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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n church_n great_a place_n 1,018 5 4.1912 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A90265 The duty of pastors and people distingushed [sic]. Or A briefe discourse, touching the administration of things commanded in religion. Especially concerning the means to be used by the people of God (distinct from church-officers) for the increasing of divine knowledge in themselves and others. Wherein bounds are prescribed to their peformances, their liberty is enlarged to the utmost extent of the dictates of nature and rules of charity: their duty laid downe in directions, drawn from Scripture-precepts, and the practise of Gods people in all ages. Together with the severall wayes of extraordinary calling to the office of publike teaching, with what assurance such teachers may have of their calling, and what evidence they can give of it, unto others. / By John Ovven, M.A. of Q. Col. O. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1644 (1644) Wing O741; Thomason E49_6; ESTC R2375 45,909 59

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so_o also_o nehemiah_n and_o other_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o people_n be_v reckon_v among_o they_o who_o teach_v the_o people_n nehem._n 8._o and_o afterwards_o when_o saint_n paul_n at_o any_o time_n enter_v into_o their_o synagogue_n 15._o they_o never_o question_v any_o thing_n but_o his_o ability_n if_o he_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n he_o may_v say_v on_o and_o the_o scribe_n question_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o his_o teach_n be_v move_v to_o it_o not_o because_o he_o teach_v but_o because_o he_o teach_v so_o and_o such_o thing_n with_o authority_n and_o against_o their_o tradition_n otherwise_o they_o rather_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o think_v how_o he_o shall_v become_v able_a to_o teach_v mark_n 6._o 2_o 3._o than_o he_o because_o he_o do_v there_o be_v indeed_o many_o sharp_a reproof_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o those_o who_o undertake_v to_o be_v god_n messenger_n without_o his_o warrant_n as_o jerem._n 23._o 21_o 22._o i_o have_v not_o send_v these_o prophet_n yet_o they_o run_v i_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o prophesy_v but_o if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o and_o the_o like_a place_n it_o may_v satisfactory_o be_v answer_v that_o howsoever_o by_o the_o way_n of_o analogy_n they_o may_v be_v draw_v into_o rule_n for_o these_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o be_v speak_v only_o in_o reference_n to_o they_o who_o false_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o a_o power_n of_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v who_o the_o lord_n forewarn_v his_o people_n of_o and_o appoint_v punishment_n for_o they_o deut._n 13._o with_o which_o sort_n of_o pretender_n that_o nation_n be_v ever_o replenish_v for_o which_o the_o very_a heathen_a often_o deride_v they_o he_o who_o make_v it_o his_o employment_n to_o counterfeit_v god_n dispensation_n have_v then_o no_o more_o glorious_a work_n to_o imitate_v then_o that_o of_o prophecy_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o idle_a yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o i_o do_v not_o conceive_v the_o former_a discourse_n to_o be_v punctual_o true_a in_o the_o latitude_n thereof_o as_o though_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o all_o man_n or_o any_o man_n beside_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n to_o teach_v public_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o estate_n of_o that_o church_n only_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o usual_a answer_n give_v to_o the_o forecited_a place_n when_o object_v be_v not_o sufficient_a take_v a_o instance_n in_o one_o 2_o chro._n 17._o of_o the_o prince_n of_o jehoshaphat_n teach_v with_o the_o priest_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n before_o intimate_v conceive_v that_o neither_o priest_n nor_o prince_n teach_v at_o all_o in_o that_o way_n we_o now_o treat_v of_o but_o only_o that_o the_o priest_n ride_v circuit_n to_o administer_v judgement_n and_o have_v the_o prince_n with_o they_o to_o do_v execution_n but_o this_o interpretation_n he_o borrow_v only_o to_o confirm_v his_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o priest_n do_v not_o teach_v as_o such_o the_o very_a circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n enforce_v a_o contrary_a sense_n and_o in_o the_o 19_o chap._n there_o be_v express_a mention_n of_o appoint_v judge_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o civil_a cause_n in_o every_o city_n which_o evident_o be_v a_o distinct_a work_n distinguish_v from_o that_o mention_v in_o this_o place_n and_o upon_o the_o like_a ground_n i_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v no_o intimation_n of_o a_o movable_a sanedrim_n which_o although_o of_o such_o a_o mix_a constitution_n yet_o be_v not_o itinerant_a and_o be_v mention_v in_o that_o other_o place_n neither_o be_v that_o other_o ordinary_a gloss_n more_o probable_a they_o be_v send_v to_o teach_v that_o be_v to_o countenance_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o law_n a_o duty_n which_o seldom_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o human_a countenance_n and_o if_o for_o the_o present_a it_o do_v the_o king_n authority_n command_v it_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o prince_n beside_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o text_n nor_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o shall_v hold_v out_o this_o sense_n unto_o we_o neither_o do_v we_o find_v any_o other_o rule_n precept_n or_o practice_n who_o analogy_n may_v lead_v we_o to_o such_o a_o interpretation_n that_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o come_v near_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o they_o teach_v also_o not_o in_o a_o ministerial_a way_n like_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n but_o imperial_o and_o judicial_o declare_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n the_o offence_n against_o it_o and_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o such_o offence_n especial_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o differ_v not_o much_o from_o that_o which_o i_o rest_v upon_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o a_o collapse_a and_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o ordinary_a teacher_n be_v either_o utter_o ignorant_a and_o can_v or_o negligent_a and_o will_v not_o perform_v their_o duty_n gift_n in_o any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o consent_n in_o other_o by_o he_o to_o be_v teach_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o then_o this_o the_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v no_o more_o for_o the_o proceed_n of_o st_n paul_n in_o the_o synagogue_n their_o great_a want_n of_o teach_v be_v a_o people_n before_o forsake_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o wither_v may_v be_v a_o warrant_n for_o they_o to_o desire_v it_o and_o his_o apostolical_a mission_n for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o it_o do_v not_o