_o yet_o although_o they_o be_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a assembly_n they_o be_v still_o the_o prelatical_a party_n and_o all_o of_o they_o of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o place_n change_v not_o their_o complexion_n so_o it_o alter_v not_o their_o faith_n nor_o manner_n but_o they_o continne_v still_o malignant_n and_o remain_v all_o member_n of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o in_o these_o day_n all_o that_o wish_v well_o unto_o the_o true_a religion_n through_o both_o city_n and_o kingdom_n and_o love_v their_o country_n stand_v for_o the_o parliament_n so_o in_o those_o day_n those_o that_o love_v zion_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o stand_v for_o he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o all_o computation_n though_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o malignant_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o be_v sway_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n elder_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n yet_o to_o one_o pharisee_n or_o malignant_a scribe_n or_o ruler_n there_o be_v ten_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o honour_v he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o disciple_n yea_o the_o pharisee_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v frame_v no_o argument_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o those_o new_a addition_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o ministry_n consider_v by_o themselves_o a_o part_n from_o those_o that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n convert_v be_v so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n for_o partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v much_o less_o can_v they_o all_o meet_v together_o be_v join_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v through_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n but_o out_o of_o the_o former_a place_n above_o specify_v i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a people_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o pharisee_n account_v accurse_v there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o divers_a congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v except_v there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a people_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o pharisee_n account_v accurse_v ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o divers_a congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a no_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v be_v that_o have_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n produce_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v but_o i_o yet_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o ruler_n and_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o office_n with_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o man_n and_o child_n &_o all_o the_o people_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o several_a congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o ruler_n and_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o office_n with_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o child_n and_o all_o the_o people_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v be_v all_o edify_v for_o the_o major_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n neither_o will_v any_o rational_a man_n deny_v it_o that_o have_v not_o resolve_v to_o sacrifice_v himself_o to_o stupidity_n for_o the_o minor_a the_o place_n above_o specify_v prove_v it_o for_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o world_n follow_v he_o that_o be_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o great_a multitude_n entertain_v he_o with_o their_o acclamation_n and_o cry_v hosanna_n the_o very_a child_n also_o second_v they_o and_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n scribes_z and_o elder_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o to_o do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o whole_a people_n we_o see_v here_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o except_z the_o scribes_z pharisee_n elder_n and_o high_a priest_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o be_v very_o few_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o such_o a_o multitude_n there_o be_v of_o they_o as_o for_o that_o present_a they_o so_o awe_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o destroy_v christ_n though_o they_o desire_v it_o so_o that_o the_o minor_a stand_v firm_a and_o from_o the_o premise_n the_o conclusion_n necessary_o follow_v but_o out_o of_o the_o former_a place_n i_o yet_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o water_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o baptize_v they_o all_o nor_o any_o one_o place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n capable_a to_o contain_v or_o receive_v they_o all_o so_o that_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o the_o numerosity_n of_o they_o force_v in_o several_a place_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o and_o baptize_v they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v or_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n be_v to_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o water_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o baptize_v they_o all_o nor_o any_o one_o place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n capable_a to_o contain_v or_o receive_v they_o all_o so_o that_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o saint_n john_n baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o the_o numerosity_n of_o they_o force_v to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a place_n and_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o be_v of_o necessity_n force_v to_o divide_v and_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o divers_a place_n and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n and_o minor_a of_o the_o syllogism_n they_o be_v so_o evident_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o remain_v incredulous_a and_o continue_v in_o his_o obstinacy_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o necessity_n must_v from_o the_o premise_n be_v grant_v and_o all_o these_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v believer_n before_o christ_n suffer_v resurrection_n and_o ascension_n now_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o declare_v what_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o johns_n and_o the_o disciple_n ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n which_o make_v it_o a_o
