the_o church_n remain_v as_o it_o ought_v above_o the_o officer_n it_o quit_v they_o when_o they_o grow_v evil_a and_o unruly_a and_o choose_v better_a in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o preserve_v union_n whereas_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a officer_n when_o they_o do_v degenerate_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o seven_o rule_n be_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o congregation_n to_o take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n head_n and_o not_o to_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ringleader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n for_o whilst_o some_o say_v we_o be_v of_o paul_n other_o we_o of_o apollo_n other_o we_o of_o cephas_n they_o be_v all_o in_o this_o matter_n carnal_a and_o divide_v both_o from_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o whilst_o several_a set_v up_o several_a head_n who_o they_o especial_o own_v and_o after_o who_o they_o be_v call_v whereas_o each_o that_o believe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n be_v through_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o as_o near_o to_o christ_n as_o themselves_o be_v and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o fellow_n member_n as_o a_o head_n to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o body_n i_o say_v each_o believer_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v christ_n equal_o for_o their_o head_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o set_v up_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a head_n for_o they_o to_o join_v to_o for_o this_o be_v to_o rend_v the_o body_n in_o piece_n and_o to_o work_v great_a division_n and_o distraction_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o mistake_n among_o some_o brethren_n to_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o man_n though_o godly_a and_o eminent_a and_o to_o say_v mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n or_o mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n and_o so_o to_o put_v the_o church_n under_o several_a head_n which_o work_v distinction_n and_o division_n whereas_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v wherever_o it_o be_v one_o church_n under_o one_o head_n and_o governor_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n for_o the_o church_n or_o faithful_a to_o have_v one_o or_o more_o visible_a headâ—_n to_o go_v to_o not_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o this_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o carnal_a church_n yet_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o people_n do_v only_o own_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n their_o true_a and_o spiritual_a head_n and_o so_o they_o all_o live_v as_o one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o under_o one_o only_a head_n live_v all_o in_o invincible_a peace_n and_o unity_n whereas_o difference_n of_o outward_a head_n and_o ringleader_n always_o breed_v difference_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n the_o eight_o rule_n be_v for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n doctrine_n see_v this_o breed_v not_o only_a division_n but_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n also_o in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o some_o false_a apostle_n teach_v at_o antioch_n that_o except_o christian_n be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a error_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a church_n first_o at_o antioch_n and_o present_o after_o at_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o to_o keep_v it_o out_o which_o according_o through_o god_n they_o do_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n be_v evident_o against_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o as_o it_o love_v its_o own_o peace_n and_o unity_n now_o if_o any_o say_v by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n quest._n i_o answer_v answ._n it_o may_v certain_o keep_v out_o error_n by_o these_o mean_n error_n 1._o let_v the_o church_n suffer_v none_o to_o teach_v among_o they_o that_o be_v not_o themselves_o teach_v of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o great_a natural_a part_n and_o never_o so_o much_o humane_a learning_n for_o when_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n they_o will_v only_o teach_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n and_o the_o line_n of_o every_o man_n teach_v must_v extend_v no_o further_o but_o when_o they_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v they_o will_v in_o many_o thing_n vary_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o and_o under_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n will_v give_v forth_o a_o unsound_a and_o false_a sense_n to_o the_o deceive_a of_o many_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o simple_a and_o so_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n will_v utter_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o endanger_v the_o mis-leading_a of_o some_o sheep_n for_o a_o time_n 2_o let_v the_o faithful_a examine_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o receive_v doctrine_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n who_o through_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o holiness_n may_v easy_o lead_v they_o unaware_o into_o error_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o church_n compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n preach_v and_o print_v and_o general_o receive_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a see_v those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o that_o doctrine_n let_v they_o reject_v it_o as_o reprobate_a silver_n see_v the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n then_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o though_o through_o god_n especial_a goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o at_o this_o present_a time_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o search_v and_o see_v if_o our_o present_a doctrine_n do_v not_o yet_o err_v from_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n and_o whether_o some_o or_o many_o corruption_n do_v not_o yet_o remain_v among_o we_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o thing_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o keep_v out_o error_n long_o than_o it_o precise_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o bare_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o god_n and_o try_v all_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n by_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n must_v desire_v of_o god_n the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o man_n can_v make_v any_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o word_n he_o hear_v of_o reads_z without_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o this_o anoint_v as_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_o teach_v which_o be_v truth_n so_o also_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v error_n and_o that_o by_o so_o clear_a and_o true_a a_o light_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v wherefore_o christian_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v with_o carnal_a people_n that_o the_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n and_o humane_a and_o antichristian_a error_n depend_v upon_o humane_a learning_n art_n and_o science_n for_o thus_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v whole_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o they_o conceive_v after_o this_o manner_n learned_a whereby_o they_o leave_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n through_o which_o the_o teacher_n may_v bring_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o error_n upon_o they_o but_o believer_n must_v know_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o without_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o perfect_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o error_n and_o to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o all_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o so_o
