15._o of_o february_n 1644._o order_a by_o the_o commons_o in_o parliament_n that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v forthwith_o print_v and_o publish_v hen._n elsing_n cler._n parl._n dom._n com._n the_o sacred_a and_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n or_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a way_n of_o compose_v ecclesiastical_a difference_n and_o establish_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o authority_n and_o utility_n of_o lawful_a counsel_n and_o synod_n be_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v and_o divers_a of_o the_o sad-controversy_n of_o the_o time_n modest_o debate_v first_o preach_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o great_a yarmouth_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o a_o preservative_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o anti-synodal_a suggestion_n and_o a_o preparative_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o what_o mercy_n god_n shall_v please_v to_o convey_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o present_a reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n conciliorum_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la saluberrima_fw-la authoritas_fw-la august_n epist._n 128._o quadâa_n multis_fw-la queritur_fw-la facilius_fw-la invenitur_fw-la whittak_n contra_fw-la bellarm._n quest_n 5._o cap._n 6._o by_o john_n brinsley_n london_n print_v by_o moses_n bell_n for_o edward_n brewster_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n on_o ludgate_n hill_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n near_o fleet-bridge_n 1645._o viris_fw-la tam_fw-la erudition_fw-la quam_fw-la pietate_fw-la conspicuis_fw-la gulielmo_n twisso_fw-la s._n t._n d._n prolocutori_fw-la ac_fw-la praesidi_fw-la dignissimo_fw-la reliquoque_fw-la theologorum_fw-la choro_fw-la in_fw-la synodali_fw-la conventu_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la sanitati_fw-la cultus_fw-la pâritati_fw-la politiae_fw-la eutaxiae_fw-la ecclesiaque_fw-la paci_fw-la seriâ_z et_fw-la sedulò_fw-la operam_fw-la navantibus_fw-la hasce_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la synodorumque_fw-la vindicias_fw-la caeterasque_fw-la de_fw-la deplorandis_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la praesentis_fw-la aevi_fw-la controversus_fw-la candidas_fw-la ac_fw-la amicabiles_fw-la disceptationes_fw-la quales_fw-la quales_fw-la d._n d._n d._n joannes_n brinsleius_n i_o have_v peruse_v diligent_o this_o treatise_n call_v the_o sacred_a and_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n and_o find_v it_o pen_v with_o much_o strength_n candour_n and_o modesty_n and_o desire_v some_o heal_a plaster_n for_o our_o sad_a division_n affix_v this_o approbation_n and_o imprimatur_fw-la ia._n cranford_n ian._n 16._o 1644._o the_o sacred_a and_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n act_n 16._o verse_n 4._o 5._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n for_o to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v in_o number_n daily_o 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n say_v s._n paul_n for_o our_o instruction_n our_o direction_n for_o the_o inform_n of_o our_o judgement_n for_o the_o regulate_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o sure_o of_o such_o use_n be_v this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v now_o single_v forth_o wherein_o we_o have_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o sovereign_a church-remedy_n or_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a may_v of_o compose_v ecclesiastical_a difference_n and_o settle_v and_o establish_v the_o divide_a distract_a church_n of_o christ_n viz._n by_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o synodical_a decree_n of_o a_o venerable_a council_n to_o keep_v so_o run_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o deliver_v these_o decree_n what_o decree_n do_v they_o deliver_v to_o who_o do_v they_o deliver_v they_o to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o deliver_v they_o what_o be_v the_o success_n and_o fruit_n of_o this_o delivery_n let_v these_o five_o serve_v for_o the_o part_n of_o the_o text_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v god_n willing_a pass_v over_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n observation_n application_n with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o perspicuity_n as_o possible_o i_o can_v let_v your_o attention_n your_o ear_n and_o heart_n go_v along_o with_o i_o and_o that_o without_o either_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n it_o shall_v be_v much_o against_o my_o will_n if_o in_o handle_v this_o subject_a i_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o the_o text_n do_v any_o inâurie_n to_o the_o truth_n any_o disservice_n to_o the_o church_n or_o yet_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o who_o face_n be_v sion-ward_n 1._o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o not_o much_o the_o messenger_n who_o they_o be_v that_o undertake_v and_o make_v delivery_n of_o these_o decree_n to_o the_o church_n viz_o paul_n and_o silas_n so_o much_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o 41._o last_o verse_n but_o one_o of_o the_o chapter_n foregoing_a paul_n choose_v silas_n and_o depart_v etc._n etc._n go_v through_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n as_o the_o last_o word_n have_v it_o confirm_v the_o church_n confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n by_o their_o doctrine_n withal_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o their_o unity_n and_o peace_n this_o the_o apostle_n everywhere_o show_v himself_o very_o studious_a of_o and_o 16._o solicitous_a for_o earnest_o wish_v it_o grace_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v his_o constant_a salutation_n to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o lord_n of_o peace_n himself_o give_v you_o peâce_v always_o by_o all_o mean_n it_o be_v his_o farewell_n to_o his_o thessalonian_n in_o both_o meaning_n not_o only_o though_o principal_o inward_a but_o also_o outward_a 13._o peace_n serious_o exhort_v to_o it_o final_o brethren_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n 2_o cor._n 13._o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 13._o be_v zeâlous_a for_o their_o peace_n he_o be_v as_o jealous_a of_o their_o division_n receive_v the_o intelligence_n of_o they_o not_o without_o great_a regret_n and_o sorrow_n 11._o so_o much_o he_o intimate_v to_o his_o corinthian_n it_o have_v be_v declare_v 18._o to_o i_o of_o you_o my_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v division_n among_o you_o 1_o cor._n 11._o ay_o church-division_n when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v there_o be_v division_n among_o you_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o schism_n this_o paul_n take_v notice_n of_o not_o without_o a_o sad_a resentment_n which_o he_o express_v