then_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v then_o any_o liberty_n of_o teach_v in_o public_a assembly_n grant_v unto_o or_o assume_v by_o any_o in_o such_o a_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v when_o indeed_o it_o be_v ruinous_o decline_v every_o one_o of_o god_n servant_n have_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o help_v or_o prevent_v the_o fall_n this_o latter_a being_n but_o a_o common_a duty_n of_o zeal_n and_o charity_n the_o former_a a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o key_n the_o minister_n whereof_o be_v only_o a_o instrumental_a agent_n that_o from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o efficacy_n reside_v in_o another_o in_o who_o stead_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o and_o under_o who_o person_n it_o be_v do_v now_o who_o ever_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o another_o stead_n not_o by_o express_a patent_n from_o he_o be_v a_o plain_a impostor_n and_o a_o grant_n of_o this_o nature_n make_v unto_o all_o in_o general_n do_v not_o appear_v i_o be_o bold_a to_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o key_n though_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n for_o i_o can_v assent_v to_o those_o schoolman_n durand_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o the_o key_n in_o any_o sense_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o legal_a priest_n their_o power_n of_o teach_v discern_a judge_a receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o import_v the_o thing_n though_o the_o name_n no_o more_o than_o that_o of_o regnum_fw-la coelorum_fw-la as_o hierom_n and_o augustine_n observe_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o doubtless_o god_n ratify_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n in_o heaven_n then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o what_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o their_o service_n be_v how_o far_o by_o their_o own_o force_n they_o reach_v edito_fw-la and_o what_o they_o typify_v how_o in_o signification_n only_o and_o not_o immediate_o they_o extend_v to_o a_o admission_n into_o and_o exclusion_n from_o the_o heavenly_a tabernacle_n and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o secret_a power_n of_o gospel_n commission_n beyond_o they_o to_o attain_v the_o ultimate_a end_n i_o have_v declare_v elsewhere_o thus_o much_o of_o what_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n distinguish_v from_o their_o priest_n may_v not_o do_v now_o brief_o of_o what_o they_o may_v or_o rather_o of_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o what_o their_o obedience_n and_o profession_n declare_v that_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o private_a exhortation_n rebuke_n and_o such_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v presuppose_v we_o find_v they_o further_o speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n malac._n 3._o 16._o by_o their_o lip_n feed_v many_o with_o wisdom_n prov._n 10._o 21._o discourse_v of_o god_n law_n upon_o all_o occasion_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o by_o multitude_n encourage_v each_o other_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n zach._n 8._o 20_o 21._o isa._n 2._o 3._o joint_o praise_v god_n with_o cheerful_a heart_n psalm_n 42._o 4._o give_v and_o receive_v mutual_a consolation_n psal._n
second_o rule_n many_o other_o observation_n give_v light_n to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n concur_v with_o the_o many_o general_a precept_n we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o omit_v they_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v the_o practice_n etc._n etc._n 1._o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o do_v not_o only_o pose_v the_o doctor_n when_o he_o be_v but_o twelve_o year_n old_a luke_n 2._o 46._o but_o also_o afterwards_o preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o nazareth_n luke_n 4._o 18._o be_v neither_o doctor_n nor_o scribe_n nor_o levite_n but_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n concerning_o which_o tribe_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o moses_n speak_v nothing_o concerning_o the_o priesthood_n 2._o again_o in_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o act_n great_a persecution_n arise_v against_o the_o church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o stephen_n they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o from_o jerusalem_n ver._n 1._o that_o be_v all_o the_o faithful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v thus_o disperse_v go_v everywhere_o preach_v the_o word_n ver._n 4._o and_o to_o this_o their_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o warrant_n but_o the_o general_a engagement_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o further_v the_o propagation_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n occasion_v by_o their_o own_o persecution_n the_o lord_n give_v such_o a_o blessing_n that_o they_o be_v thereby_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o a_o settle_a congregation_n among_o the_o gentile_n they_o and_o their_o convert_n be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v honour_v by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n act_n 11._o 21._o and_o 26._o neither_o 3._o be_v the_o example_n of_o saint_n paul_n altogether_o impertinent_a who_o with_o his_o companion_n repair_v into_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n teach_v they_o public_o yea_o upon_o their_o own_o request_n act_n 13._o 15._o apollo_n also_o speak_v bold_o and_o preach_v fervent_o when_o he_o know_v only_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o need_v himself_o further_o instruction_n act_n 18._o 24._o it_o shall_v seem_v then_o in_o that_o juncture_n of_o time_n he_o that_o be_v instruct_v in_o any_o truth_n not_o ordinary_o know_v may_v public_o acquaint_v other_o with_o it_o though_o he_o himself_o be_v ignorant_a in_o other_o point_n of_o high_a concernment_n yet_o perhaps_o now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o occurrence_n shall_v require_v a_o precise_a imitation_n of_o what_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o expedient_a in_o that_o dawn_n towards_o the_o clear_a day_n of_o the_o last_o unchangeable_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n now_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v so_o much_o variety_n such_o several_a ground_n and_o circumstance_n that_o no_o direct_a rule_n can_v from_o they_o be_v draw_v only_o they_o may_v give_v strength_n to_o what_o from_o the_o former_a shall_v be_v conclude_v for_o a_o further_a light_n to_o this_o discourse_n consider_v what_o desolate_a estate_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v may_v be_v and_o at_o this_o present_a in_o divers_a place_n be_v reduce_v to_o her_o silver_n may_v become_v dross_n and_o her_o wine_n be_v mix_v with_o water_n the_o faithful_a city_n become_v a_o harlot_n her_o shepherd_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o dumb_a sleep_a dog_n and_o devour_a wolf_n her_o watchman_n may_v be_v turn_v smiter_n her_o prophet_n to_o prophesy_v false_o and_o her_o priest_n to_o bear_v rule_n by_o lie_n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n superstition_n human_a invention_n