jairus_n here_o be_v a_o special_a ecce_fw-la add_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o a_o great_a man_n and_o one_o in_o authority_n come_v unto_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o a_o public_a way_n and_o one_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o sin_n gogue_n so_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o people_n in_o every_o synagogue_n be_v govern_v and_o command_v by_o their_o ruler_n and_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o commission_n but_o stand_v to_o their_o determination_n as_o all_o man_n use_v to_o do_v in_o court_n of_o judicature_n that_o appeal_v unto_o they_o for_o justice_n and_o this_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ruler_n among_o they_o be_v among_o christian_n sometime_o call_v presbyter_n sometime_o guide_n sometime_o ruler_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n be_v appoint_v over_o all_o christian_a church_n as_o so_o many_o corporation_n to_o which_o all_o the_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o and_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o submission_n in_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o bless_a word_n for_o that_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n both_o of_o their_o command_a and_o of_o the_o people_n obey_v and_o this_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o rule_v all_o assembly_n and_o particular_a congregation_n under_o it_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o general_a in_o way_n of_o proof_n that_o all_o church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o college_n or_o assembly_n of_o presbyter_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v in_o order_n the_o four_o proposition_n or_o conclusion_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o of_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_n 8._o and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o every_o branch_n of_o it_o i_o will_v first_o produce_v such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o make_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o thence_o frame_v and_o form_v my_o argument_n mat._n 3._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2_o 5_o 6._o in_o those_o day_n come_v john_n the_o baptist_n preach_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o judaea_n and_o say_v repent_v you_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n then_o go_v out_o to_o he_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judaea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n the_o baptism_n of_o john_n as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o preach_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o baptise_a all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o into_o jesus_n christ_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19_o ver_fw-la 4._o he_o have_v his_o commission_n also_o from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o baptise_a christ_n himself_o he_o preach_v also_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v many_o honourable_a testimony_n from_o christ_n himself_o as_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o bright_a shine_a light_n and_o that_o he_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o many_o other_o encomium_n and_o praise_n do_v christ_n give_v of_o he_o to_o ratify_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o elias_n that_o be_v to_o come_v before_o the_o messiah_n and_o all_o the_o people_n own_v and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o man_n send_v of_o god_n and_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o he_o and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o and_o be_v baptise_a of_o he_o in_o these_o word_n we_o find_v that_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o turn_v christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v believer_n for_o which_o way_n soever_o the_o word_n jerusalem_n be_v take_v it_o signify_v a_o numberless_a multitude_n of_o man_n or_o a_o innumerable_a company_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n she_o be_v a_o most_o populous_a city_n the_o historian_n that_o write_v of_o that_o age_n relate_v that_o she_o have_v sometime_o in_o she_o no_o less_o than_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o hundred_o thousand_o but_o let_v it_o be_v take_v that_o there_o be_v but_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v a_o vast_a multitude_n and_o yet_o seldom_o be_v there_o less_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o belief_n may_v be_v have_v to_o historian_n for_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o metropolis_n city_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v then_o great_a expectation_n as_o we_o may_v read_v luke_n 19.11_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v immediate_o appear_v and_o all_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n where_o they_o be_v scatter_v now_o repair_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o return_v into_o their_o own_o country_n expect_v the_o messiah_n so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o there_o be_v infinite_n of_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n by_o jerusalem_n here_o metonimycal_o the_o place_n be_v take_v for_o the_o people_n now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o city_n go_v out_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n old_a and_o young_a with_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v in_o great_a earth_n quake_v or_o some_o pestilence_n or_o inundation_n that_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v a_o city_n and_o to_o seek_v some_o other_o habitation_n but_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o john_n baptist_n in_o this_o large_a sense_n and_o expression_n so_o that_o in_o this_o place_n it_o must_v be_v take_v synecdochical_o and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o great_a part_n or_o a_o chief_a part_n for_o the_o whole_a as_o when_o a_o city_n be_v say_v to_o entertain_v a_o king_n or_o to_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v a_o king_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v principal_o of_o the_o chief_a officer_n as_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o the_o common-counsel_n and_o all_o their_o several_a company_n and_o chief_a captain_n and_o commander_n with_o all_o their_o magnificence_n so_o that_o in_o this_o notion_n the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o ordinary_a citizen_n be_v not_o think_v on_o or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o number_v as_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o inquire_v where_o they_o shall_v find_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o for_o they_o have_v see_v his_o star_n it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o herod_n hear_v these_o thing_n he_o and_o all_o jerusalem_n be_v trouble_v with_o he_o here_o by_o all_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v all_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o courtier_n for_o the_o common_a people_n be_v glad_a of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o day_n they_o have_v long_o look_v for_o and_o rejoice_v at_o but_o herod_n be_v a_o usurper_n and_o a_o tyrant_n and_o all_o his_o noble_n peer_n and_o great_a man_n be_v confederate_a with_o he_o and_o adjutor_n in_o his_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n and_o conceive_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o earthly_a monarch_n and_o that_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o will_v not_o only_o pull_v down_o the_o usurper_n but_o likewise_o call_v all_o they_o in_o question_n as_o guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n and_o cut_v they_o off_o as_o complicer_n and_o abettor_n this_o make_v they_o tremble_v and_o fear_v and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o general_a fear_n of_o all_o the_o great_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o
