13._o 7._o remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o judas_n 8._o likewise_o also_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n defile_v the_o flesh_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n i_o may_v at_o length_n enlarge_v if_o needful_a upon_o these_o passage_n any_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n but_o that_o what_o be_v say_v may_v satisfy_v such_o as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n then_o that_o the_o ancient_a apostle_n &_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v and_o approve_v certain_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n upon_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor-imposition_n upon_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n contradictory_n to_o their_o be_v inward_o and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o last_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o dissent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a prentence_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o thus_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v in_o this_o place_n three_o i_o judge_v there_o will_v need_v no_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v &_o do_v well_o to_o exercise_v the_o like_a government_n upon_o the_o very_a like_o occasion_n for_o even_o reason_n may_v teach_v we_o that_o what_o prove_v good_a &_o wholesome_a cure_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a age_n will_v not_o now_o the_o very_a like_o distemper_n fall_v in_o prove_v hurtful_a and_o poisonable_a especial_o if_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n not_o only_o allow_v we_o but_o command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v manifest_a though_o we_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n now_o fall_v in_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v that_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a with_o we_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v be_v sharer_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o consolation_n that_o afterward_o fall_v away_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n that_o some_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o some_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o strive_v to_o sow_v division_n labour_v to_o stumble_v the_o weak_a and_o to_o cause_n offence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o then_o be_v more_o suitable_a and_o more_o christian_n then_o to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o labour_n and_o travail_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o remove_n all_o that_o be_v hurtful_a even_o as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o walk_v with_o jesus_n do_v before_o we_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a now_o must_v not_o they_o be_v admonish_v rebuke_v and_o withdraw_v from_o as_o well_o as_o of_o old_a or_o be_v such_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n that_o all_o iniquity_n must_v go_v unreproved_a must_v it_o be_v heresy_n or_o oppression_n to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o in_o love_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o poor_a to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o corrupt_a no_o defile_a member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o careful_o and_o christian_o deal_v with_o they_o for_o restore_v they_o if_o possible_a and_o for_o withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o incurable_a i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n as_o a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o authorise_v a_o practice_n now_o that_o will_v deny_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o usefulness_n hereof_o but_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v as_o some_o have_v do_v do_v not_o you_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o the_o command_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o you_o now_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o you_o be_v again_o authorize_v and_o lead_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n do_v you_o not_o forbear_v some_o thing_n both_o practise_v and_o command_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n well_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n weaken_v this_o objection_n but_o present_v it_o in_o its_o full_a vigour_n and_o strength_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v clear_o and_o distinct_o answer_v thus_o first_o season_n and_o time_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o though_o it_o may_v cause_v thing_n to_o alter_v as_o to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o not_o usefulness_n of_o they_o second_o thing_n command_v and_o practise_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n fall_v of_o themselves_o whenas_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v be_v remove_v as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n now_o for_o the_o decision_n about_o circumcision_n see_v there_o be_v none_o contend_v for_o it_o neither_o as_o to_o the_o order_n concern_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n see_v there_o be_v now_o no_o such_o occasion_n yet_o who_o will_v say_v that_o the_o command_v enjoin_v in_o the_o same_o place_n act_v 15._o 20._o to_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n be_v now_o make_v void_a see_v there_o be_v daily_a need_n for_o its_o stand_n in_o force_n because_o it_o yet_o remain_v as_o a_o temptation_n man_n be_v incident_a to_o we_o confess_v indeed_o we_o be_v against_o such_o as_o from_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o if_o it_o be_v seasonable_a now_o to_o debate_v it_o we_o find_v but_o few_o to_o deal_v with_o who_o practice_n be_v so_o exact_o square_v seek_v to_o uphold_v custom_n form_n or_o shadow_n when_o the_o use_v for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v be_v remove_v or_o the_o substance_n itself_o know_v and_o witness_v as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o elsewhere_o answer_v our_o opposer_n in_o the_o case_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o bread_n and_o wine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o objection_n as_o to_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o wide_a in_o respect_n of_o such_o thing_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o substance_n of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n yea_o without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o people_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o own_o and_o believe_v original_o and_o principal_o because_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n have_v constrain_v our_o understanding_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v great_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v in_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a believe_v and_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n the_o same_o truth_n so_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o that_o from_o the_o letter_n have_v have_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v thereby_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n receive_v occasion_n to_o have_v they_o reveal_v in_o the_o life_n for_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v though_o often_o calumniate_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n so_o then_o i_o hope_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v i_o now_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a profitable_a yea_o and_o