will-worship_n may_v defile_v and_o contaminate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n 13._o yea_o and_o great_a abomination_n may_v man_n possess_v moses_n chair_n by_o succession_n do_v now_o that_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n have_v be_v thus_o make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n that_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o holy_a place_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n for_o in_o the_o one_o it_o be_v clear_o so_o when_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v devolve_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o in_o the_o other_o when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v exalt_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o now_o suppose_v a_o man_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o height_n of_o such_o a_o sad_a apostasy_n when_o a_o universal_a darkness_n have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o he_o out_o of_o his_o word_n some_o point_n of_o faith_n then_o either_o not_o at_o all_o know_a or_o general_o disbelieve_v yet_o a_o right_a belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o further_o out_o of_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v discover_v unto_o he_o the_o wickedness_n of_o that_o apostasy_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o remove_v it_o i_o demand_v whether_o that_o man_n without_o expect_v any_o call_n from_o the_o fomenter_n and_o maintainer_n of_o those_o error_n with_o which_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n be_v only_o not_o destroy_v may_v not_o preach_v publish_v and_o public_o declare_v the_o say_a truth_n to_o other_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o conclude_v himself_o thereunto_o call_v of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o forename_a and_o other_o the_o like_a rule_n true_o for_o my_o part_n under_o correction_n i_o conceive_v he_o may_v nay_o he_o ought_v neither_o be_v any_o other_o outward_a call_v requisite_a to_o constitute_v he_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o consent_n of_o god_n people_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o for_o instance_n suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o mere_a lay_v man_n as_o they_o say_v in_o italy_n so_o that_o he_o be_v full_o convince_v thereof_o what_o shall_v he_o now_o do_v abstain_v from_o publish_v it_o though_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n that_o a_o great_a door_n of_o utterance_n may_v be_v grant_v unto_o he_o only_o because_o some_o heretical_a simoniacal_a wicked_a antichristian_a prelate_n have_v not_o ordain_v he_o minister_n who_o yet_o will_v not_o do_v it_o unless_o he_o will_v subscribe_v to_o those_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v such_o true_o i_o think_v by_o so_o abstain_v he_o shall_v sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n in_o see_v not_o the_o ox_n or_o ass_n of_o his_o brother_n fall_v into_o the_o pit_n but_o their_o precious_a soul_n sink_v to_o everlasting_a damnation_n and_o not_o prevent_v it_o when_o he_o may_v and_o be_v he_o indeed_o true_o angry_a with_o his_o whole_a nation_n he_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o italian_a revenge_n moreover_o he_o shall_v sin_v against_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n by_o hide_v his_o light_n under_o a_o bushel_n and_o napkine_v up_o his_o talon_n a_o increase_n whereof_o will_v be_v require_v of_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n now_o with_o this_o i_o be_v always_o so_o well_o satisfy_v that_o i_o ever_o deem_v all_o curious_a disquisition_n after_o the_o outward_a vocation_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n luther_n calvin_n etc._n etc._n altogether_o needless_a the_o case_n in_o their_o day_n be_v exact_o that_o which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o way_n way_n whereby_o man_n not_o partaker_n of_o any_o outward_a ordinary_a vocation_n may_v yet_o receive_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o the_o preach_n and_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o by_o some_o outward_a act_n of_o providence_n guide_v they_o thereunto_o for_o example_n put_v case_n a_o christian_a man_n shall_v by_o any_o chance_n of_o providence_n be_v cast_v by_o shipwreck_n or_o otherwise_o upon_o the_o country_n of_o some_o barbarous_a people_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o by_o his_o goodness_n that_o bring_v he_o thither_o be_v receive_v among_o they_o into_o civil_a human_a society_n may_v he_o not_o nay_o ought_v he_o not_o to_o preach_v christ_n unto_o they_o and_o if_o god_n give_v a_o blessing_n to_o his_o endeavour_n may_v he_o not_o become_v a_o pastor_n to_o the_o convert_a soul_n none_o i_o hope_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o such_o example_n thus_o be_v the_o indian_n and_o the_o moor_n turn_v to_o the_o faith_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o eusebius_n yea_o great_a be_v the_o liberty_n which_o in_o the_o first_o church_n be_v use_v in_o this_o kind_n present_o after_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o tongue_n cease_v among_o man_n chap._n 8._o of_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o gift_a uncalled_a christian_n in_o the_o excercise_n of_o divers_a act_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o declare_v what_o
duty_n for_o the_o build_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o habitable_a earth_n between_o the_o valley_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o pit_n of_o democratical_a confusion_n and_o the_o precipitious_a rock_n of_o hierarchical_a tyranny_n when_o unskilful_a archer_n shoot_v the_o safe_a place_n to_o avoid_v the_o arrow_n be_v the_o white_a go_v as_o near_o as_o god_n shall_v direct_v i_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o the_o combatant_n on_o every_o side_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o handle_v it_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o with_o opposition_n to_o any_o man_n or_o opinion_n but_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o brief_o propose_v my_o own_o require_a judgement_n the_o summary_a result_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o sacred_a call_n may_v retain_v its_o ancint_n dignity_n though_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v not_o deprive_v of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o clear_v which_o proposal_n something_o i_o shall_v brief_o premise_v chap._n i_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n among_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o law_n 1._o concerning_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n from_o these_o some_o who_o will_v have_v judaism_n 35._o to_o be_v but_o a_o intercision_n of_o christiavity_n derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o christian_n affirm_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o to_o be_v sole_o in_o the_o name_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n itself_o of_o this_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o be_v true_a that_o the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n do_v much_o more_o diversify_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n before_o and_o