ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o 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in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o this_o one_o reason_n that_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o beautify_v it_o it_o be_v look_v on_o by_o many_o as_o a_o place_n of_o respect_n and_o not_o of_o office_n if_o a_o man_n be_v rich_a than_o his_o neighbour_n he_o think_v he_o be_v not_o respect_v if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a and_o have_v goten_a the_o name_n he_o care_v for_o no_o more_o now_o be_v that_o the_o way_n either_o to_o make_v people_n respect_v thy_o person_n or_o thy_o office_n let_v i_o obtest_v and_o charge_v all_o of_o you_o who_o have_v take_v on_o this_o heavenly_a call_v as_o you_o will_v answer_v on_o your_o hazard_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n that_o you_o will_v study_v by_o all_o mean_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o as_o to_o beautify_v it_o and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v labour_v to_o disgrace_v it_o and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o independency_n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church-session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n and_o it_o be_v that_o for_o which_o main_o they_o be_v call_v independent_o the_o point_n they_o affirm_v be_v this_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n be_v instruct_v with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n when_o they_o go_v wrong_v to_o rescind_v any_o act_n once_o conclude_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o unjust_a they_o grant_v that_o a_o synod_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n may_v meet_v to_o consult_v about_o matter_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n any_o congregation_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v wrong_v by_o a_o 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and_o that_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o particular_a concernment_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o appeal_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a so_o that_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v wrong_n partial_a or_o erroneous_a they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o show_v the_o fashood_n of_o this_o error_n as_o also_o for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o speak_v against_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n these_o three_o truth_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o first_o it_o this_o that_o beside_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o particular_a eldership_n there_o be_v also_o hold_v forth_o in_o his_o word_n a_o platform_n or_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o presbytry_n over_o they_o all_o in_o common_a the_o second_o truth_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o beside_o the_o church_n government_n that_o christ_n have_v establish_v by_o presbytry_n there_o be_v also_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n great_a church_n judicatory_n to_o wit_n synod_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n instruct_v with_o power_n of_o church_n government_n from_o christ_n also_o and_o three_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o inferior_a judicatories_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n synod_n to_o general_n assembly_n so_o that_o the_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v power_n over_o the_o inferior_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o and_o complaint_n 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o censure_v they_o for_o miscarry_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o to_o enact_v church_n canon_n or_o conclusion_n bind_v to_o they_o which_o inferior_a judicatories_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n ¶_o 1_n there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n i_o only_a premit_fw-la this_o that_o however_o we_o have_v the_o very_a name_n of_o this_o presbytry_n whereabout_o we_o dispute_v hold_v out_o in_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o whereby_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v be_v mean_v the_o presbytry_n we_o plead_v for_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o dispute_v about_o name_n though_o the_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a to_o wit_n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n we_o may_v instance_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ephesus_n thessalonica_n corinth_n and_o of_o rome_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o church_n be_v not_o single_a congregation_n but_o presbyterial_a church_n under_o one_o common_a government_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o spend_v of_o time_n in_o point_v out_o this_o in_o all_o these_o church_n we_o shall_v instance_n it_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o by_o this_o one_o you_o may_v know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o first_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o their_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o 2._o that_o all_o these_o particular_a congregation_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n and_o judicatory_a set_v over_o they_o all_o in_o common_a which_o two_o be_v make_v out_o the_o point_n we_o intend_v will_v appear_v evident_o to_o 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the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o 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church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v far_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n yea_o many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n second_o they_o differ_v much_o from_o we_o as_o also_o from_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o power_n they_o give_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n they_o give_v they_o the_o full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o independent_o from_o any_o church_n power_n on_o earth_n this_o difference_n also_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a