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
be_v alarm_v and_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o from_o the_o hedge_n and_o the_o high_a way_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v receive_v by_o thousand_o with_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o be_v behold_v to_o be_v beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n that_o bring_v the_o gladâ—tidings_n of_o these_o good_a thing_n &_o great_a lowliness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n be_v upon_o such_o that_o be_v new_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o deep_a humiliation_n of_o spirit_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o power_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o those_o who_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v gather_v they_o into_o the_o truth_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o old_a so_o it_o also_o fall_v out_o in_o this_o day_n all_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o love_n as_o among_o those_o thousand_o which_o moses_n lead_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o carry_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n who_o have_v sing_v praise_n to_o god_n upon_o the_o bank_n of_o salvation_n many_o carcase_n fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n some_o who_o murmur_v and_o long_v to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n and_o some_o for_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o servant_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v use_v of_o to_o lead_v they_o out_o of_o bondage_n in_o say_v you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o have_v the_o lord_n indeed_o only_o speak_v by_o moses_n have_v he_o not_o speak_v also_o by_o we_o and_o as_o among_o these_o multitude_n which_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v many_o who_o continue_v not_o faithful_a to_o the_o end_n some_o return_v back_o again_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o the_o puddle_n after_o they_o be_v wash_v some_o embrace_v the_o present_a world_n some_o again_o separate_v themselves_o be_v sensual_a and_o without_o the_o spirit_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n their_o mouth_n speak_v great_a swell_a word_n be_v puff_v up_o &_o not_o abide_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o the_o apostle_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o these_o many_o thousand_o who_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o in_o this_o day_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o seed_n and_o people_n out_o of_o spiritual_a egypt_n and_o babylon_n into_o his_o pure_a light_n and_o life_n there_o be_v that_o have_v fall_v upon_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a some_o be_v turn_v back_o again_o into_o egypt_n run_v into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o lust_n and_o riot_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v once_o purify_v and_o redeem_a some_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v by_o and_o anon_o offend_v in_o he_o some_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o tribulation_n suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o come_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v sake_n and_o the_o seed_n in_o they_o be_v soon_o scorch_v with_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o some_o not_o abide_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v not_o content_v with_o that_o place_n and_o station_n in_o the_o body_n which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o but_o become_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o will_v needs_o be_v innovator_n give_v to_o change_n and_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n not_o only_o differ_v but_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v already_o deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n make_v party_n cause_v division_n and_o rent_n stumble_v the_o weak_a and_o deny_v despise_v and_o revile_v the_o apostle_n and_o messenger_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o death_n but_o through_o much_o care_n and_o travail_n and_o watch_n and_o whip_n and_o bond_n and_o beat_n in_o daily_a jeopardy_n gather_v we_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o precious_a truth_n yet_o in_o all_o this_o there_o have_v nothing_o befall_v we_o but_o what_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a lot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n now_o he_o that_o be_v careful_a for_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o old_a time_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o our_o day_n but_o as_o he_o have_v again_o restore_v the_o truth_n unto_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o as_o he_o have_v deliver_v our_o understanding_n from_o these_o false_a doctrine_n &_o principle_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o apostasy_n so_o he_o have_v not_o gather_v we_o to_o be_v as_o sheep_n scatter_v without_o a_o shepherd_n that_o every_o one_o may_v run_v his_o own_o way_n and_o every_o one_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n and_o so_o to_o be_v as_o a_o confuse_a mass_n or_o chaos_n without_o any_o order_n but_o he_o even_o the_o lord_n have_v also_o gather_v and_o be_v gather_v we_o into_o the_o good_a order_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o he_o have_v lay_v care_n upon_o some_o beyond_o other_o who_o watch_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n there_o be_v then_o father_n that_o have_v beget_v we_o unto_o christ_n jeâ—us_n through_o the_o gospel_n of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v follower_n and_o to_o remember_v