after_o christ_n than_o those_o plain_a morality_n wherewith_o in_o their_o day_n it_o be_v clothe_v where_o the_o assertion_n be_v dificient_a antiquity_n have_v give_v its_o author_n sanctuary_n from_o far_a pursuit_n their_o practice_n then_o be_v it_o clear_a can_v be_v no_o precedent_n for_o christian_n all_o light_n bring_v to_o the_o gospel_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o full_a and_o glorious_a beam_n that_o shine_v in_o it_o self_n be_v but_o a_o candle_n set_v up_o in_o the_o sun_n yet_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o find_v out_o the_o former_a unity_n i_o will_v not_o follow_v the_o conceit_n of_o any_o nor_o the_o comment_n of_o many_o give_v you_o such_o a_o bare_a naration_n as_o the_o scripture_n will_v supply_v i_o withal_o of_o their_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o seem_v christianity_n though_o not_o so_o call_v and_o doubt_v you_o not_o of_o divine_a approbation_n and_o institution_n for_o all_o prelacy_n at_o least_o until_o nimrod_n hunt_v for_o preferment_n be_v dejure_v divino_fw-la i_o find_v then_o that_o before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n the_o chief_a man_n among_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v every_o one_o in_o their_o own_o family_n with_o their_o neighbour_n adjoin_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n perform_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n tradition_n or_o special_a revelation_n the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o those_o time_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n instruct_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o creed_n concerning_o the_o nature_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o fall_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o use_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o promise_a seed_n the_o sum_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o moreover_o perform_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o god_n 3._o this_o we_o have_v deliver_v concerning_o seth_n enoch_n noah_n abraham_n lot_n isaac_n jacob_n jethro_n job_n other_o now_o whither_o they_o do_v this_o as_o any_o way_n peculiar_o design_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o office_n or_o rather_o in_o obedient_a duty_n to_o the_o prime_a law_n of_o nature_n in_o which_o and_o to_o who_o performance_n many_o of_o they_o be_v instruct_v and_o encourage_v by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o seem_v most_o probable_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o to_o i_o true_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o thert_n be_v no_o determivate_a minister_n of_o divine_a worship_n before_o the_o law_n for_o where_o find_v we_o any_o such_o office_n institute_v where_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n prescribe_v or_o be_v they_o of_o human_a invention_n god_n will_v never_o allow_v that_o in_o any_o regard_n the_o will_n of_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n but_o the_o right_a and_o exercise_v of_o the_o priesthood_n say_v some_o be_v in_o the_o first_o bear_v but_o a_o proof_n of_o this_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o want_v abel_n be_v not_o adam_n elder_a son_n yet_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v peculiar_a to_o such_o a_o office_n orat_fw-la it_o be_v by_o he_o perform_v that_o both_o the_o brother_n carry_v their_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o father_n be_v a_o vain_a surmise_n who_o be_v priest_n then_o when_o adam_n die_v neither_o can_v any_o order_n of_o descent_n be_v handsome_o contrive_v noah_n have_v three_o son_n grant_v the_o elder_a only_o a_o priest_n be_v the_o elder_a son_n of_o his_o other_o son_n priest_n or_o no_o if_o not_o how_o many_o man_n feare_v god_n be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n utter_o deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o right_a worship_n if_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o new_a rule_n produce_v beyond_o the_o prescript_n of_o nature_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v be_v enable_v by_o generation_n to_o convey_v that_o to_o other_o which_o he_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o melchisedeck_n and_o his_o extraordinary_a priesthood_n why_o shall_v any_o speak_v where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v silent_a if_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v he_o we_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a mystery_n and_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o apostle_n afirm_v he_o to_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o without_o father_n mother_n or_o genealogy_n for_o so_o long_a time_n then_o as_o the_o great_a combination_n of_o man_n be_v in_o distinct_a family_n which_o sometime_o be_v very_o great_a 14._o politics_n and_o economics_n be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n all_o the_o way_n of_o instruction_n in_o the_o service_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v by_o the_o way_n of_o paternal_a admonition_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o which_o duty_n abraham_n be_v commend_v gen._n 18._o 19_o whereunto_o the_o instructor_n have_v no_o particular_a engagement_n but_o only_o the_o general_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n what_o rule_n they_o have_v for_o their_o performance_n towards_o god_n do_v not_o appear_v all_o positive_a law_n in_o every_o kind_n be_v ordain_v for_o the_o good_a of_o community_n that_o then_o be_v not_o no_o such_o rule_n be_v assign_v until_o god_n gather_v a_o people_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o standard_n of_o circumcision_n for_o his_o subject_n to_o repair_v unto_o the_o world_n in_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n begin_v general_o to_o incline_v to_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n 11._o the_o first_o evident_a inreconcileable_a division_n be_v make_v between_o his_o people_n and_o the_o malignant_n which_o before_o lie_v hide_v in_o his_o decree_n visible_a sign_n and_o prescript_n rule_v be_v necessary_a for_o such_o a_o gather_a church_n this_o before_o i_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v supply_v by_o special_a revelation_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n a_o long_a time_n prevail_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n the_o manner_n of_o this_o worship_n the_o generalty_n have_v at_o first_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v from_o the_o vocal_a instruction_n of_o adam_n full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n this_o afterwards_o their_o child_n have_v from_o they_o by_o tradition_n help_v forward_o by_o such_o who_o receive_v particular_a revelation_n in_o their_o generation_n med._n such_o as_o noah_n thence_o call_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n so_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n increase_v until_o sin_v quite_o prevail_v and_o all_o flesh_n corrupt_v their_o way_n all_o apostasy_n for_o the_o most_o part_n begin_v in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v more_o bruise_v by_o the_o fall_n than_o the_o understanding_n nature_n be_v more_o corrupt_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o good_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v have_v flourish_v long_o in_o man_n mind_n have_v not_o sin_v banish_v the_o love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n the_o sum_n be_v that_o before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o person_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o his_o will_n public_a performance_n be_v assign_v to_o none_o further_o than_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o own_o
