not_o hold_v suppose_v a_o people_n real_o gather_v unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o of_o these_o people_n shall_v arise_v and_o contradict_v any_o of_o those_o fnndamental_a truth_n whether_o have_v not_o such_o as_o stand_v good_a right_a to_o cast_v such_o a_o one_o out_o from_o among_o they_o &_o to_o pronounce_v positive_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v and_o own_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o not_o receive_v nor_o yet_o he_o that_o assert_v it_o as_o one_o of_o we_o and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a upon_o all_o the_o member_n see_v all_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o like_a care_n as_o to_o themselves_o to_o hold_v the_o right_n and_o shut_v out_o the_o wrong_n i_o can_v tell_v if_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v well_o deny_v this_o however_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o next_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 1._o 8._o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o who_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o i_o have_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v 2_o john_n 10._o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o rejoice_v for_o so_o the_o greek_a have_v it_o these_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o need_v no_o great_a exposition_n to_o the_o unbiased_a and_o unprejudicate_a reader_n foreseeing_a it_o be_v so_o that_o in_o the_o true_a church_n there_o may_v man_n arise_v and_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o gospel_n already_o receive_v what_o be_v to_o be_v the_o place_n of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o pure_a and_o ancient_a truth_n must_v they_o look_v upon_o these_o perverse_a man_n still_o as_o their_o brethren_n must_v they_o cherish_v they_o as_o fellow-member_n or_o must_v they_o judge_v condemn_v and_o deny_v they_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o apostle_n want_v charity_n who_o will_v have_v they_o accurse_a and_o that_o give_v hymenaeus_n and_o alexander_n over_o to_o satan_n after_o that_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n in_o short_a if_o we_o must_v as_o our_o opposer_n herein_o acknowledge_v preserve_v and_o keep_v those_o that_o be_v come_v to_o own_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n they_o be_v gather_v and_o bring_v into_o it_o we_o must_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v plain_a with_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o when_o they_o be_v wrong_v and_o by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayer_n if_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n of_o old_a and_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n in_o this_o day_n have_v tell_v all_o people_n however_o wrong_v they_o find_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o principles_n our_o charity_n and_o love_n be_v such_o we_o dare_v not_o judge_v you_o nor_o separate_v from_o you_o but_o let_v we_o all_o live_v in_o love_n together_o &_o every_o one_o enjoy_v his_o own_o opinion_n &_o all_o will_v be_v well_o how_o shall_v the_o nation_n have_v be_v or_o what_o way_n now_o can_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n will_v not_o the_o devil_n love_v this_o doctrine_n well_o by_o which_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n error_n and_o confusion_n may_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o earth_n unreproved_a and_o uncondemned_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a then_o for_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a to_o reprove_v without_o spare_v to_o tell_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o great_a professor_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v stubborn_a and_o stiff-necked_a and_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o imposition_n and_o oppression_n or_o want_v of_o true_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o also_o for_o those_o messenger_n the_o lord_n raise_v up_o in_o this_o day_n to_o reprove_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o hireling_n priest_n and_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n open_o both_o professor_n and_o profane_a that_o they_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n out_o of_o the_o truth_n stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n if_o god_n have_v gather_v a_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n must_v not_o they_o that_o turn_v and_o depart_v from_o it_o be_v admonish_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v yea_o rather_o than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n because_o they_o crucify_v afresh_o unto_o themselves_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n judge_v it_o very_o needful_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o deal_v with_o tit._n 1._o 10._o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v many_o unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n especial_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stopped_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o a_o principle_n to_o be_v receive_v or_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v separate_v from_o no_o man_n condemn_v or_o exclude_v the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n for_o his_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o blasphemy_n so_o horrid_a what_o heresy_n so_o damnable_a what_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n but_o may_v harbour_v itself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o need_v then_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n if_o no_o doctrine_n make_v unsound_a what_o need_v of_o convince_a and_o exhort_v gainsayer_n if_o to_o gainsay_v be_v no_o crime_n where_o shall_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v be_v not_o this_o a_o inlet_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o abomination_n and_o make_v void_a the_o whole_a tendency_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o render_v the_o gospel_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o give_v a_o liberty_n to_o