to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n order_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2_o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v to_o procure_v and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o to_o break_v it_o they_o be_v most_o unhappy_a and_o pernicious_a order_n that_o do_v not_o only_o offend_v a_o few_o of_o christ_n little_a one_o which_o itself_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n but_o do_v grieve_v disquiet_a and_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a 3._o they_o must_v do_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n ecclesiast_n see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o against_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n 4._o they_o must_v appoint_v nothing_o as_o of_o necessity_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o pestilent_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n necessary_a which_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o thus_o the_o liberty_n of_o faith_n be_v extinguish_v and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v ensnare_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o believer_n may_v order_v any_o outward_a thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a so_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o necessary_o on_o any_o as_o if_o the_o observe_n of_o they_o be_v righteousness_n and_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o church_n after_o all_o its_o order_n it_o be_v to_o leave_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o it_o find_v they_o that_o be_v free_a and_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n or_o judge_v convenient_a for_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o god_n regard_v no_o more_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n and_o time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n than_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o marry_v and_o trade_v for_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n without_o be_v tie_v necessary_o to_o a_o set_n and_o unchangeable_a form_n 5._o they_o may_v persuade_v their_o order_n if_o they_o see_v cause_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n but_o must_v not_o enforce_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o secular_a punishment_n or_o church_n censure_n as_o those_o use_n to_o do_v that_o make_v themselves_o lord_n and_o tyrant_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o outward_a thing_n the_o church_n can_v order_v only_o for_o the_o willing_a but_o not_o for_o the_o unwilling_a and_o so_o if_o some_o believer_n shall_v think_v good_a upon_o just_a ground_n to_o do_v otherwise_o in_o these_o outward_a thing_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o censure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v communion_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n for_o when_o christian_n be_v knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o do_v receive_v and_o walk_v in_o his_o spirit_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v at_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o christ_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o he_o whatever_o be_v beside_o christ_n be_v a_o perish_a thing_n and_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v that_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v now_o if_o the_o church_n do_v appoint_v any_o outward_a order_n these_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v yea_o the_o spiritual_a church_n do_v always_o observe_v they_o and_o never_o make_v rule_n in_o itself_o upon_o other_o term_n then_o be_v here_o set_v down_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o carnal_a church_n or_o church_n of_o man_n godliness_n they_o especial_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o of_o these_o they_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n yea_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n and_o by_o these_o thing_n they_o judge_v the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o their_o rule_n and_o imposition_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v reckon_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o hereby_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o form_n and_o from_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o circumstance_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o advance_v empty_a form_n and_o shadow_n in_o the_o place_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v say_v with_o peter_z why_o tempt_v you_o god_n in_o put_v such_o a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n will_v with_o these_o thing_n still_o be_v trouble_v we_o and_o bite_v we_o by_o the_o heel_n yet_o in_o the_o power_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n we_o will_v by_o degree_n bruise_v its_o head_n till_o at_o last_o we_o break_v it_o quite_o in_o piece_n now_o one_o thing_n more_o i_o shall_v add_v touch_v the_o church_n power_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o order_n as_o conceive_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v these_o outward_a order_n it_o not_o for_o itself_o only_o but_o also_o for_o its_o officer_n which_o also_o be_v part_n of_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v its_o officer_n to_o frame_v or_o impose_v such_o on_o it_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n as_o paul_n have_v teach_v we_o say_v to_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o be_v not_o to_o order_v it_o and_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n forget_v that_o they_o be_v servant_n shall_v presume_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v outward_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n without_o the_o church_n as_o now_o be_v do_v the_o church_n still_o remain_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o have_v power_n to_o interpret_v change_n or_o whole_o take_v away_o all_o those_o thing_n as_o it_o see_v occasion_n to_o wit_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o grief_n to_o the_o strong_a and_o tend_v to_o work_v division_n among_o the_o faithful_a presumptuous_a officer_n be_v they_o and_o know_v not_o where_o christ_n have_v set_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o be_v order_v by_o the_o church_n go_v about_o to_o order_v it_o and_o make_v themselves_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o servant_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n and_o if_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n officer_n true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o as_o in_o
