by_o this_o mean_v their_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o speculation_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o humane_a power_n and_o method_n will_v soon_o vanish_v and_o they_o will_v soon_o give_v over_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o faithful_a about_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o power_n in_o they_o to_o free_v from_o eternal_a death_n nor_o to_o procure_v eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o twofold_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n himself_o exercise_v immediate_o in_o and_o over_o it_o whereof_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ignorant_a mans._n if_o we_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o our_o self_n and_o other_o now_o beside_o this_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n exercise_v mediate_o by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_v and_o man_n who_o have_v not_o know_v not_o understand_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n have_v mistake_v this_o also_o through_o the_o same_o unbelief_n wherefore_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mind_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v immediate_a and_o by_o himself_o have_v make_v this_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n to_o be_v all_o and_o this_o also_o i_o say_v they_o have_v understand_v most_o gross_o and_o carnal_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o ignorant_a and_o seduce_a heart_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o their_o particular_a mis_fw-fr apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v far_o more_o profitable_a to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n then_o to_o inquire_v after_o variety_n of_o error_n wherefore_o let_v alone_o their_o darkness_n i_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n may_v shine_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o herein_o also_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o mediate_a government_n then_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n now_o because_o many_o christian_n desire_v instruction_n and_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v herein_o be_v desirous_a also_o to_o learn_v myself_o of_o they_o that_o can_v teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o distinct_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o order_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n government_n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n and_o if_o need_v be_v reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n 5._o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v needful_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n among_o themselves_o that_o peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v in_o christ._n they_o first_o thing_n than_o be_v 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n i_o answer_v he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o true_a church_n itself_o as_o former_o describe_v even_o to_o each_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o natural_a power_n belong_v to_o all_o natural_a man_n alike_o so_o spiritual_a power_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church-power_n to_o all_o spiritual_a man_n alike_o alike_o christ_n in_o a_o believer_n be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a church-power_n and_o because_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o believer_n alike_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n therefore_o all_o believer_n partake_v alike_o of_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o no_o one_o partake_v of_o this_o power_n more_o than_o another_o any_o more_o than_o he_o partake_v of_o christ_n more_o than_o another_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o selfsame_a power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o according_a this_o sense_n that_o place_n in_o math._n 16.19_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v explain_v where_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o pope_n and_o papal_a church_n under_o colour_n of_o this_o place_n have_v make_v great_a merchandise_n and_o have_v exceed_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v the_o nation_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v forth_o and_o the_o day_n of_o their_o traffic_n be_v at_o end_n and_o yet_o since_o other_o have_v be_v truck_v with_o the_o world_n by_o their_o false_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v think_v to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n but_o the_o day_n have_v so_o far_o dawn_v that_o their_o shadow_n also_o be_v fly_v away_o but_o not_o to_o keep_v you_o long_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o peter_n have_v say_v to_o christ_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o christ_n reply_v to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o then_o add_v unto_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o to_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n or_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n father_n touch_v the_o son_n and_o so_o also_o they_o be_v give_v equal_o to_o each_o faithful_a christian_a who_o have_v the_o same_o revelation_n with_o peter_n as_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o so_o these_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o employ_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o office_n but_o that_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n he_o it_o be_v to_o who_o these_o key_n be_v give_v and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o so_o they_o be_v give_v to_o each_o believer_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o believer_n in_o general_n but_o what_o be_v these_o key_n about_o which_o quest._n there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o do_v in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ._n they_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a power_n whatever_o that_o man_n have_v devise_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n withal_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o false_a conceit_n wherewith_o many_o former_a and_o present_a writer_n have_v and_o do_v still_o trouble_v the_o church_n john_n do_v tell_v we_o plain_o joh._n 20.22_o what_o matthew_n mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n say_v he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n breathe_v on_o they_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n hear_v be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o add_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v that_o be_v when_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o your_o will_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o christ_n then_o before_o his_o ascension_n give_v these_o key_n true_o to_o his_o disciple_n but_o more_o solemn_o and_o full_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n glorify_v and_o after_o the_o gentile_n who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n receive_v the_o spirit_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n