dark_a space_n of_o time_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o rule_v the_o glorious_a day_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o two_o light_n do_v sufficient_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o this_o new_a world_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o false_a fire_n of_o tradition_n where_o god_n set_v up_o such_o glorious_a light_n this_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o pronass_n of_o man_n to_o deflect_v from_o the_o golden_a rule_n and_o heavenly_a polestarre_n in_o the_o investigation_n of_o the_o truth_n especial_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n concerning_o which_o we_o treat_v wherein_o ordinary_a endeavour_n be_v far_o great_a in_o search_v after_o what_o man_n have_v do_v than_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o when_o the_o fact_n be_v once_o evidence_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o rabbi_n or_o a_o father_n present_o conclude_v the_o right_a among_o many_o we_o may_v take_v a_o late_a treatise_n for_o instance_n entitle_v of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n who_o author_n will_v prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n among_o christian_n from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o observation_n he_o will_v prove_v from_o the_o rabbin_n not_o at_o all_o take_a notice_n that_o from_o such_o observance_n they_o be_v long_o ago_o recall_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testamony_n 6._o and_o afterwards_o for_o they_o sharp_o rebuke_v by_o truth_n itself_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a knowledge_n to_o be_v able_a and_o a_o commendable_a diligence_n to_o search_v into_o those_o coiner_n of_o curiosity_n but_o to_o embrace_v the_o fancy_n be_v of_o those_o wild-head_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o novelty_n to_o commend_v they_o and_o to_o seek_v their_o imposition_n on_o other_o be_v but_o a_o abase_n of_o their_o own_o seizure_n and_o other_o industry_n the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o treatise_n which_o because_o i_o wait_v only_o for_o some_o spare_a hour_n to_o demonstrate_v in_o a_o particular_a tract_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o present_a omit_v the_o handle_n of_o divers_a thing_n there_o speak_v of_o though_o otherwise_o they_o may_v very_o opportunate_o here_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o prophet_n the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_v in_o their_o synagogue_n the_o original_a and_o institution_n of_o their_o latter_a teacher_n scribe_n and_o pharise_n and_o and_o brief_o only_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o immediate_o conduce_v to_o my_o propose_a subject_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o be_v either_o moral_a or_o ceremonial_a and_o typical_a the_o performance_n belong_v unto_o the_o latter_a with_o all_o thing_n thereunto_o conduce_v be_v appropriate_v to_o they_o who_o god_n have_v peculiar_o set_v a_o part_n for_o that_o purpose_n by_o ceromoniall_a worship_n i_o understand_v all_o sacrifice_n and_o offering_n the_o whole_a service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o afterwards_o of_o the_o temple_n all_o which_o be_v typical_a and_o establish_v mere_o for_o the_o present_a dispensation_n not_o without_o purpose_n of_o their_o abrogation_n when_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v more_o perfect_a shall_v appear_v now_o the_o several_a officer_n with_o their_o distinct_a employment_n in_o and_o about_o this_o service_n be_v so_o punctual_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o almighty_a god_n that_o as_o none_o of_o they_o may_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o without_o presumptuous_a impiety_n intrude_v into_o the_o function_n of_o other_o not_o allot_v to_o they_o as_o numb._n 16._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o so_o none_o of_o their_o brother_n may_v presume_v to_o intrude_v into_o the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o office_n without_o manifest_a sacrilege_n josh._n 22._o 11_o 12._o true_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o divers_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o offer_v sacrifice_n or_o vow_v so_o to_o do_v who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o priest_n office_n yea_o from_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n as_o jepha_n judge_n 11._o manoah_n jud._n 13._o david_n 2._o sam._n 6._o and_o again_o 2._o sam._n 24._o solomon_n king_n 3._o and_o again_o 1._o king_n 9_o but_o follow_v our_o former_a rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o practice_n by_o the_o precept_n we_o may_v find_v and_o that_o true_o that_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o their_o offering_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o they_o bring_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v offer_v and_o cause_v the_o priest_n to_o do_v what_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o perform_v now_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n contrary_a distinct_a from_o their_o teacher_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o and_o require_v of_o they_o then_o be_v of_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n consider_v as_o distinguish_v from_o their_o priest_n because_o their_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o then_o be_v appropriate_v only_o to_o the_o priest_n as_o of_o offer_v incense_n sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o the_o like_a which_o in_o their_o original_a institution_n be_v never_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o yet_o tralatitious_o and_o by_o analogy_n be_v enjoin_v to_o all_o christian_n but_o of_o these_o afterwards_o the_o main_a question_n be_v about_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o performance_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o lawful_a undertaking_n for_o other_o instruction_n for_o the_o first_o which_o be_v of_o near_a concernment_n unto_o themselves_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o god_n read_v attentive_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v expound_v second_o to_o meditate_v therein_o themselves_o to_o study_v it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o to_o get_v their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o that_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n concerning_o each_o of_o which_o we_o have_v both_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o practice_n god_n command_n and_o their_o performance_n the_o one_o in_o that_o injunction_n give_v unto_o the_o priest_n daut_n 31._o 11_o 12_o 13._o when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o that_o