to_o move_v and_o stir_v you_o up_o most_o noble_a worthy_n to_o put_v to_o your_o hand_n for_o the_o early_o and_o timely_o compound_v of_o this_o great_a controversy_n about_o the_o church_n and_o church_n government_n when_o fire_n be_v begin_v in_o great_a city_n and_o town_n or_o tumult_n raise_v the_o father_n of_o family_n and_o the_o citizen_n run_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o case_n and_o to_o desire_v their_o help_n who_o have_v power_n to_o command_v both_o man_n arm_n water_n engine_n bucket_n from_o every_o quarter_n the_o fire_n be_v quick_o out_o and_o the_o peace_n settle_v now_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v i_o to_o mind_v you_o of_o that_o which_o few_o or_o none_o do_v namely_o of_o our_o danger_n from_o error_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n the_o grow_a and_o spread_v evil_a of_o this_o present_a time_n every_o one_o mind_n you_o by_o petition_n sermous_n book_n concerning_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n in_o government_n ministry_n ceremony_n and_o worship_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o a_o word_n shall_v ever_o fall_v from_o my_o mouth_n or_o my_o pen_n draw_v a_o line_n to_o call_v you_o off_o from_o it_o go_v on_o strong_o and_o full_o in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n to_o purge_v this_o church_n thorough_o and_o pure_o to_o take_v away_o all_o our_o dross_n and_o tin_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o stumble_a block_n and_o gather_v out_o all_o thing_n that_o offend_v let_v nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o hurt_v or_o to_o destroy_v in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n break_v down_o all_o image_n and_o crucifix_n throw_v down_o all_o altar_n remove_v the_o high_a place_n break_v to_o piece_n the_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o have_v be_v so_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n put_v out_o the_o unpreach_n and_o scandalous_a minister_n take_v a_o course_n for_o set_v up_o good_a pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o every_o congregation_n and_o in_o your_o great_a wisdom_n and_o zeal_n be_v please_v to_o consider_v of_o way_n to_o provide_v oil_n for_o all_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n go_v on_o comfortable_o for_o god_n be_v with_o you_o and_o the_o minister_n with_o sound_a trumpet_n of_o ministry_n of_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n with_o you_o cover_v you_o all_o over_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o and_o tear_n as_o also_o with_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o you_o and_o be_v please_v to_o remember_v not_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o half_n or_o negligent_o perfect_a and_o thorough_a reformation_n will_v be_v your_o praise_n both_o with_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o your_o zeal_n may_v provoke_v other_o kingdom_n and_o state_n and_o many_o will_v arise_v up_o and_o call_v you_o bless_v for_o the_o good_a pastor_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o be_v the_o blemish_n of_o some_o of_o the_o good_a king_n that_o be_v reformer_n as_o asa_n and_o jehosaphat_n but_o nevertheless_o 4._o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o it_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o other_o king_n that_o they_o be_v take_v away_o as_o of_o king_n hezekiah_n perfect_a reformation_n take_v away_o all_o possibility_n and_o hope_n from_o man_n of_o bring_v thing_n back_o again_o but_o a_o imperfect_a leave_v both_o a_o groundwork_n and_o fair_a possibility_n upon_o any_o advantage_n or_o opportunity_n to_o return_v theodoret_n in_o his_o eccle._n history_n relate_v that_o theodosius_n that_o most_o faithful_a emperor_n be_v full_o set_v 20._o to_o overthrow_v the_o error_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o make_v law_n by_o which_o he_o command_v that_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o image_n shall_v be_v pull_v down_o constantine_n the_o great_a with_o some_o other_o emperor_n who_o succeed_v constantine_n forbid_v all_o sacrifice_n and_o worship_n to_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o their_o image_n and_o forbid_v any_o to_o come_v to_o their_o temple_n but_o they_o do_v not_o demolish_v the_o temple_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v worship_v so_o that_o julian_n and_o valens_n emperor_n who_o come_v after_o do_v renew_v the_o impiety_n of_o the_o gentile_n so_o that_o fire_n be_v kindle_v again_o upon_o the_o altar_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o image_n all_o which_o thing_n when_o theodosius_n understand_v for_o certain_a he_o do_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o the_o idol_n house_n forbid_v all_o to_o come_v to_o the_o temple_n but_o he_o do_v extirpate_v they_o by_o the_o root_n and_o take_v care_n to_o have_v they_o bury_v in_o eternal_a oblivion_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o zisca_n the_o famous_a leader_n of_o the_o thaborite_n that_o the_o very_a nest_n of_o the_o stork_n be_v to_o be_v pull_v down_o lest_o deurer_n they_o return_v again_o and_o may_v it_o please_v this_o honourable_a house_n to_o purge_v we_o thorough_o and_o the_o rather_o for_o this_o because_o the_o more_o perfect_a our_o reformation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v by_o this_o lay_v the_o better_a and_o sure_a groundwork_n for_o heal_v and_o compose_v the_o great_a schism_n and_o division_n rise_v about_o the_o church_n and_o church_n government_n but_o amidst_o all_o your_o care_n and_o pain_n in_o this_o kind_n i_o beseech_v you_o cast_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o error_n and_o evil_n of_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o anabaptism_n brownism_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v please_v to_o take_v into_o your_o serious_a consideration_n the_o mean_n and_o way_n how_o to_o hinder_v their_o growth_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o in_o regard_n there_o be_v not_o now_o in_o this_o kingdom_n thing_n stand_v as_o they_o do_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o error_n on_o the_o left_a hand_n popery_n superstition_n profaneness_n have_v be_v so_o discountenance_v of_o late_a so_o discover_v and_o their_o nakedness_n lay_v so_o open_a as_o that_o altar_n image_n press_v of_o ceremony_n and_o profane_a minister_n be_v fall_v of_o themselves_o satan_n for_o this_o time_n have_v even_o do_v with_o error_n on_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o their_o time_n be_v go_v out_o grow_v like_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n any_o man_n who_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n and_o observe_v the_o course_n of_o thing_n may_v see_v that_o error_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v now_o come_v on_o the_o stage_n to_o take_v their_o turn_n also_o and_o to_o act_v their_o part_n the_o devil_n see_v he_o can_v effect_v his_o end_n in_o the_o former_a way_n he_o go_v he_o will_v now_o try_v other_o as_o theodoret_n speak_v in_o the_o case_n of_o nestorius_n that_o satan_n nest_n give_v over_o move_v against_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a and_o manifest_a enemy_n but_o come_v under_o the_o show_n of_o the_o orthodox_a and_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o great_a strictness_n bewitch_v many_o and_o draw_v the_o injudicious_a common_a people_n to_o a_o desire_n after_o he_o satan_n be_v now_o transform_v himself_o from_o a_o angel_n of_o darkness_n into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o though_o he_o must_v use_v other_o kind_n of_o instrument_n and_o go_v other_o way_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o uphold_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o hinder_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o will_v now_o labour_v to_o do_v that_o by_o correct_v and_o build_v up_o which_o he_o do_v before_o by_o persecute_v and_o pull_v down_o as_o luther_n speak_v in_o a_o word_n plain_o to_o express_v my_o meaning_n one_o extremity_n as_o many_o example_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a