the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o johns_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v and_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o true_a church_n suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v reduce_v under_o this_o bondage_n again_o through_o specious_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n but_o let_v the_o church_n know_v it_o may_v use_v what_o form_n seem_v good_a to_o itself_o and_o that_o its_o true_a unity_n stand_v in_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o thus_o only_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v one_o yea_o thus_o only_a the_o church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o faithful_a to_o know_v that_o uniformity_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o or_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o god_n may_v make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o he_o abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n ephes._n 2.15_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n so_o high_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o he_o repeal_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o dissolve_v his_o own_o outward_a ordinance_n now_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v make_v void_a rather_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n how_o much_o more_o any_o ceremony_n or_o outward_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n devise_v let_v he_o that_o read_v understand_v and_o these_o be_v the_o practical_a rule_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a and_o now_o we_o hasten_v to_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a in_o which_o case_n thing_n we_o be_v necessary_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o wit_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o no._n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o first_o they_o be_v either_o thing_n ceremonial_a and_o circumstantial_a or_o second_o very_a truth_n themselves_o yet_o such_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v for_o the_o present_a err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n we_o shall_v mind_v these_o thing_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o contend_v for_o vanity_n nor_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o trifle_n and_o thing_n of_o no_o weight_n or_o moment_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n shall_v so_o earnest_o contend_v about_o the_o day_n on_o which_o easter_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o upon_o difference_n herein_o shall_v divide_v into_o sect_n as_o they_o do_v see_v there_o always_o shine_v light_n enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o slight_a circumstance_n not_o worth_a the_o mind_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o no_o where_o for_o the_o form_n of_o it_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o 2._o we_o ought_v not_o for_o contrary_a mindedness_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o avoid_v christian_a converse_n and_o communnion_n with_o one_o another_o for_o strangeness_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o case_n both_o breed_v and_o increase_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n &_o cause_n that_o we_o harbour_v hard_a thought_n brother_n against_o brother_n and_o it_o take_v away_o all_o opportunity_n of_o conference_n and_o of_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v one_o another_o and_o so_o of_o reconciliation_n 3._o in_o these_o thing_n whereof_o neither_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n produce_v innumerable_a sect_n in_o the_o church_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o see_v such_o deadly_a enmity_n arise_v among_o sect_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o therefore_o that_o rash_a judgement_n that_o produce_v these_o sect_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a advancer_n of_o the_o devil_n work_v of_o division_n faithful_a 4._o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n kingdom_n stand_v to_o wit_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o order_n and_o where_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v let_v we_o be_v content_v though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o form_n and_o circumstance_n let_v we_o take_v careful_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o godliness_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o circumstance_n the_o high_a good_a in_o the_o church_n be_v salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o gift_n give_v to_o all_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o other_o thing_n yea_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o where_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v not_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n to_o contend_v about_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o importance_n 5._o in_o case_n man_n differ_v in_o judgement_n in_o these_o circumstantial_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v in_o present_a power_n ought_v take_v care_n especial_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n saint_n that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n but_o that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v may_v have_v free_a liberty_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o find_v pasture_n it_o be_v a_o most_o antichristian_a thing_n to_o make_v another_o key_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o true_a church_n beside_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o than_o it_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n key_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a without_o man_n also_o yea_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n key_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a without_o christ_n that_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o be_v believer_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o also_o conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n but_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o by_o make_v another_o key_n to_o god_n kingdom_n beside_o the_o key_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_o
the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o humility_n and_o bowel_n of_o love_n present_v to_o they_o by_o william_n dell_n one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n psal._n 120.7_o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n utrum_fw-la nos_fw-la schismatici_fw-la sumus_fw-la a_o vos_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la sed_fw-la christus_fw-la interrogetur_fw-la ut_fw-la indicet_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la svam_fw-la august_n contr_n litter_n petil._n l._n 2._o c._n 85._o london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n near_a ludgate_n 1651._o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o commons_o of_o england_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o 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for_o god_n and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n and_o not_o for_o yourselves_o and_o to_o fulfil_v your_o own_o ends._n and_o now_o as_o you_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v that_o upon_o a_o right_n and_o sure_a foundation_n so_o god_n have_v engage_v my_o heart_n