by_o tax_v 17._o and_o reprove_v they_o in_o this_o i_o praise_v you_o not_o say_v he_o in_o the_o verse_n forego_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o there_o be_v a_o meiosis_fw-la in_o the_o word_n less_o say_v more_o intend_v i_o praise_v you_o not_o i_o e._n i_o blame_v you_o dispraise_v you_o reprove_v they_o he_o charge_v this_o upon_o they_o as_o a_o ill_a symptom_n 3._o a_o argument_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o carnality_n whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_n and_o strife_n and_o division_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o faction_n as_o the_o margin_n read_v it_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a i_o e._n in_o a_o great_a measure_n such_o have_v more_o flesh_n than_o spirit_n more_o corruption_n than_o grace_n charge_v these_o division_n home_o upon_o they_o which_o give_v way_n to_o they_o he_o charge_v they_o more_o home_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o fomenter_n of_o they_o wish_v they_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o avoid_v as_o man_n infamous_a and_o dangerous_a now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o 47._o cause_n division_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learned_a and_o avoid_v they_o ay_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o i_o will_v they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o 12._o say_v he_o to_o the_o galathian_n speak_v of_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o by_o introduce_v circumcision_n and_o press_v it_o as_o a_o necessary_a ordinance_n have_v trouble_v the_o conscience_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o he_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o that_o the_o church_n be_v free_v of_o they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o so_o true_o zealous_a be_v this_o bless_a apostle_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o so_o jealous_a of_o their_o division_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o procure_v the_o one_o and_o to_o heal_v the_o other_o upon_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o he_o circumcise_a timothy_n 3._o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n this_o he_o do_v not_o that_o he_o put_v any_o religion_n in_o or_o apprehend_v any_o necessity_n of_o that_o then_o die_a ceremony_n loc._n but_o only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n so_o far_o as_o safe_o he_o may_v in_o a_o thing_n then_o mere_o indifferent_a he_o circumcise_v he_o say_v the_o three_o verse_n because_o of_o the_o jew_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v take_v that_o scandal_n out_o of_o their_o way_n and_o so_o maintain_v
the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o here_o in_o the_o text_n pass_v through_o the_o city_n he_o deliver_v these_o decree_n to_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v heal_v those_o breach_n and_o make_v up_o those_o rent_n which_o some_o difference_n in_o opinion_n have_v make_v among_o they_o obser._n behold_v here_o a_o excellent_a pattern_n as_o for_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a so_o more_o special_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v they_o to_o make_v this_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n to_o procure_v the_o church_n peace_n as_o to_o maintain_v truth_n so_o peace_n god_n have_v put_v they_o together_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n let_v not_o any_o dare_v to_o put_v they_o asunder_o 19_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v minister_n as_o of_o truth_n so_o of_o peace_n let_v they_o make_v it_o their_o joint_a work_n as_o to_o 7._o defend_v and_o vindicate_v the_o one_o so_o to_o preserve_v and_o procure_v the_o other_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v any_o way_n accessary_a to_o the_o make_n or_o continue_v of_o breach_n the_o breed_n or_o feed_v of_o division_n a_o great_a disservice_n can_v be_v do_v to_o a_o besiege_a city_n then_o to_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o wall_n of_o it_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o god_n as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o at_o this_o day_n a_o besiege_a city_n far_o be_v it_o from_o the_o watchman_n to_o make_v or_o to_o be_v any_o way_n accessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o breach_n in_o the_o wall_n of_o it_o far_o be_v it_o from_o they_o to_o sow_v the_o tare_n of_o division_n in_o this_o field_n which_o where_o they_o take_v root_n prove_v like_o ill_a weed_n to_o good_a corn_n hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o religion_n suck_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o ordinance_n paul_n write_v to_o his_o corinthian_n he_o charge_v this_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o come_v together_o not_o for_o the_o better_o but_o for_o the_o wârse_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 17._o public_a ordinance_n do_v they_o no_o good_a they_o be_v 18._o never_o the_o better_a rather_o worse_o for_o partake_v in_o they_o and_o whence_o be_v this_o the_o next_o verse_n yield_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o first_o of_o all_o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v there_o be_v division_n among_o you_o where_o there_o be_v division_n schism_n faction_n that_o have_v take_v root_n in_o a_o church_n if_o let_v alone_o they_o will_v even_o blast_v the_o most_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o god_n render_v they_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n ineffectual_a oh_o that_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o the_o time_n be_v not_o too_o clear_a too_o full_a a_o evidence_n for_o this_o truth_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o public_a ordinance_n be_v by_o many_o so_o slight_v neglect_v if_o not_o contemn_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o little_o regard_v people_n can_v be_v well_o content_a to_o live_v without_o it_o feel_v no_o want_n of_o it_o care_v not_o whether_o they_o partake_v in_o it_o or_o no_o the_o word_n how_o powerful_o soever_o dispense_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o find_v not_o that_o power_n that_o welcome_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o people_n which_o heretofore_o it_o have_v do_v certain_o for_o this_o we_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n behold_v to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o time_n which_o have_v bespeak_v and_o take_v up_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o people_n and_o busy_v they_o with_o controversy_n and_o dispute_n of_o some_o of_o which_o we_o may_v say_v as_o paul_n do_v touch_v 4._o those_o fable_n and_o genealogy_n which_o he_o forewarn_v timothy_n of_o viz._n that_o they_o minister_v question_n rather_o than_o edify_a they_o have_v leave_v little_a room_n for_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n