the_o natural_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n every_o member_n be_v in_o office_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o have_v power_n and_o privilege_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v to_o speak_v the_o word_n that_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o they_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n may_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n choose_v one_o or_o mo_z to_o speak_v to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 2.2_o where_o he_o command_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o where_o the_o apostle_n contemn_v all_o superfluous_a ceremony_n and_o pomp_n of_o ordain_v only_o seek_v that_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v require_v after_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 2._o out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o the_o first_o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v choose_v paul_n teach_v we_o this_o say_v they_o must_v be_v faithful_a man_n apt_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o among_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o 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church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o congregation_n or_o community_n of_o believer_n for_o if_o every_o free_a society_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n much_o more_o have_v the_o true_a church_n this_o power_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o free_a society_n under_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o have_v officer_n thrust_v over_o they_o by_o other_o but_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o its_o self_n if_o any_o object_n against_o this_o object_n that_o paul_n command_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 14.23_o do_v choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o minister_n but_o that_o some_o chief_a minister_n must_v appoint_v other_o minister_n in_o each_o congregation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ._n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o minister_n among_o we_o that_o do_v hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o act_v evident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o allow_v they_o as_o much_o authority_n in_o ordain_v minister_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v but_o since_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o very_o few_o of_o these_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v minister_n who_o can_v themselves_o be_v reckon_v believer_n or_o spiritual_a but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v true_a minister_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o appoint_v minister_n in_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o those_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n choose_v they_o be_v to_o commend_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act._n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n look_v you_o out_o among_o yourselves_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o those_o who_o the_o church_n choose_v the_o apostle_n confirm_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n to_o appoint_v man_n to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o alm_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a without_o the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o appoint_v any_o among_o believer_n to_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o approbation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o
not_o if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o take_v up_o thing_n on_o trust_n in_o a_o matter_n that_o concern_v either_o his_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o officer_n so_o also_o of_o its_o counsel_n for_o the_o church_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o take_v all_o that_o they_o determine_v for_o truth_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a yea_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o other_o church_n and_o christian_n have_v both_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o try_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o very_a apostle_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o whole_a as_o they_o say_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v it_o and_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o judge_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o have_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o if_o not_o they_o may_v have_v resist_v they_o as_o paul_n do_v peter_n and_o paul_n give_v this_o liberty_n to_o christian_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n himself_o whether_o paul_n have_v allow_v it_o or_o no_o to_o try_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n whether_o they_o bring_v the_o right_a word_n or_o no_o for_o christ_n command_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v the_o nation_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o and_o say_v paul_n if_o i_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o examine_v try_v and_o judge_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o angel_n much_o more_o of_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o anoint_v neither_o do_v live_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o that_o peace_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v in_o christ._n now_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_n it_o in_o peace_n the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v either_o 1._o more_o absolute_a and_o general_a or_o 2._o more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o procure_v and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o nine_o thing_n that_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o least_o place_n 1._o practical_a rule_n for_o peace_n 1._o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o preserve_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n world_n and_o be_v neither_o to_o mingle_v it_o self_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o mingle_v itself_o with_o it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v mingle_v together_o in_o one_o society_n the_o same_o common_a law_n will_v no_o more_o agree_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o such_o differrent_fw-la nature_n principle_n and_o end_n than_o the_o same_o common_a law_n will_v agree_v to_o light_v and_o darkness_n life_n and_o death_n sin_n and_o righteousness_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o they_o but_o the_o carnal_a church_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o only_o savour_v the_o world_n and_o so_o will_v have_v a_o worldly_a religion_n form_n order_n government_n and_o all_o worldly_a as_o itself_o be_v now_o whilst_o these_o two_o be_v mingle_v together_o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousnesness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o light_n with_o darkness_n and_o christ_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o what_o agreement_n have_v believer_n with_o unbeliever_n or_o the_o true_a church_n with_o the_o world_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o mingle_v the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n but_o to_o separate_v they_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o distinct_a that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v of_o one_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o this_o way_n of_o peace_n god_n himself_o teach_v we_o by_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 6.17_o say_v come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o my_o people_n and_o be_v you_o separate_v for_o to_o separate_v the_o church_n from_o the_o world_n in_o its_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o both_o see_v the_o church_n will_v best_o agree_v with_o itself_o and_o the_o world_n with_o itself_o the_o second_o rule_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n affair_n and_o be_v not_o to_o introduce_v or_o entertain_v any_o power_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o worldly_a power_n and_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v only_o to_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n see_v this_o power_n alone_o and_o by_o itself_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v the_o whole_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o work_v all_o the_o work_n in_o it_o that_o god_n have_v to_o do_v and_o so_o it_o be_v strong_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o man_n that_o dare_v not_o commit_v the_o success_n of_o their_o business_n to_o christ_n power_n alone_o but_o will_v call_v in_o secular_a power_n over_z and_o above_o to_o help_v they_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v underneath_o some_o secular_a end_n see_v christ_n power_n alone_o be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o his_o