to_o meditate_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o have_v exclude_v your_o power_n from_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o i_o have_v not_o in_o any_o measure_n wrong_v you_o as_o you_o shall_v perceive_v but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v you_o from_o dash_v yourselves_o against_o that_o rock_n against_o which_o all_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unwise_a ruler_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n both_o have_v and_o yet_o shall_v dash_v themselves_o in_o piece_n it_o shall_v be_v your_o wisdom_n to_o be_v build_v up_o together_o with_o the_o church_n on_o christ_n but_o it_o will_v be_v your_o confusion_n to_o go_v about_o to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o yourselves_o and_o your_o power_n see_v this_o building_n be_v too_o weighty_a for_o any_o foundation_n but_o christ_n himself_o your_o power_n will_v do_v well_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o god_n kingdom_n which_o be_v christ_n inheritance_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n you_o shall_v be_v happy_a to_o be_v subject_a in_o it_o but_o none_o must_v be_v lord_n or_o lawgiver_n here_o but_o christ_n himself_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n who_o in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v in_o many_o place_n translate_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n of_o the_o clergy_n into_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o magistrate_n any_o long_o keep_v it_o there_o see_v it_o will_v be_v as_o pernicious_a in_o this_o as_o in_o that_o for_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a an_o evil_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v himself_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o general_a council_n in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n call_v christian_a or_o for_o the_o archbishop_n or_o national_a assembly_n in_o particular_a kingdom_n man_n have_v common_o think_v that_o to_o preserve_v the_o godly_a in_o worldly_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n whereas_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o faith_n hope_n love_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n in_o and_o through_o the_o spirit_n this_o only_a be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n and_o this_o ofttimes_o be_v better_a do_v by_o christ_n who_o work_n only_o it_o be_v in_o affliction_n then_o in_o prosperity_n wherefore_o do_v you_o look_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o state_n and_o trust_v christ_n with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o church_n see_v he_o be_v both_o faithful_a and_o able_a to_o save_v it_o perfect_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o no_o part_n of_o it_o out_o of_o he_o no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o this_o their_o peace_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o preserve_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o desperate_a evil_n of_o the_o world_n now_o what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o wherein_o its_o peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v be_v here_o in_o some_o measure_n declare_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o faithful_a everywhere_o and_o particular_o for_o your_o good_a lest_o you_o be_v glorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o one_o work_n shall_v miscarry_v in_o another_o and_o this_o i_o have_v do_v through_o god_n not_o because_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o church_n any_o long_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o its_o peace_n and_o why_o shall_v the_o member_n of_o it_o any_o long_a lie_n as_o scatter_a bone_n dry_a and_o dead_a and_o not_o gather_v up_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o live_a body_n and_o who_o can_v long_o endure_v to_o see_v unskilful_a physician_n under_o pretence_n of_o heal_v the_o church_n wound_v it_o still_o deep_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o procure_v its_o peace_n hurry_v it_o into_o endless_a dissension_n and_o division_n in_o this_o case_n of_o necessity_n i_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v both_o out_o of_o duty_n and_o love_n and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o will_v despise_v to_o hear_v who_o consider_v that_o god_n when_o he_o lay_v aside_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choose_v babe_n and_o suckling_n to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n that_o so_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v the_o more_o glorify_v and_o admire_v in_o his_o weak_a and_o mean_a instrument_n now_o let_v his_o praise_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o let_v he_o give_v you_o the_o honour_n that_o all_o his_o saint_n have_v and_o this_o be_v his_o hearty_a desire_n who_o humble_o write_v himself_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n william_n dell._n to_o his_o excellency_n the_o lord_n general_n fairfax_n and_o the_o honourable_a lieutenant-general_n cromwell_n together_o with_o the_o council_n of_o war._n the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v turn_v your_o course_n backward_o like_o jordan_n from_o what_o it_o be_v a_o year_n ago_o and_o all_o former_a enchantment_n and_o divination_n use_v against_o you_o be_v dissolve_v through_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o same_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o you_o after_o a_o manifest_a withdraw_a of_o it_o and_o you_o through_o a_o bless_a necessity_n be_v now_o do_v that_o work_n of_o god_n which_o once_o you_o have_v little_a mind_n to_o viz._n the_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o subdue_a the_o great_a enemy_n of_o pâ—ace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o enmity_n against_o peace_n that_o be_v enwrap_v in_o our_o very_a law_n and_o degenerate_v constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o think_v good_a while_o you_o be_v thus_o busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n without_o you_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n within_o you_o and_o a_o eternal_a peace_n as_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o temporal_a for_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o have_v peace_n among_o man_n &_o to_o want_v peace_n with_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o destroy_v the_o enemy_n to_o worldly_a peace_n and_o yet_o to_o maintain_v in_o your_o own_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o heavenly_a peace_n take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o your_o present_a employment_n do_v not_o so_o over-ingage_a you_o in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o neglect_v the_o world_n to_o