testify_z a_o 4._o have_v cause_v another_o the_o tyranny_n of_o episcopal_a government_n in_o some_o bishop_n have_v bring_v forth_o the_o democracy_n and_o independency_n the_o violent_a press_n of_o some_o pretend_a order_n have_v set_v many_o against_o all_o order_n and_o satan_n see_v he_o can_v do_v as_o he_o do_v the_o time_n not_o favour_v those_o thing_n they_o be_v grow_v old_a and_o even_o antiquate_v that_o every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o hiss_v at_o they_o he_o now_o go_v about_o by_o other_o way_n and_o if_o he_o can_v but_o effect_v what_o he_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n for_o and_o what_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n he_o have_v enough_o it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o fish_n call_v *_o ipso_fw-la polypus_n that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o the_o colour_n of_o that_o stone_n to_o which_o it_o cleave_v whether_o white_a or_o black_a or_o any_o other_o so_o will_v satan_n be_v of_o that_o colour_n and_o that_o temper_n just_a that_o the_o man_n be_v of_o with_o who_o he_o deal_v and_o the_o time_n be_v of_o for_o beside_o this_o that_o satan_n have_v more_o way_n to_o kill_v soul_n and_o advance_v his_o design_n then_o one_o as_o episcop._n when_o he_o can_v have_v his_o
though_o there_o be_v several_a company_n who_o have_v order_n and_o government_n among_o themselves_o in_o some_o particular_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o subordination_n and_o in_o a_o consociation_n with_o great_a assembly_n in_o more_o high_a and_o difficult_a case_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n though_o several_a city_n town_n county_n have_v court_n and_o their_o particular_a government_n yet_o all_o these_o court_n be_v subordinate_v to_o high_a and_o all_o these_o join_v and_o be_v consociate_v together_o in_o some_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o as_o in_o parliament_n in_o school_n of_o learning_n there_o be_v several_a college_n and_o house_n who_o have_v master_n and_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o these_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o army_n there_o be_v several_a company_n and_o regiment_n who_o have_v their_o distinct_a captain_n and_o officer_n and_o yet_o upon_o great_a assault_n exploit_n they_o be_v conjoin_v all_o in_o one_o and_o have_v a_o council_n of_o war_n out_o of_o several_a regiment_n to_o advise_v and_o determine_v upon_o weighty_a occasion_n particular_a ship_n have_v their_o own_o master_n and_o pilot_n and_o provision_n and_o yet_o all_o join_v into_o one_o navy_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a at_o first_o family_n have_v all_o power_n and_o government_n within_o their_o own_o wall_n but_o when_o they_o increase_v though_o family_n have_v power_n still_o of_o correction_n food_n yet_o they_o join_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o magistrate_n and_o rule_v in_o great_a case_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o good_n why_o shall_v not_o this_o hold_n then_o and_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o church_n in_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n especial_o see_v themselves_o affirm_v that_o their_o church_n be_v body_n spiritual_a corporation_n city_n family_n army_n the_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a corporation_n spiritual_a catechism_n and_o do_v infer_v many_o of_o their_o practice_n from_o this_o that_o their_o church_n be_v body_n and_o society_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o corporation_n and_o body_n politic_a they_o must_v choose_v their_o own_o minister_n the_o minister_n can_v only_o preach_v authoritative_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n as_o the_o magistrate_n of_o leyden_n 10._o can_v only_o administer_v his_o public_a office_n at_o leyden_n and_o not_o at_o delft_n every_o particular_a member_n must_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n when_o admit_v a_o member_n because_o when_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o body_n or_o society_n civil_a they_o make_v not_o only_o a_o covenant_n but_o do_v often_o add_v thereto_o a_o oath_n themselves_o teach_v also_o that_o as_o church_n discipline_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o the_o plain_a holland_n and_o perfect_a word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v common_a to_o the_o church_n with_o other_o society_n it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o church_n observe_v always_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o this_o be_v bring_v as_o the_o main_a ground_n for_o their_o church_n covenant_n though_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n not_o practice_n holland_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n namely_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v run_v along_o with_o and_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o human_a so_o far_o as_o both_o be_v find_v to_o agree_v in_o one_o common_a nature_n together_o for_o as_o when_o god_n make_v speak_v to_o man_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n as_o be_v that_o of_o preach_v or_o prophesy_v a_o sacred_a ordinance_n instant_o do_v all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n that_o serve_v to_o regulate_v and_o convenient_o concur_v to_o all_o orderly_a speech_n and_o oration_n of_o man_n in_o public_a make_v they_o do_v all_o fall_n upon_o this_o ordinance_n also_o as_o to_o speak_v aloud_o not_o to_o speak_v two_o or_o three_o at_o once_o etc._n etc._n so_o say_v i_o in_o this_o point_n when_o god_n require_v government_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o church_n those_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o government_n which_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v in_o commonwealth_n and_o society_n be_v warrant_v for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o the_o church_n observe_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o edification_n order_n peace_n etc._n etc._n which_o synod_n and_o counsel_n apparent_o tend_v to_o so_o that_o i_o may_v affirm_v of_o dependency_n as_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o their_o church_n covenant_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o thing_n above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v that_o it_o rather_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v be_v write_v 1_o thes._n 4._o 9_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n in_o a_o law_n spiritualise_v who_o also_o have_v full_a roundly_o teach_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v if_o we_o be_v spiritual_a yea_o but_o reasonable_a such_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n in_o thing_n wherein_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o human_a do_v alike_o partake_v in_o common_a to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o command_n of_o god_n it_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o divine_n of_o scotland_n that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o the_o 156._o church_n and_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o have_v the_o same_o use_n in_o both_o whatsoever_o nature_n light_n direct_v the_o one_o it_o can_v but_o direct_v the_o other_o also_o for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o the_o outlaw_n of_o nature_n but_o follower_n of_o the_o same_o 39_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v amesius_n show_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n require_v that_o particular_a church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o combine_v in_o synod_n for_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n so_o then_o to_o conclude_v this_o reason_n and_o that_o ex_fw-la concessis_fw-la the_o god_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n have_v not_o leave_v in_o his_o word_n a_o government_n against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n but_o such_o be_v the_o independent_a government_n as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a reason_n v._o there_o be_v many_o rule_n and_o command_n in_o the_o scripture_n beside_o