their_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ._n 17._o there_o be_v then_o father_n and_o child_n instructer_n and_o instruct_v elder_n &_o young_a man_n yea_o and_o babe_n there_o be_v that_o can_v cease_v but_o must_v exhort_v instruct_v reprove_v condemn_v judge_n or_o else_o for_o what_o end_n give_v christ_n the_o gift_n mention_v ephes._n 4._o 11_o 12_o and_o how_o be_v the_o saint_n perfect_v and_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n edify_v of_o those_o who_o come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o test_n of_o this_o order_n and_o government_n i_o may_v chief_o sum_v they_o up_o in_o three_o sort_n though_o there_o be_v divers_a other_o little_a subdivide_v species_n of_o they_o the_o first_o be_v those_o that_o turn_v open_o back_o to_o the_o world_n again_o through_o find_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n too_o narrow_a these_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o do_v we_o any_o considerable_a hurt_a for_o be_v as_o salt_n that_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n they_o most_o prove_v a_o stink_n among_o those_o to_o who_o they_o go_v and_o i_o never_o know_v any_o of_o they_o that_o prove_v any_o way_n steadable_a to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o go_v i_o find_v other_o professor_n make_v but_o small_a boast_n of_o any_o proselyte_n they_o get_v out_o from_o among_o we_o i_o hear_v little_a of_o their_o prove_a chamâ—pions_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o other_o against_o we_o and_o indeed_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o lose_v all_o religion_n with_o the_o truth_n for_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o if_o ever_o they_o take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v religious_a they_o will_v come_v back_o again_o to_o the_o quaker_n etc._n etc._n second_o those_o who_o through_o unwatchfulness_n the_o secret_a corruption_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o mysterious_a or_o hide_a temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n have_v fall_v into_o his_o snare_n and_o so_o have_v come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o some_o temptation_n or_o other_o either_o of_o fleshly_a lust_n or_o of_o spiritual_a wickedness_n who_o be_v seasonable_o warn_v by_o those_o that_o keep_v their_o habitation_n and_o faithful_a overseer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v be_v again_o restore_v by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n not_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n but_o have_v rejoice_v that_o other_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o be_v become_v monument_n of_o god_n mercy_n unto_o this_o day_n three_o such_o who_o be_v depart_v from_o their_o first_o love_n ancient_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n become_v cold_a and_o lukewarm_a &_o yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o make_v open_a apostasy_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n they_o have_v have_v already_o such_o evidence_n of_o clearness_n upon_o their_o understanding_n yet_o not_o keep_v low_a in_o their_o own_o habitation_n but_o be_v puff_v up_o &_o give_v way_n to_o the_o restless_a imagination_n of_o their_o exalt_a and_o wander_a mind_n fall_v out_o with_o their_o brethren_n cause_n division_n begin_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o look_v at_o other_o more_o than_o at_o themselves_o with_o swell_a word_n to_o talk_v of_o and_o preach_v up_o a_o high_a dispensation_n while_o they_o be_v far_o from_o live_v up_o to_o the_o life_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o present_a like_v unto_o such_o who_o say_v we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o
he_o place_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v the_o refuse_v of_o hear_v it_o to_o draw_v so_o deep_a a_o censure_n after_o it_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v to_o follow_v the_o refuse_v to_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o apart_o though_o the_o matter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o so_o as_o to_o the_o substantial_a and_o intrinsic_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o the_o transgressor_n to_o hear_v that_o one_o as_o well_o as_o all_o for_o that_o one_o advise_v he_o to_o that_o whiâ—h_n be_v right_n and_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a and_o they_o do_v but_o homologate_v or_o confirm_v that_o which_o that_o one_o have_v already_o assert_v yet_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n will_v not_o have_v a_o brother_n cut_v off_o or_o repute_v a_o publican_n for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o but_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o chucrch_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o other_o false_a church_n make_v use_v of_o this_o scripture_n and_o cover_v their_o persecutiton_n and_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n by_o it_o and_o thou_o say_v no_o more_o than_o they_o say_v i_o answer_v i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n abuse_v this_o scripture_n will_v make_v it_o false_a in_o itself_o but_o how_o we_o differ_v in_o we_o application_n of_o this_o scripture_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o hereafter_o i_o be_o not_o now_o claim_v right_o to_o this_o power_n as_o due_a to_o we_o that_o be_v reserve_v for_o another_o place_n but_o this_o i_o say_v be_v that_o which_o i_o now_o aver_v to_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n intend_v there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n at_o present_a in_o hand_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o real_o true_a as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v than_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v also_o necessary_o follow_v that_o such_o who_o real_o and_o true_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v right_o to_o exercise_v this_o order_n and_o government_n second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v practice_v order_n and_o government_n we_o need_v but_o to_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v a_o few_o pregnant_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n from_o verse_n 13_o to_o the_o end_n where_o at_o the_o very_a first_o meet_v the_o apostle_n and_o brother_n hold_v together_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n they_o begin_v orderly_a to_o appoint_v one_o to_o fulfil_v the_o place_n of_o judas_n it_o may_v be_v think_v this_o be_v a_o needless_a ceremony_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n countenance_v