debate_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v stand_v now_o no_o long_o upon_o it_o three_o we_o differ_v concern_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o say_v to_o make_v a_o society_n of_o people_n a_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n there_o of_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n swear_v a_o covenant_n one_o to_o another_o wherein_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v that_o society_n till_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o true_o godly_a and_o gracious_a yet_o if_o he_o take_v not_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o if_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n he_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o â—agan_a to_o live_v and_o to_o die_v without_o any_o church_n ordinance_n the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o of_o truth_n herein_o be_v this_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n come_v out_o of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o call_v a_o paroch_n to_o another_o by_o his_o so_o do_v he_o come_v
suppress_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v not_o christ_n perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n yea_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v nothing_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o necessity_n to_o have_v a_o church_n government_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o under_o the_o new_a the_o second_o argument_n we_o bring_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o native_a end_n of_o church_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a to_o wit_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 12._o to_o gain_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o offend_a brother_n to_o repentance_n matth_n 18._o 15._o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o corinth_n 5_o 5._o so_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v a_o spiritual_a end_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o divine_a original_a church_n government_n who_o end_n be_v 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this_o we_o shall_v reckon_v up_o five_o thing_n first_o that_o church_n officer_n have_v their_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n thess_n 5_o 12._o 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v a_o ruler_n or_o a_o officer_n with_o power_n to_o rule_v establish_v in_o god_n house_n what_o they_o say_v that_o by_o rule_v there_o be_v mean_v preach_v because_o minister_n guide_v people_n by_o preach_v be_v a_o frivolous_a exception_n and_o that_o because_o of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o rule_v be_v another_o thing_n and_o not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o their_o exception_n affirm_v but_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o clear_a place_n for_o it_o in_o heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o there_o be_v officer_n establish_v with_o power_n to_o rule_n and_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o submit_v and_o give_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o so_o there_o be_v ruler_n officer_n establish_v in_o god_n church_n second_o the_o court_n and_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n and_o for_o this_o see_v matth_n 18._o 17_o 18._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n the_o adversary_n be_v so_o shamless_a that_o they_o say_v by_o the_o church_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o complaint_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o here_o mean_v and_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o judicatory_a here_o mean_v be_v that_o whereof_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v member_n and_o therefore_o in_o five_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v whatever_o you_o to_o wit_v the_o apostle_n shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n give_v no_o power_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o sit_v in_o civil_a court_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o civil_a business_n the_o three_o substantial_a of_o church_n government_n that_o have_v warrant_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o subordination_n of_o lesser_a judicatory_n to_o great_a and_o this_o be_v warrant_v in_o act_n 15_o 2._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v up_o from_o antioch_n to_o a_o general_n council_n at_o jerusalem_n because_o the_o controversy_n in_o hand_n can_v not_o be_v end_v at_o antioch_n where_o there_o be_v a_o court_n with_o power_n they_o determine_v the_o question_n censure_v the_o schismatic_n give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o liar_n v._n 24._o the_o four_o substantial_a of_o this_o government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o censure_n 1._o by_o private_a admonition_n then_o more_o public_a matth_n 18._o 15._o the_o five_o thing_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o their_o censure_n which_o be_v not_o bodily_a as_o take_v way_n the_o life_n but_o spiritual_a to_o wit_n admonition_n reproof_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n matth_n 18_o 17_o let_v he_o he_o unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n and_o see_v he_o have_v do_v so_o what_o man_n dare_v alter_v it_o take_v any_o prudential_a way_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o pleasure_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o charge_n give_v to_o preserve_v all_o these_o inviolable_a till_o christ_n come_v 1_o tim_n 5._o 21._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n so_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n be_v unalterable_a by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o till_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o argument_n there_o be_v a_o four_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o last_o which_o be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o house_n without_o any_o particular_a government_n only_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o appoint_v what_o government_n they_o please_v it_o will_v reflect_v much_o