the_o equity_n and_o analogy_n of_o some_o practice_n 39_o and_o example_n which_o do_v require_v the_o combination_n of_o church_n in_o synod_n so_o amesius_n confess_v the_o rule_n and_o command_v be_v such_o as_o these_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edification_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o 40._o ver._n follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n rom._n 14._o 19_o so_o philip_n 4._o 8._o vers._n now_o if_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n comely_a and_o in_o order_n and_o for_o peace_n then_o certain_o church_n government_n must_v but_o synod_n be_v find_v to_o be_v for_o edification_n for_o peace_n and_o order_n as_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n and_o just_a as_o a_o special_a remedy_n for_o prevent_v and_o heal_a division_n which_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v in_o the_o independent_a government_n but_o many_o case_n fall_v out_o where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o separation_n separation_n be_v indeed_o the_o remedy_n of_o separation_n it_o be_v confess_v by_o themselves_o that_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o prudential_a way_n now_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v command_v by_o god_n two_o way_n either_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o general_a command_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o particular_a command_n and_o that_o be_v command_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v which_o be_v require_v by_o a_o general_a precept_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v command_n by_o a_o particular_a and_o there_o be_v many_o particular_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o general_a precept_n have_v no_o other_o foundation_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v find_v by_o common_a experience_n to_o be_v so_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n follow_v be_v such_o as_o these_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o that_o church_n then_o by_o way_n of_o equity_n and_o analogy_n they_o be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o a_o great_a company_n namely_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n thus_o paul_n though_o a_o apostle_n seek_v to_o win_v credit_n and_o obedience_n even_o to_o those_o order_n
will_n by_o persecution_n than_o he_o will_v attempt_v it_o by_o schism_n and_o sow_a division_n among_o minister_n as_o nazianzen_n show_v satan_n will_v in_o time_n bring_v about_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o in_o another_o way_n for_o independency_n will_v bring_v again_o what_o now_o it_o will_v cast_v out_o namely_o libertinism_n profaneness_n error_n and_o will_v by_o some_o remove_n bring_v many_o man_n to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o be_v please_v most_o worthy_a senator_n to_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o great_a sort_n of_o erroneous_a spirit_n with_o all_o unstable_a and_o wanton_a witted_a man_n will_v be_v much_o for_o independent_a government_n and_o toleration_n and_o be_v to_o their_o uttermost_a against_o synod_n and_o settle_a government_n socinian_o arminian_n anabaptist_n separatist_n how_o different_a soever_o in_o other_o principle_n yet_o will_v agree_v in_o this_o independency_n will_v both_o breed_v they_o and_o be_v breed_v will_v foster_v they_o and_o however_o in_o many_o man_n who_o be_v principal_a actor_n in_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n the_o danger_n and_o evil_n may_v not_o so_o appear_v for_o the_o present_a there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n lovely_a which_o the_o more_o commend_v this_o way_n yet_o wise_a man_n such_o as_o this_o honourable_a house_n consist_v of_o look_v upon_o thing_n and_o judge_n of_o they_o not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o present_a but_o as_o they_o may_v be_v hereafter_o and_o according_o settle_v thing_n that_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n legislator_n go_v by_o to_o presume_v that_o man_n may_v degenerate_v and_o thing_n will_v be_v abuse_v and_o therefore_o so_o to_o provide_v that_o they_o may_v not_o all_o error_n common_o be_v best_o at_o first_o most_o modest_a then_o and_o the_o first_o author_n of_o error_n be_v common_o the_o best_a and_o fair_a ecclesiastical_a history_n mention_v that_o the_o novatian_a error_n do_v more_o hurt_v in_o the_o four_o century_n then_o in_o the_o three_o wherein_o it_o be_v first_o broach_v the_o follower_n of_o novatus_n do_v add_v many_o other_o error_n to_o his_o as_o theodoret_n relate_v arminius_n be_v more_o candid_a and_o less_o erroneous_a than_o his_o accessiones_fw-la follower_n they_o have_v much_o improve_v the_o point_n as_o some_o divine_n have_v show_v be_v please_v therefore_o to_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o lay_v these_o schism_n and_o division_n to_o heart_n the_o division_n of_o reuben_n be_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n and_o in_o your_o great_a wisdom_n early_o to_o find_v out_o mean_n and_o remedy_n to_o heal_v the_o great_a rent_n about_o the_o church_n and_o church_n government_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o further_o increase_v of_o this_o way_n god_n have_v call_v you_o together_o and_o continue_v you_o for_o this_o work_n among_o the_o rest_n noble_a patriot_n do_v your_o part_n and_o what_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o conclude_v of_o some_o speedy_a way_n and_o course_n for_o settle_v these_o difference_n it_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o cyprian_n and_o cornelius_n that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o council_n they_o do_v endeavour_v timely_a to_o suppress_v the_o error_n of_o novatus_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o church_n government_n be_v settle_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o provide_v by_o some_o mean_n against_o the_o spread_n of_o this_o sect_n and_o the_o meeting_n of_o these_o separate_a assembly_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o great_a wisdom_n to_o consider_v lest_o otherwise_o we_o be_v overgrow_v with_o anabaptism_n brownism_n and_o such_o like_a and_o i_o humble_o crave_v leave_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o delay_n in_o this_o kind_n will_v prove_v very_o dangerous_a many_o fall_n to_o that_o way_n daily_o and_o other_o by_o continuance_n will_v be_v so_o accustom_v to_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o regain_v they_o beside_o the_o independent_n lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o advantage_n of_o delay_n all_o their_o hope_n and_o strength_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o it_o will_v be_v long_o before_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n or_o before_o the_o church_n government_n be_v settle_v hope_v that_o in_o the_o interim_n whilst_o thing_n stand_v between_o two_o and_o be_v unsettle_a they_o may_v both_o gather_v and_o increase_v their_o church_n and_o make_v their_o party_n more_o considerable_a and_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o endeavour_v by_o some_o instrument_n how_o to_o effect_v it_o the_o hand_n of_o joab_n be_v sometime_o where_o it_o be_v not_o dream_v of_o i_o can_v present_v this_o honourable_a house_n with_o a_o sad_a relation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n both_o in_o the_o city_n and_o country_n in_o respect_n of_o error_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o also_o bespeak_v you_o by_o the_o tear_n and_o fear_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o painful_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n but_o i_o know_v i_o speak_v to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o they_o who_o be_v deep_o sensible_a and_o it_o be_v time_n for_o i_o to_o take_v off_o my_o hand_n lest_o the_o porch_n be_v too_o large_a for_o the_o house_n now_o the_o good_a will_n of_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o bush_n rest_n upon_o your_o head_n the_o lord_n hide_v you_o from_o the_o counsel_n and_o plot_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o from_o