the_o unconstant_a and_o giddy_a will_n of_o man_n to_o innovate_v alter_v and_o overturn_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o from_o all_o that_o be_v abovementioned_a we_o do_v safe_o conclude_v that_o where_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o of_o that_o people_n shall_v go_v from_o their_o principle_n and_o assert_v thing_n false_a and_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v such_o as_o stand_v and_o abide_v firm_a in_o the_o faith_n have_v power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v use_v christian_a endeavour_n to_o convince_v and_o reclaim_v they_o upon_o their_o obstinacy_n to_o separate_v from_o such_o and_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o their_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n for_o otherways_o if_o this_o be_v deny_v farewell_o to_o all_o christianity_n or_o to_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o sound_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n but_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n may_v in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n pronounce_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o judgement_n without_o hazard_n of_o imposition_n upon_o the_o member_n it_o come_v to_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o power_n reach_v i_o answer_v first_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o case_n any_o shall_v offer_v to_o teach_v otherways_o as_o be_v above_o declare_v and_o prove_v but_o some_o may_v perhaps_o acknowledge_v that_o indeed_o if_o any_o shall_v contradict_v the_o know_a and_o own_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o teach_v otherways_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o cast_v out_o and_o exclude_v such_o but_o what_o judge_v thou_o as_o to_o lesser_a matter_n as_o in_o principle_n of_o less_o consequence_n or_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n or_o gesture_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o second_o the_o spirit_n and_o ground_n they_o proceed_v from_o and_o three_o the_o consequence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v upon_o these_o i_o affirm_v and_o that_o according_a to_o truth_n that_o
there_o be_v no_o extravagancy_n so_o wild_a which_o they_o will_v not_o cloak_v with_o it_o and_o so_o much_o be_v they_o for_o every_o one_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o christian-fellowship_n and_o community_n nor_o of_o that_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o this_o give_v a_o open_a door_n to_o all_o libertinism_n and_o bring_v great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian-faith_n and_o on_o this_o hand_n have_v foul_o fall_v the_o german_a anabaptist_n so_o call_v viz._n john_n of_o leiden_fw-mi knipperdoling_n etc._n etc._n in_o case_n these_o monstrous_a thing_n commit_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o some_o more_o moderate_a of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v find_v among_o the_o people_n in_o england_n call_v ranter_n as_o it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v brand_v with_o both_o of_o these_o extreme_n it_o be_v as_o true_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o work_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o even_a and_o good_a path_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n where_o all_o be_v no_o doubt_n lead_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o may_v all_o have_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o subjection_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o authority_n some_o have_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n there_o be_v a_o obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o and_o a_o be_v teach_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o a_o know_v of_o the_o inward_a anoint_v by_o which_o each_o individual_a be_v to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n the_o work_n and_o testimony_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v this_o again_o and_o to_o set_v both_o these_o in_o their_o right_a place_n without_o cause_v they_o to_o destroy_v one_o another_o to_o manifest_v how_o this_o be_v accomplish_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o be_v the_o business_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o impartial_a and_o unprejudicate_a spirit_n and_o may_v be_v make_v useful_a in_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v friend_n against_o their_o present_a opposer_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o the_o 17_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1674._o by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o content_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n page_n 9_o section_n second_o concern_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n p._n 12._o section_n three_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n p._n 18._o section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o p._n 31._o section_n five_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v p._n 37._o section_n six_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a p._n 47._o section_n seven_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n p._n 66._o section_n eight_o how_o this_o government_n altogether_o differ_v from_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n p._n 75._o the_o conclusion_n p._n 84._o page_n 20._o line_n 18._o for_o gatherng_n read_v gather_v p._n 21._o l._n 17._o f._n chucrch_n r._n church_n l._n 19_o f._n persecutiton_n r._n persecution_n p._n 24._o l._n 22._o f._n dding_n r._n add_v p._n 42._o l._n 2._o f._n god_n d_o r._n god_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n god_n in_o his_o own_o appoint_a time_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n through_o and_o by_o who_o he_o do_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o mount_n sinai_n divers_a commandment_n ordinance_n appointment_n and_o observation_n according_a as_o they_o be_v testify_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n it_o please_v he_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n