their_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v may_v hear_v and_o learn_v all_o which_o we_o find_v punctual_o perform_v on_o both_o side_n nehem._n 8._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o ezra_n the_o priest_n stand_v on_o a_o pulpit_n of_o wood_n read_v the_o law_n and_o give_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o course_n continue_v until_o there_o be_v a_o end_n put_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o that_o law_n as_o act._n 15._o 21._o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n on_o which_o ground_n not_o recede_v from_o their_o ancient_a observation_n the_o people_n assemble_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n teach_v with_o authority_n luk._n 21._o 38._o and_o s._n paul_n divers_a time_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o ordinary_a assembly_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o for_o the_o other_o which_o concern_v their_o own_o search_n 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gospel_n second_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n also_o may_v here_o come_v under_o a_o just_a reproof_n who_o have_v not_o labour_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o hireling_n from_o that_o of_o the_o true_a shepherd_n but_o have_v promiscuous_o follow_v the_o new_a fangledness_n and_o heretical_a error_n of_o every_o time_n serve_v starver_n of_o soul_n whence_o proceed_v all_o that_o misery_n the_o land_n now_o groan_v under_o but_o that_o we_o have_v have_v a_o people_n willing_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o corrupt_a clergy_n free_o drink_v in_o the_o poison_n wherewith_o they_o be_v taint_v the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o the_o priest_n bare_a rule_n by_o their_o mean_n the_o people_n love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o now_o do_v in_o the_o end_n thereof_o who_o can_v ever_o have_v think_v that_o the_o people_n of_o england_n will_v have_v yield_v a_o willing_a ear_n to_o so_o many_o popish_a error_n and_o a_o obedient_a shoulder_n to_o such_o 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ephe._n 5._o 19_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o answer_v every_o man_n in_o give_v account_n of_o their_o faith_n col._n 4._o 6._o to_o mark_v they_o that_o make_v division_n rom._n 16._o 17._o with_o innumerable_a other_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n it_o remain_v they_o to_o consider_v second_o in_o particular_a what_o course_n they_o may_v take_v beyond_o private_a conference_n between_o man_n and_o man_n by_o indiction_n of_o time_n or_o place_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o what_o by_o these_o precept_n and_o the_o like_a be_v of_o they_o require_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o lawful_a thing_n must_v be_v do_v lawful_o if_o any_o unlawful_a circumstance_n attend_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o lawful_a action_n it_o vitiate_v the_o whole_a work_n for_o bonum_fw-la oritur_fw-la ex_fw-la integris_fw-la for_o instance_n to_o reprove_v a_o offender_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n but_o for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n while_o the_o minister_n be_v 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may_v administer_v the_o communion_n but_o endless_a be_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v multiply_v against_o this_o fancy_n in_o a_o word_n if_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n he_o have_v leave_v his_o church_n to_o no_o such_o confusion_n three_o that_o to_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n for_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v indefinite_o to_o be_v do_v in_o time_n and_o place_n rather_o commend_v then_o vitiate_v the_o duty_n so_o do_v job_n friend_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a they_o make_v a_o appointment_n together_o to_o come_v and_o comfort_v he_o job_n 2._o 11._o and_o so_o do_v they_o zech._n 8._o 21._o and_o so_o do_v david_n psal._n 119._o 62._o four_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n between_o open_v or_o interpret_n the_o word_n and_o apply_v the_o word_n upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o approve_a interpretation_n as_o also_o between_o a_o authoritative_a act_n or_o do_v a_o thing_n by_o 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duty_n of_o piety_n which_o break_v the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o charity_n man_n ought_v not_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o congregate_a themselves_o to_o serve_v their_o god_n separate_a from_o their_o brethren_n neglect_v the_o pnblick_a assembly_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o some_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 10._o 25._o there_o be_v peculiar_a blessing_n and_o transcendent_a privilege_n annex_v to_o public_a assembly_n which_o accompany_v not_o private_a man_n to_o their_o recess_n the_o sharp-edged_a sword_n become_v more_o keen_a when_o set_v on_o by_o a_o skilful_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o when_o the_o water_n of_o the_o word_n flow_v there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v upon_o the_o face_n thereof_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a in_o our_o heart_n what_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 22._o second_o as_o the_o ministry_n so_o also_o ought_v the_o minister_n to_o have_v that_o regard_n respect_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o their_o labour_n in_o that_o sacred_a call_v will_v we_o can_v not_o too_o frequent_o see_v more_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o gift_n into_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a pastor_n these_o be_v spot_n in_o your_o feast_n of_o charity_n cloud_n without_o water_n carry_v about_o of_o wind_n it_o must_v doubtless_o be_v a_o evil_a root_n that_o bring_v forth_o such_o bitter_a fruit_n wherefore_o let_v not_o our_o brethren_n fall_v into_o this_o condemnation_n lest_o there_o be_v a_o evil_a report_n raise_v by_o they_o that_o be_v without_o but_o remember_v they_o who_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 heb._n 13._o 7._o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a improvement_n you_o make_v by_o your_o recess_n then_o that_o you_o obey_v they_o that_o be_v guide_n unto_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o you_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o 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 ver._n 17._o let_v not_o they_o who_o despise_v a_o faithful_a painful_a minister_n in_o public_a flatter_v themselves_o with_o hope_n of_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o endeavour_n in_o private_a let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v they_o have_v not_o a_o equal_a respect_n unto_o all_o god_n ordinance_n wherefore_o that_o the_o come_n together_o in_o this_o sort_n may_v be_v for_o the_o better_a and_o not_o for_o the_o worse_o observe_v these_o thing_n now_o for_o what_o gift_n that_o be_v as_o before_o free_o bestow_v who_o exercise_n be_v permit_v unto_o such_o man_n so_o assemble_v i_o mean_v in_o a_o private_a family_n or_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la one_o and_o first_o we_o may_v name_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n who_o exercise_n must_v not_o be_v exempt_v from_o such_o assembly_n if_o any_o be_v grant_v these_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o jerusalem_n of_o god_n zech._n 12._o 10._o now_o god_n have_v bestow_v the_o gift_n and_o require_v the_o duty_n his_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hinder_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v all_o those_o precept_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o for_o our_o closet_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o distress_n for_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o peter_n there_o be_v a_o meeting_n at_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o john_n act._n 12._o 12._o many_o be_v gather_v together_o pray_v say_v the_o text_n a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o like_o case_n the_o church_n