kingdom_n beside_o this_o worldly_a power_n never_o work_v peace_n but_o always_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n put_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o god_n way_n and_o method_n into_o man_n and_o work_v man_n will_n rather_o than_o god_n yea_o man_n will_n against_o god_n and_o it_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n object_n if_o any_o shall_v reply_v that_o worldly_a power_n do_v well_o in_o the_o church_n because_o it_o keep_v down_o many_o profane_a person_n that_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v down_o by_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o so_o far_o as_o such_o profane_a one_o be_v govern_v by_o worldly_a power_n they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o worldly_a power_n have_v better_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v own_o proper_a sphere_n then_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v beyond_o their_o line_n especial_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n enough_o in_o itself_o to_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v govern_v willing_o in_o the_o church_n as_o christian_n let_v they_o be_v govern_v against_o their_o will_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o man_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v over_o man_n as_o christian_n as_o spiritual_a but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n be_v over_o man_n as_o man_n as_o natural_a and_o carnal_a the_o first_o of_o these_o government_n belong_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o office_n and_o headship_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o christ_n faithfulness_n in_o he_o but_o now_o if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o power_n but_o will_v needs_o intrude_v on_o christ_n also_o and_o not_o reckon_v it_o enough_o to_o govern_v man_n as_o man_n by_o his_o worldly_a power_n will_v also_o by_o the_o same_o power_n be_v tamper_n with_o the_o very_a church_n this_o both_o render_v he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithful_a troublesome_a to_o he_o he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o use_v a_o power_n over_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o suitable_a to_o they_o nor_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o troublesome_a to_o he_o because_o in_o god_n kingdom_n as_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o
way_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o dare_v to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o confusion_n see_v god_n know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n than_o thou_o do_v wherefore_o see_v prophesy_v be_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v nowithstand_v what_o have_v be_v say_v still_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o a_o proper_a and_o incommunicable_a ministry_n or_o the_o only_a power_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v but_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o from_o this_o thing_n 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o you_o and_o be_v it_o to_o come_v out_o only_o from_o you_o nay_o it_o be_v come_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o you_o and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o come_v forth_o from_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v come_v see_v they_o can_v but_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v 5._o the_o last_o mean_v i_o shall_v name_v whereby_o the_o true_a church_n may_v keep_v error_n out_o of_o it_o self_n be_v to_o exercise_v its_o power_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n as_o paul_n command_v 1_o cor._n 14.29_o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n shall_v also_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o judgement_n error_n will_v not_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v vent_v but_o will_v also_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n but_o now_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n for_o whoever_o speak_v there_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o according_o be_v either_o to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v either_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o error_n can_v prevail_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o faithful_a have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o do_v exercise_v that_o liberty_n but_o where_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o may_v not_o question_v or_o contradict_v it_o there_o error_n reign_v as_o in_o its_o proper_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o by_o these_o mean_n error_n may_v certain_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n may_v live_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o here_o now_o a_o great_a question_n will_v be_v move_v quest._n and_o that_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n error_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v this_o remedy_n against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o before_o name_v i_o answer_v answ._n that_o many_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n have_v attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o have_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n beside_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v he_o a_o throne_n in_o god_n kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o equal_a to_o christ_n think_v that_o religion_n will_v soon_o be_v lose_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o uphold_v it_o and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a they_o have_v produce_v many_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o arm_v the_o magistrate_n against_o the_o author_n and_o spreader_n of_o error_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o wisehearted_a to_o consider_v whether_o as_o clear_a scripture_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v that_o temporal_a power_n in_o the_o world_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a man_n as_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o worldly_a magistrate_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v to_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o reply_n of_o the_o french_a prelate_n to_o the_o lord_n peter_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o fox_n his_o book_n of_o martyr_n vol._n 1_o p._n 467._o wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a to_o give_v minister_n power_n in_o temporal_a matter_n as_o magistrate_n in_o spiritual_a it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n the_o only_a sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o cause_n by_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o church_n and_o after_o who_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o because_o herein_o i_o find_v no_o such_o power_n give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v he_o have_v none_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o magistrage_n object_n to_o thrust_v his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o to_o make_v the_o church_n and_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n stand_v in_o outward_a law_n order_n authority_n dignity_n promotion_n government_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v establish_v and_o manage_v by_o state_n power_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o influence_n into_o these_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o own_o power_n and_o consist_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o be_v to_o straighten_v and_o to_o wrong_v he_o indeed_o but_o to_o declare_v the_o true_a church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o thereupon_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prejudice_v the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o heaven_n see_v the_o