who_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o give_v witness_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v approve_v himself_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n he_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v hold_v he_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v his_o despise_a witness_n who_o have_v believe_v in_o he_o in_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o after_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a comfort_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v and_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o suffer_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o by_o which_o spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v fill_v be_v embolden_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n without_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o great_a love_n and_o zeal_n prevail_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o lack_v for_o a_o season_n but_o all_o that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o net_n do_v not_o prove_v good_a and_o wholesome_a fish_n some_o be_v again_o to_o be_v cast_v in_o that_o ocean_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v draw_v of_o those_o many_o that_o be_v call_v all_o prove_v not_o choose_v vessel_n fit_a for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o great_a supper_n and_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n there_o be_v that_o be_v find_v without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n some_o make_v a_o show_n for_o a_o season_n and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o there_o be_v that_o draw_v back_o there_o be_v that_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o do_v backslide_v themselves_o but_o seek_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o perdition_n with_o themselves_o seek_v to_o overturn_v their_o faith_n also_o yea_o there_o be_v that_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o also_o of_o those_o member_n that_o become_v not_o whole_o corrupt_v for_o some_o be_v never_o again_o restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v that_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a and_o young_a some_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n some_o be_v to_o be_v purge_v when_o the_o old_a leaven_n receive_v any_o place_n and_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o a_o season_n to_o be_v shut_v out_o as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o camp_n for_o a_o time_n until_o their_o leprosy_n be_v heal_v and_o then_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o again_o moreover_o as_o to_o outward_o there_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o fatherless_a of_o the_o stranger_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o several_a member_n of_o that_o body_n know_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o good_a order_n and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o preserve_v and_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o right_a station_n do_v in_o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n minister_v unto_o every_o member_n a_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o diverse_a according_a to_o operation_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n some_o apostle_n some_o teacher_n some_o pastor_n some_o elder_n there_o be_v old_a man_n there_o be_v young_a man_n there_o be_v babe_n for_o all_o be_v not_o apostle_n neither_o be_v all_o elder_n neither_o be_v all_o babe_n yet_o be_v all_o member_n and_o as_o such_o all_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n which_o from_o the_o head_n flow_v unto_o all_o the_o body_n be_v the_o ointment_n of_o aaron_n '_o s_o beard_n unto_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o every_o member_n have_v its_o place_n and_o station_n in_o the_o body_n so_o long_o as_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n and_o
to_o take_v care_n one_o for_o another_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o our_o faith_n and_o cofidence_n herein_o can_v be_v stagger_v by_o a_o mere_a denial_n in_o our_o opposer_n which_o no_o man_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n will_v say_v it_o ought_v see_v the_o thing_n itself_o have_v such_o a_o solid_a and_o real_a cause_n and_o foundation_n so_o good_a and_o suitable_a a_o pattern_n and_o example_n and_o that_o it_o be_v constant_o confirm_v to_o we_o both_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o by_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o daily_o reap_v thereby_o as_o a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v therewith_o and_o approve_v we_o in_o it_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n and_o government_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a meeting_n set_v apart_o for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v section_n five_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v and_o first_o as_o to_o outward_o and_o temporal_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o give_v the_o first_o rise_v for_o this_o order_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v may_v have_v be_v among_o the_o first_o occasion_n that_o give_v the_o like_a among_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o widow_n and_o orphan_n love_n and_o compassion_n be_v the_o great_a yea_o and_o the_o chief_a mark_n of_o christianity_n hereby_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v say_v christ_n that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o james_n the_o apostle_n place_n religion_n herein_o in_o the_o first_o place_n pure_a religion_n say_v he_o and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o then_o as_o one_o main_a end_n do_v we_o meet_v together_o that_o inquiry_n may_v be_v make_v if_o there_o be_v any_o poor_a of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n that_o need_v that_o they_o may_v be_v supply_v that_o the_o widow_n may_v be_v take_v care_n of_o that_o the_o orphan_n and_o fatherless_a may_v be_v breed_v up_o and_o educate_v who_o will_v be_v so_o unchristian_a as_o to_o reprove_v this_o good_a order_n and_o