and_o i_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n many_o courtesy_n when_o we_o find_v little_a favour_n from_o our_o own_o brethren_n which_o their_o humanity_n i_o must_v never_o forget_v but_o with_o all_o due_a thankfulness_n for_o ever_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v if_o then_o this_o my_o opinion_n be_v think_v orthodox_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o applause_n i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o a_o truth_n than_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n now_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a then_o it_o be_v good_a now_o for_o the_o change_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v change_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o truth_n but_o this_o my_o opinion_n i_o learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n the_o warrant_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o practice_n this_o word_n therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o my_o christian_a brethren_n in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o question_n now_o agitate_a among_o god_n people_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n concern_v church-government_n to_o take_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o with_o those_o noble_a berean_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o either_o side_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o entreat_v they_o also_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o passion_n which_o religion_n have_v no_o need_n of_o and_o all_o vainglory_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a call_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o with_o a_o virgin_n judgement_n not_o ravish_v with_o any_o previous_a or_o anticipate_v opinion_n to_o come_v and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o consider_v and_o examine_v which_o of_o those_o two_o opinion_n the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n now_o sacrifice_v themselves_o unto_o be_v the_o offering_n that_o will_v best_o endure_v the_o firy-tryall_n 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 14_o 15._o viz._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a or_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a both_o now_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o acceptabl_a service_n and_o best_a please_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o that_o that_o oblation_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a that_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n only_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v about_o the_o rule_n in_o decide_v of_o this_o controversy_n and_o make_v the_o write_a word_n the_o rule_n they_o agree_v also_o about_o the_o material_n both_o acknowledgeing_a a_o presbytery_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o about_o the_o mould_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o offering_n i_o will_v therefore_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o show_v wherein_o we_o differ_v and_o then_o set_v down_o my_o own_o opinion_n with_o my_o reason_n and_o after_o endeavour_n to_o be_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o rejoice_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a question_n between_o we_o they_o call_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o our_o brethren_n they_o term_v independent_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a dependent_a or_o presbyterian_a independent_a the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n or_o christian_a assembly_n common_o call_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o due_a and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n discipline_n right_o execute_v and_o all_o other_o performance_n which_o make_v for_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o assembly_n likewise_o they_o have_v all_o such_o office_n and_o help_n of_o government_n as_o in_o their_o several_a place_n be_v right_o employ_v may_v serve_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o and_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o as_o presbytor_n elder_n deacon_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n i_o say_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v whether_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n may_v be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n or_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o one_o presbytery_n or_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o many_o presbyter_n together_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o it_o be_v to_o depend_v and_o to_o which_o in_o all_o weighty_a business_n they_o be_v to_o appeal_v for_o any_o injury_n or_o conceive_a wrong_n or_o scandal_n or_o for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o church-discipline_n upon_o incorrigable_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n as_o admonition_n for_o give_v offence_n suspension_n from_o the_o ordinance_n till_o amendment_n and_o reformornation_n or_o if_o obstinate_a excommunion_n or_o whether_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n be_v they_o never_o so_o small_a several_o or_o consider_v a_o part_n and_o by_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v full_a and_o plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o this_o or_o any_o other_o great_a council_n or_o presbytery_n for_o transact_v or_o determine_v all_o difference_n about_o faith_n or_o manner_n among_o themselves_o or_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o grievance_n or_o abuse_n or_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o the_o party_n offend_v conceive_v they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o injury_n or_o wrong_n do_v they_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o two_o presbyter_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n have_v a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o as_o ample_a authority_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 17._o and_o to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o question_n which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v propound_v it_o in_o a_o simile_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n well_o know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o government_n of_o this_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n and_o of_o many_o other_o great_a city_n through_o the_o kingdom_n be_v call_v corporation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v majestracy_n and_o have_v in_o they_o a_o secular_a or_o civil_a signory_n or_o presbytry_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a principality_n and_o this_o government_n by_o which_o all_o citizen_n and_o inhabitant_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v as_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n who_o only_o by_o such_o other_o officer_n as_o they_o shall_v allegate_v be_v to_o manage_v and_o exercise_v this_o government_n so_o that_o all_o particular_a citizen_n and_o all_o the_o company_n of_o several_a tradesman_n be_v in_o their_o particular_a ward_n precinct_n and_o fellowship_n by_o their_o constitution_n and_o charter_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o counsel_n and_o be_v to_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o they_o upon_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n or_o conceive_v wrong_v or_o when_o it_o concern_v the_o common_a good_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o stand_v unto_o their_o arbitrement_n now_o then_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v as_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o these_o several_a corporation_n whether_o the_o company_n in_o each_o city_n where_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v all_o their_o officer_n and_o exercise_v also_o a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o jurisdiction_n among_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o