so_o as_o hereby_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o a_o little_a disadvantage_v and_o hinder_v general_a great_a cause_n then_o have_v we_o to_o be_v wary_a how_o we_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o sow_v any_o of_o these_o pernicious_a seed_n where_o the_o field_n be_v clear_a it_o must_v be_v our_o care_n to_o keep_v it_o so_o where_o it_o be_v foil_v it_o must_v be_v our_o endeavour_n to_o clear_v it_o contribute_v every_o of_o we_o what_o we_o may_v to_o the_o heal_n of_o these_o breach_n where_o they_o be_v make_v part_v with_o much_o of_o our_o own_o i_o what_o ever_o be_v our_o own_o our_o own_o will_n our_o own_o liberty_n our_o own_o profit_n our_o own_o credit_n and_o reputation_n i_o if_o need_n be_v our_o own_o life_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o cure_n ready_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n wise_o improve_n all_o advantage_n which_o god_n shall_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n for_o the_o quiet_v settle_v establish_v of_o the_o church_n so_o do_v paul_n and_o silas_n here_o in_o the_o text_n have_v the_o synodical_a decree_n in_o their_o hand_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v they_o deliver_v they_o so_o apply_v that_o remedy_n which_o providence_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o heal_n and_o compose_v those_o difference_n which_o be_v then_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n to_o the_o disquiet_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o endanger_v of_o their_o state_n here_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o of_o we_o of_o the_o ministry_n particular_a and_o in_o particular_a here_o be_v a_o warrant_n for_o i_o for_o take_v up_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n at_o the_o present_a what_o sad_a division_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n be_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o state_n at_o this_o day_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o we_o feel_v of_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n ring_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a so_o we_o find_v in_o this_o political_a and_o mystical_a body_n anima_fw-la sequitur_fw-la temper_fw-la amentum_fw-la corporis_fw-la the_o soul_n follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o church_n the_o temper_n of_o the_o state_n this_o dyscrasiâ_n like_o a_o feverish_a distemper_n it_o be_v to_o be_v feel_v more_o or_o less_o in_o every_o member_n of_o this_o body_n touch_v where_o we_o will_v we_o shall_v find_v the_o church_n pulse_n beat_v very_o unequal_o we_o in_o this_o remote_a angle_n this_o toe_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o kingdom_n however_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o such_o paroxysm_n do_v not_o feel_v of_o it_o so_o much_o as_o some_o other_o part_n do_v yet_o can_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v free_a now_o in_o this_o case_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o to_o take_v every_o opportunity_n to_o contribute_v what_o i_o be_o able_a to_o the_o stay_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o quiet_v and_o quell_v of_o these_o difference_n at_o least_o in_o this_o place_n this_o be_v the_o mark_n whereat_o i_o aim_v and_o that_o with_o a_o single_a eye_n let_v i_o now_o in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n advance_v pass_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a wherein_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o plaster_n which_o this_o skilful_a surgeon_n appli_v to_o this_o sore_a the_o remedy_n which_o this_o wise_a physician_n minister_n to_o this_o malady_n viz._n a_o receipt_n of_o synodical_a decree_n so_o it_o follow_v 2._o and_o as_o they_o go_v throrow_v the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n here_o be_v the_o quid._n what_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n here_o make_v delivery_n of_o viz_o decree_n decrsee_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n decree_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o who_o be_v these_o apostle_n and_o elder_n what_o be_v these_o decree_n why_o make_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v insist_v several_o 1._o 1._o who_o be_v these_o apostle_n and_o elder_n a._o for_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v time_n or_o word_n about_o it_o there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o of_o that_o high_a form_n of_o extraordinary_a minister_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v and_o be_v well_o know_v both_o who_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v quest_n but_o who_o or_o what_o be_v these_o elder_n here_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o some_o scruple_n 2._o answ_n elder_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o presbyter_n i_o e._n say_v the_o rhemist_n priest_n so_o they_o render_v it_o in_o tho_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n foregoing_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o priest_n a_o word_n say_v they_o echo_v and_o
feed_v they_o like_o a_o natural_a mother_n ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o draw_v forth_o her_o breast_n to_o give_v they_o suck_v ready_a to_o contribute_v her_o best_a counsel_n and_o advice_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n buâ_z this_o be_v not_o all_o 3._o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n here_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n ordinary_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o for_o beside_o those_o which_o keep_v a_o ordinary_a constant_a residence_n and_o incumbency_n there_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o for_o that_o church_n be_v great_a her_o officer_n be_v many_o here_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o general_a rendezvouz_n where_o both_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n be_v wont_a to_o meet_v as_o for_o apostle_n how_o many_o be_v here_o present_a at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a will_v we_o give_v a_o ear_n to_o that_o old_a counterfeit_a clemens_n he_o will_v tell_v 12._o we_o that_o all_o the_o twelve_o how_o ever_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n yet_o at_o this_o time_n by_o a_o divine_a instinct_n they_o be_v bring_v together_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o this_o council_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n against_o judâiâânâ_n but_o this_o legend_n our_o very_a adversary_n 15._o of_o rome_n though_o otherwise_o ready_a enough_o to_o harken_v to_o such_o tradition_n and_o willing_a to_o own_o and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o forge_a aââhoâr_n be_v ashamed_a oâ_z and_o for_o this_o passage_n among_o other_o of_o the_o book_n also_o and_o well_o they_o may_v in_o as_o much_o as_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o by_o