government_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v needless_a but_o if_o any_o will_v thus_o object_v may_v not_o the_o spirit_n lead_v every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o need_n what_o needs_o meeting_n about_o it_o and_o such_o formality_n i_o answer_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o so_o to_o do_v what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o be_v this_o a_o practice_n any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o be_v inward_o and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v now_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a lead_v his_o people_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v orderly_o and_o of_o a_o good_a report_n for_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n &_o therefore_o the_o holy_a apostle_n judge_v it_o no_o inconsistency_n with_o their_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o appoint_v man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o wisdom_n over_o the_o business_n of_o the_o poor_a now_o if_o to_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o qualification_n needful_a for_o this_o employment_n sure_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o employment_n be_v not_o to_o render_v this_o so_o needful_a a_o qualification_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o moreover_o we_o see_v though_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n all_o fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o there_o be_v something_o want_v before_o this_o good_a order_n be_v establish_v there_o be_v a_o murmur_a that_o some_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n go_v about_o to_o remedy_v this_o evil_n that_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n or_o that_o this_o remedy_n they_o be_v lead_v to_o be_v step_v into_o the_o apostasy_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o say_v of_o we_o we_o proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n if_o then_o it_o be_v thus_o needful_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o beggar_n to_o be_v among_o israel_n of_o old_a so_o far_o less_o now_o must_v there_o not_o be_v meeting_n to_o appoint_v contribution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o perform_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o give_v of_o a_o general_a intimation_n what_o the_o needs_o be_v that_o every_o one_o as_o god_n move_v sheir_v heart_n and_o have_v prosper_v they_o without_o imposition_n force_n or_o limitation_n may_v give_v towards_o these_o needful_a uses_n in_o which_o case_n these_o murmurer_n at_o our_o good_a order_n in_o such_o matter_n may_v well_o think_v strange_a at_o the_o apostle_n how_o press_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o reiterate_v his_o desire_n and_o provocation_n so_o to_o speak_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 1_o 2_o and_o the_o 8_o and_o 9th_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2d_o epistle_n throughout_o now_o though_o he_o testify_v to_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o yet_o cease_v he_o not_o to_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v yea_o and_o to_o give_v they_o certain_a order_n in_o this_o matter_n beside_o all_o these_o reason_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o unprejudicate_a man_n the_o secret_a approbation_n of_o god_n spirit_n accompany_v we_o in_o this_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o hundred_o can_v witness_v to_o who_o need_v have_v be_v supply_v and_o themselves_o help_v through_o divers_a difficulty_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o already_o &_o of_o many_o more_o orphan_n and_o fatherless_a child_n who_o have_v find_v no_o want_n neither_o of_o father_n nor_o mother_n or_o other_o relation_n through_o the_o tender_a love_n and_o care_n of_o god_n people_n in_o put_v they_o in_o trade_n and_o employment_n and_o give_v they_o all_o needful_a education_n which_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v ere_o this_o age_n pass_v away_o to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a do_n and_o order_n of_o man_n but_o the_o work_n of_o he_o who_o be_v appear_v in_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o establish_v not_o only_a truth_n but_o mercy_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o that_o end_n therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o order_n reach_v the_o take_n up_o and_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o betwixt_o friend_n and_o friend_n for_o such_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o through_o the_o intricacy_n of_o diverse_a affair_n where_o neither_o have_v any_o positive_a intention_n to_o injure_v and_o defraud_v his_o neighbour_n as_o in_o many_o case_n may_v be_v instance_a or_o if_o through_o the_o work_n and_o temptation_n of_o he_o who_o work_n be_v to_o beset_v the_o faithful_a and_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o engender_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v strife_n and_o division_n among_o they_o any_o shall_v step_v aside_o as_o to_o offer_v to_o wrong_v or_o prejudge_v his_o neighbour_n we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o our_o joint_a testimony_n and_o suffering_n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o without_o go_v to_o other_o to_o seek_v redress_n and_o this_o in_o itself_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v tell_v if_o any_o that_o be_v not_o whole_o prejudicate_v or_o obstinate_a can_v blame_v it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o joint-interest_n to_o bring_v all_o other_o unto_o the_o same_o truth_n with_o we_o as_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v wrong_n what_o confidence_n can_v we_o have_v to_o think_v of_o reclaim_v they_o if_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v have_v not_o efficacy_n as_o to_o reconcile_v we_o among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v force_v to_o go_v out_o to_o other_o for_o equity_n and_o justice_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o among_o ourselves_o