officer_n and_o in_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n where_o and_o within_o these_o limit_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v all_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n terminate_v and_o this_o they_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n joint_o and_o by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v the_o order_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o establish_v and_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o people_n or_o the_o congregation_n be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o commission_n or_o have_v any_o power_n give_v they_o of_o rule_v for_o saint_n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n now_o paul_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o city_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o command_v timothy_n again_o and_o again_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o v._n 12_o 13._o i_o give_v thou_o charge_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v this_o command_n without_o spot_n unblameable_a till_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o timothy_n and_o all_o minister_n in_o he_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n bind_v to_o maintain_v that_o government_n unblameable_a that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n by_o joint_a consent_n and_o a_o common-counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n without_o their_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o when_o diotrephes_n assume_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o his_o will_n &_o pleasure_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n &_o oppose_a john_n the_o presbyter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v his_o proceed_n &_o signify_v to_o the_o church_n epist_n 3._o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o word_n and_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n for_o he_o say_v s._n john_n content_v not_o himself_o only_o to_o prate_v malicious_o against_o we_o but_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n nor_o suffer_v other_o but_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o he_o say_v saint_n john_n but_o for_o you_o say_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n follow_v not_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o to_o assume_v unto_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n that_o power_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o exercise_v only_o by_o the_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o which_o say_v saint_n john_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o shall_v call_v diotrephes_n the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o one_o of_o they_o do_v to_o i_o not_o long_o since_o whereas_o if_o the_o place_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o for_o the_o which_o he_o be_v by_o saint_n john_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o in_o he_o all_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytry_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n into_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n but_o of_o this_o business_n when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sufficient_o confirm_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a 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_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbytererum_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 do_v wonder_n 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 centory_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o first_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 quâ_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 here_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 counsel_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 antequà m_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fierent_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 cephae_fw-la communi_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 the_o very_a word_n before_o coat_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 communi_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 humane_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 hirarchicall_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 but_o 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
do_v when_o the_o prelate_n be_v in_o their_o ruff_n but_o out_o of_o this_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v twelve_o of_o the_o most_o able_a painfull_a and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o preach_v and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o hot_a persecution_n there_o be_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n the_o most_o able_a painful_a and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n for_o this_o syllogism_n all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o clear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v say_v as_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v no_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v either_o of_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_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 all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o they_o be_v force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_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 all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o be_v they_o force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o may_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o disputation_n especial_o relinquish_v be_v manifest_a and_o evident_a for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v also_o apparent_a from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o their_o preacher_n only_o be_v scatter_v and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_v the_o apostle_n mathias_n chap._n 1._o and_o many_o more_o that_o instruct_v the_o people_n but_o for_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n they_o remain_v still_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v firm_a but_o i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o evince_v that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n together_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n the_o place_n follow_v will_v suffice_v and_o first_o that_o in_o the_o 9_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n through_o all_o juden_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v all_o edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v out_o of_o which_o word_n it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o bellows_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n think_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o it_o make_v it_o but_o more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o far_a to_o spread_v its_o ray_n for_o by_o blow_v and_o puff_v at_o it_o they_o spread_v it_o the_o more_o and_o extend_v it_o here_o and_o there_o far_o abroad_o as_o we_o see_v by_o this_o persecution_n and_o scatter_n of_o those_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o their_o dispersion_n by_o which_o the_o persecuter_n have_v think_v to_o have_v waste_v the_o church_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n every_o where_n and_o here_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v great_a and_o violent_a by_o so_o much_o it_o be_v less_o durable_a for_o this_o great_a persecution_n be_v but_o short_a and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v by_o persecution_n