son_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v as_o free_v from_o worldly_a and_o humane_a power_n as_o the_o father_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o heaven_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o that_o and_o so_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o grant_v he_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o at_o all_o but_o to_o grant_v he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o such_o power_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o intolerable_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n for_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n be_v attend_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o hereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v make_v a_o judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o pronounce_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v error_n be_v yet_o no_o more_o infallible_a yea_o everywhit_o as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o magistrate_n be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o will_v uphold_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o will_v sentence_v what_o ever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o to_o be_v error_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o and_o itself_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o vain_a man_n and_o shall_v either_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v it_o and_o error_n when_o it_o please_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o authority_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o error_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o himself_o quest._n and_o use_v his_o sword_n according_o but_o he_o may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o council_n and_o advice_n of_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n as_o now_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o may_v judge_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i_o answer_v answ._n be_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o great_a matter_n shall_v be_v blind_a fold_v himself_o and_o see_v only_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n again_o if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o
the_o minister_n and_o depend_v more_o on_o their_o knowledge_n then_o his_o own_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n against_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v persuade_v he_o what_o high_a honour_n do_v he_o attain_v to_o in_o all_o this_o then_o to_o become_v their_o executioner_n yea_o if_o he_o punish_v amiss_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a murderer_n pilate_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v a_o sea-mark_n to_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n who_o follow_v the_o council_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o i_o say_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o magistrate_n that_o they_o confide_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o put_a power_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n give_v he_o full_a opportunity_n to_o destroy_v and_o slay_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v mistake_v and_o judge_v they_o heretic_n for_o what_o power_n man_n ignorant_o allow_v a_o godly_a magistrate_n against_o true_a heretic_n the_o same_o power_n will_v all_o magistrate_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o as_o their_o just_a due_a against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o judgement_n who_o so_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o most_o fallible_a judge_n in_o these_o thing_n instead_o of_o tare_n may_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n and_o kill_v the_o faithful_a instead_o of_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n till_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n wherefore_o let_v all_o christian_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o favour_v the_o magistrate_n with_o this_o power_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o he_o judge_n heretic_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n as_o he_o easy_o may_v see_v he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n or_o if_o another_o shall_v succeed_v he_o of_o another_o mind_n that_o very_a sword_n may_v be_v sheathe_v in_o their_o own_o bowel_n which_o now_o they_o draw_v forth_o against_o other_o man_n 3._o when_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v power_n to_o himself_o to_o suppress_v error_n this_o make_v minister_n negligent_a in_o study_v the_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n do_v that_o by_o force_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o save_v they_o their_o labour_n for_o when_o once_o the_o minister_n shall_v have_v so_o far_o interest_v themselves_o in_o the_o magistrate_n as_o to_o procure_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o gaoler_n and_o executioner_n against_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v then_o need_v no_o great_a pain_n to_o study_v the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o persuade_v the_o rebellious_a see_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n at_o all_o adventure_n be_v to_o defend_v their_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n the_o hangman_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o so_o the_o pastor_n have_v their_o work_n as_o they_o conceive_v thus_o do_v for_o they_o to_o their_o hand_n do_v common_o betake_v themselves_o to_o ease_n and_o idleness_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o error_n steal_v in_o apace_o upon_o the_o teacher_n themselves_o whereby_o by_o degree_n they_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v very_o many_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n think_v to_o chase_v out_o error_n before_o he_o one_o way_n he_o let_v it_o in_o behind_o he_o seven_o way_n 4._o this_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o certain_a mean_n to_o destroy_v error_n which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o destroy_v it_o which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n here_o in_o have_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n for_o he_o fear_v not_o all_o the_o sword_n and_o halter_n and_o weapon_n and_o prison_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v error_n withal_o but_o as_o secure_o contemn_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o leviathan_n a_o bulrush_n and_o yet_o do_v earnest_o stir_v up_o the_o world_n to_o use_v these_o thing_n against_o he_o and_o his_o error_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o fear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n than_o can_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n and_o break_v down_o all_o his_o strong_a hold_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o he_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o his_o great_a cunning_n he_o cause_v man_n to_o lay_v aside_o this_o that_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n and_o thus_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n presume_v to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o error_n instead_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v error_n that_o it_o uphold_v it_o and_o strengthen_v satan_n kingdom_n whilst_o it_o seem_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o appear_v how_o great_a a_o error_n and_o evil_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o demand_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o quest._n towards_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n i_o answer_v answ._n this_o he_o may_v do_v he_o may_v and_o aught_o and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n he_o will_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o this_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v do_v