it_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v of_o these_o two_o man_n or_o of_o he_o upon_o who_o the_o lot_n do_v not_o fall_v contradict_v their_o inward_a freedom_n or_o impose_v upon_o it_o but_o both_o agree_v very_o well_o together_o the_o one_o in_o the_o will_n and_o move_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o same_o in_o submit_v to_o their_o appointment_n moreover_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o may_v read_v act_n 6._o so_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v a_o opport_n unity_n how_o they_o wise_o give_v order_n concern_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o appoint_v some_o man_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o here_o be_v order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o may_v they_o not_o have_v say_v then_o as_o some_o say_v now_o we_o will_v give_v our_o charity_n to_o who_o we_o see_v cause_n and_o we_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o your_o appointment_n and_o order_n whether_o will_v god_n have_v approve_v of_o such_o yea_o or_o nay_o query_n three_o when_o that_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n fall_v in_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a or_o not_o to_o circumcise_v the_o gentile_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n see_v not_o meet_v to_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n they_o do_v not_o judge_v as_o one_o confuse_o suppose_v that_o this_o difference_n in_o a_o â—â—tward_a exercise_n will_v commend_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n nay_o they_o take_v another_o method_n it_o be_v say_v express_o act_v 15._o 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o after_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v about_o it_o no_o doubt_n then_o there_o be_v here_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n tell_v their_o judgement_n and_o come_v also_o to_o a_o positive_a conclusion_n sure_o some_o behove_v to_o submit_v else_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v agree_v so_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n and_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v undeniable_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n practise_v a_o holy_a order_n and_o government_n among_o themselves_o and_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v they_o do_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n concur_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o singular_a practice_n but_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o doctrinal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a from_o these_o follow_a testimony_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 15_o for_o though_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o instructer_n in_o christ_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o many_o father_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n 16._o wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o 17_o for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o timotheus_n who_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n and_o faithful_a in_o the_o lord_n who_o shall_v bring_v you_o into_o remembrance_n of_o my_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o i_o teach_v every_o where_o in_o every_o church_n here_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v very_o absolute_a first_o in_o that_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o second_o in_o that_o he_o send_v a_o teacher_n yea_o a_o minister_n and_o eminent_a bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o he_o teach_v in_o every_o church_n no_o doubt_n there_o be_v apostate_n and_o dissent_v spirit_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o give_v paul_n occasion_n thus_o to_o write_v as_o he_o testify_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n how_o he_o be_v judge_v by_o some_o of_o they_o he_o show_v how_o they_o be_v grow_v high_a ver_fw-la 8._o now_o you_o be_v full_a now_o you_o be_v rich_a you_o have_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o we_o etc._n etc._n may_v not_o these_o dissenter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v reason_v thus_o against_o paul_n do_v not_o this_o paul_n teach_v we_o at_o first_o to_o mind_v the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o follow_v that_o for_o no_o doubt_n that_o be_v paul_n doctrine_n but_o now_o he_o begin_v to_o lord_n over_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v be_v follower_n of_o he_o may_v not_o they_o have_v judge_v the_o belove_a timothy_n to_o be_v far_o out_o of_o his_o place_n may_v they_o not_o have_v say_v it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o god_n that_o move_v thou_o and_o send_v thou_o here_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o lordly_a paul_n that_o seek_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n it_o seem_v thou_o come_v not_o here_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o with_o we_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o to_o mind_v we_o to_o follow_v paul_n way_n and_o take_v notice_n how_o he_o teach_v in_o every_o church_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v with_o he_o nor_o with_o his_o mâ—ssenger_n nor_o with_o none_o of_o your_o order_n and_o so_o forth_o do_v not_o this_o run_v very_o plausible_a i_o question_v not_o but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reason_v among_o
absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_v my_o conscience_n clear_a and_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n none_o will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v savour_v ill_a among_o any_o serious_a solid_a christian_n for_o i_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o persuade_v that_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o this_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o find_v it_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n christ_n command_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v and_o recommend_v it_o now_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o hold_v they_o and_o maintain_v they_o again_o after_o the_o apostasy_n in_o their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a purity_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v now_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o like_a holy_a order_n and_o government_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o we_o as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o be_v now_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n minister_v to_o we_o therefore_o what_o can_v any_o christianly_o or_o rational_o