the_o rage_a disease_n of_o the_o time_n make_v you_o more_o and_o more_o his_o hide_a one_o he_o make_v you_o more_o and_o more_o his_o choose_a and_o sanctify_a one_o to_o fulfil_v all_o his_o mind_n and_o to_o do_v his_o whole_a work_n both_o against_o all_o heresy_n and_o schism_n both_o error_n on_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o right_n he_o double_v and_o treble_a upon_o you_o all_o that_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n counsel_n might_n and_o unanimity_n which_o former_a parliament_n ever_o have_v the_o lord_n set_v your_o foot_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o establish_v your_o go_n he_o give_v you_o a_o unwearied_a spirit_n to_o go_v on_o without_o faint_v till_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a settle_n of_o peace_n in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o till_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n so_o happy_o begin_v be_v finish_v and_o the_o lord_n recompense_n into_o your_o bosom_n sevenfold_a in_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a all_o your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v towards_o his_o name_n and_o towards_o this_o kingdom_n and_o so_o humble_o lay_v myself_o and_o these_o poor_a endeavour_n at_o your_o foot_n i_o rest_v your_o honour_n most_o devote_a servant_n thomas_n edwards_n the_o printer_n to_o the_o reader_n good_a reader_n some_o sheet_n not_o be_v see_v by_o the_o author_n till_o they_o be_v print_v off_o have_v cause_v more_o errata_fw-la both_o in_o word_n and_o point_n than_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v the_o most_o material_a be_v here_o correct_v be_v thou_o please_v to_o mend_v the_o rest_n as_o thou_o read_v pag._n 1._o line_n 18._o for_o election_n read_v election_n p._n 2._o l._n 6._o for_o v._n 24._o r._n v._n 21._o p._n 5._o l._n 10._o r._n much_o p._n 7._o in_o the_o margin_n for_o quod_fw-la r._n ad_fw-la p._n 7._o l._n 29._o for_o have_v r._n have_v p._n 8._o l._n 2_o for_o office_n r._n officer_n p._n 9_o l._n 6._o dele_n comma_n at_o teacher_n p._n 14._o l._n 8._o r._n command_v p._n 16_o l._n 22._o r._n break_v p._n 17_o l._n 17._o read_v gesture_n p._n 22._o l._n 36._o add_v as_o p._n 25._o l._n 12._o dele_n comma_n after_o power_n p._n 29._o l._n 8._o r._n combine_v p_o 30._o l._n 4._o dele_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n for_o put_v r._n give_v l._n 9_o for_o so_o as_o it_o may_v not_o r._n so_o as_o if_o it_o may_v not_o p._n 32._o l._n 29._o dele_n the_o p._n 34._o for_o reas._n 10._o r._n reas._n 11._o p._n 35._o l._n 13._o r._n spring_n p._n 37._o l._n 26._o dele_n full_a point_n at_o reason_n p._n 39_o l._n 25._o read_v ordinance_n p._n 41._o l._n 23._o r._n be_v for_o be_v p._n 45._o l._n 17_o after_o church_n r._n as_o many_o scripture_n show_v p._n 45._o l._n 22._o parenthesis_n after_o it_o and_o not_o yet_o p._n 45._o l._n 24._o one_o r._n some_o p._n 48._o l._n 6._o for_o hear_v r._n hear_v p._n 49._o l._n 1._o for_o charge_n r._n change_n l._n 3._o for_o seldom_o r._n seldomer_o p._n 50._o l._n 23._o after_o body_n dele_n comma_n p_n 52._o l._n 28._o dele_n the_o p._n 54._o l._n 4._o r._n apprehension_n l._n 6._o r._n then_o l._n 17._o for_o what_o r._n which_o in_o the_o margin_n r._n postremum_fw-la p_o 54._o l._n 24._o for_o three_o reason_n r._n three_o reason_n the_o introduction_n intend_v full_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n with_o all_o possible_a speed_n to_o publish_v several_a tractate_v against_o
the_o whole_a way_n of_o the_o separation_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o that_o great_a schism_n spring_v up_o of_o late_a in_o this_o church_n i_o think_v good_a for_o the_o present_a necessity_n to_o set_v forth_o these_o few_o and_o short_a reason_n more_o time_n be_v require_v to_o review_v transcribe_v and_o print_v large_a treatise_n now_o that_o which_o first_o move_v i_o to_o the_o draw_n up_o of_o these_o reason_n both_o against_o independent_a government_n and_o against_o the_o toleration_n of_o it_o be_v the_o credible_a information_n give_v i_o of_o some_o petition_n draw_v to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o for_o a_o toleration_n of_o some_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v a_o independent_a government_n and_o to_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o government_n which_o shall_v be_v establish_v by_o law_n now_o though_o i_o believe_v hope_v and_o pray_v daily_o that_o god_n will_v keep_v that_o honourable_a house_n from_o ever_o give_v any_o countenance_n much_o less_o grant_v any_o such_o petition_n yet_o consider_v how_o many_o there_o be_v of_o that_o way_n some_o inhabit_v in_o this_o kingdom_n other_o who_o be_v come_v over_o into_o england_n on_o purpose_n be_v send_v as_o messenger_n of_o their_o charibe_n to_o negotiate_v in_o that_o behalf_n and_o observe_v how_o diligent_o and_o close_o they_o follow_v it_o by_o daily_o attend_v at_o westminster_n by_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o company_n of_o sundry_a member_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o preach_v often_o at_o westminster_n the_o more_o to_o ingratiate_v themselves_o and_o their_o cause_n print_v also_o their_o desire_n of_o a_o toleration_n for_o independent_a government_n and_o that_o with_o cast_v of_o dirt_n upon_o the_o reformation_n and_o government_n of_o this_o national_a church_n what_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v as_o witness_v the_o protestation_n protest_v i_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o sufferer_n for_o it_o these_o many_o year_n last_o past_a be_v one_o who_o desire_v as_o free_a a_o passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o through_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o any_o of_o they_o have_v think_v it_o my_o duty_n that_o i_o may_v discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o kingdom_n to_o print_v these_o reason_n at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o when_o any_o of_o those_o petition_n come_v to_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o under_o specious_a pretence_n and_o fair_a pretext_n there_o may_v by_o these_o reason_n appear_v a_o snake_n under_o the_o green_a grass_n neither_o speak_v i_o this_o as_o if_o i_o will_v intimate_v that_o that_o honourable_a house_n can_v be_v take_v with_o colour_n and_o fair_a gloss_n i_o know_v that_o great_a body_n be_v so_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o so_o eagle_n eye_v that_o they_o can_v both_o see_v into_o and_o foresee_v a_o far_o off_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o independency_n and_o toleration_n but_o i_o suppose_v these_o reason_n may_v have_v their_o use_n among_o some_o to_o furnish_v they_o the_o more_o with_o ground_n against_o such_o petition_n for_o satisfy_v also_o scruple_n instill_v by_o the_o independent_a man_n into_o some_o other_o as_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o petitioner_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o demand_n my_o aim_n therefore_o be_v by_o this_o follow_a discourse_n l._n humblâ—_z to_o crave_v leave_n to_o enter_v in_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o a_o caveat_n both_o against_o independent_a government_n of_o particular_a congregation_n and_o against_o their_o toleration_n and_o to_o present_v to_o the_o house_n a_o writ_n of_o ne_fw-fr admittas_fw-la fetch_v out_o from_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o from_o the_o record_n of_o holy_a scripture_n reason_n against_o the_o independent_a government_n of_o particular_a congregation_n reason_n i._n the_o church_n gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n water_v by_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n and_o after_o plant_v and_o water_v have_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n with_o all_o other_o officer_n as_o they_o say_v set_v over_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o own_o election_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o church_n can_v not_o well_o stand_v nor_o subsist_v of_o themselves_o with_o all_o these_o officer_n but_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v much_o