name_n ãâã_d the_o brother_n of_o john_n as_o themselves_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v before_o this_o dead_a be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o herod_n as_o you_o may_v see_v it_o act._n 12._o all_o of_o they_o than_o can_v not_o be_v there_o not_o ibid._n to_o harken_v to_o the_o conjecture_n of_o other_o who_o will_v tell_v we_o of_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n bâing_v there_o the_o story_n here_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o the_o two_o former_a beside_o paul_n and_o barnabaâ_z the_o one_o a_o apostle_n the_o other_o a_o evangelist_n what_o elder_n be_v here_o present_a we_o find_v it_o alike_o uncertain_a but_o certain_o as_o the_o quâlitie_n so_o the_o number_n of_o ãâã_d be_v very_o considerable_a quest_n why_o but_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v it_o sâemeth_v by_o the_o text_n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n answ._n not_o so_o this_o will_v ââver_o be_v prove_v neither_o do_v the_o text_n make_v any_o thing_n for_o it_o but_o rather_o against_o it_o mark_v the_o word_n 402._o they_o deliver_v there_o the_o dâârâes_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apâstles_n and_o elder_n which_o ãâã_d at_o ãâã_d {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_o jerusâlâm_fw-la not_o the_o apâstles_n and_o elder_n of_o hierusalââ_z so_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n elsewhere_o ruâs_fw-la where_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o such_o a_o place_n the_o elder_n of_o ãâã_d ãâã_d the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ãâã_d ãâã_d 18._o ãâ¦ã_z rev._n 2._o but_o here_o the_o apostle_n ând_v ãâã_d in_o or_o at_o ãâã_d ãâã_d these_o who_o be_v assemble_v together_o there_o at_o that_o time_n object_n why_o but_o it_o in_o reply_v jââes_n challenge_v these_o decree_n to_o be_v their_o act._n 21._o 25._o ãâ¦ã_z the_o gentile_n we_o have_v write_v 25._o and_o conclude_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o paul_n concerning_o these_o decree_n answ._n we_o answer_v this_o james_n speak_v not_o exclusive_o as_o exclude_v other_o whether_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o that_o business_n certain_o as_o for_o paul_n who_o he_o speak_v it_o to_o he_o have_v as_o main_a a_o stroke_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o determine_v thereof_o as_o james_n 12._o himself_o and_o barnabas_n the_o like_a beside_o many_o other_o elder_n and_o prophet_n and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n but_o as_o be_v very_o probable_a of_o other_o church_n elsewhere_o who_o be_v all_o interest_v in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o decree_n true_a it_o be_v a_o perfect_a list_n and_o catalogue_n we_o have_v not_o either_o of_o the_o several_a person_n which_o be_v send_v or_o of_o the_o several_a church_n send_v their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n unto_o this_o council_n only_a jerusalem_n and_o 401._o antioch_n be_v name_v but_o in_o all_o likelihood_n there_o be_v other_o as_o well_o as_o they_o two_o reason_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conjecture_n 1._o other_o church_n be_v concern_v and_o interest_v in_o this_o business_n as_o well_o as_o antioch_n viz._n the_o church_n in_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n who_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o doctrine_n and_o have_v their_o soul_n pervert_v as_o well_o as_o antioch_n 2._o the_o letter_n of_o the_o council_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o â4_n antioch_n and_o bind_v decree_n send_v unto_o they_o both_o these_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 23._o and_o 24._o verse_n of_o that_o 15._o chapter_n now_o from_o hence_o we_o reason_n first_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o of_o right_a these_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v send_v their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n about_o this_o business_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n according_a to_o the_o forename_a maxim_n quod_fw-la omnes_fw-la concernit_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o which_o concern_v all_o aught_o to_o be_v handle_v of_o all_o which_o be_v true_a be_v right_o understand_v viz._n suo_fw-la modo_fw-la et_fw-la gradâ_z every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o order_n second_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la it_o seem_v that_o they_o do_v so_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o council_n direct_v 23._o their_o letter_n alike_o unto_o they_o by_o name_n as_o unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n which_o seem_v to_o import_v that_o all_o of_o they_o join_v in_o the_o refer_n of_o this_o question_n and_o cause_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o council_n and_o so_o according_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n only_o but_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o or_o at_o jerusalem_n viz._n assemble_v there_o at_o that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v my_o promise_n not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o and_o therefore_o have_v only_o cleâred_v that_o scruple_n i_o shall_v now_o dismiss_v it_o and_o with_o it_o the_o second_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n viz._n what_o paul_n and_o sylas_n here_o make_v delivery_n of_o 3._o pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n to_o who_o these_o decree_n be_v deliver_v the_o text_n answer_v it_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n unto_o they_o unto_o they_o what_o to_o the_o whole_a city_n not_o so_o but_o to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o city_n so_o the_o next_o verse_n make_v it_o out_o and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v observ._n city_n and_o church_n in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o put_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o in_o that_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o it_o be_v say_v 23._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o church_n by_o church_n in_o the_o 1_o tit._n verse_n 5._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o 5._o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o city_n by_o city_n so_o as_o these_o two_o in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o phrase_n adequate_a and_o equipollent_a use_v indifferent_o the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n unto_o they_o i_o e._n to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o city_n reas._n the_o phrase_n will_v not_o be_v unfruitful_a city_n and_o church_n put_v one_o for_o the_o other_o how_o so_o what_o be_v they_o always_o of_o the_o same_o lâtitude_n and_o extent_n be_v every_o whole_a city_n a_o church_n so_o as_o all_o that_o dwell_v within_o the_o one_o be_v also_o member_n of_o the_o other_o not_o so_o sometime_o indeed_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o if_o not_o the_o universality_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o city_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n in_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o samaria_n that_o when_o philip_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n say_v the_o 6._o story_n give_v heed_n unto_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o speak_v act._n 8._o so_o as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o manner_n receive_v the_o gospel_n even_o as_o before_o the_o