object_v against_o it_o for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n for_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o old_a be_v undeniable_a what_o kind_n of_o ground_n than_o can_v any_o such_o opposer_n have_v for_o to_o such_o as_o scruple_v at_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v our_o principle_n that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o imposition_n or_o imitation_n more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n see_v as_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v people_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v do_v but_o as_o truth_n move_v and_o draw_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v also_o no_o less_o needful_a when_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o love_n as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a as_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v wrong_n be_v remove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a cherish_v and_o encourage_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o there_o ought_v now_o as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o to_o be_v order_n &_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o now_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o three_o place_n be_v first_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o second_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v and_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v three_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o a_o other_o than_o the_o oppressive_a and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a then_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v proper_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n for_o some_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v or_o at_o least_o afraid_a of_o the_o very_a word_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o like_a pretence_n have_v be_v the_o great_a weapon_n wherewith_o antichrist_n and_o the_o apostate_n christian_n have_v be_v these_o many_o generation_n persecute_v the_o woman_n and_o war_a against_o the_o manchild_n and_o indeed_o great_a dispute_n have_v be_v among_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n in_o the_o apostasy_n concern_v this_o church_n what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o may_v be_v so_o account_v which_o i_o find_v not_o my_o place_n at_o present_a to_o dive_v much_o in_o but_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_a testimony_n the_o word_n church_n in_o itself_o and_o as_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o gather_v company_n or_o assembly_n of_o certain_a people_n call_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v which_o be_v that_o the_o translator_n render_v church_n which_o word_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n evoco_fw-la i_o call_v out_o of_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d voco_fw-la i_o call_v now_o though_o the_o english_a word_n church_n be_v only_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n yet_o the_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v so_o render_v be_v take_v in_o general_a for_o every_o gather_v or_o meet_v together_o of_o people_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o town-clark_n of_o the_o ephesian_n dismiss_v the_o tumult_n that_o be_v gather_v there_o together_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act_v 19_o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n or_o the_o church_n a_o church_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o meeting_n or_o gather_v of_o certain_a people_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o religious_a sense_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n whereby_o as_o a_o body_n they_o become_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a relation_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o conjunct_a interest_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o propagate_a these_o principle_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v right_a and_o therefore_o have_v a_o certain_a care_n and_o oversight_n over_o on_o another_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v all_o occasion_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o break_v this_o their_o conjunct_a interest_n hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o or_o bring_v infamy_n contempt_n or_o contumely_n upon_o it_o or_o give_v such_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v or_o may_v be_v band_v together_o to_o undo_v they_o just_a occasion_n against_o they_o to_o decry_v and_o defame_v they_o now_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v that_o church_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n of_o people_n whereof_o christ_n true_o be_v the_o head_n from_o snch_n as_o false_o pretend_v thereto_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o principle_n &_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n &_o order_n they_o have_v among_o themselves_o the_o way_n and_o method_n they_o take_v to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v which_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o clear_v all_o mistake_v forasmuch_o as_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n among_o true_a christian_n which_o move_v they_o to_o gather_v together_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n define_v the_o church_n in_o his_o salutation_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n so_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o a_o church_n meeting_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n claim_v towards_o those_o that_o have_v or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o member_n who_o own_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o go_v under_o the_o same_o distinction_n and_o denomination_n who_o escape_n fault_n and_o error_n may_v by_o our_o adversary_n just_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o if_o not_o seasonable_o and_o christian_o reprove_v reclaim_v or_o condemn_v for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o far_o less_o who_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o reprove_v instruct_v or_o reclaim_v they_o as_o fellow_z member_n or_o brethren_n yet_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o remove_v the_o general_a reproach_n from_o the_o christian_a name_n with_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n for_o the_o zeal_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o