will_v upon_o the_o cease_n of_o it_o return_v again_o to_o jerusalem_n as_o most_o people_n common_o do_v to_o their_o own_o country_n city_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n after_o persecution_n and_o this_o also_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o induce_v other_o to_o the_o love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v god_n so_o much_o favour_v the_o lover_n and_o prefessor_n of_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n so_o preserve_v comfort_v and_o follow_v with_o so_o many_o mercy_n and_o uphold_v in_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n never_o forsake_v nor_o never_o leave_v they_o but_o if_o those_o that_o be_v scatter_v have_v never_o return_v that_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o weak_z the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o text_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o decrease_v after_o the_o dispersion_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v that_o church_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o who_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o ast_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v they_o of_o necessity_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o her_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v indivers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n beside_o
without_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n or_o alderman_n or_o common-counsel_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n among_o their_o several_a company_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o one_o be_v never_o so_o much_o injure_v and_o damnify_v by_o any_o unjust_a act_n and_o whether_o these_o several_a company_n and_o several_a assembly_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o make_v but_o one_o corporation_n under_o one_o civil_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-counsel_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propound_v that_o every_o one_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o question_n now_o as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n have_v its_o several_a corporation_n through_o all_o county_n and_o the_o which_o corporation_n although_o they_o have_v their_o several_a company_n in_o they_o yet_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o a_o civil_a presbytery_n and_o common-counsel_n and_o every_o company_n in_o they_o make_v not_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o a_o several_a city_n but_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o common-counsel_n or_o presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o common_a affair_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o take_v away_o and_o remove_v of_o common_a grievance_n and_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n to_o the_o common-counsel_n the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n and_o if_o they_o find_v no_o justice_n there_o nor_o satisfaction_n have_v their_o redress_n and_o appeal_v to_o some_o general_a court_n or_o some_o supreme_a judicature_n as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o redress_n and_o determine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o these_o several_a church_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o several_a corporation_n and_o association_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o affembly_n as_o so_o many_o several_a company_n in_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o presbytery_n or_o common-counsel_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o several_a precinct_n though_o they_o be_v consistent_a of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o according_a to_o the_o several_a hundred_o or_o division_n assign_v to_o each_o presbytery_n and_o all_o these_o and_o several_a association_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o abuse_n or_o enormity_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytrie_n or_o counsel_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n and_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o several_a corporation_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o regulate_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n according_a only_o to_o who_o law_n they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n divide_v into_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n corporation_n or_o precinct_n in_o imitation_n as_o near_o now_o as_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o law_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o their_o government_n doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o the_o several_a church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o particular_a corporation_n or_o association_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o those_o several_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o which_o likewise_o they_o have_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n within_o their_o precinct_n than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assemâ—â—â—â—â—_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-followship_a especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o satrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o â—_o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n
of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 1_o â—â—_o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20.17_o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 13.7_o remember_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o vers_fw-la 17._o obey_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o vers_n 24._o salute_v all_o they_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n here_o again_o he_o enjoin_v all_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o presbytery_n show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o their_o minister_n to_o rule_v and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o out_o of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n for_o they_o watch_v say_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n and_o in_o 1_o peter_z 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o say_v saint_n peter_n i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o saint_n james_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 14._o be_v any_o among_o you_o sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v in_o every_o church_n and_o every_o church_n be_v to_o submit_v itself_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o act_n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o brethren_n and_o act_v 21.17_o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n say_v saint_n luke_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o city_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n namely_o of_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o in_o convent_v man_n before_o they_o upon_o occasion_n in_o admonish_v if_o any_o offend_v in_o suspend_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o repentance_n in_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o again_o and_o in_o ordain_v of_o
presbytery_n in_o that_o sense_n i_o take_v it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v afthi_v way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbytter_v otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergò_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o you_o have_v none_o in_o your_o congregation_n so_o miraculous_o inspire_v with_o sundry_a language_n and_o divers_a tongue_n nor_o you_o do_v not_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n nor_o you_o can_v cure_v disease_n nor_o do_v miracle_n ergò_fw-la your_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n show_v we_o these_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o they_o may_v argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n preach_v free_o and_o labour_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_o be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o and_o speak_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o your_o minister_n in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20.29_o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o what_o so_o ever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o day_n all_o committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a counsel_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o counsel_n and_o just_a