how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v among_o we_o when_o such_o virtue_n as_o which_o still_o accompany_v the_o truth_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v to_o be_v want_v shall_v we_o affirm_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o and_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v we_o herein_o have_v no_o less_o tendency_n moreover_o beside_o the_o enforce_v and_o intrinsic_a reason_n of_o this_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n approbation_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 6._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a and_o not_o before_o the_o saint_n if_o it_o be_v object_v do_v you_o reckon_v all_o unjust_a that_o be_v not_o of_o you_o think_v you_o all_o other_o people_n void_a of_o justice_n i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v he_o do_v not_o reckon_v all_o other_o unjust_a that_o have_v not_o receive_v then_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n moral_a and_o just_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o paul_n commend_v the_o nobility_n of_o festus_n he_o reckon_v they_o there_o unjust_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o comparative_o with_o they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o just_a principle_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o account_v they_o who_o be_v lest_o esteem_a in_o the_o church_n capable_a to_o decide_v such_o matter_n yet_o he_o suppose_v it_o safe_a to_o submit_v to_o their_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n though_o it_o be_v by_o take_v wrong_n or_o suffer_v wrong_n then_o to_o go_v before_o other_o to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o hope_v though_o many_o occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v fall_v in_o among_o we_o since_o we_o 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true_a acknowledgement_n he_o that_o have_v be_v mistake_v or_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o have_v frequent_o fall_v out_o among_o we_o to_o the_o often_o refresh_v and_o confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v his_o promise_v among_o we_o in_o restore_a judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n now_o suppose_v any_o shall_v be_v so_o pettish_a or_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o agree_v in_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o to_o go_v before_o the_o unbeliever_n for_o though_o i_o reckon_v they_o not_o such_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o heathen_a of_o old_a because_o they_o profess_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n yet_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n must_v be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o he_o that_o so_o appeal_v to_o they_o from_o his_o brethren_n i_o say_v such_o as_o so_o do_v first_o commit_v a_o certain_a hurt_n and_o evil_a in_o stain_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o that_o outward_a matter_n for_o which_o they_o thus_o do_v they_o run_v a_o hazard_n not_o know_v whether_o thing_n shall_v carry_v as_o they_o expect_v if_o they_o lose_v they_o have_v a_o double_a prejudice_n if_o they_o gain_v it_o be_v a_o too_o dear_a rate_n even_o with_o the_o hurt_a of_o truth_n be_v reputation_n which_o their_o outward_a advantage_n can_v make_v up_o if_o then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o even_o a_o spiritual_a good_a far_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v a_o positive_a evil_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o dye_n as_o to_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o good_a land_n and_o give_v the_o uncircumcised_a a_o occasion_n to_o rejoice_v out_o of_o the_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o outward_a gain_n it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o suffer_v loss_n as_o the_o apostle_n very_o well_o argue_v in_o the_o place_n above_o mention_v indeed_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o have_v be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o we_o as_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o all_o nor_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v betwixt_o his_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o covet_v to_o meddle_v in_o their_o matter_n be_v persuade_v that_o either_o they_o or_o their_o cause_n be_v naught_o think_v praise_n to_o go_v d_o among_o all_o those_o that_o have_v go_v from_o we_o either_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o be_v so_o mind_v towards_o we_o but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v let_v in_o the_o offence_n of_o something_n or_o person_n have_v have_v this_o unanimous_a testimony_n concern_v we_o that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o upright-hearted_n people_n but_o whatever_o sense_n our_o enemy_n or_o apostate_n have_v of_o we_o who_o look_v asquaint_v on_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o aright_o in_o those_o they_o love_v not_o or_o be_v prejudicate_v against_o this_o we_o can_v say_v in_o the_o last_o place_n beside_o the_o reason_n and_o scripture_n above_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o daily_o abound_v to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o government_n the_o lord_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o do_v more_o &_o more_o commend_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v confident_o testify_v in_o good_a conscience_n that_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o hereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o which_o in_o due_a time_n will_v yet_o more_o appear_v that_o as_o through_o our_o faithful_a testimony_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o antichristian_a and_o apostatise_v generation_n the_o national_a ministry_n have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a blow_n by_o our_o discover_v and_o witness_v against_o their_o force_a maintenance_n and_o tithe_n against_o which_o we_o have_v testify_v by_o many_o cruel_a suffering_n of_o all_o kind_n as_o our_o chronicle_n shall_v make_v know_v to_o generation_n to_o come_v so_o that_o their_o kingdom_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o