on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n his_o vinyard_n his_o garden_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o law_n to_o govern_v no_o court_n to_o guide_v this_o kingdom_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v by_o who_o and_o how_o it_o please_v he_o best_o a_o king_n of_o clay_n will_v not_o do_v so_o with_o his_o kingdom_n much_o less_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n this_o for_o the_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n answer_v their_o objection_n iii_o the_o first_o be_v say_v they_o from_o 2_o tim_n 3_o 16._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o government_n we_o answer_v this_o same_o argument_n may_v as_o well_o strict_a against_o magistracy_n but_o second_o we_o say_v which_o we_o make_v already_o appear_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n hence_o their_o argument_n prove_v not_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n and_o be_v command_v by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o add_v to_o it_o but_o if_o they_o say_v the_o bare_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v enough_o we_o answer_v not_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o save_v soul_n yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a also_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o say_v for_o three_o reason_n 1._o to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o be_v pollute_v by_o the_o rush_a foreward_n of_o dog_n and_o scandalous_a person_n all_o the_o preach_a that_o can_v be_v to_o bid_v scandalous_a man_n keep_v back_o will_v not_o do_v then_o 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v infect_v by_o the_o contagion_n of_o scandalous_a man_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n therefore_o put_v the_o incestous_a man_n from_o among_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n
not_o have_v salute_v every_o one_o man_n by_o man_n and_o therefore_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v the_o prime_a man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o second_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o usua_o give_v to_o ruler_n and_o judge_n whether_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a without_o the_o people_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o psalm_n 82_o 1._o god_n stand_v in_o the_o congation_n of_o the_o mighty_a the_o same_o word_n render_v there_o congregation_n be_v render_v the_o church_n elsewhere_o and_o by_o the_o congregation_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o judge_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o we_o find_v it_o take_v for_o the_o ruler_n by_o compare_v exod_a 20._o 18._o 19_o with_o deut_n 5._o 23._o 2_o chron_n 1._o 3._o where_o solomon_n take_v up_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o that_o congregation_n be_v expon_v v._n 2._o to_o have_v be_v chief-man_n and_o ruler_n so_o that_o usualy_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v from_o ruler_n and_o three_o it_o must_v be_v so_o take_v in_o this_o place_n also_o for_o in_o the_o verse_n follow_v he_o tell_v what_o a_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o v_o 18_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n so_o it_o must_v be_v the_o church_n of_o ruler_n who_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o represent_v the_o church_n do_v her_o business_n wherein_o she_o be_v concern_v objection_n five_o this_o be_v say_v they_o to_o establish_v a_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n over_o church_n member_n if_o power_n be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o officer_n to_o make_v act_n bind_v to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o make_v these_o act_n themselves_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n to_o instruct_v officer_n with_o power_n to_o be_v over_o the_o people_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o rule_v they_o according_a to_o his_o will_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o do_v teach_v it_o be_v true_a church_n officer_n may_v abuse_v their_o power_n but_o there_o be_v no_o power_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a but_o come_v in_o man_n hand_n may_v be_v wrong_o use_v but_o second_o there_o be_v as_o great_a danger_n of_o tyranny_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n and_o more_o also_o than_o in_o this_o for_o if_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n shall_v enact_v what_o be_v wrong_a and_o press_v it_o on_o the_o few_o and_o better_a part_n will_v not_o that_o be_v tyranny_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v as_o great_a liklyhood_n of_o this_o as_o of_o what_o they_o say_v that_o the_o eldership_n may_v press_v unjust_a act_n upon_o the_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v as_o lik_o so_o it_o be_v more_o remeedless_a for_o though_o a_o congregation_n or_o any_o in_o it_o be_v wrong_v by_o the_o elerdership_n they_o have_v a_o superior_a judicatory_a to_o complean_a to_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n but_o if_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v wrong_v and_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o the_o great_a according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o power_n under_o heaven_n to_o right_v the_o wrong_n to_o call_v the_o oppress_a party_n to_o a_o account_n so_o of_o all_o government_n under_o heaven_n independency_n be_v the_o most_o tyrannical_a obj._n vi_o the_o six_o objection_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o matth_n 16._o 19_o where_o christ_n say_v 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 shall_v be_v bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n that_o by_o the_o key_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o will_v infer_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v three_o of_o their_o objection_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v this_o consequence_n the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n whereof_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o precede_a 18_o v._n but_o sure_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v