mouth_n against_o john_n the_o baptist_n from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n or_o a_o mighty_a city_n of_o believer_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o for_o edification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o divers_a division_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o edify_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n there_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o for_o edification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregrtion_n and_o assembly_n and_o divers_a division_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v edify_v &_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v no_o one_o place_n or_o house_n that_o can_v contain_v a_o whole_a city_n or_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o if_o any_o great_a place_n can_v contain_v they_o they_o can_v not_o all_o be_v edify_v and_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o the_o very_a great_a raw-boned_a build_n of_o paul_n itself_o be_v cram_v full_a of_o people_n and_o have_v a_o preacher_n of_o the_o strong_a lung_n in_o the_o city_n half_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v and_o be_v edify_v as_o daily_a experience_n teell_v we_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o five_o such_o building_n as_o paul_n can_v not_o have_v contain_v their_o very_a body_n within_o their_o wall_n much_o less_o receive_v they_o or_o entertain_v they_o for_o edification_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_a i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o intelligible_a man_n will_v doubt_v of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o place_n above_o produce_v for_o our_o saviour_n say_v except_v the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a handful_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o be_v believer_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n do_v necessary_o follow_v but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o argue_v yet_o further_o after_o this_o manner_n where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v a_o tyrannical_a king_n in_o awe_n and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o all_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o desire_v it_o there_o of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o the_o believer_n must_v be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n but_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v herod_n himself_o the_o tyrant_n in_o awe_n and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o desire_v it_o ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o major_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n beside_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o common_a understanding_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o rational_a creature_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o as_o from_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v manifest_a prove_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n but_o such_o as_o will_v call_v in_o question_n truth_n itself_o i_o may_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n above_o mention_v draw_v many_o more_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n but_o because_o i_o study_v brevity_n these_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n i_o will_v now_o therefore_o go_v on_o to_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n frame_v my_o argument_n as_o out_o of_o the_o former_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o conclusion_n john_n 4.1_o 2._o now_o when_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o baptize_v not_o but_o his_o disciple_n here_o observe_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o relation_n there_o the_o evangelist_n forthwith_o show_v it_o to_o rectify_v man_n understanding_n as_o where_o it_o be_v report_v that_o christ_n baptize_v he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o his_o disciple_n only_o baptize_v but_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n that_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o it_o be_v true_a for_o john_n himself_o in_o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 30._o have_v say_v he_o must_v increase_v but_o i_o must_v decrease_v christ_n therefore_o make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o john_n 6.37_o and_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o his_o name_n john_n 1.12_o and_o these_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o in_o john_n 7.31_o it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o in_o verse_n 40._o they_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o the_o high_a priest_n send_v the_o officer_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o return_v without_o he_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o bring_v he_o the_o officer_n reply_v say_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v as_o this_o man_n verse_n 47_o 48._o then_o answer_v the_o pharisee_n be_v you_o also_o deceive_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o pharisce_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v take_v here_o notice_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o very_a pharisee_n excepe_v themselves_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n believe_v in_o he_o here_o be_v increase_v upon_o increase_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n all_o the_o people_n general_o believe_v in_o he_o certain_o one_o place_n can_v
not_o have_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o whereas_o the_o pharisee_n say_v none_o but_o the_o curse_a people_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n in_o this_o very_a chapter_n we_o find_v one_o ruler_n one_o nicodemus_n verse_n 50._o none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o in_o john_n 12.42_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o verse_n 11._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v away_o and_o believe_v on_o jesus_n here_o be_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o verse_n 19_o the_o pharisee_n therefore_o say_v among_o themselves_o perceive_v you_o how_o you_o prevail_v nothing_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o these_o word_n the_o pharisee_n speak_v in_o private_a among_o themselves_o deliberate_o and_o confess_v that_o the_o world_n of_o man_n be_v turn_v christian_n all_o jerusalem_n swarm_v with_o believer_n without_o doubt_v all_o these_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o indeed_o through_o all_o the_o evangelist_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o infinite_a multitude_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v matth._n 7.29_o because_o he_o teach_v they_o as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o do_v such_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o john_n 7.31_o they_o confess_v none_o can_v do_v but_o christ_n and_o in_o chap._n 12._o verse_n 11._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o raise_n up_o lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a make_v many_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o people_n follow_v he_o and_o do_v so_o high_o honour_v he_o and_o magnify_v he_o and_o do_v