be_v in_o no_o less_o distress_n now_o then_o at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o some_o congregation_n the_o minister_n be_v so_o oppress_v that_o public_o they_o dare_v not_o in_o other_o so_o corrupt_v that_o they_o will_v not_o pray_v for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o true_o it_o be_v a_o disconsolate_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o of_o god_n servant_n to_o say_v during_o all_o these_o straits_n i_o never_o join_v with_o any_o of_o god_n child_n in_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o my_o prayer_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n neither_o can_v i_o see_v how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v prevent_v but_o by_o the_o former_a mean_n to_o which_o add_v the_o council_n of_o st._n paul_n speak_v to_o themselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n make_v melody_n in_o their_o heart_n unto_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5._o 19_o second_o they_o may_v exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o understand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n comfort_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v each_o other_o with_o the_o same_o consolation_n and_o promise_n which_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o word_n thus_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n the_o prophet_n malachi_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o lord_n harken_v and_o hear_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o 16._o comfort_v as_o it_o appear_v one_o another_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o his_o church_n against_o the_o flourish_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o overflow_n of_o ungodliness_n the_o persecution_n of_o tyrant_n and_o impurity_n of_o transgressor_n three_o they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a if_o give_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a isa._n 50._o 4._o for_o be_v command_v to_o confess_v their_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o james_n 5._o 16._o they_o have_v power_n also_o to_o apply_v to_o they_o that_o be_v penitent_a the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v command_v to_o open_v our_o wound_n to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o balm_n to_o pour_v into_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v cold_a comfort_n who_o seek_v for_o council_n from_o a_o dumb_a man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n they_o may_v apply_v unto_o and_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v it_o as_o a_o charitable_a duty_n and_o not_o as_o out_o of_o necessary_a function_n even_o as_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n expound_v unto_o apollo_n the_o word_n of_o god_n more_o perfect_o than_o he_o know_v it_o before_o act._n 18._o 23._o in_o sum_n and_o not_o to_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n with_o any_o more_o particular_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v allow_v all_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v help_v each_o other_o forward_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o way_n towards_o heaven_n now_o for_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v remove_v some_o objection_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v godly_a man_n and_o man_n not_o unlearned_a lay_v against_o it_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n not_o unlike_o that_o of_o joshua_n for_o moses_n sake_n the_o constitute_v pastor_n sake_n to_o who_o though_o i_o may_v brief_o answer_v with_o moses_n i_o will_v to_o god_n all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v such_o a_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a endowment_n that_o they_o may_v become_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n above_o many_o of_o their_o teacher_n in_o which_o vote_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o every_o one_o will_v concur_v with_o i_o who_o have_v the_o least_o experimental_a knowledge_n what_o a_o burden_n upon_o the_o shoulder_n what_o a_o grief_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o minister_n know_v and_o desire_v to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n be_v a_o ignorant_a congregation_n of_o which_o thanks_o to_o our_o prelate_n pluralist_n non-resident_n homily_n service-book_n and_o ceremony_n we_o have_v too_o toomany_a in_o this_o kingdom_n the_o many_o also_o of_o our_o minister_n in_o this_o church_n take_v for_o their_o directory_n the_o law_n and_o penalty_n of_o man_n inform_v what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v if_o they_o will_v avoid_v their_o panishment_n and_o not_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n what_o they_o shall_v as_o their_o duty_n do_v if_o they_o mean_v to_o please_v he_o and_o know_v there_o be_v no_o stature_n whereon_o they_o may_v be_v sue_v for_o pardon_v the_o expression_n the_o dilapidation_n of_o soul_n so_o their_o own_o house_n be_v ceil_v they_o care_v not_o at_o all_o though_o the_o church_n of_o god_n lie_v waste_v i_o say_v though_o i_o may_v thus_o answer_v with_o open_v my_o desire_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o the_o people_n of_o which_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n yet_o i_o will_v give_v brief_a answer_n to_o the_o several_a objection_n then_o this_o seem_v to_o favour_v a_o allowance_n of_o licentious_a conventicle_n object_n which_o in_o all_o lace_n the_o law_n have_v condemn_v learned_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v abhort_v as_o the_o seminary_n of_o faction_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o under_o correction_n i_o conceive_v answ_n that_o the_o law_n lay_v hold_v of_o none_o as_o peccant_a in_o such_o a_o kind_n but_o only_o those_o who_o have_v predeclare_v themselves_o to_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v now_o the_o patronage_n of_o any_o such_o i_o before_o re●●cted_v neither_o do_v i_o conceive_v that_o they_o ought_v at_o all_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o benefit_n of_o private_a meeting_n who_o wilful_o abstain_v from_o the_o public_a congregation_n so_o long_o as_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o they_o yea_o how_o averse_a i_o have_v ever_o be_v from_o that_o kind_n of_o confuse_a licentiousness_n in_o any_o church_n i_o have_v