way_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o dare_v to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o confusion_n see_v god_n know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n than_o thou_o do_v wherefore_o see_v prophesy_v be_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v nowithstand_v what_o have_v be_v say_v still_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o a_o proper_a and_o incommunicable_a ministry_n or_o the_o only_a power_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v but_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o from_o this_o thing_n 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o you_o and_o be_v it_o to_o come_v out_o only_o from_o you_o nay_o it_o be_v come_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o you_o and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o come_v forth_o from_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v come_v see_v they_o can_v but_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v 5._o the_o last_o mean_v i_o shall_v name_v whereby_o the_o true_a church_n may_v keep_v error_n out_o of_o it_o self_n be_v to_o exercise_v its_o power_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n as_o paul_n command_v 1_o cor._n 14.29_o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n shall_v also_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o judgement_n error_n will_v not_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v vent_v but_o will_v also_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n but_o now_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n for_o whoever_o speak_v there_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o according_o be_v either_o to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v either_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o error_n can_v prevail_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o faithful_a have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o do_v exercise_v that_o liberty_n but_o where_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o may_v not_o question_v or_o contradict_v it_o there_o error_n reign_v as_o in_o its_o proper_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o by_o these_o mean_n error_n may_v certain_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n may_v live_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o here_o now_o a_o great_a question_n will_v be_v move_v quest._n and_o that_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n error_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v this_o remedy_n against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o before_o name_v i_o answer_v answ._n that_o many_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n have_v attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o have_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n beside_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v he_o a_o throne_n in_o god_n kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o equal_a to_o christ_n think_v that_o religion_n will_v soon_o be_v lose_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o uphold_v it_o and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a they_o have_v produce_v many_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o arm_v the_o magistrate_n against_o the_o author_n and_o spreader_n of_o error_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o wisehearted_a to_o consider_v whether_o as_o clear_a scripture_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v that_o temporal_a power_n in_o the_o world_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a man_n as_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o worldly_a magistrate_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v to_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o reply_n of_o the_o french_a prelate_n to_o the_o lord_n peter_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o fox_n his_o book_n of_o martyr_n vol._n 1_o p._n 467._o wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a to_o give_v minister_n power_n in_o temporal_a matter_n as_o magistrate_n in_o spiritual_a it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n the_o only_a sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o cause_n by_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o church_n and_o after_o who_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o because_o herein_o i_o find_v no_o such_o power_n give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v he_o have_v none_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o magistrage_n object_n to_o thrust_v his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o to_o make_v the_o church_n and_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n stand_v in_o outward_a law_n order_n authority_n dignity_n promotion_n government_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v establish_v and_o manage_v by_o state_n power_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o influence_n into_o these_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o own_o power_n and_o consist_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o be_v to_o straighten_v and_o to_o wrong_v he_o indeed_o but_o to_o declare_v the_o true_a church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o thereupon_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prejudice_v the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o heaven_n see_v the_o son_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v as_o free_v from_o worldly_a and_o humane_a power_n as_o the_o father_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o heaven_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o that_o and_o so_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o grant_v he_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o at_o all_o but_o to_o grant_v he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o such_o power_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o intolerable_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n for_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n be_v attend_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o hereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v make_v a_o judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o pronounce_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v error_n be_v yet_o no_o more_o infallible_a yea_o everywhit_o as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o magistrate_n be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o will_v uphold_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o will_v sentence_v what_o ever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o to_o be_v error_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o and_o itself_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o vain_a man_n and_o shall_v either_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v it_o and_o error_n when_o it_o please_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o authority_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o error_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o himself_o quest._n and_o use_v his_o sword_n according_o but_o he_o may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o council_n and_o advice_n of_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n as_o now_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o may_v judge_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i_o answer_v answ._n be_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o great_a matter_n shall_v be_v blind_a fold_v himself_o and_o see_v only_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n again_o if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o