whole_a city_n have_v give_v heed_n to_o simon_n magâs_v and_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o his_o sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n they_o give_v heed_n to_o he_o 10._o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a verse_n 10._o so_o now_o they_o be_v general_o bring_v to_o embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o faith_n so_o much_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o 12._o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v when_o they_o believe_v philip_n viz._n those_o which_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o simon_n even_o the_o whole_a city_n which_o 14._o be_v further_o confirm_v from_o the_o 14_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n beard_n that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n import_v that_o the_o word_n have_v a_o general_a if_o not_o a_o universal_a entertainment_n in_o that_o city_n now_o in_o this_o case_n which_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v a_o whole_a city_n be_v take_v in_o and_o associate_v into_o a_o church_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o samaria_n there_o when_o they_o believe_v they_o be_v baptise_v both_o 12_o man_n and_o woman_n verse_n 12._o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v all_o join_v to_o the_o church_n however_o some_o of_o they_o be_v unworthy_a and_o afterwards_o upon_o discovery_n be_v eject_v and_o cast_v out_o again_o as_o you_o 21._o may_v see_v it_o in_o simon_n magus_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o thus_o in_o like_o case_n it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v when_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o people_n in_o such_o a_o town_n such_o a_o city_n do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n profess_v faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n in_o this_o case_n the_o whole_a multitude_n not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o church-society_n however_o some_o may_v be_v unworthy_a who_o upon_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o again_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n due_o exercise_v but_o this_o case_n be_v not_o very_o ordinary_a with_o the_o apostle_n common_o the_o city_n and_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n the_o one_o far_o large_a than_o the_o other_o the_o city_n a_o ample_a ãâã_d the_o church_n a_o small_a handful_n conâeined_v in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a society_n select_v out_o of_o the_o multitude_n 5._o paul_n write_v to_o his_o colossian_n will_v they_o to_o walk_v wise_o towards_o thâse_o which_o be_v without_o col._n 4._o and_o who_o be_v they_o why_o general_o all_o inâidells_n and_o unbeliever_n who_o though_o they_o be_v within_o the_o city_n yet_o be_v without_o the_o church_n within_o the_o wâlls_n of_o the_o one_o but_o with_o out_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o other_o interest_v in_o the_o immânitiâs_fw-la and_o liberty_n of_o the_o one_o not_o so_o in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o other_o have_v civil_a commerce_n with_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o no_o church-communion_n quest_n why_o then_o be_v city_n and_o church_n put_v one_o for_o the_o other_o answ._n take_v it_o in_o a_o word_n because_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n of_o professor_n within_o such_o bound_n and_o limit_n viz._n within_o the_o city_n and_o the_o adjacent_a territory_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v frame_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n or_o church_n observ._n so_o many_o city_n so_o many_o church_n and_o no_o more_o so_o much_o this_o phrase_n import_v and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o my_o brethren_n for_o we_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o it_o lâst_a in_o go_v about_o to_o multiply_v church_n to_o 16._o erect_v and_o set_v up_o church_n in_o church_n like_o ezekiel_n wheel_n one_o within_o another_o and_o those_o not_o uniform_a in_o their_o motion_n as_o these_o be_v but_o in_o this_o rather_o like_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o clock_n which_o move_v divers_a and_o contrary_a way_n we_o trespass_n and_o transgress_v not_o only_o against_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n but_o against_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a practice_n inâinuated_v unto_o we_o in_o that_o phrase_n look_v i_o beseech_v you_o through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n and_o see_v where_o you_o find_v mention_v make_v of_o 2._o any_o more_o church_n in_o a_o town_n or_o city_n than_o one_o true_a we_o read_v frequent_o of_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n macedonia_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n many_o church_n in_o one_o kingdom_n in_o one_o province_n but_o nowhere_o of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n of_o corinth_n of_o samaria_n or_o yet_o of_o jerusalem_n but_o still_o the_o church_n quesâ_z why_o but_o may_v there_o not_o then_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o one_o answ._n sure_o yes_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o this_o place_n where_o the_o number_n of_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v so_o increase_v as_o that_o they_o can_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n now_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a but_o even_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v divide_v into_o several_a congregation_n thus_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o city_n forenamed_a at_o least_o in_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n as_o the_o loc._n story_n tell_v we_o be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n so_o exceed_o increase_v first_o to_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o not_o long_o after_o to_o five_o thousand_o act._n 4_o which_o five_o thousand_o however_o calvin_n and_o some_o other_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o total_a âoâmâe_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n take_v in_o the_o former_a three_o thousand_o yet_o many_o i_o think_v the_o most_o other_o expositor_n conceive_v of_o it_o rather_o as_o a_o new_a addition_n five_o thousand_o add_v to_o the_o former_a three_o thousand_o