endanger_v and_o subject_a to_o have_v be_v ruin_v if_o some_o other_o beside_o these_o church_n and_o officer_n have_v not_o upon_o occasion_n interpose_v and_o that_o authorotative_o as_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n as_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o many_o epistle_n as_o to_o corinth_n galatia_n colossian_n timothy_n titus_n 15._o act_n 2._o cor._n 12._o chap._n 20._o ver._n 24._o 2._o cor._n 13._o chap._n 1._o 2._o 10._o ver._n the_o particular_n whereof_o i_o shall_v evince_v more_o large_o hereafter_o now_o if_o these_o primitive_a church_n who_o have_v all_o the_o officer_n and_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o point_n according_a to_o christ_n order_n yet_o in_o those_o time_n can_v not_o do_v well_o independent_o how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o any_o particular_a congregation_n in_o these_o time_n which_o can_v be_v so_o settle_v have_v no_o apostle_n nor_o any_o infallible_a man_n to_o direct_v they_o can_v do_v well_o without_o dependency_n and_o though_o it_o will_v be_v say_v these_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v now_o cease_v yet_o let_v they_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o need_v of_o some_o way_n to_o supply_v this_o want_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n now_o but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n with_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n will_v suffice_v for_o the_o govern_v every_o particular_a congregation_n independent_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v all_o these_o officer_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o settle_v in_o a_o perfect_a way_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o particular_a church_n need_v a_o dependency_n upon_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n and_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n and_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n now_o though_o some_o of_o these_o be_v cease_v and_o so_o this_o power_n may_v be_v cease_v as_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a man_n yet_o that_o the_o congregation_n shall_v not_o need_v it_o now_o in_o these_o time_n as_o well_o as_o then_o no_o solid_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n for_o it_o now_o which_o therefore_o must_v be_v in_o some_o other_o way_n be_v it_o synod_n and_o counsel_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o each_o particular_a by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o whole_a help_v every_o part_n and_o supply_v what_o be_v lack_v to_o it_o and_o this_o reason_n have_v the_o more_o strength_n in_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v church_n in_o city_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v in_o every_o city_n or_o in_o every_o church_n 1_o tit._n 5._o 14._o act._n 23._o which_o church_n also_o have_v good_a store_n of_o preach_v minister_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o act_n 13._o v._n 1._o act._n 20._o v._n 36_o 37._o compare_v with_o ver._n 28._o so_o that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n have_v many_o minister_n to_o resolve_v and_o determine_v matter_n and_o to_o have_v carry_v they_o with_o the_o more_o gravity_n and_o authority_n they_o may_v have_v subsist_v the_o better_a independent_o whereas_o most_o particular_a congregation_n now_o have_v but_o few_o minister_n one_o or_o two_o nay_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n there_o may_v be_v none_o nor_o no_o officer_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o these_o congregation_n must_v be_v independent_a have_v all_o power_n and_o government_n independent_o before_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o after_o reason_n ii_o that_o government_n and_o power_n which_o cause_n man_n to_o run_v upon_o the_o manifest_a violation_n of_o the_o constant_a practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n during_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v church_n upon_o practice_n that_o be_v absurd_a unreasonable_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n that_o government_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o such_o be_v the_o independent_a power_n and_o government_n of_o particular_a congregation_n the_o major_a be_v of_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o for_o the_o minor_a i_o will_v prove_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a instance_n first_o their_o independency_n force_v they_o either_o to_o have_v minister_n and_o officer_n without_o be_v ordain_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n
all_o along_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o 6._o act_n v._n 6._o 14._o act._n 23._o no_o man_n ever_o be_v a_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n without_o ordination_n let_v they_o produce_v one_o instance_n if_o they_o can_v hence_o the_o most_o learned_a divine_n in_o reform_a church_n tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v 16._o to_o a_o ordinary_a function_n in_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o be_v lawful_o call_v and_o that_o lawful_a call_n stand_v in_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o election_n but_o because_o these_o may_v be_v reject_v by_o they_o let_v we_o hear_v one_o of_o their_o own_o namely_o master_n robinson_n speak_v thou_o be_v not_o a_o pastor_n 18._o but_o by_o a_o lawful_a call_v thou_o be_v call_v a_o pastor_n that_o be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v or_o else_o if_o their_o officer_n be_v ordain_v it_o be_v by_o the_o people_n even_o by_o such_o who_o be_v not_o in_o office_n which_o be_v express_o against_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 6._o act_n 6._o 14._o act_n 23._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o 1_o tit._n 5._o and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o people_n ever_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n thus_o zanchius_n show_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o scripture_n although_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v make_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o hand_n be_v never_o impose_v but_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v 786._o clear_a in_o the_o act_n and_o epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o the_o people_n can_v do_v it_o because_o the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o great_a and_o they_o who_o lay_v hand_n on_o and_o make_v minister_n shall_v be_v great_a in_o place_n and_o authority_n and_o not_o less_o as_o the_o common_a people_n be_v and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o cameron_n speak_v that_o a_o equal_a may_v make_v and_o ordain_v a_o equal_a yet_o he_o who_o be_v 16._o a_o inferior_a can_v a_o superior_a and_o thus_o to_o maintain_v independency_n they_o break_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o violate_v that_o order_n and_o constant_a way_n of_o the_o call_n of_o minister_n record_v in_o the_o word_n and_o i_o desire_v they_o but_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n what_o master_n robinson_n write_v 27._o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o his_o apology_n and_o i_o know_v they_o must_v forsake_v their_o helena_n of_o independency_n upon_o this_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o shift_n they_o have_v under_o heaven_n about_o ordination_n can_v help_v they_o it_o be_v religion_n in_o i_o say_v robinson_n to_o depart_v though_o but_o a_o little_a from_o the_o practice_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n except_v always_o 47._o extraordinary_a thing_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ecclesiastical_a though_o never_o so_o small_a what_o thing_n soever_o by_o who_o soever_o or_o under_o what_o colour_n soever_o they_o be_v invent_v now_o ordination_n can_v be_v hold_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a neither_o be_v it_o by_o they_o and_o it_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n also_o and_o certain_o none_o of_o the_o least_o among_o ecclesiasticall_n in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decorum_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n