this_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o any_o far_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v will_v do_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v doubt_v but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v enter_v the_o list_n against_o error_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o able_a to_o prevail_v of_o itself_o alone_o without_o call_v in_o any_o power_n or_o borrow_v any_o weapon_n from_o the_o world_n the_o nine_o rule_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o such_o uniformity_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o the_o hindrance_n but_o the_o very_a break_n neck_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n now_o because_o this_o be_v so_o vehement_o and_o strong_o urge_v by_o the_o unskilful_a builder_n of_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o full_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o state_n of_o this_o business_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o show_v when_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o invade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v only_a intent_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o according_o preach_v and_o press_v nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o regard_v and_o for_o all_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o form_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a 72._o they_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o so_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n nor_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n neither_o bind_v the_o church_n to_o any_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n except_o those_o necessary_a thing_n mention_v act._n 15._o to_o wit_n thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n which_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o without_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o when_o the_o murder_a and_o blood_n of_o infant_n be_v common_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o help_v themselves_o but_o their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o common_a beast_n much_o more_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o therefore_o that_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o the_o cause_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a gentile_n continue_v and_o beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o ceremony_n or_o
the_o work_v he_o do_v joh._n 10.37_o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o and_o thus_o also_o be_v the_o true_a church_n know_v by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o its_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o their_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o head_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o though_o the_o true_a church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v know_v by_o our_o outward_a sense_n yet_o we_o have_v certain_a token_n of_o her_o spiritual_a presence_n whereby_o we_o may_v reckon_v that_o in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n there_o be_v certain_a of_o her_o member_n as_o by_o a_o natural_a example_n though_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o itself_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n yet_o may_v we_o have_v sure_a token_n of_o its_o presence_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o body_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v as_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n understanding_n discourse_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v invisible_a in_o itself_o may_v yet_o be_v know_v by_o some_o certain_a sign_n as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o sound_v nowhere_o but_o in_o the_o church_n through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o also_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a may_v be_v know_v well_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ._n be_v not_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n invisible_a and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o head_n sure_o our_o join_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n will_v assure_o join_v we_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n now_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o head_n and_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o society_n but_o by_o be_v take_v up_o into_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a then_o to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o be_v it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a body_n than_o to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o all_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v such_o a_o head_n and_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o body_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o can_v present_o agree_v to_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v have_v far_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o church_n heretofore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o outward_a and_o visible_a officer_n according_a to_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o thing_n lie_v within_o the_o easy_a reach_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o now_o whole_a christ_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v not_o only_a christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 5.32_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a mystery_n though_o both_o indeed_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n the_o body_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v by_o humane_a sense_n or_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o as_o antichrist_n have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n in_o set_v up_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n instead_o of_o the_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a so_o also_o he_o have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o erect_v a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n instead_o of_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a for_o without_o all_o peradventure_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n must_v be_v suitable_a each_o to_o other_o and_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o so_o as_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a body_n the_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n make_v and_o constitute_v by_o a_o mixture_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o power_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n but_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o head_n the_o true_a christ_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o society_n the_o true_a church_n be_v head_n and_o both_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o former_a age_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o head_n after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o its_o obscure_n and_o darken_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n so_o now_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v in_o this_o present_a age_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v be_v no_o less_o obscure_v than_o the_o former_a that_o so_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o whole_a christ_n may_v both_o be_v know_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v desire_v as_o occasion_n serveâ—_n to_o make_v know_v what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v here_o speak_v weak_o and_o imperfect_o and_o thus_o have_v declare_v what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v lie_v and_o rectify_v some_o ancient_a and_o general_a mistake_n touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v know_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o evident_a word_n the_o true_a and_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o