thousand_o begin_v to_o totter_v and_o loose_v its_o strength_n and_o shall_v assure_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n through_o truth_n be_v prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v we_o by_o come_v to_o righteousness_n and_o innocency_n weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o kingdom_n who_o judge_n for_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o such_o as_o preach_v for_o hire_n and_o by_o not_o minister_a occasion_n to_o those_o who_o have_v heap_v up_o riches_n and_o live_v in_o excess_n lust_n and_o riot_n by_o feed_v and_o prey_v upon_o the_o iniquity_n and_o contention_n of_o the_o people_n for_o as_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o our_o faithful_a witness_v and_o keep_v to_o it_o the_o nation_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o disburden_v of_o that_o deceitful_a tribe_n of_o lawyer_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n who_o by_o their_o many_o trick_n and_o endless_a intricacy_n have_v render_v justice_n in_o their_o method_n burdensome_a to_o honest_a man_n and_o seek_v not_o so_o much_o to_o put_v a_o end_n as_o to_o foment_n controversy_n and_o contention_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v still_o feed_v and_o uphold_v and_o their_o trade_n keep_v up_o whereas_o by_o truth_n be_v propagation_n as_o many_o of_o these_o controversy_n will_v die_v by_o man_n come_v to_o be_v less_o contentious_a so_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v the_o
shall_v suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o irregularity_n and_o abomination_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o more_o to_o say_v against_o we_o but_o the_o solid_a and_o real_a reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o way_n herein_o will_v sufficient_o plead_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n and_o moreover_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n do_v abundant_o confirm_v we_o both_o against_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o other_o four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o needful_a then_o to_o preserve_v man_n and_o woman_n in_o righteousness_n after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o also_o nothing_o more_o certain_a then_o that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n seek_v daily_o how_o he_o may_v draw_v back_o again_o and_o catch_v those_o who_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n escape_v his_o snare_n and_o know_v deliverance_n from_o they_o therefore_o do_v we_o also_o meet_v together_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v a_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v if_o any_o have_v fall_v under_o his_o temptation_n that_o we_o may_v restore_v they_o again_o if_o possible_a or_o otherwise_o separate_v they_o from_o we_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o we_o may_v be_v just_o blame_v as_o such_o among_o who_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o commit_v any_o evil_a unreproved_a indeed_o this_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o libertinism_n which_o some_o have_v false_o accuse_v we_o of_o and_o which_o have_v be_v our_o care_n all_o along_o as_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o have_v we_o seek_v always_o to_o keep_v the_o house_n clean_o by_o faithful_o reprove_v and_o remove_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o scandal_n follow_v thereupon_o private_a thing_n private_o &_o public_a thing_n public_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o propagate_v hurt_v and_o defile_v people_n mind_n with_o tell_v they_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o edify_v yet_o do_v we_o not_o so_o cover_v over_o or_o smooth_v over_o any_o wickedness_n as_o not_o to_o deal_v roundly_o with_o the_o person_n guilty_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o their_o acknowledgement_n before_o all_o to_o who_o knowledge_n it_o have_v come_v yet_o judge_v we_o not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o tell_v that_o in_o gath_n or_o publish_v that_o in_o the_o street_n of_o askelon_n which_o make_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a rejoice_v or_o strengthen_v atheist_n and_o ranter_n in_o their_o obduredness_n who_o feed_v more_o upon_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o imitate_v their_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o where_o we_o find_v a_o unfeigned_a return_v to_o the_o lord_n we_o desire_v not_o to_o remember_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v forget_v nor_o yet_o to_o throw_v offence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o may_v stumble_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o our_o care_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n also_o be_v most_o needful_a and_o a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o government_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o as_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o divers_a scripture_n heretofore_o mention_v section_n six_o how_o far_o this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o respect_v outward_a thing_n and_o its_o authority_n in_o condemn_v or_o remove_v such_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v evil_a as_o be_v those_o which_o none_o will_v ready_o justify_v the_o necessity_n of_o which_o thing_n be_v such_o that_o few_o but_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o care_n and_o order_n in_o these_o case_n to_o be_v commendable_a and_o expedient_a now_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v thing_n of_o another_o kind_n which_o either_o very_o be_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o wherein_o people_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o act_n or_o forbear_v of_o they_o in_o which_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o far_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v give_v positive_a order_n or_o rule_n how_o far_o her_o authority_n reach_v or_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o examination_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n