thus_o among_o the_o ancient_n jeroâe_n augustine_n loc._n chry_n âoâtome_n lycanus_fw-la beda_n among_o nâââericks_n cornelius_n a_o lapide_fw-la aretius_n which_o last_o author_n give_v a_o double_a reason_n why_o he_o conceive_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o i_o both_o very_a probable_a for_o first_o in_o reckon_v of_o the_o former_a three_o thousand_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o take_v in_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n but_o only_o set_v down_o the_o new_a addition_n which_o be_v 15._o make_v so_o here_o in_o set_v down_o the_o five_o thousand_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v no_o reference_n to_o either_o of_o the_o former_a number_n but_o to_o show_v what_o a_o new_a increase_n and_o accession_n there_o be_v and_o second_o hereby_o not_o only_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o but_o also_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n which_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a fetch_v in_o first_o three_o thousand_o then_o five_o thousand_o which_o five_o thousand_o as_o it_o be_v further_a note_v by_o some_o be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v man_n the_o number_n ibid._n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o numerus_fw-la viâârââ_z if_o so_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o conceive_v the_o number_n of_o the_o woman_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o child_n who_o in_o devotion_n have_v be_v ordinary_o idem_fw-la observe_v not_o to_o come_v short_a but_o rather_o to_o go_v far_o beyond_o the_o other_o sex_n to_o go_v on_o after_o this_o we_o yet_o read_v of_o new_a addition_n act._n 5._o it_o be_v say_v that_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o ââmen_n in_o so_o much_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o number_n of_o they_o 14._o be_v grow_v very_o great_a so_o much_o that_o speech_n of_o james_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o 20._o jerusalem_n unto_o paul_n import_v act._n 21._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v they_o how_o many_o thousand_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v millia_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o it_o proper_o signisi_v how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o translate_v elsewhere_o act._n 19_o where_o the_o conjure_a book_n which_o be_v burn_v be_v estimate_v the_o total_a be_v compute_v to_o be_v about_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n 19_o of_o silver_n verse_n 19_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o five_o myriad_n five_o time_n ten_o thousand_o so_o in_o the_o 14._o verse_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o jude_n we_o read_v of_o ten_o thousand_o 14._o of_o saint_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o whether_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v so_o strict_o take_v in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o
act_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v but_o certain_o take_v it_o how_o we_o will_v it_o import_v a_o exceed_a great_a number_n well_o nigh_o innumerable_a so_o i_o find_v the_o word_n in_o two_o place_n translate_v 1._o luk._n 12._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v gather_v together_o a_o innumerable_a 22_o multitude_n of_o people_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o so_o again_o heb._n 12._o 22._o we_o read_v of_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o such_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n which_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n almost_o a_o innumerable_a company_n so_o as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v all_o together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n to_o i_o it_o be_v no_o question_n they_o have_v several_a congregation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o these_o then_o several_a church_n answ._n no_o several_a congregation_n but_o one_o church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a city_n there_o may_v be_v several_a society_n and_o company_n according_a to_o several_a trade_n and_o mystery_n and_o those_o so_o many_o petty_a corporation_n who_o may_v have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a meeting_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o incorporation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v all_o subordinate_a because_o all_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n and_o governor_n even_o thus_o may_v it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o it_o i_o conceive_v so_o it_o be_v in_o one_o city_n and_o the_o adjacent_a territory_n there_o may_v be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o church_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v by_o the_o 296._o same_o law_n have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o be_v link_v together_o under_o the_o same_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o officer_n sure_o in_o all_o probability_n thus_o it_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o the_o proto-primitive_a church_n and_o why_o not_o now_o but_o not_o to_o wade_v too_o far_o into_o this_o collateral_a controversy_n from_o which_o i_o have_v bind_v myself_o before_o however_o certain_o to_o multiply_v church_n in_o one_o town_n one_o city_n especial_o to_o set_v up_o church_n in_o church_n the_o one_o extract_v out_o of_o the_o other_o this_o have_v no_o precedent_n no_o warrant_n no_o maintenance_n no_o countenance_n from_o any_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a time_n object_n no_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o say_v we_o then_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n set_v up_o church_n in_o that_o church_n and_o those_o extract_v out_o of_o it_o answ._n to_o this_o shadow_n of_o a_o argument_n it_o be_v soon_o answer_v here_o be_v not_o one_o church_n set_v up_o in_o another_o but_o many_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o one_o so_o as_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o pull_n down_o of_o the_o other_o even_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o two_o covenant_n old_a and_o new_a the_o first_o be_v take_v away_o that_o the_o second_o may_v be_v establish_v heb._n 10._o 9_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o two_o church_n that_o legal_a this_o evangelical_a as_o for_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o be_v now_o like_o the_o jewish_a legal_a covenant_n which_o last_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o heb._n 8._o call_v it_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o antiquatum_fw-la quid_fw-la and_o senesâens_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v antiquate_v and_o waxââ_z old_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o nigh_o to_o vanish_v ready_a to_o disappear_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o