note_n in_o general_n that_o among_o all_o these_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o apostle_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n of_o uniformity_n indeed_o the_o rhemist_n be_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n blind_v from_o this_o very_a place_n urge_v and_o press_v uniformity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n they_o use_v as_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a engine_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n to_o its_o throne_n and_o after_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v anon_o by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o no_o conformity_n or_o uniformity_n be_v any_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o union_n see_v the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o peace_n by_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o by_o inward_a principle_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n unity_n which_o the_o apostle_n name_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n seven_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v one_o body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n say_v paul_n the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n body_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a or_o
along_o with_o it_o that_o they_o have_v make_v people_n rather_o look_v to_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v divine_a thing_n from_o they_o by_o a_o humane_a faith_n rather_o than_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o immediate_a word_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o so_o have_v give_v forth_o themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 6._o because_o they_o always_o determine_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o do_v not_o weigh_v but_o number_v the_o suffrage_n and_o so_o the_o great_a part_n still_o overcome_v the_o better_a and_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v carry_v the_o vote_n against_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v subdue_v and_o error_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o plausible_a authority_n 7._o because_o such_o counsel_n common_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o sextum_fw-la infallibility_n and_o so_o set_v themselves_o up_o as_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v walk_v and_o none_o must_v presume_v to_o say_v to_o they_o cur_n ita_fw-la facitis_fw-la why_o do_v you_o so_o though_o they_o do_v never_o so_o ill_a they_o say_v they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o any_o other_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o buâ—_n all_o other_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o they_o say_v they_o may_v pronounce_v all_o other_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n but_o no_o body_n must_v pronounce_v they_o so_o though_o they_o be_v so_o and_o after_o they_o have_v once_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o abomination_n what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v right_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o last_o because_o after_o so_o many_o counsel_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a in_o the_o church_n through_o their_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a law_n and_o order_n wrtten_v by_o man_n will_v do_v the_o true_a church_n any_o good_a but_o the_o live_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v in_o it_o their_o inward_a part_n for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o corrupt_v we_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v be_v write_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o reform_v we_o wherefore_o after_o all_o their_o decree_n law_n rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n common_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o have_v become_v more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n superstitious_a formal_a profane_a then_o before_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v counsel_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v yea_o but_o have_v not_o the_o church_n a_o council_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o see_v act._n 15_o object_n and_o do_v not_o they_o order_n and_o decree_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v the_o church_n have_v a_o council_n then_o answ._n but_o far_o differ_v from_o the_o counsel_n now_o adays_o for_o 1._o that_o council_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o pack_v together_o by_o secular_a power_n but_o free_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o by_o the_o believer_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n 2._o this_o council_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o brethren_n also_o and_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v agree_v and_o order_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n 3._o that_o free_a council_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o mere_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o the_o word_n &_o by_o the_o word_n conclude_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v all_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fore_n name_v place_n and_o in_o these_o regard_v that_o council_n differ_v from_o we_o council_n now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n desire_v a_o council_n for_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o outward_a thing_n it_o be_v free_a it_o must_v mind_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v power_n itself_o to_o call_v one_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o what_o man_n can_v object_v against_o this_o of_o worldly_a prince_n call_v they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v 152._o 2._o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o choose_v its_o council_n so_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v it_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o out_o of_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o know_v nor_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n here_o but_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o natural_a carnal_a and_o literal_a man_n must_v be_v decline_v here_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o who_o speak_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o regard_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o council_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o itself_o for_o its_o council_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v alone_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o other_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v in_o and_o by_o they_o 4._o in_o choose_v elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o this_o work_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o choose_v not_o man_n of_o worldly_a power_n or_o place_n lest_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o honour_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whatever_o they_o do_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n all_o secular_a power_n and_o force_n be_v exclude_v 5._o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o that_o both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n the_o clergy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v exclude_v ordinary_a christian_n from_o it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v christ_n voice_n or_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10._o and_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o they_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v let_v one_o or_o two_o speak_v and_o the_o rest_n judge_n 1_o cor._n 14._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o of_o god_n to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o another_o man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o he_o be_v