somewhile_o since_o declare_v in_o a_o answer_n draw_v up_o for_o my_o own_o and_o some_o private_a friend_n satisfaction_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n in_o their_o apology_n and_o reply_v to_o vedelius_fw-la with_o other_o treatise_n for_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v as_o they_o term_v it_o if_o then_o the_o law_n account_v only_o such_o assembly_n to_o be_v conventicle_n wherein_o the_o assembler_n contemn_v and_o despise_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o public_a i_o have_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o for_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v mount_v against_o they_o whether_o intentional_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v mould_v and_o frame_v against_o anapabtist_n or_o no_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o it_o do_v execution_n oftentimes_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v christ_n precept_n and_o promise_n to_o warrant_v their_o assemble_v mat._n 18._o 19_o 20._o not_o to_o contend_v about_o word_n will_v to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v good_a may_v not_o be_v persecute_v into_o odious_a appellation_n and_o call_v evil_a when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o so_o to_o oppose_v it_o to_o the_o tyrannical_a oppression_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o thing_n itself_o right_o understand_v can_v scarce_o be_v condemn_v of_o any_o who_o envy_v not_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n they_o that_o will_v banish_v the_o gospel_n from_o our_o house_n will_v not_o much_o care_n if_o it_o be_v go_v from_o our_o heart_n from_o our_o house_n i_o say_v for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o these_o duty_n be_v perform_v in_o one_o family_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o more_o some_o one_o be_v big_a than_o ten_o other_o shall_v their_o assemble_n to_o perform_v what_o be_v lawful_a for_o that_o one_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o conventicle_n where_o be_v the_o law_n for_o that_o or_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o more_o than_o god_n require_v of_o his_o ancient_a people_n as_o i_o show_v before_o or_o must_v a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n cease_v pray_v in_o his_o family_n and_o instruct_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v count_v a_o preacher_n in_o a_o tub_n thing_n be_v scarce_o carry_v with_o a_o equal_a hand_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n when_o order_n come_v forth_o on_o the_o one_o side_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o profane_a multitude_n to_o assemble_v themselves_o at_o heathenish_a sport_n with_o bestial_a exclamation_n on_o the_o lord_n own_o day_n and_o on_o the_o other_o to_o punish_v they_o who_o dare_v gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n or_o the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n but_o i_o hope_v through_o god_n
the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o person_n distinguish_v or_o a_o brief_a discourse_n touch_v the_o administration_n of_o thing_n command_v in_o religion_n especial_o concerning_o the_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n distinct_a from_o church-officer_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o wherein_o bound_n be_v prescribe_v to_o their_o performance_n their_o liberty_n be_v enlarge_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o charity_n their_o duty_n lay_v down_o in_o direction_n draw_v from_o scripture-precept_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n in_o all_o age_n together_o with_o the_o several_a way_n of_o extraordinary_a call_n to_o the_o office_n of_o public_a teach_v with_o what_o assurance_n such_o teacher_n may_v have_v of_o their_o call_n and_o what_o evidence_n they_o can_v give_v of_o it_o unto_o other_o by_o john_n owen_n m._n a._n of_o q._n col._n o_o london_n print_v by_o l._n n._n for_o philemon_n stephens_n at_o the_o gild_a lion_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1644._o to_o the_o true_o noble_a and_o my_o ever_o honour_a friend_n sir_n edward_n scot_n of_o scots-hall_n in_o kent_n knight_n of_o the_o honourable_a order_n of_o the_o bath_n sir_n have_v of_o late_a be_v deprive_v of_o the_o happiness_n to_o see_v you_o i_o make_v bold_a to_o send_v to_o visit_v you_o and_o because_o that_o the_o time_n be_v troublesome_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o this_o messenger_n who_o have_v obtain_v a_o licence_n to_o pass_v fear_v no_o search_v he_o bring_v no_o news_n at_o least_o to_o you_o but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o must_v continue_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o which_o for_o some_o part_n thereof_o you_o have_v practise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o have_v no_o secret_a message_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n of_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n neither_o i_o hope_v will_v he_o entertain_v any_o such_o comment_n by_o the_o way_n consider_v from_o who_o he_o come_v and_o to_o who_o he_o go_v of_o who_o the_o one_o will_v disclaim_v he_o and_o the_o other_o punish_v he_o ambitious_a i_o be_o not_o of_o any_o entertainment_n for_o these_o few_o sheet_n neither_o care_v much_o what_o success_n they_o find_v in_o their_o travel_n set_v they_o out_o mere_o in_o my_o own_o defence_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o continue_a solicitation_n of_o some_o honest_a judicious_a man_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o content_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o hour_n country-discourse_n resolve_v from_o the_o ordinary_a pulpit_n method_n into_o its_o own_o principle_n when_o i_o first_o think_v of_o send_v it_o to_o you_o i_o make_v full_a account_n to_o use_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o advantage_n in_o recount_v of_o and_o return_v thanks_o for_o some_o of_o those_o many_o undeserved_a favour_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o you_o but_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o performance_n i_o faint_v in_o the_o very_a entrance_n find_v their_o score_n so_o large_a that_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o begin_v neither_o shall_v i_o know_v how_o to_o end_v only_o one_o i_o can_v suffer_v to_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o crowd_n though_o other_o engagement_n hinder_v i_o from_o embrace_v it_o viz._n your_o free_a proffer_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a preferment_n then_o vacant_a and_o in_o your_o donation_n yet_o true_o all_o receive_a courtesy_n have_v no_o power_n to_o oblige_v i_o unto_o you_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o abundant_a worth_n which_o by_o experience_n i_o have_v find_v to_o be_v dwell_v in_o you_o twice_o by_o god_n providence_n have_v i_o be_v with_o you_o when_o your_o county_n have_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v ruin_v once_o by_o the_o horrid_a insurrection_n of_o a_o rude_a godless_a multitude_n and_o again_o by_o the_o invasion_n of_o a_o potent_a enemy_n prevail_v in_o the_o neighbour_n county_n at_o both_o which_o time_n beside_o 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