every_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o all_o or_o through_o all_o church_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n as_o you_o may_v see_v it_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a pamphlet_n so_o that_o when_o it_o make_v for_o his_o turn_n he_o can_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o singular_a and_o the_o plural_a yea_o he_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o that_o be_v house_n by_o house_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o house_n by_o house_n and_o per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domas_fw-la for_o he_o that_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n by_o man_n say_z as_o much_o as_o man_n by_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o play_v the_o juggler_n and_o cheat_v thus_o to_o cloud_n the_o light_n that_o he_o may_v put_v off_o his_o base_a ware_n the_o better_a and_o to_o darken_v the_o truth_n with_o his_o trifle_n about_o word_n &_o all_o this_o to_o show_v to_o the_o people_n that_o he_o have_v some_o skill_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a because_o he_o can_v write_v the_o word_n out_o of_o the_o text_n which_o every_o school_n boy_n can_v do_v but_o i_o pray_v see_v how_o the_o poor_a creature_n trouble_v himself_o in_o beat_v the_o air_n he_o say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_fw-la they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n but_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o break_v bread_n in_o all_o house_n or_o through_o all_o the_o house_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a wickedness_n in_o he_o to_o trifle_v thus_o for_o he_o himself_o a_o little_a before_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulat_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la and_o here_o he_o will_v make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o singular_a and_o the_o plural_a when_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o original_a there_o be_v none_o for_o in_o the_o twenty_o of_o the_o act_n v._o 20._o there_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o plural_a which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o if_o master_n knollis_n interpretation_n be_v good_a that_o when_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o plural_a it_o signify_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o doubtless_o so_o it_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n there_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o singular_a will_v carry_v it_o for_o he_o translate_v it_o domatim_o house_n by_o house_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o know_v but_o the_o english_a tongue_n or_o any_o other_o language_n where_o civility_n dwell_v and_o barbarism_n be_v banish_v whether_o or_o no_o when_o the_o magistrate_n send_v messenger_n or_o officer_n to_o search_v for_o any_o delinquent_n and_o give_v they_o in_o charge_n to_o search_v through_o such_o a_o street_n house_n by_o house_n i_o demand_v i_o say_v whether_o the_o messenger_n by_o this_o their_o warrant_n be_v not_o in_o join_v to_o search_v every_o house_n in_o that_o street_n &_o whether_o house_n by_o house_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v every_o house_n and_o all_o the_o house_n in_o that_o street_n and_o when_o the_o officer_n return_v again_o to_o the_o magistrate_n &_o relate_v unto_o he_o that_o according_a to_o his_o command_n &_o order_n they_o have_v diligent_o search_v house_n by_o house_n through_o the_o street_n do_v they_o not_o i_o pray_v in_o this_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v search_v every_o house_n in_o that_o street_n yea_o all_o the_o house_n all_o man_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o reason_n know_v that_o house_n by_o house_n in_o every_o street_n or_o in_o every_o city_n be_v as_o much_o as_o all_o house_n in_o that_o street_n and_o in_o all_o house_n in_o that_o city_n now_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v act_v 2._o that_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o when_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n v._o 42._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n as_o mr._n knollys_n will_v have_v it_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v manifest_o apparent_a that_o in_o every_o of_o those_o house_n and_o in_o all_o those_o house_n they_o have_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o believer_n and_o for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o congregation_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o have_v minister_n and_o pastor_n there_o which_o be_v in_o abundance_n for_o none_o but_o the_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o have_v the_o charge_n to_o feed_v christ_n sheep_n and_o lamb_n so_o that_o the_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n be_v not_o to_o feed_v their_o pastor_n now_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o administer_v they_o though_o they_o may_v receive_v they_o from_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n relate_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v congregation_n and_o assembly_n every_o day_n in_o many_o several_a house_n at_o one_o time_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o this_o master_n knollys_n do_v acknowledge_v for_o he_o confess_v they_o have_v their_o meeting_n day_n by_o day_n and_o house_n by_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o day_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o have_v their_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o confess_v that_o which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o and_o peremptory_o deny_v but_o such_o be_v the_o force_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o will_v break_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n for_o master_n knollys_n do_v confess_v that_o beside_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o that_o daily_a they_o have_v their_o meeting_n also_o house_n by_o house_n domatim_o so_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v numberless_a if_o they_o be_v from_o house_n to_o house_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o his_o own_o confession_n can_v convince_v his_o error_n at_o least_o let_v his_o own_o word_n take_v some_o place_n with_o he_o who_o in_o the_o 23._o pag._n of_o his_o learned_a answer_n have_v these_o expression_n 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 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 and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v dwell_v in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n thus_o mr_n knollys_n speak_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o say_v he_o quote_v the_o very_a place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n of_o his_o book_n that_o i_o produce_v as_o act._n 2._o ver_fw-la 46._o act_v the_o 5._o 42._o act_n 20._o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o in_o every_o house_n in_o his_o dialect_n be_v all_o one_o which_o it_o be_v not_o when_o i_o quote_v it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o very_a reason_n and_o common_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n that_o wheresoever_o the_o independent_o have_v their_o meeting_n house_n they_o have_v a_o church_n or_o congregation_n there_o and_o as_o many_o meet_v house_n as_o they_o have_v so_o many_o church_n ordinat_o they_o have_v witness_v toleration-streete_n which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a street_n i_o mean_v coleman-streete_n which_o a_o independent_a one_o day_n meet_v i_o pass_v through_o it_o tell_v i_o be_v the_o saint_n street_n