concerning_o matter_n of_o order_n that_o have_v so_o clear_a and_o constant_a practice_n as_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o their_o whole_a frame_n of_o church_n and_o discipline_n have_v not_o so_o much_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n for_o it_o as_o this_o namely_o that_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v ordain_v 16._o and_o that_o by_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o calvin_n although_o there_o be_v no_o express_a precept_n concerning_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n yet_o because_o we_o see_v it_o be_v in_o perpetual_a use_n by_o the_o apostle_n the_o so_o accurate_a observation_n of_o it_o by_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o instead_o of_o a_o command_n so_o zanchius_n speak_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n say_v thus_o that_o this_o in_o many_o place_n be_v reject_v together_o with_o p._n other_o ceremony_n i_o never_o approve_v nor_o can_v approve_v i_o know_v there_o be_v no_o express_a precept_n concerning_o this_o thing_n but_o notwithstanding_o i_o will_v have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a church_n more_o to_o be_v esteem_v of_o yea_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o instead_o of_o a_o command_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o speak_v it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a ceremony_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v present_a and_o to_o perform_v those_o thing_n inward_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o outward_a rite_n and_o yet_o if_o ordination_n be_v but_o a_o very_a 49._o little_a thing_n but_o a_o ceremony_n the_o essence_n of_o call_v stand_v in_o election_n and_o that_o but_o the_o consummation_n of_o it_o nothing_o but_o the_o solemn_a introduction_n of_o the_o minister_n into_o the_o free_a execution_n of_o his_o call_n yet_o if_o master_n robinson_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o yourselves_o in_o other_o little_a thing_n we_o must_v not_o depart_v from_o christ_n way_n or_o go_v any_o other_o way_n in_o thing_n concerning_o his_o house_n and_o officer_n than_o he_o have_v direct_v and_o yet_o behold_v in_o this_o either_o minister_n be_v not_o call_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n want_v that_o part_n of_o their_o call_n namely_o ordination_n or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o another_o way_n than_o the_o apostle_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o practise_v behold_v how_o this_o independency_n cause_v man_n to_o depart_v far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o desire_v they_o will_v show_v for_o what_o reason_n paul_n leave_v titus_n at_o crete_n to_o make_v minister_n in_o every_o city_n if_o ordination_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o if_o be_v necessary_a it_o may_v be_v perform_v to_o minister_n by_o the_o people_n without_o officer_n titus_n may_v have_v be_v employ_v better_a to_o have_v go_v along_o with_o paul_n preach_v and_o help_v to_o convert_v other_o and_o may_v have_v well_o leave_v the_o church_n in_o crete_n either_o to_o have_v have_v minister_n without_o ordination_n or_o else_o leave_v the_o people_n to_o ordain_v they_o second_o this_o independency_n cause_v they_o to_o fall_v upon_o practice_n absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o namely_o either_o their_o minister_n must_v not_o first_o be_v examine_v try_v and_o know_v for_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n before_o they_o be_v make_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 10._o they_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v and_o if_o it_o hold_v in_o deacon_n much_o 39_o more_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o this_o they_o may_v read_v zanchius_n calvin_n amesius_n and_o general_o all_o divine_n or_o they_o must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o people_n now_o how_o can_v the_o people_n three_o or_o four_o visible_a saint_n or_o more_o join_v into_o a_o church_n examine_v and_o try_v the_o learning_n gift_n soundness_n of_o man_n for_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v themselves_o ignorant_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n and_o may_v be_v weak_a and_o injudicious_a it_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n that_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o discover_v for_o their_o ability_n by_o they_o who_o skill_n not_o those_o thing_n and_o be_v far_o below_o they_o in_o knowledge_n we_o see_v in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n man_n be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o they_o of_o their_o own_o art_n and_o calling_n and_o not_o by_o other_o who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o they_o so_o zanchius_n give_v reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o examination_n before_o ordination_n come_v question_n to_o propound_v by_o who_o this_o examination_n be_v to_o be_v to_o which_o he_o answer_v by_o he_o who_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v also_o other_o presbyter_n present_a who_o be_v learned_a and_o pious_a paul_n authoritatis_fw-la will_v therefore_o have_v timothy_n to_o know_v they_o well_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v for_o examination_n belong_v to_o the_o most_o skilful_a and_o they_o who_o be_v of_o most_o authority_n but_o these_o visible_a saint_n the_o church_n be_v oft_o time_n weak_a injudicious_a mean_a for_o part_n and_o education_n apt_a to_o be_v turn_v quick_o and_o take_v with_o fair_a show_n and_o good_a expression_n may_v and_o do_v choose_v weak_a ignorant_a unfit_a man_n for_o pastor_n and_o elder_n whereby_o the_o church_n may_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n keep_v in_o a_o low_a estate_n so_o as_o
faith_n and_o conscience_n so_o calvin_n on_o these_o two_o verse_n 10._o and_o 12._o speak_v thus_o but_o let_v they_o hear_v whoever_o give_v occasion_n of_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n who_o loosen_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n who_o break_v peace_n and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o right_a understanding_n let_v they_o tremble_v at_o this_o for_o god_n do_v pronounce_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o paul_n that_o no_o author_n of_o such_o offence_n shall_v be_v unpunished_a they_o tear_v and_o rend_v the_o church_n about_o circumcision_n i_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o neither_o can_v this_o be_v condemn_v of_o cruelty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v against_o charity_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o church_n with_o one_o man_n or_o a_o few_o how_o far_o do_v that_o outwaigh_a for_o it_o be_v cruel_a mercy_n which_o prefer_v one_o man_n or_o a_o few_o before_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o toleration_n desire_v to_o set_v up_o church_n independent_a and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o schism_n a_o rent_n and_o a_o trouble_v disturb_v of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o will_v prove_v more_o and_o more_o and_o can_v be_v avoid_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n hitherto_o a_o daily_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o this_o church_n and_o a_o infinite_a disturbance_n both_o to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v as_o much_o trouble_v by_o it_o as_o ever_o be_v the_o church_n of_o galatia_n which_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a reason_n and_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o toleration_n every_o one_o in_o their_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v against_o it_o the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o people_n the_o permit_v and_o suffer_v of_o evil_a with_o the_o give_n of_o any_o countenance_n to_o it_o when_o man_n have_v power_n to_o hinder_v it_o be_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o 11._o verse_n qui_fw-la non_fw-la prohibet_fw-la quando_fw-la protest_v jubet_fw-la he_o that_o do_v not_o forbid_v when_o he_o have_v