so_o as_o here_o be_v only_o a_o new_a edifice_n to_o be_v erect_v upon_o those_o ruin_n a_o new_a church_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o a_o evangelical_a way_n where_o that_o legal_a church_n have_v be_v now_o i_o confess_v have_v we_o to_o deal_v with_o rigid_a downright_a separatist_n who_o look_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o anti-christian_n synagogue_n fit_a to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o pull_v down_o say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o edomite_n language_n raze_v they_o raze_v they_o even_o to_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o 7._o then_o may_v this_o argument_n have_v some_o colour_n of_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o otherwise_o where_o our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o true_a church_n in_o this_o case_n to_o set_v up_o a_o church_n in_o a_o church_n and_o to_o extract_v the_o one_o out_o of_o the_o other_o i_o say_v it_o again_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o scripture_n will_v give_v no_o warrant_n no_o precedent_n for_o quest_n but_o suppose_v a_o church_n be_v defective_a or_o corrupt_v in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v answ._n not_o present_o think_v of_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o set_v up_o another_o 11._o be_v it_o not_o the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o that_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o a_o church_n in_o that_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o walk_v in_o a_o pure_a way_n but_o rather_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o purge_v and_o reform_v it_o this_o will_v we_o do_v by_o our_o house_n if_o they_o be_v foul_a we_o will_v sweep_v they_o if_o decay_a and_o impair_v though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_n we_o will_v not_o present_o think_v of_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o build_v other_o out_o of_o their_o timber_n and_o material_n but_o repair_v they_o and_o thus_o do_v king_n jehoash_n for_o 14._o the_o house_n of_o his_o god_n the_o temple_n find_v it_o ruinous_a he_o give_v order_n not_o to_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o build_v a_o new_a one_o but_o to_o repair_v it_o o_o that_o we_o will_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v such_o thought_n concerning_o the_o church_n or_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v a_o thought_n which_o god_n have_v already_o put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o what_o progress_n and_o procedure_n be_v already_o make_v in_o the_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o i_o hope_v time_n ere_o long_o will_v declare_v it_o herein_o then_o let_v all_o our_o heart_n close_a and_o comply_v with_o they_o every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n do_v what_o we_o may_v to_o further_a so_o pious_a a_o undertake_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n take_v heed_n of_o adventure_v upon_o new_a way_n which_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n for_o what_o way_n of_o gather_v and_o set_v up_o of_o church_n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o you_o may_v see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v those_o which_o embrace_v the_o faith_n within_o such_o a_o circuit_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o city_n and_o the_o adjacent_a territory_n they_o be_v all_o frame_v together_o into_o one_o christian_a society_n or_o church_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o city_n and_o church_n in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o you_o see_v put_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o as_o elsewhere_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n quest_n deliver_v they_o but_o what_o city_n what_o church_n be_v these_o answ._n the_o text_n lay_v it_o down_o in_o indefinite_a word_n carry_v universali_fw-la with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o a_o universal_a viz._n what_o ever_o city_n they_o pass_v through_o where_o there_o be_v any_o church_n they_o deliver_v these_o decree_n unto_o they_o quest_n here_o a_o scruple_n may_v arise_v why_o shall_v the_o apostle_n here_o deliver_v these_o decree_n alike_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n where_o they_o come_v when_o as_o all_o of_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v at_o this_o council_n as_o for_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n and_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n these_o decree_n be_v proper_a for_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v refer_v both_o the_o question_n and_o cause_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o council_n and_o have_v their_o agent_n there_o to_o deal_v for_o they_o but_o so_o have_v not_o some_o other_o of_o the_o church_n how_o then_o can_v these_o decree_n be_v obligatory_a and_o and_o bind_v unto_o they_o which_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o make_v of_o or_o âssââting_v to_o answ._n to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o though_o these_o decree_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o they_o formal_o yet_o moral_o and_o virtual_o they_o be_v as_o for_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n and_o such_o other_o church_n as_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o this_o appeal_n they_o
be_v bind_v formal_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a bond_n or_o tie_n even_o as_o those_o which_o put_v a_o business_n to_o arbitration_n they_o be_v formal_o bind_v to_o stand_v to_o what_o their_o arbitrator_n shall_v agree_v upon_o so_o it_o be_v not_o against_o law_n and_o reason_n beside_o the_o bond_n of_o equity_n they_o have_v also_o a_o civil_a formal_a obligation_n under_o which_o they_o lie_v so_o be_v it_o with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v refer_v 400_o their_o cause_n to_o this_o council_n and_o have_v send_v their_o delegate_n thither_o they_o be_v now_o bind_v by_o a_o double_a bond_n not_o only_o that_o general_a moral_a bond_n of_o equity_n and_o right_n but_o by_o a_o formal_a ecclesiastical_a bond_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o council_n so_o far_o as_o they_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n but_o now_o for_o other_o church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o double_a obligation_n yet_o under_o a_o single_a one_o they_o do_v though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o formal_o bind_v as_o the_o other_o yet_o virtual_o they_o be_v and_o moral_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o reason_n of_o those_o decree_n it_o be_v dr._n ames_n his_o determination_n touch_v counsel_n and_o their_o decree_n tantum_fw-la valet_fw-la decretum_fw-la 3._o concilii_fw-la quantum_fw-la valet_fw-la ejus_fw-la ratio_fw-la a_o decree_n of_o a_o council_n carry_v so_o