second_o if_o so_o in_o what_o case_n and_o respect_n she_o may_v so_o do_v three_o wherein_o consist_v the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o last_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n or_o contention_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o will_v also_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o in_o this_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligattry_n upon_o believer_n i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v and_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o first_o all_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v hold_v doctrinal_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o these_o that_o believe_v they_o matter_n of_o conscience_n we_o know_v the_o papist_n do_v out_o of_o conscience_n such_o as_o be_v zealous_a among_o they_o adore_v worship_n and_o pray_v to_o angel_n saint_n and_o image_n yea_o and_o to_o the_o eucharist_n as_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v real_o christ_n jesus_n &_o so_o do_v other_o place_n conscience_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o wrong_a now_o i_o say_v we_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n without_o any_o constraint_n or_o worldly_a respect_n but_o by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o truth_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o its_o power_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o heart_n these_o priâ—â—â—â—â—es_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o practice_n necssary_o depend_v upon_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n that_o have_v draw_v we_o together_o inward_a and_o the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o now_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o so_o engage_v with_o we_o shall_v arise_v to_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o these_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o be_v one_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o body_n have_v power_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o declare_v this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v and_o therefore_o we_o pronounce_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v wrong_n with_o which_o we_o can_v have_v unity_n nor_o yet_o any_o more_o spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o those_o as_o hold_v they_o and_o so_o such_o cut_n themselves_o off_o from_o be_v member_n by_o dissolve_v the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o they_o be_v link_v to_o the_o body_n now_o this_o can_v be_v account_v tyranny_n and_o oppression_n no_o more_o then_o in_o a_o civil_a society_n if_o one_o of_o the_o society_n shall_v contradict_v one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n upon_o which_o the_o society_n be_v contract_v it_o can_v be_v reckon_v a_o breach_n or_o iniquity_n in_o the_o whole_a society_n to_o declare_v that_o such_o contradictor_n have_v do_v wrong_n and_o forfeit_v their_o right_n in_o that_o society_n in_o case_n by_o the_o original_a constitution_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o contradiction_n imply_v such_o a_o forfeiture_n as_o usual_o it_o be_v and_o will_v no_o doubt_n hold_v in_o religious_a matter_n as_o if_o a_o body_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o fellowship_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o believe_v otherways_o natural_o scatter_v himself_o for_o that_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v he_o be_v take_v away_o and_o so_o those_o that_o abide_v constant_a in_o declare_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v and_o in_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o witness_v of_o he_o to_o other_o if_o need_v be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o do_v he_o no_o injury_n i_o shall_v make_v the_o supposition_n in_o the_o general_n and_o let_v every_o people_n make_v the_o application_n to_o themselves_o abstract_v from_o we_o and_o then_o let_v conscience_n and_o reason_n in_o every_o impartial_a reader_n declare_v whether_o or_o not_o it_o do_v
corporal_a pain_n even_o though_o such_o be_v persuade_v and_o offer_v to_o make_v appear_v that_o the_o decision_n they_o refuse_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o last_o as_o among_o the_o papist_n none_o though_o otherwise_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n both_o know_v and_o sober_a except_o commissionate_a in_o some_o of_o the_o respect_n above_o declare_v can_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v vote_n and_o give_v his_o judgement_n any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o foundation_n i_o before_o lay_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n in_o that_o we_o may_v account_v only_o to_o be_v true_o call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v easy_o see_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v sum_v up_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o do_v we_o exclude_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o may_v be_v true_o account_v so_o to_o tell_v his_o judgement_n second_o do_v we_o say_v man_n ought_v to_o be_v persecute_v in_o his_o outward_o for_o his_o disassent_v in_o spiritual_n three_o do_v we_o plead_v that_o decision_n be_v to_o pass_v conclusive_a because_o of_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o much_o more_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v from_o what_o be_v already_o mention_v which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v all_o more_o obvious_a at_o one_o view_n will_v appear_v somewhat_o clear_o by_o this_o follow_a figure_n which_o will_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o opportunity_n to_o recollect_v what_o lie_v heretofore_o more_o scatter_v the_o romanist_n say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n which_o infallibility_n be_v whenas_o the_o pope_n call_v a_o general_n council_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n that_o whatsoever_o they_o conclude_v and_o agree_v upon_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n make_v up_o of_o certain_a of_o the_o clergy_n have_v