receive_v he_o come_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o such_o a_o acclamation_n cry_v hosanna_n as_o in_o this_o 12_o chapter_n be_v specify_v and_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o matth._n 21.8_o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n spread_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o way_n and_o other_o cut_v down_o branch_n and_o the_o people_n that_o go_v before_o &_o they_o that_o come_v after_o cry_v hosanna_n &_o say_v this_o be_v jesus_n the_o prophet_n of_o nazareth_n they_o all_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o confess_v he_o before_o the_o world_n now_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o shall_v confess_v i_o and_o own_v i_o before_o man_n i_o will_v confess_v and_o own_v he_o before_o my_o father_n in_o heaven_n here_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n of_o believer_n and_o confessor_n yea_o the_o very_a child_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o open_o and_o in_o the_o temple_n cry_v hosanna_n and_o christ_n himself_o allow_v of_o their_o testimony_n and_o avouch_v they_o do_v well_o and_o according_o as_o be_v write_v and_o in_o luke_n 19.47_o 48._o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o teach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o they_o may_v do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o universality_n therefore_o of_o the_o people_n by_o all_o these_o place_n be_v believer_n and_o such_o as_o follow_v christ_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v wonder_v how_o that_o jerusalem_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a city_n can_v contain_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o improbable_a it_o be_v that_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n can_v contain_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o the_o great_a miracle_n at_o his_o suffer_v and_o at_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o apparition_n of_o so_o many_o that_o rose_n from_o their_o grave_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n make_v a_o great_a increase_n and_o addition_n of_o disciple_n and_o new_a believer_n so_o that_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o augment_v we_o find_v no_o diminution_n but_o if_o some_o that_o follow_v christ_n for_o bread_n that_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n leave_v follow_v he_o yet_o in_o those_o place_n we_o read_v again_o and_o again_o of_o numberless_a company_n that_o daily_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v force_v to_o baptize_v in_o several_a place_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o john_n 3.23_o after_o these_o day_n come_v jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n into_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o there_o he_o tarry_v with_o they_o and_o baptize_v and_o john_n also_o be_v baptise_v in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o &_o they_o come_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o very_a reason_n will_v tell_v all_o man_n that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o none_o be_v baptise_a but_o believer_n that_o must_v take_v up_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n or_o thereabouts_o for_o our_o saviour_n have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o 70._o disciple_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 9_o of_o luke_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o john_n have_v also_o many_o disciple_n though_o not_o so_o many_o as_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o be_v employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o many_o of_o they_o in_o work_a miracle_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o the_o very_a devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o as_o they_o rejoice_o confess_v to_o christ_n when_o they_o return_v to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o these_o miracle_n wrought_v so_o with_o the_o very_a disciple_n they_o prevail_v much_o more_o general_o with_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v so_o that_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n come_v in_o and_o be_v baptise_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o inform_v we_o and_o of_o necessity_n so_o many_o minister_n must_v have_v several_a place_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o several_a place_n to_o baptise_v in_o for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v great_a confusion_n for_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v speak_v at_o once_o and_o all_o these_o disciple_n be_v take_v up_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n and_o have_v their_o hand_n full_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o sufficient_o declare_v in_o express_a word_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n disciple_n baptise_a in_o judaea_n and_o john_n in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v too_o little_a water_n to_o baptise_v they_o in_o in_o other_o place_n which_o expression_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o among_o those_o that_o come_v to_o be_v baptise_a multitude_n of_o they_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v time_n with_o time_n which_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consider_v the_o divers_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o like_a division_n of_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n some_o stand_n for_o christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o they_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o other_o that_o be_v of_o the_o pharisaical_a faction_n and_o of_o the_o high_a priest_n company_n as_o be_v even_o in_o these_o our_o day_n between_o they_o they_o call_v cavilier_n and_o those_o they_o call_v parliamentier_n now_o what_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o place_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n can_v contain_v all_o the_o parliamentier_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o what_o ten_o place_n can_v 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the_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o the_o gospelll_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 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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 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 numerofity_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 this_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 suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n now_o i_o will_v take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o number_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o these_o believer_n by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o from_o the_o divers_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n frame_v such_o argument_n as_o shall_v make_v it_o yet_o more_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o in_o act_n 8.1_o and_o in_o the_o persecution_n &_o after_o the_o persecution_n
remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v he_o save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n god_n work_v with_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o believer_n that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v convert_v and_o such_o as_o be_v former_o baptize_v three_o thousand_o more_o a_o great_a miracle_n all_o which_o with_o the_o many_o other_o that_o be_v convert_v afterward_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v we_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o of_o a_o world_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n before_o this_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n conceive_v that_o all_o these_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o let_v we_o go_v on_o in_o the_o 3_o and_o 4_o chapter_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o peter_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o new_a believer_n be_v there_o specify_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n which_o be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o all_o the_o former_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o eight_o thousand_o new_a member_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 110_o psalm_n vers_fw-la 3._o be_v not_o fulfil_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n his_o willing_a people_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n shall_v be_v multiply_v as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o due_a notice_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v man_n not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o without_o doubt_n these_o new_a believer_n endeavour_v to_o convert_v their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o truth_n with_o such_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n annex_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o prevalent_a to_o convert_v woman_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o whole_a family_n as_o error_n and_o novelty_n in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v able_a to_o mislead_a those_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o which_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v every_o newborn_a truth_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o follow_v every_o new_a light_n and_o every_o new-found_a way_n though_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o but_o to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v without_o miracle_n be_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o those_o poor_a woman_n that_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n from_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n as_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v down_o dead_a and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 11._o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o as_o many_o that_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o malignant_a party_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o and_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o come_v in_o the_o good_a woman_n now_o and_o in_o verse_n 26._o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o captain_n with_o the_o officer_n bring_v the_o apostle_n without_o violence_n for_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v stone_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a effect_n these_o miracle_n wrought_v the_o first_o be_v that_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n come_v on_o all_o the_o church_n god_n own_o people_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o addition_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v still_o but_o one_o church_n the_o second_o that_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o contrary_a party_n the_o pharisaical_a malignant_a crew_n the_o three_o that_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o multitude_n no_o small_a company_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o be_v a_o new_a increase_n and_o that_o a_o great_a one_o the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o very_a captain_n and_o officer_n be_v awe_v and_o keep_v in_o fear_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o those_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n be_v afraid_a of_o his_o servant_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o party_n of_o believer_n do_v balance_v the_o number_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o pharisaical_a party_n if_o not_o by_o far_o exceed_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o all_o probability_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n and_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n and_o such_o a_o number_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n nor_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divers_a jew_n that_o be_v then_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o their_o several_a minister_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o several_a language_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v i_o say_v for_o the_o present_a to_o wave_v all_o this_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v positive_o set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n
be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o report_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o have_v not_o the_o pearl_n of_o prejudice_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o assertion_n the_o second_o now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v further_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o choose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church_n communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o more_o place_n of_o the_o same_o story_n and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n i_o now_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n which_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o the_o place_n follow_v act._n 11._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_v unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o counsel_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2.4.6.22_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o in_o these_o word_n then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharise_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcize_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._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 to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21_o v._o 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o frame_v my_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n &_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v
seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act._n 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n ot_fw-mi corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o major_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o three_o several_a presbyter_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_z country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o indepency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n of_o govern_v they_o yea_o act_n 15.2_o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necetssity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocrattical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o coat_v prove_v a_o presbytry_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_a the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governout_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_o