be_v mention_v make_v in_o that_o epistle_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n 1_o cor._n 14._o verse_n 34._o let_v the_o woman_n say_v the_o apostle_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n congregation_n and_o church_n be_v synonima_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n and_o depend_v all_o upon_o that_o stock_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n where_o verse_n the_o 1._o paul_n and_o timothy_n salute_v all_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o that_o epistle_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v all_o one_o and_o we_o meet_v also_o with_o many_o deacon_n all_o which_o prove_v to_o any_o understand_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n for_o one_o deacon_n will_v have_v serve_v for_o one_o congrgeation_n or_o assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n and_o that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o variety_n of_o teacher_n beside_o their_o good_a and_o godly_a bishop_n for_o paul_n say_v there_o be_v dog_n among_o they_o evil_a worker_n and_o those_o of_o the_o concision_n and_o he_o bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o beware_v of_o those_o chap._n 3._o verse_n 2._o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v worldly_a man_n that_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n who_o he_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n as_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o adays_o do_v chapter_n 4._o verse_n 18_o 19_o and_o give_v they_o in_o command_n to_o shun_v their_o example_n and_o only_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o such_o as_o walk_v as_o he_o do_v who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o many_o such_o teacher_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n and_o such_o as_o teach_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o sincere_o all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n where_o paul_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o which_o he_o wish_v be_v root_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o or_o destroy_v so_o that_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a counsel_n of_o a_o presbytery_n there_o for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o that_o by_o name_n my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v and_o this_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n revel_v the_o 2._o of_o the_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o elder_n to_o he_o act_v the_o 20._o verse_n 17._o in_o the_o which_o church_n there_o be_v such_o infinite_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o yea_o paul_n himself_o declare_v as_o much_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 20._o chap._n verse_n 20._o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n signify_v per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o therefore_o by_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v many_o congregation_n as_o in_o the_o forego_v discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o all_o reason_n indeed_o will_v persuade_v it_o have_v it_o not_o in_o word_n be_v specify_v for_o ephesus_n be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o a_o place_n of_o great_a traffic_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o whole_a year_n by_o who_o hand_n god_n wrought_v no_o small_a miracle_n so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o through_o other_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o that_o city_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a ch_z 19_o set_v down_o so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o very_a scholar_n and_o such_o as_o study_v curious_a art_n be_v also_o convert_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n the_o price_n of_o which_o amount_v to_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n in_o so_o much_o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v magnify_v and_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v or_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o mart_n town_n can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n together_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o madness_n to_o think_v so_o if_o the_o very_a diversity_n of_o their_o language_n and_o tongue_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o dissuade_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v they_o must_v understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o so_o many_o people_n of_o several_a language_n and_o dialect_n can_v never_o do_v by_o any_o one_o for_o it_o be_v then_o a_o miracle_n to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v confer_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o convert_v the_o nation_n such_o as_o be_v the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o prophet_n all_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o very_o seldom_o have_v the_o ordinary_a people_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o some_o select_a and_o choose_a one_o not_o upon_o all_o promiscuous_o buâ—_n upon_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v upon_o all_o then_o simon_n magus_n need_v not_o have_v offer_v money_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o those_o grace_n have_v be_v promiscuous_o give_v but_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o to_o some_o sortsof_n man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v distribute_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n make_v special_a choice_n of_o for_o so_o it_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 12._o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o common_a people_n have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o language_n they_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v have_v such_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n must_v necessary_o have_v divers_a place_n to_o meet_v in_o if_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o otherwise_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o we_o read_v of_o at_o the_o first_o plantationof_n this_o church_n the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 20._o that_o for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o paul_n teach_v they_o night_n and_o day_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n they_o have_v also_o timothy_n sometime_o among_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a teacher_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_n for_o 28._o who_o all_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o with_o a_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v that_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o have_v a_o commission_n likewise_o give_v they_o to_o oppose_v all_o false_a teacher_n which_o they_o faithful_o perform_v as_o the_o lord_n bear_v they_o witness_v revel_v the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o saying_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o government_n of_o