power_n command_n and_o let_v i_o ask_v the_o independent_a minister_n a_o question_n or_o two_o be_v it_o fit_v that_o well_o mean_v christian_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o go_v and_o make_v church_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o choose_v who_o they_o will_v for_o minister_n as_o some_o tailor_n feltmaker_n button-maker_n man_n ignorant_a and_o low_a in_o part_n by_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v enjoy_v worthy_a and_o precious_a pastor_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n who_o will_v feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n if_o once_o there_o be_v a_o toleration_n of_o church_n it_o will_v be_v thus_o but_o if_o they_o be_v hinder_v of_o all_o meeting_n this_o will_v be_v prevent_v so_o heresy_n also_o may_v take_v and_o spread_v in_o those_o separate_a assembly_n before_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n do_v not_o your_o heart_n bleed_v within_o you_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v of_o this_o for_o the_o present_a in_o several_a place_n and_o to_o think_v what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o o_o i_o do_v and_o thus_o if_o once_o there_o be_v a_o toleration_n how_o many_o weak_a brethren_n will_v perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v reason_n ii_o the_o toleration_n desire_v will_v not_o help_v to_o heal_v the_o schism_n and_o tent_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v one_o special_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v unto_o in_o this_o present_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o will_v much_o foment_n and_o increase_v it_o for_o whilst_o some_o congregation_n and_o they_o account_v of_o note_n both_o for_o minister_n and_o people_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o reformation_n and_o government_n settle_v by_o law_n this_o will_v breed_v in_o the_o people_n mind_n many_o thought_n ex_fw-la natura_fw-la rei_fw-la that_o this_o church_n and_o government_n be_v not_o order_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v unlawful_a else_o why_o shall_v such_o man_n most_o eminent_a for_o gift_n and_o grace_n as_o many_o people_n account_v they_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o it_o and_o this_o will_v prove_v as_o great_a and_o as_o continue_v a_o division_n between_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o church_n tolerate_v as_o ever_o be_v between_o conformist_n and_o non-conformist_n about_o ceremony_n nay_o great_a because_o these_o be_v of_o different_a church_n and_o congregation_n whereas_o conformist_n and_o non-conformist_n hold_v communion_n together_o in_o one_o church_n though_o contend_v about_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v may_v be_v easy_o believe_v and_o foresee_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o because_o many_o of_o the_o people_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o in_o this_o church_n way_n for_o their_o practice_n be_v yet_o much_o possess_v with_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n as_o the_o only_a way_n of_o god_n and_o be_v much_o look_v towards_o it_o 2._o the_o mind_n of_o multitude_n of_o the_o professor_n in_o england_n and_o especial_o in_o this_o city_n be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n very_o apt_a to_o fall_v to_o any_o way_n in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n that_o be_v not_o common_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o account_v some_o singular_a perfection_n to_o be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v new_a and_o hold_v but_o by_o a_o few_o 3._o though_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o congregation_n tolerate_v will_v promise_v not_o to_o preach_v of_o these_o point_n in_o public_a nor_o in_o private_a to_o speak_v of_o they_o which_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v unto_o yet_o their_o people_n many_o of_o they_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v so_o strange_o bold_a pragmatical_a and_o so_o high_o conceit_v of_o their_o way_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o christ_n that_o what_o out_o of_o those_o principle_n and_o what_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n in_o friendship_n kindred_n etc._n etc._n there_o will_v be_v continual_a draw_n of_o many_o and_o many_o fall_n to_o they_o 4._o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o this_o church_n way_n as_o namely_o independency_n liberty_n power_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v in_o the_o people_n be_v mighty_a please_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n people_n general_o chief_o mean_a person_n and_o such_o who_o have_v be_v keep_v under_o affect_v independency_n liberty_n power_n and_o rule_n 5._o the_o grant_n of_o a_o toleration_n will_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o way_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o will_v be_v interpret_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o have_v such_o ground_n and_o reason_n as_o the_o able_a minister_n in_o the_o kingdom_n can_v not_o answer_v and_o therefore_o be_v content_a they_o shall_v have_v a_o toleration_n else_o if_o they_o can_v have_v satisfy_v they_o what_o need_v a_o toleration_n only_o though_o they_o can_v not_o answer_v their_o reason_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o they_o and_o this_o will_v be_v speak_v of_o by_o their_o follower_n that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v though_o we_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o all_o which_o will_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o side_n occasion_n continual_a strife_n division_n heartburning_n both_o of_o minister_n against_o minister_n and_o people_n against_o people_n so_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n we_o shall_v have_v notwithstanding_o all_o reformation_n a_o great_a division_n and_o rent_n succeed_v than_o ever_o before_o reason_n iii_o this_o toleration_n will_v not_o only_o breed_v division_n and_o schism_n disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o church_n and_o town_n by_o set_v they_o who_o be_v of_o different_a family_n and_o in_o more_o remote_a relation_n one_o against_o another_o but_o it_o will_v undoubted_o cause_v much_o disturbance_n discontent_n and_o division_n in_o the_o same_o family_n even_o between_o the_o near_a relation_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o child_n brother_n and_o sister_n master_n and_o servant_n the_o husband_n be_v of_o one_o church_n and_o the_o wife_n of_o another_o the_o father_n of_o one_o and_o the_o child_n of_o another_o the_o master_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o tolerate_v one_o brother_n of_o one_o church_n and_o another_o brother_n of_o another_o and_o so_o all_o economical_a relation_n and_o duty_n will_v be_v much_o disturb_v when_o as_o they_o of_o one_o house_n
of_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o and_o be_v a_o church_n and_o live_v without_o minister_n and_o sacrament_n along_o time_n upon_o pretence_n that_o they_o can_v find_v none_o fit_a for_o they_o yet_o as_o these_o independent_a man_n do_v and_o when_o they_o do_v choose_v then_o choose_v such_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o way_n and_o so_o they_o may_v live_v together_o at_o liberty_n in_o way_n please_v themselves_o neither_o can_v this_o help_v it_o to_o say_v this_o belong_v only_o to_o saint_n it_o be_v their_o prerogative_n royal_a and_o not_o other_o for_o all_o heretic_n sectary_n or_o libertine_n will_v count_v themselves_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o our_o independent_a man_n they_o may_v be_v their_o own_o judge_n and_o will_v say_v that_o they_o be_v saint_n as_o well_o as_o you_o say_v for_o the_o minister_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o power_n to_o determine_v who_o be_v saint_n and_o who_o not_o so_o that_o if_o the_o state_n shall_v tolerate_v the_o independency_n they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o tolerate_v but_o in_o the_o belly_n of_o this_o independency_n they_o tolerate_v and_o make_v way_n for_o libertinism_n heresy_n