it_o be_v not_o only_o set_v down_o that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o which_o have_v it_o only_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n will_v meet_v together_o for_o a_o salutation_n they_o do_v much_o more_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o specify_v that_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o consultation_n in_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o what_o they_o act_v upon_o deliberation_n and_o that_o be_v to_o advise_v paul_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v which_o council_n of_o they_o be_v not_o lax_n but_o restrictive_a and_o bind_a ver_fw-la 23._o do_v therefore_o that_o which_o we_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o meet_v about_o act_n of_o government_n when_o they_o give_v a_o order_n and_o rule_v to_o paul_n himself_o how_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n follow_v their_o counsel_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o order_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o i_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o these_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o those_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n ergo_fw-la inthe_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_a no_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n or_o judgement_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n it_o have_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 21._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n there_o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n the_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o they_o do_v also_o accord_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v presbyterian_o rule_v but_o withal_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v have_v their_o church_n govern_v after_o that_o manner_n but_o this_o be_v all_o the_o debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n that_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o understand_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o conclusion_n or_o proposition_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o four_o viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbitry_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n for_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o mother_n church_n must_v give_v a_o example_n of_o government_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n now_o then_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o mother_n church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n and_o by_o her_o first_o constitution_n be_v confi_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o presbitry_n or_o a_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o mother_n church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o that_o misprision_n and_o mistake_n that_o she_o be_v consist_v of_o but_o as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n they_o take_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o imitation_n and_o teach_v all_o their_o several_a congregation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n among_o themselves_o independent_a and_o to_o govern_v with_o as_o absolute_a a_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o the_o which_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o appeal_n as_o all_o that_o know_v their_o tenant_n can_v witness_v so_o that_o this_o last_o proposition_n be_v strengthen_v both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admitring_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n viz._n whether_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o already_o congregat_v assembly_n of_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principle_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church-fellowship_n peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o and_o admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o society_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o question_n branch_v itself_o into_o these_o several_a query_n the_o first_o whether_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n there_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v ever_o leave_v their_o own_o ordinary_a charge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o whereto_o they_o be_v fix_v with_o a_o command_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a way_n or_o a_o new_a bear_v truth_n or_o a_o new_a light_n do_v run_v about_o and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n well-affected_n former_o to_o their_o several_a minister_n as_o of_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v as_o who_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o feed_v they_o still_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o say_v the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o there_o be_v precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o any_o true_a minister_n so_o do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n &_o primitive_a time_n that_o any_o believe_a christian_n be_v in_o great_a number_n congregat_v from_o among_o other_o believe_a christian_n and_o mould_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a body_n and_o church_n from_o they_o and_o who_o have_v no_o church-fellowship_n with_o the_o other_o congregation_n nor_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v independent_a from_o they_o and_o absolute_a among_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o make_v devision_n and_o schism_n in_o
of_o god_n he_o be_v both_o ordain_v and_o put_v in_o office_n without_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o business_n but_o only_o stand_v amaze_v and_o say_v be_v not_o this_o he_o that_o destroy_v they_o which_o call_v on_o this_o name_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o come_v hither_o for_o that_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o bind_v unto_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n when_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n they_o only_o admit_v member_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o these_o our_o day_n wherein_o people_n have_v get_v itch_a ear_n and_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o humour_n such_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n they_o teach_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v forth_o new_o bear_v light_n to_o the_o darken_n of_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o confusion_n on_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o 5._o chap_a to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n it_o any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbitry_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n ver_fw-la 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 11.1_o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o &_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a counsel_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n in_o to_o counsel_v with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o ea_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o
so_o to_o believe_v as_o have_v receive_v authority_n because_o the_o aopstle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n councillor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_v age_n and_o of_o the_o prerbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v account_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o sit_v then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a counsellor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o council_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v there_o as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authourity_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a bishop_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_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-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 apostollicall_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 of_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 they_o 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 common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o this_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 counsel_n of_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n &_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o i_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 &_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 presbytry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a cale_fw-la intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n i_o look_v upon_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbyter_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slit_v as_o the_o fag_n end_v of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n &_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n whersoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o