believer_n be_v build_v on_o this_o rock_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o we_o answer_v what_o they_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n be_v say_v without_o a_o ground_n for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v unto_o this_o church_n build_v on_o a_o rock_n do_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o give_v it_o to_o thou_o peter_n sure_a none_o needs_o to_o learn_v our_o lord_n to_o speak_v and_o this_o change_n of_o person_n be_v not_o without_o a_o reason_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n now_o if_o christ_n have_v mean_v to_o have_v establish_v the_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n he_o may_v have_v as_o easy_o say_v unto_o this_o church_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o say_v not_o so_o but_o change_v the_o person_n unto_o thou_o to_o wit_n peter_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n beside_o this_o also_o every_o believe_a woman_n be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n and_o yet_o according_a to_o their_o own_o grant_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o this_o place_n be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o those_o who_o peter_n do_v represent_v but_o peter_n do_v represent_v all_o believer_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o we_o deny_v what_o be_v affirm_v that_o peter_n in_o this_o place_n do_v represent_v all_o believer_n he_o do_v but_o represent_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o succeed_v to_o the_o aposte_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o grant_n of_o this_o power_n be_v renew_v and_o confirm_v the_o first_o place_n be_v john_n 20._o 21._o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o they_o again_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o five_o 23_o whosoever_n sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o above_o mention_v grant_n be_v renew_v and_o renew_v to_o the_o apostle_n second_o he_o do_v not_o only_o represent_v the_o apostle_n but_o all_o minister_n who_o succeed_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n as_o in_o plain_a also_o from_o matth_n 28._o 19_o 20._o where_o you_o will_v find_v these_o thing_n clear_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o power_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n 2_o that_o this_o grant_n be_v make_v there_o not_o only_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o these_o who_o shall_v succeed_v to_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o baptise_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o from_o this_o we_o retort_v the_o argument_n on_o themselves_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o these_o who_o peter_n do_v represent_v but_o so_o it_o be_v peter_n do_v represent_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v to_o they_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o argue_v three_o from_o this_o place_n that_o the_o grant_v of_o the_o key_n be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o peter_n confession_n v._n 16_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n now_o this_o confession_n belong_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o so_o also_o must_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o who_o hold_v out_o peter_n confession_n have_v no_o ground_n but_o their_o own_o assertion_n and_o 2._o we_o say_v it_o be_v false_a for_o this_o confession_n belong_v to_o all_o faithful_a woman_n and_o child_n as_o well_o as_o man_n who_o yet_o by_o our_o opposite_n own_o concession_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 5._o where_o the_o apostle_n command_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o
under_o a_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o before_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n also_o to_o discharge_v himself_o in_o namely_o all_o the_o duty_n pertain_v to_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n or_o paroch_n to_o which_o he_o come_v although_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n we_o say_v second_o he_o may_v also_o swear_v to_o do_v these_o duty_n but_o three_o to_o bind_v this_o on_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n so_o as_o if_o they_o take_v it_o not_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n we_o say_v it_o be_v will_n worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n either_o by_o practice_n or_o precept_n in_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n we_o may_v easy_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n never_o take_v this_o way_n to_o gather_v a_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n be_v the_o four_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o receive_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v right_a to_o these_o outward_a privilege_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o they_o hold_v in_o this_o point_n be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v all_o visible_a church_n dissolve_v and_o then_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o these_o wherein_o none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o admit_v to_o partake_v of_o church_n privilege_n so_o as_o to_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o minister_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o those_o who_o have_v evident_a positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o not_o only_o evident_a to_o the_o minister_n and_o a_o few_o more_o but_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o congregation_n must_v be_v convince_v so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v attain_v unto_o that_o he_o have_v grace_n or_o else_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o which_o rule_n they_o model_n congregation_n but_o there_o be_v never_o a_o congregation_n since_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o earth_n so_o constitute_v except_o their_o own_o for_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v cast_v out_o the_o two_o part_n and_o of_o some_o congregation_n leave_v ten_o part_n and_o take_v but_o the_o eleven_o