much_o weight_n with_o it_o as_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o it_o now_o these_o decree_n here_o agree_v upon_o in_o this_o council_n they_o be_v all_o rational_a decree_n agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n and_o be_v such_o they_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n obligatory_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o appear_v at_o that_o council_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o make_v delivery_n of_o they_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n unto_o they_o quest_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v again_o wherefore_o deliver_v they_o to_o all_o possible_o and_o probable_o some_o of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o interest_v and_o concern_v in_o these_o difference_n and_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o see_v convenient_a in_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n why_o may_v they_o not_o rather_o be_v leave_v every_o one_o to_o their_o own_o way_n in_o these_o matter_n of_o lesser_a difference_n answ._n no_o this_o the_o council_n think_v not_o convenient_a they_o make_v a_o order_n against_o it_o and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o that_o order_n the_o apostle_n here_o wherever_o he_o come_v make_v delivery_n of_o these_o decree_n and_o wherefore_o this_o why_o that_o he_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n bring_v all_o the_o church_n to_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n unity_n in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n and_o uniformity_n in_o practice_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o way_n oserrv_fw-la observ._n a_o useful_a observation_n which_o meet_v i_o so_o full_a in_o the_o way_n i_o may_v not_o balk_v it_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n among_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v earnest_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o this_o bless_a apostle_n set_v much_o by_o his_o request_n to_o and_o prayer_n for_o the_o 6._o church_n be_v well_o know_v now_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v like_o mind_v etc._n etc._n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n 10._o glorify_v god_n it_o be_v his_o prayer_n for_o his_o roman_n rom._n 15._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v no_o division_n or_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n it_o be_v his_o first_o request_n which_o he_o make_v to_o his_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o and_o as_o 11._o it_o be_v the_o first_o so_o it_o be_v the_o last_o his_o alpha_fw-gr and_o omega_n final_o brethren_n farewell_n be_v perfect_a be_v of_o good_a comfort_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n etc._o etc._o 27._o it_o be_v his_o farewell_n to_o the_o same_o church_n 2_o cor._n 13._o only_o let_v your_o conversation_n 2._o be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o âne_n spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n it_o his_o charge_n to_o his_o philippian_n phil._n 1._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_v etc._n etc._n so_o he_o prosecute_v the_o same_o charge_n with_o most_o pathetical_a enforcement_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v thus_o do_v paul_n stand_v affect_v towards_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o as_o to_o their_o unity_n so_o to_o their_o uniformity_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o what_o he_o order_v in_o one_o church_n he_o will_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v observe_v by_o all_o thus_o in_o that_o 1_o cor._n 7._o have_v answer_v and_o state_v certain_a doubt_n and_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o his_o corinthian_n as_o viz._n touch_v single_a life_n and_o marriage_n the_o cohabitation_n of_o person_n 17._o unequal_o yoke_v believer_n and_o infidel_n etc._n etc._n he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n which_o he_o send_v unto_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o he_o give_v in_o common_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o ordain_v i_o in_o all_o church_n vers._n 17._o thus_o again_o chapter_n 16._o take_v order_n touch_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o make_v collection_n for_o the_o poor_a 1._o saint_n he_o prescribe_v one_o order_n for_o all_o the_o church_n now_o concerning_o collection_n for_o the_o saint_n as_o i_o have_v give_v order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n even_o so_o do_v you_o vers._n 1._o and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o make_v delivery_n 23_o of_o they_o where_o ever_o he_o come_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v by_o name_n direct_v but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n as_o they_o pass_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n to_o they_o applicat_fw-la and_o be_v paul_n so_o active_a so_o forward_o in_o this_o business_n let_v not_o any_o of_o we_o be_v backward_o with_o it_o much_o less_o averse_a against_o it_o certain_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n then_o common_o they_o be_v take_v to_o be_v make_v much_o both_o for_o their_o safety_n and_o beauty_n 1._o for_o their_o safety_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o paul_n write_v to_o his_o philippian_n in_o the_o place_n forename_a put_v these_o two_o together_o 28._o that_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o will_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o gospel_n go_v out_o as_o one_o man_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n as_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v gather_v together_o 4._o against_o benjamin_n judg._n 20._o than_o will_v they_o be_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v the_o adversary_n their_o unity_n under_o god_n will_v be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o their_o safety_n whereas_o their_o division_n be_v like_o breach_n in_o a_o common_a bank_n let_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o evil_n upon_o they_o or_o like_o the_o break_n of_o the_o rank_n in_o a_o army_n which_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o let_v in_o the_o enemy_n and_o so_o to_o rout_n the_o whole_a body_n unity_n in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n the_o one_o of_o which_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o other_o for_o where_o judgement_n be_v divide_v though_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v like_o unto_o tinder_n ready_a to_o take_v fire_n by_o the_o least_o spark_n that_o fall_v into_o it_o there_o will_v ordinary_o be_v some_o alienation_n in_o affection_n make_v much_o for_o the_o church_n security_n 2._o and_o so_o do_v uniformity_n make_v much_o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o even_o as_o in_o a_o city_n where_o the_o building_n be_v uniform_a much_o of_o one_o height_n and_o one_o