and_o what_o ever_o satan_n and_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n have_v a_o pleasure_n to_o broach_v and_o fall_v into_o reason_n x._o i_o propound_v this_o question_n what_o these_o man_n will_v have_v in_o this_o toleration_n whether_o the_o number_n of_o these_o independent_a congregation_n that_o they_o will_v have_v tolerate_v shall_v be_v five_o or_o six_o congregation_n only_o and_o no_o more_o or_o shall_v the_o number_n be_v leave_v undetermined_a to_o be_v free_a to_o multiply_v into_o as_o many_o church_n as_o they_o please_v if_o the_o number_n must_v be_v determine_v this_o will_v overthrow_v their_o principle_n and_o church_n quick_o as_o when_o one_o church_n break_v into_o two_o or_o three_o as_o upon_o their_o principle_n it_o must_v and_o oft_o time_n do_v as_o at_o amsterdam_n into_o two_o at_o rotterdam_n also_o and_o at_o london_n and_o when_o one_o of_o the_o tolerate_a church_n break_v into_o two_o or_o three_o which_o shall_v be_v reckon_v that_o that_o be_v the_o church_n allow_v of_o by_o the_o state_n for_o each_o part_n will_v pretend_v to_o it_o but_o now_o if_o they_o say_v the_o number_n must_v be_v leave_v undetermined_a than_o we_o may_v quick_o have_v half_a a_o dozen_o of_o their_o church_n in_o some_o one_o parish_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n nay_o two_o or_o three_o church_n in_o a_o place_n spring_v out_o of_o one_o of_o their_o own_o and_o we_o may_v have_v everywhere_o three_o or_o four_o man_n of_o a_o opinion_n differ_v from_o other_o to_o go_v make_v a_o different_a church_n and_o so_o they_o will_v increase_v in_fw-la infinitum_fw-la and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o division_n and_o subdivision_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v i_o will_v answer_v five_o or_o six_o reason_n that_o be_v common_o allege_v by_o they_o for_o their_o toleration_n in_o this_o kingdom_n reason_n i._n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a who_o live_v among_o we_o and_o have_v church_n and_o government_n of_o their_o own_o way_n exempt_v from_o the_o government_n establish_v answer_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a and_o that_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o particular_n first_o those_o french_a and_o dutch_a protestant_n have_v nothing_o nor_o desire_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v original_o according_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n they_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o they_o enjoy_v nothing_o as_o contra-distinct_a to_o the_o protestant_n of_o france_n and_o holland_n but_o the_o independent_a man_n move_v for_o that_o which_o be_v contra-distinct_a to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o nation_n yea_o and_o to_o all_o reform_a church_n second_o this_o liberty_n be_v grant_v by_o our_o pious_a prince_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n to_o the_o protestant_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v here_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n when_o they_o can_v not_o enjoy_v it_o at_o home_n and_o it_o have_v be_v of_o great_a use_n upon_o occasion_n in_o this_o way_n ever_o since_o for_o a_o refuge_n to_o the_o persecute_a protestant_n but_o what_o be_v your_o case_n to_o this_o you_o may_v enjoy_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o land_n and_o that_o by_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n what_o colour_n then_o that_o you_o shall_v move_v for_o a_o exemption_n of_o your_o church_n three_o these_o french_a and_o dutch_a church_n will_v willing_o be_v join_v in_o government_n and_o in_o one_o way_n of_o discipline_n with_o the_o kingdom_n if_o there_o be_v a_o reformation_n which_o you_o will_v not_o four_o these_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o independent_a government_n neither_o do_v they_o hold_v your_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v as_o much_o against_o they_o as_o we_o they_o do_v admit_v of_o appeal_n and_o in_o all_o business_n of_o great_a moment_n have_v synod_n five_o they_o be_v stranger_n among_o we_o of_o different_a nation_n and_o tongue_n not_o have_v those_o relation_n of_o kindred_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o we_o but_o keep_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n among_o themselves_o there_o be_v not_o that_o danger_n of_o draw_v away_o the_o people_n nor_o of_o cause_v schism_n as_o from_o you_o that_o be_v of_o our_o nation_n and_o tongue_n neither_o have_v they_o or_o do_v ever_o vent_v principle_n against_o our_o church_n and_o government_n as_o you_o do_v but_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o way_n they_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v admit_v we_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o congregation_n in_o respect_n our_o people_n understand_v not_o their_o language_n so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v so_o far_o from_o leave_v our_o church_n and_o become_v member_n of_o they_o as_o that_o our_o people_n can_v so_o much_o as_o resort_v to_o their_o congregation_n to_o hear_v they_o preach_v they_o preach_v in_o a_o language_n the_o people_n understand_v not_o all_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a with_o you_o six_o there_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o allow_v they_o church_n and_o place_n to_o preach_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o because_o many_o of_o they_o understand_v not_o english_a at_o all_o and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o stranger_n of_o their_o religion_n who_o come_v over_o who_o else_o can_v not_o enjoy_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o they_o may_v well_o be_v allow_v some_o discipline_n among_o themselves_o in_o respect_n they_o maintain_v all_o their_o own_o poor_a not_o charge_v the_o parish_n where_o they_o live_v with_o they_o all_o which_o will_v not_o hold_v as_o a_o ground_n for_o toleration_n of_o independency_n their_o meeting_n by_o themselves_o be_v not_o upon_o your_o principle_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n government_n but_o because_o of_o different_a language_n etc._n etc._n reason_n ii_o we_o seek_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v grant_v we_o in_o holland_n and_o what_o we_o may_v enjoy_v there_o in_o a_o country_n where_o we_o be_v stranger_n 1._o answer_n if_o your_o toleration_n in_o holland_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o a_o toleration_n here_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o because_o holland_n do_v it_o than_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o toleration_n for_o all_o religion_n among_o we_o as_o jew_n anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o speak_v out_o plain_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o have_v whisper_v it_o and_o often_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o private_a in_o the_o answer_n you_o give_v to_o these_o reason_n speak_v your_o mind_n and_o if_o you_o justify_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o will_v discuss_v that_o question_n with_o you_o and_o take_v it_o up_o against_o you_o as_o not_o fit_a neither_o in_o divinity_n nor_o policy_n as_o both_o against_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o policy_n second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o toleration_n of_o you_o in_o holland_n with_o much_o more_o safety_n to_o the_o government_n establish_v and_o peace_n of_o that_o church_n then_o can_v be_v here_o in_o this_o kingdom_n the_o people_n of_o that_o country_n not_o understand_v your_o language_n have_v little_a or_o no_o relation_n to_o you_o nor_o you_o to_o they_o of_o kindred_n friendship_n where_o as_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o here_o three_o that_o people_n of_o the_o hollander_n general_o be_v a_o industrious_a people_n mind_v their_o business_n profit_n and_o keep_v to_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o their_o law_n not_o trouble_v their_o head_n so_o much_o with_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o here_o in_o england_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o great_a town_n