one_o outward_a succession_n and_o be_v lawful_o ordain_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n be_v that_o church_n to_o which_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v however_o wicked_a or_o deprave_v they_o be_v yet_o this_o infallible_a judgement_n follow_v they_o as_o be_v necessary_o annex_v to_o their_o office_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n still_o stand_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n so_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o obey_v their_o decree_n and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o be_v not_o only_o certain_o damn_v for_o their_o disobedience_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o punish_v such_o by_o death_n banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n in_o case_n they_o refuse_v the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n say_v that_o though_o all_o synod_n and_o council_n may_v err_v yet_o such_o assembly_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o such_o do_v consist_v of_o a_o convocation_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o some_o few_o laic_n particular_o choose_v that_o all_o other_o except_o those_o so_o elect_v have_v not_o any_o right_n to_o vote_n or_o give_v judgement_n chap._n that_o such_o a_o assembly_n so_o constitute_v may_v ministerial_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n case_n of_o conscience_n matter_n of_o worship_n and_o authoritative_o determine_v the_o same_o the_o decision_n be_v to_o be_v by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n without_o any_o necessary_a respect_n to_o the_o inward_a holiness_n or_o regeneration_n of_o the_o person_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v outward_o call_v ordain_v and_o invest_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o capacity_n as_o give_v they_o a_o authority_n to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n what_o they_o thus_o decide_v as_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submit_v to_o and_o those_o that_o do_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o death_n banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n though_o they_o declare_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o refuse_v such_o decree_n the_o quaker_n say_v that_o whereas_o none_o true_o ought_v nor_o can_v be_v account_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o measure_n sanctify_a or_o sanctify_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n nor_o yet_o any_o make_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o inward_a revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n not_o by_o outward_a ordination_n or_o succession_n from_o which_o none_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v if_o so_o call_v whether_o marry_v or_o a_o tradesman_n or_o a_o servant_n if_o so_o be_v in_o such_o a_o church_n there_o shall_v arise_v any_o difference_n there_o will_v be_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n yet_o not_o limit_v to_o it_o as_o exclude_v other_o and_o may_v prove_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o plurality_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v decide_v thereby_o as_o if_o the_o infallibility_n be_v place_v there_o exclude_v the_o few_o in_o which_o a_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n upon_o such_o a_o account_n there_o be_v no_o limitation_n to_o be_v of_o person_n particular_o choose_v but_o that_o all_o that_o in_o a_o true_a sense_n may_v be_v reckon_v of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v sober_a and_o weighty_a may_v be_v present_a and_o give_v their_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v want_v in_o such_o a_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v give_v through_o one_o or_o more_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o not_o because_o such_o person_n give_v it_o but_o because_o the_o spirit_n lead_v so_o to_o do_v which_o every_o one_o come_v to_o in_o themselves_o will_v willing_o and_o natural_o assent_v to_o and_o if_o any_o through_o disobedience_n or_o unclearness_n do_v not_o all_o that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o do_v be_v to_o deny_v they_o her_o spiritual_a fellowship_n in_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o their_o disobedience_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n as_o may_v deserve_v such_o a_o censure_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o molest_v trouble_v or_o persecute_v any_o in_o their_o outward_o who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v these_o three_o serious_o together_o i_o be_o hopeful_a will_v need_v no_o further_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o difference_n but_o if_o any_o will_v further_o object_v what_o if_o it_o fall_v out_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o the_o teacher_n elder_n or_o plurality_n do_v decide_v and_o from_o thence_o will_v say_v this_o be_v like_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o false_a church_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o wrong_a judgement_n as_o we_o have_v not_o say_v it_o be_v of_o a_o right_n and_o indeed_o to_o conclude_v it_o be_v so_o will_v necessary_o condemn_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n where_o we_o see_v the_o teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v observe_v the_o great_a number_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o decision_n act_v 1._o 15._o for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_a and_o according_a to_o truth_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a that_o the_o elder_n and_o great_a number_n do_v agree_v to_o it_o and_o if_o wrong_v their_o affirm_v of_o it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o right_n and_o true_o a_o gather_v where_o the_o elder_n and_o great_a number_n be_v always_o or_o most_o frequent_o wrong_v and_o the_o young_a and_o lesser_a number_n right_o be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v and_o if_o any_o will_v plead_v that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o 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