leave_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o pagan_n without_o baptise_v their_o child_n or_o admit_v themselves_o to_o any_o church_n privilege_n this_o be_v what_o they_o hold_v as_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n take_v those_o assertion_n first_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o man_n indeed_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n so_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n if_o he_o have_v it_o not_o and_o all_o the_o privilege_n he_o enjoy_v will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a without_o it_o we_o say_v in_o this_o respect_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o so_o ought_v to_o have_v grace_n that_o none_o of_o they_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a without_o it_o this_o we_o deny_v it_o be_v ill_o reason_v from_o unanswerableness_n to_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o forfeiture_n of_o privilege_n for_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n so_o as_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o have_v it_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o lawful_a magistrate_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o magistrate_n although_o he_o have_v not_o grace_n second_o we_o do_v willing_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o people_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n our_o practice_n come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o that_o care_n take_v to_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v our_o practice_n be_v indeed_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n but_o our_o rule_n which_o we_o shall_v hold_v out_o as_o we_o shall_v prove_v be_v good_n to_o know_v then_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o shall_v admit_v man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n first_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o privilege_n only_o and_o not_o to_o all_o as_o to_o baptism_n and_o these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n incompleat_o they_o be_v member_n but_o not_o so_o full_o and_o those_o be_v infant_n that_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o be_v member_n although_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n herein_o to_o wit_n whether_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptise_a there_o be_v no_o difference_n second_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o those_o be_v member_n complete_o and_o full_o and_o concern_v those_o the_o dispute_n be_v who_o be_v those_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o mantain_n as_o we_o hear_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v but_o those_o that_o can_v give_v evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n we_o hold_v first_o that_o if_o it_o be_v know_v that_o man_n be_v baptise_a and_o second_o if_o they_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n and_o three_o if_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o a_o man_n we_o hold_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v although_o he_o can_v give_v evident_a sign_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o to_o all._n and_o this_o be_v the_o controversy_n ii_o now_o we_o come_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o we_o hold_v by_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o receive_v member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o right_a rule_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o rule_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v luke_n 3_o wherein_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v who_o john_n baptise_a v_o 21._o now_o when_o all_o the_o people_n be_v baptise_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v all_o the_o people_n consider_v second_o what_o he_o require_v of_o this_o people_n before_o he_o baptise_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o precede_a word_n that_o he_o seek_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v wrong_v before_o and_o second_o profess_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o amend_v so_o we_o find_v in_o v_o 10._o and_o the_o people_n ask_v he_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o 12._o five_o do_v the_o same_o who_o yet_o be_v but_o course_n men._n and_o in_o the_o 14_o five_o the_o soldier_n likewise_o demand_v of_o he_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v now_o these_o question_n import_v this_o much_o that_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o be_v wrong_v and_o profess_v at_o least_o a_o desire_n to_o become_v better_a and_o according_o john_n instruct_v they_o thus_o and_o thus_o you_o shall_v do_v and_o without_o more_o ado_n in_o five_o 21._o he_o baptise_n they_o now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o john_n can_v have_v get_v positive_a sign_n from_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o they_o have_v real_a grace_n far_o less_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o multitude_n can_v have_v be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o grace_n in_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n can_v be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o to_o be_v admit_v shall_v have_v evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n satisfactory_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o john_n seek_v not_o this_o of_o those_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o be_v true_a he_o fall_v very_o sharp_o on_o the_o scribe_n matth._n 3_o five_o 7_o o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a when_o he_o have_v rebuke_v they_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o be_v before_o see_v now_o they_o profess_v a_o desire_n to_o amend_v he_o baptise_n they_o in_o five_o 11._o i_o indeed_o baptise_v you_o with_o water_n &c_n &c_n the_o same_o you_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o in_o v_o 7._o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o connexion_n of_o every_o verse_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v baptise_a we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o clear_a that_o baptism_n seal_v up_o a_o man_n