of_o what_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v in_o this_o treatise_n resolve_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o a_o visible_a people_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n that_o consist_v not_o of_o any_o society_n visible_o unite_v gather_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o unite_v in_o the_o joint_a performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o meet_v together_o pray_v preach_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v and_o still_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a order_n and_o government_n second_o that_o this_o government_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o consist_v of_o certain_a meeting_n appoint_v principal_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v act_n of_o worship_n if_o the_o spirit_n move_v thereunto_o three_o the_o object_n of_o this_o government_n be_v twofold_a outward_o and_o inward_o the_o outward_o relate_v main_o to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a where_o may_v be_v also_o include_v marriage_n and_o the_o remove_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o thing_n undeniable_o wrong_a the_o inward_o respect_v a_o apostasy_n either_o in_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o have_v a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o either_o in_o deny_v some_o truth_n already_o receive_v and_o believe_v or_o assert_v new_a doctrine_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v which_o again_o to_o subdivide_v may_v either_o be_v in_o thing_n fundamental_a and_o of_o great_a moment_n or_o in_o thing_n of_o less_o weight_n in_o themselves_o yet_o proceed_v from_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o which_o in_o the_o natural_a and_o certain_a consequence_n of_o they_o tend_v to_o make_v schism_n division_n animosity_n and_o in_o sum_n to_o break_v that_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n that_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o be_v uphold_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o here_o come_v also_o under_o this_o consideration_n all_o emulation_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n and_o evil-surmisings_a four_o that_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o definition_n above_o give_v of_o it_o there_o will_v in_o such_o case_n of_o difference_n and_o controversy_n still_o be_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n either_o in_o one_o or_o other_o few_o or_o more_o five_o that_o this_o infallible_a judgement_n be_v only_o and_o unalterable_o annex_v and_o seat_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n not_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n meet_v or_o assembly_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o settle_a ordination_n office_n place_n or_o station_n that_o such_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o church_n no_o man_n man_n nor_o meet_v stand_v or_o be_v invest_v in_o any_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o other_o term_n then_o so_o long_o as_o he_o or_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o live_a sense_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n which_o whosoever_o one_o or_o more_o inward_o depart_v from_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la lose_v all_o authority_n office_n or_o certain_a discern_v he_o or_o they_o former_o have_v have_v though_o retain_v the_o true_a principle_n and_o sound_a form_n and_o may_v be_v not_o fall_v into_o any_o gross_a practice_n as_o may_v declare_v they_o general_o to_o be_v thus_o wither_v and_o decay_a six_o that_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n have_v ordinary_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o such_o case_n through_o the_o elder_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o general_a meeting_n who_o testimony_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o reject_v without_o good_a cause_n neither_o be_v their_o take_n upon_o they_o real_o to_o decide_v any_o just_a ground_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o imposition_n or_o to_o quarrel_v their_o judgement_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v decay_v and_o have_v lose_v their_o discern_v as_o above_o seven_o that_o to_o submit_v and_o obey_v in_o such_o case_n be_v no_o detract_n from_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n see_v the_o spirit_n have_v lead_v some_o heretofore_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v and_o that_o every_o pretence_n of_o unclearness_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o disobedience_n see_v that_o may_v proceed_v from_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n yet_o say_v i_o not_o any_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o before_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o who_o be_v every_o right_n will_v not_o want_v clearness_n in_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o last_o that_o these_o principle_n be_v no_o way_n taint_v with_o imposition_n or_o contrary_a to_o true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o fundamental_o differ_v from_o the_o usurpation_n both_o of_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o nature_n robert_n barclay_n the_o end_n end_n john_n owen_n charge_v we_o with_o so_o much_o ignorance_n that_o though_o he_o write_v against_o we_o in_o latin_a he_o fear_v we_o will_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o thomas_n danson_n about_o the_o sametime_o accuse_v we_o of_o be_v jesuit_n send_v from_o abroad_o under_o this_o vizard_n vizard_n so_o say_v james_n durham_n a_o note_a man_n among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o his_o exposition_n upon_o the_o revelation_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15_o 16_o 17._o w._n m._n in_o his_o query_n query_n yet_o this_o not_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o that_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o inwâ—rd_n and_o invisible_a to_o wit_n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n where_o by_o we_o also_o have_v unity_n with_o the_o upright_a seed_n in_o all_o even_o in_o those_o who_o understand_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o enlighten_v but_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v this_o be_v as_o a_o outward_a bond_n and_o if_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v darken_v through_o disobedience_n which_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o outward_a bond_n so_o it_o do_v in_o the_o inward_a inward_a for_o some_o pope_n have_v be_v know_v to_o deny_v or_o at_o least_o to_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n &_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n resurrection_n west_n conf._n of_o faith_n chap._n